The Nine forms of Devotion

[Guest guest]

SravanamListening to the Lord's stories, Leelas and Mahimas.

KirtanamSinging the glories of the Lord's Name.

SmaranamRemembrance of Lord's Name.

Pada SevanamService to the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

ArchanamWorship of the Lord.

VandanamSalutation of the Lord.

DasyamMaster and Servant Relationship like the one between Sri Rama and Hanuman.

SakhyamCompanionship of the Lord.

Atma NivedanamOffering oneself to the Lord in complete self-surrender.It

is the inner feeling or motive behind the forms of Bhakti that is

important. Your inner feeling must always be pure. Of all the nine

forms of devotion, Sneha (friendship) is the most important. It is only

when you cultivate this feeling of friendship with God, you can reach

the last stage of Atmanivedanam (self-surrender). For this purpose, you

must have a pure heart, which in turn is based on love and devotion.

You must have pure and selfless love towards one and all. Such love is

not a one-way traffic.

 

Today, we are prepared to receive love from all

people, but are hesitant to share our love with others. It should be a

give and take policy. Love begets Love. You must also be prepared to

receive love from others. Love is a gift of God. In fact, you must rise

to such a level that whatever is given by God, you must be prepared to

receive wholeheartedly. At times, God also gives you a bitter pill like

the doctor. This is for your own good. Both happiness and sorrow are

God's gifts. Nobody can comprehend His Divine Leelas.- From Bhagawan's Discourse in May'2003 in Prasanthi Nilayam.

 

Om Sai Ram

 

The INTERNET now has a personality. YOURS! See your Homepage.