Scriptures help devotion
bhattathiri | 27 June 2004, 11:56pmScriptures have given various definitions to the term devotion. One can cite numerous examples
from the lives of saints and sages to give illustrations for different kinds of devotions
practiced by them. The company of these men has helped the devout people attain distinguishing
attributes and their influence will certainly lead to changes in their very outlook and lead them
on the right path.
The Garuda Purana has listed eight different characteristics of a devotee as expounded by the Lord
Himself. The first one is to serve sages and saints who are His true representatives. The second
is to worship the Lord without any inhibitions. The next is to personally offer prayers to the
Lord without seeking the help of
intermediaries.
The Lord does not like His devotees to exhibit pomp and show while offering worship and austerity
is the fourth attribute. The next is the recitation of scriptures, especially Puranas which sing
His glory - and to get deeply moved by the righteousness, valor and grace exhibited by the Lord as
explained in these works. This is listed as the sixth quality of a devotee.
The seventh trait is to think of the Almighty always as a true Saviour. The last characteristic is
not to seek anything else from the Lord than His Holy Feet.
The Garuda Purana has declared unequivocally that any one who possessed these eight attributes
would be considered as a true devotee of the Lord irrespective of class, caste and other
distinctions, said Sri Velukkudi V. Krishnan in his Bhagavatham discourse. Like the cow which
removes all the dirt and other bad elements from the skin of a new-born calf with its tongue, the
Lord removes all the bad qualities of a man and makes Him fit to obtain His grace.
The Lord also does not expect the true devotee to offer prayers extensively with the attendant
extravagant display. All that he wants is true devotion on the part of a man and He is immensely
pleased if he offers prayers with leaves, flowers, fruits and water. Even if all these things
could not be got ready, he can offer prayer with the help of even water which is easily available.
The Lord Himself, during His incarnation as Krishna, has declared that all people can get closer
to Him by hearing or reading the Bhagavatam. When the Lord was about to leave this world after
fulfilling the objectives of his incarnation, the saint, Uddhava, and others lamented as to who
will be there to guide them. The Lord said one could see Him in the form of Srimad Bhagavatham.
That is why this work is held in great esteem by one and all.
Hare Krishna
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