Devotion, the royal path to salvation

Life is a journey from birth to death inquest of its purpose. Purpose of life is to distinguish the infallible
from the transient. Many a times, purpose of life gets tarnished with preliminary achievements and
premature failures. This journey resumes, halts abruptly and resumes at distinct stages in life after
activating the self through proper channels. A trip from a source to destination would narrate happy
stories only when a traveler chooses to travel in a proper channel. Means to realize the purpose of life is
metaphorically represented as a Path. Lanes, streets and roads are proper means for safe journey.
While monkeys travel by jumping from one branch to another, trespassers opt for roof top travel.
Narrow lanes and streets lead to the highway. Any traveler across the royal path would be received with
dignity. Of course, such a passage is well maintained with assistance everywhere. In a spiritual journey,
only the path of devotion is referred as the Royal Path. This is laid by God himself and is opened to all.
Spiritual journey through this royal path is always free from all threats obstructing the inner progress.

Why the path of devotion is safe?

Human beings reach God or the Cosmic Supreme at the time of distress or to fulfill desires. Hard work
and appeal gets rewarded only through earnest communion with God. Aspirant is expected to cleanse
oneself (Shuddhi) and follow certain practices (Yaama and Niyama) to establish effective communion.
Laziness, drowsiness and junk registry obstructs effective communion.
Aalaysa Vyapaneeyasya Bhakthisulabham Dhyaaysva Narayanam, Shloka 11, Mukunda mala
So, scriptural practices always enjoin the seekers to cleanse the body (Deha-Shuddhi) first to overcome
fatigue. While the body is purified with water, the mind is cleansed by concentration, breathing exercise,
contemplative meditation and Vedic chants (or any other prayers).
Beginning a day early is an ideal virtue and healthy habit. A segment of the society may not be inclined
to prayers or any other spiritual practices. They opt for listening to news or indulging in trivial secular
activities even when they get up early in the morning. In modern days, some wake up early for a
refreshing morning walk or physical exercise on the name of de-stressing. Mind gets polluted while
grasping junk news, indulging in unhealthy exercise or simply idling in early hours of a day. So, our
ancestors have exclusively reserved the early hours of dawn, mid day and dusk for prayers. Prayers
qualify truly spiritual seekers to involve in religious and secular activities (Athma-Shuddhi). Vedic
suktams are open to humanity. They are meant for the social welfare. However Vedas have become
sour forbidden fruits for students with handicap in learning and speech. When the above activities are
performed mechanically, it becomes a ritualistic custom. There are many other forms of rituals
specified in a religion or sect. Such rituals demand prerequisites like birth, ordination, favourable time,

health and wealth. Rituals ought to be performed with full faith to bare the desired fruit. Such ritualistic
activities may or may not lead a seeker to salvation.
Meditation on the other hand is just a relaxation technique. It may help the aspirants to achieve better
focus. Yoga and meditation teachers would instruct their pupils to start their practice (Sadana) assuming
proper postures (Mudras). When an aspirant is subjected to chronic alignment, experiencing bodily jerks
or concentration handicaps, then meditations becomes counterproductive. Meditation itself does not
burn individual imprints (Praraptha or pre-destiny).
Some speculators resort to the contemplation of the self (Kevala-Athmanuboothi) to distinguish the
infallible from the transient. All these practices invoke renunciation and self denial. It does not guide an
aspirant to salvation.
Individuals are habituated to various practices. Habituations are broken through strong will and
consistent efforts. God does not want his devotees or any other human being to kill desires and give up
accustomed habituations at a stroke. A sweet lover oblates sweet to God before eating and a dancer
dances for God. All these practices would definitely please God. Devotion is no emotional outlet. Only
courageous aspirants with full wisdom choose the path of devotion. All negative imprints are burnt only
through divine grace. Mind is now free from disturbing thoughts. Steadfast in faith and intense
aspiration for divine grace carries a devotee safely through the royal path.
Assume an esoteric paper, teacher is too rude, clearing that paper is a nightmare and scope is limited.
Obviously very few students opt for such a paper unless or until forced or misguided. On the other hand
consider an easy subject with liberal teacher. Students have a bright future after clearing certification.
Such an option attracts students. Path of devotion is like an easy paper to a spiritual aspirant.
Spiritual aspirants are given with options to choose the royal path or trek across a rugged terrain.

Types of Devotion:
Induction to the path of devotion takes place unconsciously right from the tender age. Elaborate
ceremony is not required to announce induction of any devotee to path of devotion. A child starts
mimicking parents and elderly devotees to stay with traditions and customs. They long to accompany
elders attending masses or visiting shrines to enjoy outing, taste luscious offerings (Prasads) and
purchase dolls.
Life is full of miseries. One may find difficulty in clearing examinations, others could be troubled while
landing into a dream job, a few in finding a fitting nuptial match and rest with health issues. A bit
matured personality reaches God to ease out worries and botheration. Such a form of devotion is out of
expectations and gratifications (Kaamya Bhakthi). Once their prayers are answered, elementary
devotees (Kaamya Bhakthas) reciprocate through some contributions such as offerings, donations and
voluntary service.

