By the practice of devotion of Srihari Vishnu, the sages attain to a state where the mind is neither drawn to, nor agitated by, external objects; nor is it overcome by dullness and sleep but stays in itself perfectly still and awake. In such a state of mind, the sage intuits the Truth.
Rudra Gita
This passage describes the profound state of mind attained
through the practice of devotion to Srihari Vishnu, a central deity in
Hinduism. Let's break it down:
Practice of Devotion to Srihari Vishnu: Devotion, or bhakti,
plays a central role in many Hindu traditions. It involves a deep and loving
connection to the divine, in this case, Srihari Vishnu. Devotees often engage
in rituals, prayers, and meditation to cultivate this relationship.
State of Mind: Through the practice of devotion, the sages
reach a state where their minds are profoundly tranquil and undisturbed. This
state transcends the usual fluctuations of the mind caused by external stimuli
or internal disturbances.
Freedom from External Distractions and Inner Turmoil: In
this state, the mind is neither drawn to external objects nor agitated by them.
This implies a detachment from the sensory world and a sense of inner peace and
tranquility. Additionally, the mind is not overcome by dullness or sleep,
suggesting a heightened state of awareness and wakefulness.
Intuition of Truth: In this serene and awake state of mind,
the sage is able to intuit the Truth. This suggests a direct perception or
realization of ultimate reality or spiritual truths beyond the realm of
ordinary perception or intellectual understanding.
Overall, this passage highlights the transformative power of
devotion to Srihari Vishnu in leading the practitioner to a state of profound
stillness, wakefulness, and intuitive insight into the nature of reality.
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This statement is a beautiful articulation of a central
concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly within the framework of Vaishnavism.
Let's expand on it.
"Thou, Oh Lord Vishnu, are the free and unaffected
Being" speaks to the transcendental nature of Vishnu, who is considered
one of the principal deities in Hinduism, especially within the Vaishnavism
tradition. Vishnu is often depicted as the preserver or sustainer of the
universe, maintaining cosmic order (dharma) and righteousness (rita).
"Although Thy power Maya, giving rise to myriad forms
(the multiplicity), creates, preserves and destroys this universe" refers
to the concept of Maya, which in Hindu philosophy represents the illusory
nature of the material world. Maya is the divine power or cosmic illusion
through which the universe is created, sustained, and eventually dissolved.
Vishnu, as the supreme deity, is seen as the ultimate controller of Maya, using
it to manifest and govern the cosmos.
"Leads one to wrongly feel that this multiplicity has
an existence apart from Thee" highlights the notion of advaita, or
non-duality, which suggests that ultimately there is no separation between the
individual soul (atman) and the divine (Brahman). Despite the appearance of
diversity and multiplicity in the world, everything is ultimately a
manifestation of the divine, including both the material and the spiritual
realms. However, due to the influence of Maya, individuals may perceive themselves
and the world as separate from the divine, leading to a sense of individuality
and ego.
In summary, this statement reflects the profound
understanding of the relationship between the divine, the material world, and
the individual soul within Hindu philosophy, particularly emphasizing the role
of Vishnu as the transcendent reality underlying the illusion of multiplicity.
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With various rituals and kindred supports, the yogis worship ...all these forms to be Thyself can be considered knower of the Veda and other scriptures.
This passage reflects the profound devotion and
philosophical understanding found in Hinduism, particularly within the context
of the worship of Bhagavan Vishnu, one of the principal deities in the Hindu
pantheon. Let's break it down:
Yogis and Rituals: Yogis, practitioners of yoga, engage in
various rituals as part of their spiritual practice. These rituals can take
many forms, including meditation, chanting of mantras, performing ceremonial
offerings, and more. Through these practices, yogis seek to connect with the
divine and elevate their consciousness.
Worship of Bhagavan Vishnu: Bhagavan Vishnu is revered as
the preserver and sustainer of the universe in Hinduism. He is often depicted
with four arms holding a discus (chakra), a conch shell (shankha), a lotus
flower (padma), and a mace (gada). Devotees worship Vishnu in various forms,
including his avatars such as Rama and Krishna, each representing different
aspects of his divine nature.
Understanding of Forms: The passage emphasizes that true
understanding of the Vedic scriptures involves recognizing that the various
forms worshipped in Hinduism are ultimately manifestations of the divine. In
other words, behind the diversity of deities and rituals lies the underlying
unity of the divine essence.
Knowledge of Scriptures: Those who grasp this fundamental
truth, understanding that all forms ultimately represent the same divine
reality, are considered true knowers of the Veda and other sacred texts. This
knowledge goes beyond mere intellectual understanding; it involves a deep
spiritual insight into the nature of reality.
Overall, this passage underscores the central themes of
devotion, philosophical understanding, and the unity of all existence found
within Hinduism. It reflects the idea that diverse paths and practices
ultimately lead to the realization of the same divine truth.