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Supreme devotion

CHENNAI: Belief is intrinsic to spiritual life because until a person comes face to face with God during spiritual experience he can build the edifice of his spiritual quest only on the basis of conviction in a higher power. A spiritual seeker who wishes to realise God and thereby put an end to bondage must have faith in the scriptures which are the ultimate authority on God, the preceptor (Guru) who imparts the spiritual knowledge enshrined in the scriptures, and finally in the Supreme Being. Over and above these three, he must have belief in himself. This will give the fervour to pursue the goal of liberation which the scriptures state is the purpose of human birth. Only a person who believes in himself will be able to trust others, which is essential for guidance during spiritual quest.

In his discourse, Swami Vimurtananda said Sage Narada was accorded the pride of place among preceptors in the devotional (Bhakti) tradition. The opening verse of the Narada Bhaktisutra, an authoritative digest on Bhakti attributed to Narada, expounded the path of devotion on the basis of a great lineage of devotees. This is to reiterate that this is a time-tested tradition in which several saints have realised God by following the prescribed tenets. Narada defines Bhakti as “that which is of the nature of supreme love (Prema) of God.” There are three distinct shades of Bhakti. The first is compared to the tendency of the young one of a monkey which clings to its mother. The next higher type of devotion is giving up the effort to protect oneself by trusting in God which is seen from the example of a kitten. The kitten does not make any effort and the onus of its safety lies with the mother cat.

The third type of devotion, which is the highest, described as Prema by Narada, is akin to a foetus in the womb of its mother. It is totally dependent on its mother for its life breath, sustenance and very existence, which is total trust. One may get a doubt whether such devotion is feasible for the like of us. Narada is categorical that it is possible as the germ of Prema is dormant in each person. Devotion is the way to awaken this love and nurture it till it reaches its consummation in union with God.

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