Book Title: Harmony of All Religions
Author(s): Parmahans Maharaj, Veena Rani Howard
Publisher: USA Santmat Society of North America

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Page 341
________________ Lord Buddha speaks about the benefits of a moral life: A person who practices a moral life will benefit in five ways: 1. Enhanced social standing 2. Increased wealth 3. Greater influence in the community; 4. A peaceful death 5. After death the person will go to a blissful realm. In addition to practicing a life of moral rectitude, there are three important elements to be practiced by a person who pursues bhakti (devotion) to the Divine and seeks to attain liberation. The first is stuti (invocation); the second is prarthana (prayer or supplication); and the third is upasana (meditation). Invocation and Supplication We know that when we are indebted to someone, we should express our gratitude and appreciation. We also know that God has blessed us bountifully. Although we are unable to repay God for many generous blessings, we can acknowledge this goodness by chanting praises about the Divine Being. When we exalt God through song, we declare the glories of the Divine. In doing this, we remember the splendor of the Supreme Being. As a natural result, our faith in God increases. Unless we acknowledge someone's qualities, it is impossible to be faithful to that person. 332

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