T Ram Sewak

VEET RAAG

In Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.46, Shri Ram further elucidates the virtues of a bhakt (devotee) that make him dear.

preeti sansarga, trina apabarga

bhagati sathtayi, dushta bahayi

"This bhakt finds peace and joy in the company of saints (satsang). For him, sensual pleasures, heavenly pleasures, and even liberation (moksh) have no value /are inconsequential. They are like a blade of grass. Tenaciously adhering to bhakti (devotion), this bhakt shuns bigotry and keeps away from perverse argumentation."

Shri Ramcharitmanas consistently underscores the straightforward and accessible nature of bhakti and its various forms. Once again, Shri Ram emphasises that this bhakt finds solace in satsang/sant-sang (the first of the nine forms of navadha bhakti). For him, the joys of this world and the heavens are not just insignificant; they are eclipsed by the bliss (anand) of satsang.

Shri Ram also loves such a bhakt because he has developed Veet Raag, which is beyond vairagya (detachment). This bhakt has not only given up (tyag) all attachments to this material world, the other world, and liberation itself but has gone much beyond. Through bhakti, he has transcended even the desire to have 'No desire'. This is true renunciation, which Shri Krishna delineates in Gita 5.11-13. What a beautiful confluence of bhakti yoga and gyan yoga!

Shri Ram reveals Himself as a magnanimous (udar) and tolerant (sahishnu) king at the outset of this discourse. In the same spirit, He urges His subjects that while they must possess dhruti (determination) and perseverance on the bhakti marg (their faith), they should be open-minded and accepting of the beliefs of others and avoid convoluted reasoning in matters of faith. Such bhakts, Shri Krishna, says in Gita 12.15, neither agitate anyone nor are agitated by the world. This attitude helps them maintain calmness and focus their energy on the inner journey. Once again, the mantra on bhakti

marg is Simplicity! / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-79

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