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Spiritual practices

CHENNAI: It is human nature to question which of the spiritual practices is superior when scriptures prescribe many methods. This is due to the inborn tendency in every individual to choose the best when given a choice. The Bhagavad Gita highlights this human propensity at the outset while describing the path of devotion (Bhakti yoga) through Arjuna’s poser to Lord Krishna. Arjuna wished to know which among His devotees, the one who is devoted to His aspect with form and attributes (Saguna) or the one who adores His formless aspect, the indestructible Reality (Nirguna Brahman) was the better Yogi.

In his discourse, Sri N.Veezhinathan said it was necessary to understand that this teaching centred round the two aspects of the Supreme Reality (formless and with form). The scriptures advocate this difference to suit the capacity of different spiritual seekers, explains Sankara in his commentary. Meditation on the Absolute is the direct means to Self-realisation and, for those who find this too abstract and difficult, meditation on God with form is recommended. Many may find even this hard to pursue and for them worship of a representation like image or picture becomes necessary for the mind to develop concentration. This is the first step towards withdrawing the mind from sensory attractions to enable the mind to dwell on the Self (Atman) within.

What if one finds even this difficult to practise? Isn’t this the predicament of the majority of laypeople? Out of compassion Lord Krishna has said that then one should become intent on performing the recommended devotional acts so that the mind becomes engrossed in Him and devotion to Him gets strengthened. Nine modes of devotion like listening to the glory of God (Sravanam) and singing His praise (Kirtanam) are described by Prahlada in the Bhagavata Purana for enhancing devotion to God. As devotion is love of God for His own sake, the mind of a devotee melts like molten wax out of love. Just as the wax takes the form of the mould into which it is poured, so also does the form of God gets imprinted on the mind. This, in turn, rids the mind of its impurities and makes it reflect its spiritual nature.

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