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Path of devotion

CHENNAI: Of the three paths to liberation — Karma, Jnana and Bhakti — Bhakti Yoga is unique in that it subsumes the other two. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states that the wise know that He is the origin of all creation and the unique protector and support of the entire universe. This knowledge of the Supreme Being is the cause and the basis of unflinching devotion, and becomes the driving force behind spontaneous acts of worship. He promises, "Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and bow to Me always, for then you shall find Me. This is my vow, for you are dear to Me."

Veerapuram Sri Sampath Dikshitar pointed out in a discourse that Andal's life exemplifies the essence of Bhakti Yoga propounded in the Gita, since her Bhakti grew out of the realisation of God's supremacy and her true relationship with the Supreme Being. For her, the truth that the goal of existence is none but reaching the Lord, and the means of attaining it also identical with the goal, was crystal clear. Her frame of mind was conditioned by the highest philosophical truth that made her see His presence as the indwelling soul in each and every aspect of creation. By seeing herself as God's possession, she was able to overcome the greatest barrier in the path of Jnana Yoga, the feeling of "I" and "mine". Thereby she imbibed the very essence of Jnana Yoga which no bookish knowledge or philosophical search can effectively convey. Accordingly, the penance she undertook to serve the Lord typified the essence of Karma Yoga.

Sage Narada, an exemplary devotee himself, offered the best definition of Bhakti as an extreme form of love towards God. It is through divine grace that Bhakti is born within the consciousness of the individual, and it is further nurtured into becoming an unshakable faith that ultimately leads to liberation. To be blessed with devotion to the Lord is a great fortune, since of all the ways to reach the Supreme Being there is none as effective as Bhakti Yoga.

Human birth affords an opportunity to feel the power of love and also convey it to others. Bhakti is generated deep within one's heart. This can happen when one repeatedly hears His extraordinary greatness expounded, and accepts the truth with conviction.

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