Miscellaneous - Religion   

Bond of Bhakti

CHENNAI: The explicit purpose of the Bhagavata Purana is to instil in people Bhakti Bhava. The narratives not only endorse the efficacy of the practice of devotion but also highlight the value of human life for the opportunity it affords to seek God and experience His greatness.

The emotional experience of devotion springing from the depths of the human heart in search of the Supreme Being never fails to evoke a strong impact on individuals, said Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a discourse.

The story of the elephant king's prolonged fight with the crocodile is symbolic of the soul's search for salvation. Wealth, health, youth, beauty or people may appear as formidable allies but will ultimately prove otherwise. The elephant realises that when all else failed, it was God alone who came to his rescue. The ruminations of the elephant seeking the help of the Almighty mirrors the Jivatma's experience of the Lord and the stages traversed by the soul to gain oneness with Him.

Even as a happy and carefree existence is likely to keep away thoughts of God, it is also possible that when caught in the web of life with its unending cycle of joy and sorrow, loss of faith and growth of doubts can easily harden the heart to turn against God.

The fervent prayer of the elephant is addressed directly to the Supreme Being as one who is the primal source, the cause of the universe who is the highest truth to be known. With the realisation that this Supreme Being is manifest in the entire universe in all its aspects including the individual's body and soul, grows the unflinching faith in Him. When the elephant resorts to Him placing unflinching confidence in His protection, the Lord responds in the most dramatic manner.

It is not by wealth, status, learning or accomplishments that one can open up the springs of devotion to the Lord in one's heart. Unless one experiences the divine glory in its greatness, it is not possible to nurture Bhakti in one's heart. The message is that the Lord's compassion can be sought if one does not hesitate to offer unconditional surrender at His feet.

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