Keep Our Hearts Open For Genuine And Meaningful Words - Hinduism Teaching

Chanting God’s names and prayer are means for attaining devotion. But the true devotee is keenly aware of the need for the breeze of divine grace. This breeze, sages assure us, is always blowing. The music of the unstruck Anahata, the sound of Om arising from the Supreme Brahman, is always filling the universe. We only need to open our being to this influx of the Divine through intense aspiration and have the boundless patience needed to perceive the subtle movements of the divine Will in our being.

One who has managed to enter the stream of true devotion, has become a srotapanna, is bound to be carried forward by its current. The faith of the genuine devotee is not contingent on external circumstances. 

Nistarini Devi was deeply devoted to Sri Ramakrishna. Even in her old age, when she suffered from dropsy, she would not be dissuaded from cooking the Master’s offerings: ‘What do you mean?’ she would say, ‘I fed the Master with my own hand. I promised him that I would serve him. Now as long as I am alive, I shall do so.’ When her sons told her not to talk about the Master as her devotion to him had been of little avail in their straitened circumstances, she replied: ‘What do you say? I love the Master; I have given my heart once for all to him!’ This total dedication marks the culmination of the devotee’s journey, a journey that begins with shravana. As we walk the path ways of bhakti, may we keep our hearts open for genuine shravana.

Bhagavan Kapila defines transcendent devotion thus: ‘When, by the mere hearing of my excellences,
the mind streams forth towards me — the Supreme Being, the Presence within the hearts of all — like the waters of the Ganga into the sea, unmotivated, unrestricted, and one-pointed, that love is called “bhakti that transcends the gunas”. ’ (Srimad Bhagavata Purana 3.29.11)

Explanation to the above quotes:

The Path to Devotion and Divine Grace in Hinduism: The Role of Chanting, Prayer, and Spiritual Aspiration

Devotion is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, one that is often expressed through practices like chanting God’s names, prayer, meditation, and other forms of worship. These practices are revered as means to attain a closer connection with the Divine. However, true devotion is not just a matter of engaging in rituals or uttering sacred mantras; it involves a deeper awareness and understanding of the need for the breeze of divine grace. In the rich traditions of Hinduism, this divine grace is described as a subtle but ever-present energy that permeates all existence, a force that can uplift and transform those who are open to it.

This breeze of divine grace is always blowing, according to the sages. It is the subtle, invisible presence of the Divine that continuously flows through the universe. The music of the unstruck Anahata, which refers to the sound of Om arising from the Supreme Brahman (the ultimate reality), is ever-present in the cosmos. This sound represents the primordial vibration from which all creation emanates. The key to accessing this divine energy lies not only in external practices but also in an internal transformation. It requires intense aspiration—an ardent desire to connect with the Divine—and immense patience to perceive the subtle movements of the divine Will within one’s own being.

Let us explore these concepts in more detail, breaking them down into simpler terms while connecting them to various examples from Hinduism. We will also discuss how these practices can help solve problems related to devotion, potential challenges, and other important factors to consider in the spiritual journey.

1. Understanding Divine Grace

Divine grace, in simple terms, refers to the blessings and support that come directly from God. It is not something that can be earned through effort alone but is instead a gift that is bestowed upon individuals when they are receptive to it. In Hinduism, the concept of grace is particularly important because it is believed that through divine grace, all things are possible—whether it is the removal of suffering, the attainment of spiritual liberation, or the experience of deep peace and joy.

To put it simply, divine grace is like a breeze that blows constantly in the universe, but we must open ourselves to it. Just as a leaf sways in the wind, we must learn to be open and receptive to the divine energy that flows around us. This breeze does not discriminate; it is available to all. However, the question is whether we are ready to receive it.

2. Chanting God’s Names and Prayer: Means of Attaining Devotion

In Hinduism, chanting God’s names, also known as japa, and engaging in prayer are considered powerful spiritual practices. The repetition of sacred names or mantras is believed to purify the mind, remove distractions, and cultivate a deep connection with the Divine. One of the most common examples is the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya," which is the mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, or the chanting of "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna," associated with Lord Krishna.

These practices can be compared to tuning a musical instrument. When you chant, you are essentially tuning your mind and soul to the divine frequency, just as a violinist tunes their instrument to produce the correct sound. Through consistent practice, the mind becomes more attuned to the divine energy, and the person experiences a greater sense of devotion and surrender to God.

