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Path of Bhakti

CHENNAI: It is said that Vedic truths are subtle and their significance deep and hidden. That is why they cannot be taught or learnt easily. The learner has to evince keen interest and determination and the preceptor has to be well versed in the import of the Vedas. Neither is it easy to uphold the Dharma that is instructed in the Vedas.

When Arjuna wants to know what is right and wrong, he is fortunate to ask his doubts to Lord Krishna, who is the very embodiment of Jnana and Dharma, said Sri Asuri Madhavachariar in a lecture. The battlefront becomes a pretext for the Lord to expound the essence of the recondite Vedanta Sastras in the most easy and simple manner. The Upanishads speak of the Supreme Brahman and of the ways in which one can attain this Brahman. They show Lord Narayana as that Supreme Truth.

Lord Krishna teaches the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti and points out that they are not separate entities but merge with one another when practised in the right spirit and finally lead to salvation. But the special emphasis on Bhakti makes it clear that though it is available to all without any restrictions, it is also very demanding in its claim on sincerity. It calls for total surrender and love to the Supreme Brahman. The Lord’s omniscience keeps track of every thought wave of the Jivatma and can easily recognise the extent of genuineness of Bhakti.

The Lord’s penchant for His Bhaktas is such that He calls them His very Atma. He grants the wishes of the devout but is willing to give Himself to those who think attaining Him is the only purpose of life. He is thus bound by true devotion and willingly accepts their humble offerings. This Saulabhya (accessibility) of the Lord allows the Bhakta to reach Him. In Krishna Avatar, the Lord shows that it is not necessary to be proficient in Sastras or have the Jnana of the Upanishads at one’s fingertips to reach Him. The unlearned Gopis were able to attain Him through single minded Bhakti.

At no cost would He let down His devotees and He would go to any length to protect them. He donned the role of a messenger for the Pandavas and even became the charioteer to Arjuna.

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