T Ram Sewak

SADHAN - SIDDHI

In Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.120, Kakabhushundiji further enlightens us on Shri Ram Bhakti. He states:

ram ..jakein dukh takein

chatur mahin je karahin

"Even a trace of sorrow (dukh) does not touch him, not even in a dream in whose heart the jewel of devotion (Bhakti mani) to Shri Ram dwells. Only those who sincerely strive to attain this gem of devotion are truly wise (Chatur Shiromani)."

Kakabhushundiji has delineated Bhakti's transformative influence here, signifying its subtle, effortless grace. Bhakti remains unaffected regardless of whether one does action or refrains from action. This is because Bhakti does not go about 'doing' anythingmerely by dwelling in the heart, everything is accomplished. Doing everything while doing nothing is the essence of the doctrine of non-attachment (alep vaad). Hence, a Bhakt transcends the duality of sukh and dukh.

For a being, it is due to the ego of 'I am the doer' (karta abhiman) that it must experience the results of its karma. However, Bhakti completely dissolves the ego of the 'doer ship'. This is because the Bhakt only and wholly depends on his Aaradhya; he has surrendered his entire being to Him. Bhakt firmly believes that God alone is the doer of everything, and he is merely an instrument (Nimitta Matra).

Earlier, Kakabhushundiji introduced the Vigyani Muni those who have attained spiritual wisdom and now seek the bliss of Bhakti. Then, there are some Bhakts who are immersed in Bhakti and almost disrespect liberation (Moksh). Now, he introduces the Chatur Shiromani Bhaktsthose indifferent to liberation and solely focused on their Bhakti. But why Chatur Shiromani?

Because they strive solely for Ananya Bhakti, the single-minded devotion through which, as Shri Krishna proclaims in Gita 11.54, can He be known, seen and merged into (realised) in this form. Such Bhakts are the wisest of the wise because they are convinced that Bhakti Sadhan (the means) bhi hai aur

Siddhi (goal) bhi!/ DAILY WORLD /

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