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Hallmark of devotion

CHENNAI: If the Supreme Being incarnates from time to time to protect Dharma and destroy those who transgress its code, preceptors have been responsible for propagating Dharma through their explanations and interpretations of the recondite Vedas that assert the eternal truths.

Adi Sankara's role at a time when Hinduism had fallen into decadence, assumes tremendous significance as he stressed the importance of the Vedas, restored their study and established the Advaita philosophy.

He highlighted scriptural truths for the common man in an easy way so that the forces of ignorance and selfishness could be overcome. He disproved the misconceptions that regarded the performance of sacrifices ordained in the Vedas as the ultimate goal of life, and convincingly established that the practice of Karma Yoga and not merely sacrifices, and worship of the Lord with sincere devotion could be a sure route to salvation, said Sri B. Damodara Dikshitar in a lecture.

His devotional hymns such as Sivanandalahari (in praise of Siva), Kanakadara Stotram (Lakshmi), Soundaryalahari (Parvati) or Bhaja Govindam (Lord Narayana), are inspirational in fostering Bhakti that leads to Jnana.

Adi Sankara reiterates that sincerity is the one and only hallmark of Bhakti. It is only when the devotee begins to comprehend the glory and boundless compassion of the Lord that unflinching devotion takes root. The devotion felt in one's heart is what the Lord looks for and accepts. There is no need to go in search of flowers in the mountains, lakes or forests.

Bhakti does not depend on what form one possesses — human being, animal, bird, mosquito or even worm — but demands that the mind continues to be steeped in divine thoughts.

Nor does one's state (sanyasi, householder, or one who renounces after family life) or one's place (mountain top, water, inside or outside the house) determine Bhakti.

If a devotee pursues his daily chores with the spirit that he is working on behalf of the Lord with absolute faith, he attains peace and rests assured that the Lord takes care of all.

The awareness that with the Lord's grace alone that one is able to remain devoted is the true Jnana that confers absolute humility and faith.

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