T Ram Sewak PARAM PARMAARTH In Shri Ramcharitmanas 2.93, Lakshman now delineates the bhakti yoga to Nishadraj; sakha param paramaarth ehoo, mana kram bachan ram pad nehoo.
- Posted: December 23, 2024
- Updated: 09:14 pm
T Ram Sewak
PARAM PARMAARTH
In Shri Ramcharitmanas 2.93, Lakshman now delineates the bhakti yoga to Nishadraj;
"sakha param paramaarth ehoo, mana kram bachan ram pad nehoo."
"O friend, the ultimate spiritual goal is devotion in the lotus feet of Shri Ram in thought, word and deed."
While Gyan (knowledge) and Vairagya (dispassion) are paramaarths, i.e., spiritual goals that one seeks, these are only gateways leading to the ultimate spiritual goal (param paramaarth)unflinching bhakti (devotion) for Shri Ram. Beyond it, there is nothing. It just leads to Anandcomplete bliss.
Lakshman first guides Nishadraj on what he should do, i.e., devote himself to Shri Ram, and then explains why he should do that. It is just like explaining a complex mathematical problem to a student. The teacher first explains what steps to follow to the solution and then explains the reasoning (why).
But how does one inculcate bhakti in HIS lotus feet? Shri Ram HIMSELF answers it in Shri Ramcharitmanas (Navadha Bhakti). So, japa is devotion through mind; kirtan is devotion through word and serving HIS creatures is devotion through action. Bhakti can never be half- hearted or partial; it has to be complete. It must permeate your thoughts, words, and all you do. Bhakti cannot be a mere part of your life; it has to be your life. It is the pinnacle of your love for HIM, a testament to your unwavering faith in HIS grace.
In Gita 18.55, Shri Krishna reveals that only through loving devotion can one know HIM. A Gyani perceives HIM as the nirgun, nirakar Brahm (the Supreme who is beyond attributes and form). But, Shri Krishna asserts that only HIS bhakt, filled with pure and unfiltered devotion, reaches para bhakti to know HIM and merge into HIM. Thus, for a Gyani there is a glass wall through which he can see HIM but can't touch HIM. Para bhakti shatters that ultimate barrier, as well. / DAILY WORLD /
Namami Ramam Musings-63
The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com
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