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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
CHAPTER XII
THE VAISNAVA SAINTS OF THE MEDIEVAL INDIA
It is beyond the scope of this work to inquire into the origin and rise of the phenomenon of Bhakti or devotion. However, it becomes evident from the study of the ancient literature that the phenomenon of bhakti or devotion had existed repeatedly in all the periods, i.e., in the Vedas, Brāhmaṇas, Upanisads, the epics like Mahābhārat and Rāmāyaṇa, the Bhagavadgitā, the Bhagavat and in all the Purāṇas. All these works testify to the existence of devotion of the finite to the Infinite God either out of fear and desire for security and peace or out of regard and adoration for that which is far superior to the finite, weak; and miserable souls lacking in knowledge, power, duration, and happiness. Though the ancient men approached the Divine with the motive of seeking security, protection, and prosperity, it was not true in all cases. It was equally true that man was attracted to God to worship Him simply out of regard and love for His infinite knowledge, powers, and bliss and he felt a craving to share His supreme happiness. It is not true that man approached God simply out of his quest for truth being governed by the desire of inquisitiveness and curiosity; but man felt it exalting Ā 40
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