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Traits of a devotee

CHENNAI: Philosophical texts claim that the soul is indestructible and immortal and that it undergoes many births in its journey towards the final goal — liberation. A high value is placed on human birth because it is through this that the soul can strive and attain the final goal. Its value is enhanced when it is realised that it is with great difficulty that a soul attains human birth. Hence it is crucial that the Jivatma uses this opportunity to reach the goal in this birth itself.

The Bhagavad Gita spells out the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti Yogas as the means by which the soul can attain salvation. Sri O.R. Devanathan said in a discourse that Bhakti Yoga calls for riveting one's mind on God always and in all states of life. It requires constant meditation on God that should flow like oil poured from one vessel to another in an unbroken and continuous manner. This leads to liberation.

A true devotee understands the relationship between himself and the Lord. Accepting the Lord's supremacy and conscious of his own inadequacy, he realises that it is out of God's infinite mercy that he is able to practise Bhakti. This is the basis of a unique two-way relationship between the devotee and the Lord. True devotion to the all-powerful, omniscient and all-pervading Lord confers equanimity of mind. Then one is able to see God in all things.

Such a true devotee is ever content, compassionate, free from egoism and self-importance, unshakable in his faith towards the Supreme Being, self-controlled and balanced in outlook. He is free from anger, fear and agitation, pure in thought, and renounces the fruits of all his actions. He neither rejoices nor grieves, neither hates nor desires, and is steeped in love and devotion to the Lord.

Lord Krishna claims that such devotees are very dear to Him. He promises to offer total protection to His devotees who take refuge at His feet.

Vairagya (dispassion) and Viveka (sense of discrimination) — two qualities essential for the soul's quest naturally strike roots in a true devotee.

The Azhwars who were steeped in devotion exemplify the practice of Bhakti Yoga.

They prayed to God to give them a state of mind which would not even for a moment forget Him.

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