The methods by which Bhakti can be established and made to bloom in one’s
heart are narrated in verse nos. 34-42 as follows—to abandon attachments to material
sense objects and sensual pleasures of this world, to desist from self gratification of
the sense organs (verse no. 35), to do Bhajan—or the constant remembrance of the
Lord, his divine name and divine deeds (verse nos. 36, 79), to hear and sing the
divine stories, the virtues and the holy name of the Lord along with others in the
community (verse no. 37), to have contact and communion with holy men such as
great saints (verse no. 38-39, 42) which is obtained when the Lord is kind (verse no.
40), to treat true devotees of the Lord as being equivalent to the Lord himself (verse
no. 41), to offer all the deeds and their fruits or rewards to the Lord (verse no. 61)
along with any trace of negativity such as desires, anger, pride etc. that may still
linger on (verse no. 65), and in general doing everything that is auspicious and holy
which makes it possible for him to enhance his level of Bhakti (verse no. 76).
Other aids to Bhakti are the following—Abandonment of the feeling of worldly
happiness and joy on the one hand, and of sorrow, misery and grief on the other hand,
eliminating any sort of desires and passions such as for gain or profit of any kind, and
to be careful not to waste a single moment and be prepared for death that may come
any time (verse no. 77). Practicing the virtues of ‘Ahinsaa’ (non-violence), ‘Satya’
(truthfulness), ‘Shaucha’ (cleanliness and purity), ‘Dayaa’ (mercy and compassion),
and ‘Aastikta’ (belief in God and the Holy Spirit as well as the teaching of the
scriptures) etc. (verse no. 78).
The main obstacle in Bhakti is bad company (verse no. 43), as well as Kaam
(wordly desires and passions), Krodh (anger) and Moha (infatuations, attachments,
delusions, entanglements) that lead to Smriti-bhransa (failure to remember the
horrible consequences of commiting sins and getting entangled in the world), Buddhi-
naash (destruction of intelligent thinking and wisdom), and Sarwa-naash (complete
ruin) (verse no. 44).
Maya (the web of delusions so characteristic of this world) is a great obstacle and
it is overcome only by detachment from all things (verse no. 46). Other methods of
overcoming Maya are to live a serene life away from the world (verse no. 67), to
break all worldly fetters and bondages, to become neutral by rising above the three
Gunas of Sata, Raja and Tama, and to discard attempts to acquire and then worry
about the protection of worldly possessions (verse no. 47), to not bother about the
fruits of one’s deeds and labour but do one’s duty as ordained by destiny, peacefully
and stoically (verse no. 48), and to abandon even the Vedas (excessive study of the
scriptures once the basic knowledge and guidance has been obtained) and become
free from all doubts, confusions, perplexities and consternations (verse no. 49).
One must avoid the following also—talking about or remembering anything
pertaining to women, material wealth, hearsay and talks that create doubts in the mind
about the truth of the Holy Spirit, talks about one’s enemies or those who are
unfavourable—because all these things unnecessarily create vexation for the spirit
(verse no. 63); negative characters such as Abhmaan and Dambha (pride and
arrogance accompanied by deceit, conceit and pretensions) etc. (verse no. 64); getting
involved in worthless debates and arguments (verse no. 74).
The ‘Gauna’ Bhakti is like a dumb man attempting to describe some delicious
food (verse no. 52)—i.e. it is a silent form of devotion for the Lord which has no
external signs. Here, the devotee sips the nectar of spiritual bliss that comes with self
and god realisation without showing any signs of his spiritual enlightenment. It can
be experienced and never be described; nothing more remains to be attained or
desired for after that (verse no. 54).
The ‘Gauna Bhakti’ is of three types (verse no. 56)—(i) Saatvika, (ii) Raajsik,
and (iii) Taamsik. These are also called ‘Aarta-bhakti’, ‘Arthaartha-bhakti’, and
‘Jigyaasu-bhakti’. Gauna Bhakti is easy because it does not require any effort as it is
done directly by having natural love for the God that arises in one’s heart. It leads to
internal peace and bliss (verse nos. 58-60).
kiana
(Kiana)
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