T Ram Sewak

MUKTI STHAL BHAKTI

In Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.119, Kakabhushundiji now leads us to the Bhakti Marg (the path of devotion). He states:

tatha khagarayi, rahi bahayi

bhojan . lagi, jimi jathragi.

"The bliss of Moksh (Mukti) cannot stay away from Bhakti (devotion). Realising this, the wise bhakts disregard it (liberation) and remain joyfully immersed in Bhakti. Just as we eat for our gratification, but the gastric juices digest the food without any effort on our part; similarly, Bhakti effortlessly eradicates all ignorance."

In glorifying Bhakti, Kakabhushundiji alludes to the synergy between the Gyan and Bhakti Marg, as the bliss of liberation comes naturally and effortlessly through Bhakti. Just as water cannot remain suspended and must descend to its base, similarly, Mukti automatically flows to wherever Bhakti resides.

A question may arise: if the bhakt disregards liberation, is he not condemned to the dukh (pain) of the cycle of birth and death? The answer is that pleasure and pain stem from ignorance, i.e. when the jeev has not recognised its true self. However, Bhakti effortlessly eliminates all ignorance ( the root of transmigratory existence) of the bhakt. Consequently, where lies the question of dukh?

Shri Krishna proclaims in Gita 10.10-11 that to those who worship Him with love (bhakti), He bestows Buddhi Yoga, through which they attain Him. Furthermore, out of compassion, He, dwelling within their hearts, dispels the darkness of their ignorance with the lamp of knowledge.

To illustrate how Bhakti eliminates ignorance, Kakabhushundiji states that just as one makes an effort to eat while digestion occurs naturally, similarly, a bhakt takes steps to receive His grace in the form of Bhakti by employing any of the nine forms (Navadha Bhakti). Once Bhakti takes root in his heart, it undoubtedly uproots all forms of ignorance, such as ego, attachment, aversion, etc. Once these are wiped out, the bhakt is liberated.

For a bhakt, Mukti is a generous collateral benefit

of Bhakti! / DAILY WORLD /

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com