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PATH OF DEVOTION circumstances, family background, varied psychic effects of previous lives, present education and so on.
GENERAL NATURE OF DEVOTION Devotion or Bhakti may be defined as the experience of admiration, respect and eulogy that arises in our mind towards personalities more virtuous than us on recognizing their human and super-human virtues. In view of one's attraction toward the virtues of the virtuous, one must come to honor and welcome them, be humble and respectful towards them, serve and worship them, admire of their glory and virtues and so on. This would, in due course, lead to purification of one's own feelings. This is the basis of the methodology to be followed in the true development of the path of devotion.
The devotion found in common people is not the true devotion of the sage.Common people resort only to conventional external modes of worship of their family priest and family God. This is only a family custom or conventional conduct. Development of real devotion is not possible where the aspirant (Sadhaka) does not know the real nature of the trio : the devotee, the devotion, and God. An enlightened Sadhaka should therefore resort to devotion born out of appropriate and true conviction.
SPECIALIZED NATURE OF DEVOTION One who intends to resort to Bhakti (devotion) is a Bhakta - the devotee or Sadhaka or Atma himself. Such a devotee should get himself thoroughly acquainted with the virtues of the preceptor-saint, and of God the Supreme, towards whom he is devoted.
An aspirant should experience and express devotion towards a preceptor or Guru who is calm and composed, detached, benevolent in nature and one endowed with purity of knowledge and good character. In a similar manner, towards God, the Supreme, who is detached, and whose virtues of endless knowledge and infinite bliss are fully manifested. Our own faults and weaknesses are calmed down by devotion to God the Supreme, and the enlightened preceptor. Our entire being gets filled with peace and purity on such occasions.
Now, the devotee, who is thoroughly acquainted with the BHAKTI MARG-NI ARADHANA
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