Be Fixed In Devotion🔗

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THE SPH NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

A person who understands the different paths a spirit can take while leaving the body will always be prepared for death. He immerses himself in devotion throughout his life so that he becomes liberated.

A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not denied the results derived from studying the Vedas, performing austerities and sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing pious and result based activities. At the end he reaches the supreme abode.

Kṛṣṇa says, if one engages in activities with devotion, then He will be there at the time of one’s death to liberate.

In the last few verses Kṛṣṇa summarizes the essence of the whole chapter. He says, ‘O Pārtha, the devotees who know these different paths are never bewildered. Therefore O Arjuna, be always fixed in devotion.’

He means that a person who understands the different paths that a spirit can take while leaving the body will always be prepared for death. He immerses himself in devotion throughout his life so that he becomes liberated. Kṛṣṇa first gives Arjuna an intellectual understanding of the whole death process. He clearly tells him that the last thought while leaving the body governs the path that the spirit chooses when entering the next body. Again and again He emphasizes that this thought cannot be divine unless we spend our entire lives in devotional service. ,

Devotion is more important than service. Never give money in charity because some priest told you that it is a good thing. Never follow these rules blindly. Its not 'Don't do charity work.' It is 'Let it just be a natural expression of yourself, not with any expectation.'

We have a head to think with and a heart to feel with. We do not need to refer to society every time to decide what to do and what not to do. Another thing, do not work in the name of 'devotional service' to please someone else or society.

If you expect something in return, then be very clear, it is not devotional service. If it springs purely out of devotion, the act itself should be the reward.

Every day for half an hour, just for half an hour, work without expecting anything in return. It could be anything. Without any calculations , immerse yourself in some work for half an hour.

Kṛṣṇa says, ‘Performing austerities and sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing pious result-based activities will take a person to the Supreme abode.’ While doing each of these activities, it is the attitude that matters most, not the action itself. Many people give money to temple priests out of fear and greed. They are told that if they don’t give money, the gods will be angry. Or if they give money, their family will be protected. The attitude behind these actions is what counts. Kṛṣṇa says, if one engages in activities with devotion, then He will be there at the time of one’s death.

❖ What is the right spirit with which charity must be done?

❖ What is Devotional Service?

❖ What is the best attitude to have towards one's work?

DEITIES OF HINDUISM

MATERIALS NEEDED:

PROCEDURE

INFERENCE

Let us engage with the divine as part of children's playtime and let it become a favourite pastime. It is liberating to do things just for the joy of doing.

PROCEDURE:

List out five (5) devotional services you would like to offer to your personal deity. Example. sing a song, say a prayer, offer prasadam (food offering), etc.

INFERENCE:

Topic of discussion is “Why do Devotional Service?”

Conclusion: It is liberating to do something without expecting anything in return. When an offering springs purely out of devotion, the act itself is the reward. Kṛṣṇa says, if one engages in activities with devotion, then He will be there at the time of one’s death to liberate.

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