3. The Music of the Unstruck Anahata and the Sound of Om

One of the most profound ideas in Hinduism is the concept of the Anahata sound or the "unstruck sound." This is the sound of the universe—the primordial vibration that originates from Brahman, the Supreme Reality. Unlike ordinary sounds that are produced by physical objects, the unstruck Anahata is a sound that arises from the very fabric of the universe itself, independent of any external instruments. It is said that this sound is the essence of all creation and that everything in existence vibrates with it.

The sound of Om, which is often called the "sound of the universe," is a manifestation of this Anahata sound. Om is considered the most sacred syllable in Hinduism and is frequently used in meditation. It is believed to represent the ultimate reality—Brahman—and encompasses all of creation, preservation, and dissolution. The vibrations of Om are said to connect the devotee with the divine, bringing peace and harmony to the mind and spirit.

4. Intense Aspiration: The Key to Opening to Divine Grace

While chanting and prayer are powerful practices, they are not enough on their own to experience divine grace. In order to truly open ourselves to the Divine, there must be a deep and intense aspiration—a yearning for spiritual growth and union with God. This aspiration goes beyond a casual desire; it is a burning desire for truth, for divine wisdom, and for inner peace.

An example from the Hindu epics can illustrate this. The story of Prahlada, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu, demonstrates intense devotion and unwavering faith. Despite being subjected to harsh trials and torments by his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada never wavered in his love for Lord Vishnu. His intense aspiration to be united with the Divine led him to overcome the obstacles placed in his path.

This type of aspiration is not something that can be forced or faked; it is something that arises naturally when the heart becomes truly dedicated to the Divine. The intensity of the aspiration is what draws divine grace towards the devotee, making the subtle presence of God more tangible in their life.

5. Patience and the Subtle Movements of Divine Will

Even though divine grace is always available, it is not always immediately perceptible. The movements of divine will are subtle, and often, they are not immediately understood by the devotee. This is where patience becomes crucial in the devotional journey. One must wait, trust, and remain open to the will of the Divine.

Hinduism teaches that the divine plan is often beyond human comprehension. For instance, in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks to Arjuna about the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to the outcomes, surrendering to the divine will. This involves cultivating patience and trust that the Divine knows what is best for us, even if it doesn't seem obvious at the moment.

An example can be found in the life of many saints and sages, such as Swami Vivekananda, who experienced moments of struggle and doubt but remained patient and focused on their spiritual goals. They trusted that the Divine would reveal itself in time.

6. How Devotional Practices Solve Problems

Devotional practices can offer solutions to many challenges faced by a devotee. These problems may include:

• Lack of peace and stress: Chanting and prayer can calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of inner peace. For example, the practice of repeating the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is known to bring tranquility and serenity to the devotee.

• Loneliness and isolation: Devotion to God can create a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. Feeling the divine presence can overcome feelings of isolation, as devotees feel they are not alone but supported by the Divine.

• Emotional turmoil: Prayer and meditation can help individuals navigate through difficult emotional states, offering solace and strength. The faith that God will provide relief can lighten the burden of sorrow or pain.

• Lack of direction or purpose: Devotion to God provides clarity and purpose. The feeling that one’s life is guided by a higher power can bring focus and meaning to even the most mundane activities.

7. Potential Challenges and Disadvantages

Despite the power of devotion, there are some challenges and potential disadvantages that should be considered:

• Over-dependence on rituals: While rituals like chanting and prayer are important, there is a risk of becoming too focused on the external practices and losing sight of the inner transformation. It is essential to remember that the true goal is not merely to perform rituals but to cultivate inner devotion and openness to divine grace.

• Frustration with lack of immediate results: Devotion is not a quick fix. It may take time before a person feels any tangible change or connection with the Divine. Some may feel discouraged or impatient, especially if they are expecting immediate results.

• Distractions and obstacles: Life can present numerous distractions, making it difficult to maintain a consistent spiritual practice. In addition, some may face external obstacles that challenge their faith, such as personal tragedies or hardships.

8. Other Important Factors to Consider

In addition to chanting, prayer, and aspiration, there are other factors that can play a role in deepening devotion:

• Selfless Service (Seva): Selfless service to others is another powerful way to cultivate devotion. In Hinduism, it is taught that serving others is the same as serving God. Acts of kindness, charity, and compassion can strengthen the devotee’s connection to the Divine.

• Discipline and Consistency: Regular spiritual practices, including daily meditation, prayer, and reading of sacred texts, are important in maintaining a strong devotional practice. Consistency in these practices can lead to deeper understanding and connection.

• The Guidance of a Spiritual Teacher (Guru): The role of a guru, or spiritual teacher, is significant in Hinduism. A guru provides guidance, helps clear misconceptions, and can assist the devotee in deepening their connection with the Divine.

