________________
ASPIRANT'S GUIDE
virtues of such God and preceptor, practices to adopt their virtues slowly and steadily in his day-to-day life, and thereby inspires himself in the path of self-betterment and self realization.
Thus real devotion (Bhakti) is a scientific process of manifestationa of virtues in one's life, having been delighted by their manifestation in one's God or preceptor. Let us now see in what different types of devotion, the devotee engages himself and thus develops the path of Bhakti.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEVOTION Spiritual seers and poets have described nine types of Bhakti as under :
1. Attentive Hearing of devotional songs and sermons (Sharvana)
2. Singing of Devotional Songs (Kirtana)
3. Thinking of God, Guru, Religion and Self or Ataman (Chintana)
4. Salutation to God, Guru and Religion (Vandana) 5. Service to God, Guru and Religion (Sevana) 6. Meditation (Dhyana) 7. Humility (Laghuta) 8. Equanimity (Samata) 9. Unity (Ekatva)
The above mentioned nine types of devotion are well known, and the devotee attains to these by truly practicing to the meaning indicated by the names. Here, it would be enough to state that as the devotee develops the right (Sattva) quality within and develops it truly, the inferior (Tamasika) and worldly (Rajasika) inclinations dwindle in his life; and love Divine manifests itself in his entire personality.
He sees and observes the supreme Godhood in all living beings, and may often experience the outward ecstasy, tears of joy, and dance in devotion, mindless towards his own physical body. This ultimately leads to the oneness of devotee, devotion and God. It also further leads to the higher devotion known as Para-Bhakti and to the highest unequalled devotion known as Ananya-Bhakti.
For such continuous spiritual progress, steady, systematic, well-implemented and uninterrupted devotional practice, intense
nil.
112
SADHAK-SATHI
www.jainelibrary.org
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
