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Manifestation of Bhakti

CHENNAI: How to attain God is a question that has continued to baffle countless generations. Great saints and seers have shown the path of love and devotion to God through their individual way of life and this is the rationale behind the Bhakti strain that is the most influential basis of building a strong relationship with God. Sri Ramakrishna’s views on this matter were most rational and practical, for he saw God as one who is always available to all beings, and that it was the limitations of human beings that prevented a rapport between man and God, said Swami Gautamananda in a lecture.

God always remains accessible to human beings even as a magnet is always capable of attracting iron. But human beings, being attracted by the worldly glitter, are unable to get attracted to God just as rust covered iron filings fail to get attracted to the magnet. The Jivatma forgets the attraction of God, and just as the iron gets attracted to the magnet when the rust or dirt is removed, if one tries to remove the dirt of desire for worldly objects through prayer, worship, love and devotion, one can get attracted to God. God’s attraction is always there. Even when engaged in the duties of a householder if one is able to enjoy God’s presence in one’s heart, one is always with God.

Hindu Dharma is inclusive in its reach and there is place for individual differences and preferences in matters of worship. Water exists as ice or vapour, or is known by different names in different languages. From the base material of clay or gold many objects are created. The Supreme Being is one but is worshipped in many forms, names, etc., but the hallmark of all forms of worship is true and sincere devotion.

When devotion grows, humane tendency grows, and one begins to appreciate the qualities in people rather than differences based on caste, birth, status, etc. One realises that all devotees are equal and a mutual regard is fostered among all devotees. When Mahatma Gandhi gathered the people of India under the cause of national freedom, the sense of national pride subsumed all other differences among the people. Only a narrow minded ego centric attitude creates differences and tensions.

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