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Emptiness of ego

CHENNAI : It is not easy to write off the sense of "I" and "mine" that adheres in the consciousness of the individual. But this lack of humility is the greatest obstacle to God realisation. Devotion to God is an inexplicable experience that leads to bliss and is generated only when there is absolute humility, said Sri J. Mahadevan in a lecture.

This is fully exemplified in the lives of sages and saints, the Azhwars and the Nayanmars, who have given expression to the unique ways in which they have felt the divine presence and interaction. They are grateful to God for enabling them to experience such intense devotion towards Him.

So complete is the spiritual transformation within them that they stand steadfast in their faith and devotion. Therefore they surrender themselves at His feet and rest confident that He takes care of all their needs.

They understand that to serve God is the greatest fortune. Having tasted the joy of God realisation, they wish to be steeped in thoughts of God alone and are not attracted by worldly glitter.

It is only in one's birth as a human being that this rare experience is possible.

Such humility springs only when one realises that one cannot lay claim to one's faculties and individual endowments and that these flow from divine grace.

Such an enlightened devotee sees the presence of God in all beings and creation, accepts His all powerful and all knowing nature and understands his own self as a mere instrument in the hands of the Almighty.

The greatness of Bhakti is extolled as a sure path to salvation where the Bhakta is overwhelmed by the boundless compassion of the divine that has brought about this recognition.

There is no room for ego of any kind in this state for the devotee realises the emptiness of "I" and "mine".

The Bhagavad Gita offers the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti. Lord Krishna emphasises sincerity as the hallmark of devotion and that He readily accedes to the wishes of His devotees, regardless of how one expresses devotion or in whatever form one visualises Him.

It is also clearly established that while the practice of Bhakti Yoga brings one closer to the Lord, the practice of Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga is not effective if true devotion is lacking.

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