The Hindu : Easy method to realise God

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 02, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Easy method to realise God

CHENNAI DEC.2. The Ultimate Reality is referred to by different names according to the spiritual path adopted to grasp the truth. Devotees relate to God in His different forms while those who adopt the path of knowledge refer to the truth as Brahman and the Yogis intuit the Absolute as the soul within all existence. But this does not mean that the spiritual experience is different in each case. The paths are different to suit the inclination of the seeker but all have the same goal. The path traversed by devotees is very enthralling because saints speak of devotion as an end in itself.

In his discourse, Sri Muralidhara Swamigal said Sadasiva Brahmendra was illustrative of the fact that a man of wisdom was also one who was steeped in devotion. The well-known incident in the life of this saint about how he walked on unmindful of the fact that his hand was dismembered is enough to understand the unitive state of bliss he was in. Many know him only as a man of wisdom but his songs are steeped in devotion. In one of his songs, he says the mind must dwell on that Brahman who sports the feathers of the peacock (Lord Krishna) on His head thereby providing the insight that there is no difference between God with form and the Absolute.

Examples abound about those who have realised God after performing severe austerities and penance and how even the sages had been distracted from their objective. But there is also the example of Narada who became a sage of repute by following the easy path of devotion. It is said that even Lord Krishna's mind dwelt on His devotee Narada first every morning, which shows that the devotee is dear to the Almighty.

Devotion is expressed in many forms and saints have recommended worship of the image form of God in temples as an ideal practice of devotion for this age. Every temple is associated with a devotee. Nandanar comes to mind when Chidambaram is mentioned; Tiruppanazhwar is etched in the annals of Srirangam, while Bhattatiri in Guruvayur.

A unique deity is Panduranga for His devotees are countless. His devotees are also unique for they hailed from all walks of society and were householders who realised God by chanting His name. While ceremonial rituals are required to worship the deities in temples, Panduranga of Pandarpur is pleased even by just the mention of His name. It is no wonder that this sacred abode reverberates with the chant of the Divine name "Vittala" to this day.

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