Partially matured devotees set targets in life. Their goals could be spiritual or holistic personality
building. Devotion exhibited to gratify goals in life is Saadhya Bhakthi. Saadhya Bhakthi differs from
Kaamya Bhakthi as the expectations of Saadhya Bhakthas are spiritual traversing materialistic boulders.
A devotee could just long for vision of his deity (Ishta) or expect God to dine with their clan.
Devotion still continues even after achieving materialistic gains and meeting spiritual targets. Such a
mode of communion is established out of reverence to God. Devotees do not expect anything in return
for their devotion (Nishkamya). It is called Sadhana Bhakthi. God now becomes an integral part of a
devotees life and not mere tool to gratify desires. At this stage devotion is love. A devotee perceives
whole universe as a very big joint family headed by God Vasudeva. Wisdom matures into devotion. Such
devotees realize the purpose of their lives and spread nothing but the message of joy and peace. They
strive hard for the welfare of humanity. God rewards Sadhana Bhakthas by transforming them into
saintly apostles.

Qualification for a devotee:

A devotee is expected to lead a purposeful life abiding to scriptural values and laws to please God.
Following are attributes of a true devotee (Vaishnava lakshanam):
1.
2.
3.
4.

Surrender
Faith
Humility
Consistent in spiritual practices

Why not faith rated first? Faith is inculcated only when a believer trusts that resolving exist, fully
competent, does only good to the believers and ready to help aspirants in distress. Only after accepting
the divinity, a devotee surrenders to the divine will. Human efficacy has its own limitations but human
beings could be pushed to delicate situations in life. Scriptures extol surrender to the divinity for
salvation and to come out of exceptional situations. Surrender by an elephant (Gajendra Sharanagathi),
surrender of devotee from a clan resisting the prudence of God (Vibheshna Sharanagathi) and surrender
appeal when ones own kith and kin turn as helpless dolls at time of distress (Draupathi Sharanagathi)
are few classical illustrations instigating people to seek refuge in God almighty after renouncing ego
sense. A devotee should not surrender to God with preconceived intentions but matured to accept the
will of God.
A devotee may surrender to God, celestial apostles (Vishvathsena etc.) or spiritual masters.
Only those activities performed with full faith yields desired fruits. A devotee should trust God under all
circumstances. Life is insecure while driving a two-wheeler and still more dangerous while walking on a
parapet wall or a rope. Some enjoy adventurous deeds as they trust themselves. Similarly, a devotee
trusts God as he trusts himself. At times personal circumstances may try shaking that faith inculcated
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from the childhood. Recall the scholastic debate between Sri Ramanuaja and Yagnamurthi. Apparently
Sri Ramanuja lost to Yagnamurthi during initial arguments. Acharya regained his strands in the spiritual
crucades on the concluding day. This is because the Acharya had firm faith in God, himself and Sri
Vaishnava traditions.
So, have faith.
Scriptures warn that no activity should be performed without faith. Faithless actions incur deadly sins.
Shraddhaya Dheyam, Ashraddhaya Adheyam- Shisha Valli, Taithreeya Upanishad

Charisma, potency, health, wealth and longevity are privileges conferred by God to lead a happy life.
Name, fame and efficacy are earned by individuals during life time. While some are fortunate to enjoy
all privileges in their life time, many live in deprived conditions. So, do not look down on a fellow being
just because that individual looks different, unattractive or unintelligent. Neither knowledge nor wealth
gives the birds view of God, the supreme. It is better to be humble and innocent rather than getting
entangled in speculations. When the limited knowledge instigates a fellow being towards God, then such
knowledge has served its purpose. Recall the story Goswami ji of Vrindhavan. Three hundred years back
a Goswami ji lead a simple religious life on the banks of river Yamuna. He was challenged by a pundit
from the rival Mayavaadhi order. Goswami ji was willing to accept his defeat for debating on worthless
topics. Swami ji had firm faith in God and there was no need to prove his faith to anyone. One among
the disciples of that Goswami ji was shocked to hear his Gurus defeat. He challenged the rival pundit
without his Gurus consent and won that debate. The news soon reached the Guru. Instead of
celebrating the disciples victory, the Guru banished the disciple from Vrindhavan.
Sense of pride, indulging in worthless activities and speculations hampers achievement of targeted
results. So, a true devotee is expected to humble.
The path of devotion prescribes certain practices for effective communion with God. Devotion never
sanctifies inaction. A devotee may spend time in listening about God (Shravanam). Listening proves to
be powerful technique when compared to contemplation of self. Solo or chorus singing in praise of God
pleases the almighty (Keerthanam). Devotee may also choose to recite the divine name. When this
practice is habituated, it results in constant remembrance of God (Smaranam). Devotee may oblate
flowers (Archanam) and establishes communion through reverence (Vandhanam), salutations to the the
holy feet (Padasevanam) and reciting Vedic Chants.
Such practices prepare life to be dedicated to holy service (Daasyam) facilitating surrender and self
oblation (Athma Nivedanam). A devotee may consider God as his own kith and kin and hence take
interest in God (sakyam).
One devotional practice does not substitute the other. Devotees should not be overzealous in some
practice and underestimate the rest. Various cuisines gratify hunger. Each comes with unique taste and
flavour. As how people opt for best suited food, a devotee chooses a best fitting devotional practice.

