T Ram Sewak

SATTVIK SHRADDHA

In Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.117, Kakabhushundiji uses a metaphor of 'lighting the lamp of knowledge' to explain the Gyan Marg (Path of Knowledge) to Garuda. He says that this requires a lamp, a wick, and ghee. The ghee is made from butter, which comes from curd made from milk. To have milk, we need a cow. The metaphor continues.

sattvik suhayi jau basa aayi.

Japa apara, je achara.

"Suppose by His grace the blessed cow in the shape of Sattvik Shraddha (virtuous faith) comes to abide in one's heart. It is then fed with green herbage in the shape of Japa (muttering of prayers), Tapa (austere penance), the Yamas (forms of self-restraint), the Niyams (observance of positive virtues) and other blessed virtues recommended by the Vedas."

The starting point of this path is developing Shraddha (faith) in your heart, and as Shri Krishna says in Gita 4.39, a man full of faith attains Gyan. However, the emphasis here is on the Sattvik form of Shraddha. This takes us to Gita 17.2-3, where Shri Krishna says that the faith of the embodied is threefold: Sattvik (pure), Rajasik (desire-driven) and Tamasik (negative). The faith of each is per his nature. One is verily what one's Shraddha is. Faith shapes the nature of the subtle impressions (vasanas) within us, which, in turn, influence our perspective on life. This perspective directs our desires, thoughts, and actions. However, it is Sattvik Shraddha that gives rise to a yearning for knowledge (Gyan) in the being and fosters the emergence of devotion.

Further, this Sattvik Shraddha in the form of a cow must be fed with the fodder of spiritual practices that strengthen it. Through japa, speech is purified; through tapa, the mind is disciplined; and through Yama and Niyam, actions are regulated. Thus, with such strengthened Sattvik Shraddha in his heart, a sadhak prepares for progress on the Gyan Marg! / DAILY WORLD /

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