In conclusion, devotion is a multifaceted practice that involves more than just chanting or prayer. It requires an intense aspiration, patience, and a willingness to open oneself to the divine grace that flows through the universe. By understanding and engaging with divine grace, practicing devotion, and cultivating qualities like patience, aspiration, and service, devotees can overcome obstacles and experience the transformative power of Supreme Truth.

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In this verse from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana (3.29.11), Bhagavan Kapila describes a high form of devotion known as transcendent devotion or bhakti that transcends the gunas. To understand this verse, it is helpful to break it down into its key components and then explain it in simple terms with examples.

Understanding the Key Terms

1. Bhakti: Bhakti means devotion or love. In a spiritual context, it refers to love and surrender to the Divine or Supreme Being. Bhakti is not just any love; it is a deep, unconditional, and selfless love that leads to union with God.

2. Gunas: In Hindu philosophy, the three gunas (qualities) – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance) – are believed to govern the behavior of the world and human nature. When one is influenced by the gunas, their thoughts and actions are bound by the material world and its dualities (pleasure/pain, good/bad, etc.).

3. Transcending the Gunas: To transcend the gunas means to rise above the influence of these three qualities, to act and love in a way that is not influenced by material desires, passions, or ignorance. This is the highest form of devotion, as it is free from the distractions of the world and is focused solely on the Divine.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes a pure, selfless devotion that arises when one’s mind is naturally drawn towards the Divine, without any external motivations or attachments. Let’s break it down:

• "When, by the mere hearing of my excellences": This refers to hearing about the glories, virtues, and divine qualities of God, which inspire the heart and mind. This could mean reading scriptures, listening to stories about God, or meditating on divine qualities.

• "The mind streams forth towards me": The mind, when inspired by the divine virtues, naturally flows toward the Supreme Being, much like a river flowing towards the ocean. It is not forced or calculated; it happens spontaneously.

• "Like the waters of the Ganga into the sea": The Ganges River is a symbol of purity and spiritual flow. When the river Ganga flows into the ocean, it loses its individual identity and merges with the vast ocean, signifying unity. Similarly, the devotee’s mind, when it flows towards God, merges into the Divine and loses its individuality. It becomes one with God’s presence, free from all distractions.

• "Unmotivated, unrestricted, and one-pointed": True bhakti is pure and selfless, without any expectation of personal gain or reward. It is unrestricted, meaning it is not bound by any conditions or limitations. It is one-pointed, meaning it is focused entirely on God, without distractions or divided attention.

• "That love is called 'bhakti that transcends the gunas'": This is the central idea. The devotion described here is not influenced by the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas). It is not based on worldly desires, passions, or ignorance. It is pure, transcendent love for God.

Simple Examples

To understand this better, let’s look at some simple examples:

1. The Ganga and the Sea: Imagine you are standing by the river Ganga. The river is flowing steadily and uncontrollably towards the sea. It does not question the direction or think about its personal journey. It is simply following its natural course, joining the vastness of the ocean. Similarly, the mind of a devotee, when it hears about God’s glories, naturally and effortlessly flows towards the Divine, merging with it in pure love and devotion.

2. A Mother’s Love: Think of the love a mother has for her child. A mother’s love is unconditional and selfless. She doesn’t expect anything in return; her love flows naturally from her heart. Similarly, transcendent devotion is like a mother’s love – it is pure, motivated by nothing but love for the Divine, and not influenced by any worldly desires.

3. The Sun and the Light: Imagine the sunlight reaching the earth. The sunlight doesn’t choose where it will go; it spreads everywhere, filling the world with its presence. A devotee’s love for God, similarly, spreads without restriction, filling the heart with light, purity, and devotion. It is not based on personal gain but is simply a natural expression of love for the Divine.

4. The Flower Offering: Consider someone offering a flower to the temple. The flower doesn’t expect anything in return. It simply gives its fragrance and beauty to the Divine. This act is similar to transcendent bhakti – offering oneself, one’s love, and one’s devotion to God without any expectation of reward or gain.

The verse from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana teaches us about a form of devotion that transcends the material world. It describes a love for God that is pure, unmotivated by desire, and unaffected by the three gunas that influence human nature. It is a love that flows naturally, like the river Ganga flowing into the ocean, and is one-pointed, unrestricted, and selfless. This type of devotion leads to a deep, spiritual connection with the Divine, beyond the limitations of the material world. Just as the sun’s light shines freely or a mother’s love flows unconditionally, transcendent bhakti is a love that is pure, spontaneous, and beyond the influence of worldly desires.