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True devotion religion

CHENNAI: The spiritual path is not a stereotyped one and is both expansive and inclusive, that is, it has room for every individual’s predilection. The lives of saints exemplify the efficacy of the path of devotion as a sure means to God realisation. It is from the depths of true knowledge that their unflinching faith takes root. From their experiences it is clear that but for this knowledge their inherent humility would not exist at all. Lord Krishna wanted to make Arjuna understand that humility is the basic virtue of the devout and that sincere devotion is not constrained by ego and shines in its innate purity even in the teeth of severe test as demonstrated by the exemplary devotion of King Mayuradhwaja, said Sri S. Radhakrishnan in a lecture.

Arjuna always thought highly of his powers of devotion and Lord Krishna wanted to clear this veil of ego in him. So Lord Krishna and Arjuna entered the king’s palace as guests, disguised as Brahmins. The king was pleased to honour the venerable guests, but the latter hesitated to partake of the hospitality since Lord Krishna said that their friend’s son’s life was in danger, having been swallowed by a tiger in the forest. To free the boy, the tiger had demanded half the body of the king since his dharma was impeccable.

The king spontaneously ordered his body to be cut and in the process the left eye welled up with tears; Lord Krishna didn’t want his life that was given unwillingly. But the reason that the left side cried was that it was not as fortunate as the right side of the body that had the privilege of saving the boy’s life. This left Arjuna convinced of the greatness of this devotee.

The supremacy of thought, experience and sincere love for God over performance of ritual worship is repeatedly emphasised in the path of devotion. Among the devotees of Siva, Pusalar Nayanar and Vayalar Nayanar exemplify the form of intense devotion that is present in mental worship and total involvement alone.

Devotion grows from true renunciation when the ephemeral nature of the world is understood and there is only desire for God. Love of God cuts at the very root of attachment to worldly objects and beings. This is the spirit of renunciation.

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