So, be consistent in the best suited devotional practice.

Krishna Bhakthi:
It so happened that a Guru chose five of his disciples and decided to test on practical implementation of
theoretical wisdom imparted in that school or Gurukulam. He asked his disciples to fetch a ring from a
room. The disciples had not seen a ring in their life time. So the Guru instructed them to fetch a round
expensive article from that room. Very first disciple rightly brought a golden ring, second fetched an
anklet and the third chose a sports ring. The third switched off the light before leaving the room. Fourth
disciple never had the common sense to switch on the lamp before searching. He sought for the article
in darkness and came out with a negative response. Very last individual decided not to step into the
room as the first three fetched some articles and the fourth was unsuccessful. He excused himself
stating that his expedition would turn into a miserable failure and choose inaction.
First individual portrays a Real devotee, second a devotee of demigod, third a speculator, fourth an
atheist and last a Freud (Charavak). Life is successful only when an individual surrenders to God the
Supreme Being. Success in life does not stop in mere materialistic prosperity or career growth. Quality of
life is bench marked with stable mind set, achievements and ever peaceful inner self. Such rare gifts are
bestowed only to the devotees.
Krishna is the absolute though he is simple and approachable. Both matter and spirit emanates from his
divine grace (Leela Vibhudhi). Without Krishna, the universe ceases to exist independently. All
astronomical existence is mere ornaments worn by Krishna. Universal truth, zenith and wisdom are
mere reflection of the lord in mundane existence. God has transcended all desires, which means the
desire to do something. Yet God has created and populated this universe. Saints uphold the Divine Will
in their sermons and aphorisms. When God has transcended desires, does Divine Will really exist? Any
act is perfectly done when an efficacious doer longs for the fruit. God is least benefited with his creation,
yet the creation of this universe is perfectly done. Why should God create this universe with least
pleasure in creation?
Universe is just a materialistic platform where individual beings could strive hard for salvation. God is
willing to liberate individual souls from the clutches of merits and sins provided they surrender
unconditionally to his holy feet. Wisdom is totally useless when it fails to instigate surrender. We the
conditioned souls excuse ourselves by not surrendering to God and aspiring for his constant company
(Saayujya). Recall the story of an old man who declined the invitation from paradise (Vaikunda) by
resorting to some silly excuse or other. That old man experienced immense pleasure when surrounded
by his kith and kin. In course of time that old man was neglected, passed away due to age, took a rebirth
of a housewife attending that family needs and then born as a domesticated dog guarding that family
and finally stood as a gate. On a fine day that family shattered and that house had to be pulled down.
Only after taking so many births and undergoing bitter sorrows, that old man realized his mistake.
Fortunately, paradise was kind to that old man in the form of a gate by sending an apostle with an

invitation. Now that individual realized that there is no use in guarding that family any more, he begged
to that apostle to guide him to salvation.
Universe is no different from a very large production line with stringent inspections carried out at
various stages. In such an environment, work material never transforms into finished product as it is
subjected to rework and inspection for prolonged eternity.
On the other hand surrender to divine will opens royal path to salvation. Surrender does not only save
deadly sinner from hellish tortures but also elevates them to celestial zenith. Recall the stories of
Ajamala and Poovashram of sage Valmiki. God accepts even mistakes as offerings when a devotee
oblates them with love. Krishna never punishes his devotees but could chastise them for their own
good. When we ourselves do not want our children or intimate beings to pay a price for their misdeeds,
will God allow his children (all beings) to suffer for a prolonged eternity?
Krishna is only deity whom a devotee may approach him as child, father, friend, mother, soul mate,
master, teacher, judge and a prince. All that he expects is to lead a purposeful ethical life as far as
possible. He carries away the handicaps of his earnest devotees and propagates their pleasing
attributes.
Krishna is not just a character in Mahabharata or Vyasa Bhagavatha. He is God the absolute. Even in
modern ages we hear flock lore about Krishnas decent from celestial paradise and his assumption of
roles like servant (kandia Krishna and Unni) and caretaker.
So let us worship God in the spirit of unison. Give no room to difference in opinion, distractions and
negative thoughts. Let us oblate ourselves to our beloved Lord Krishna. God is our sole refuge (Vishnu
Potho Naranam,in Mukunda Mala). Let us seek refuge in thee. By seeking refuge in him, the seeker is
liberated from the cycles of birth and death, ups and downs life besides worries, anxieties, neglect and
old age.
Oh lord the writer is not a scholar or a devotee but a personification of mistakes. He has created just an
illusory web. By thy grace please transform him as your devotee. Grant him good health first. Please give
him the wisdom to handle pressures before giving him wealth. Kindly accept this childish scribbling as
thy praise. Accept him as you son. Forgive his trespasses (if any) in this write up as how a mother is
amused in her childs play and a husband who use to pardon the misdeeds of his beloved spouse.