From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
In the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Shree Krishna counsels Arjun, who is despondent as he sits on the battlefield about to engage in war with his relatives. Bhagavan consoles and encourages him, telling Arjun that life is filled with various kinds of experiences, but we must try to maintain equipoise and equanimity of mind. In other words, our minds should remain calm and unaffected during the obstacles and challenges of the world. In spite of them, we must continue to perform our duty.
Shree Krishna further advises him to harbour no hatred even amidst the turmoil of war. Any notion of separation or alienation from others stems from ignorance of our true nature. Just as the human body can function better with its limbs, although it is possible to exist without them, every individual within society, regardless of occupation, education or status, is an integral part of our own being. As humans, our connection to society is essential. It is said that no community can thrive without the collective presence of each individual. Being social beings, we inherently seek friendship, kinship and companionship. Therefore, we should not lead isolated lives, detached from others.
In the Ramaayan, Shree Raam gives advice to Shabari not only about the importance of associating with others, but also ensuring that we associate with holy people. In doing so, we will develop our way of thinking and uplift our thoughts.
Bhagavan Shree Krishna adds that we should adopt an attitude of friendliness to all. That is the mark of a true devotee of God. A devotee of God is charitable. They not only give material objects but also of their time, their presence and their talents. They are compassionate, in that they think of and promote the welfare of others.
A true devotee is also without egoism, the feeling of I and mine. Every act is performed as an act of service and surrender to the Lord.
A true devotee has forbearance. Even when they are faced with challenging circumstances, they are resolved to bear the weight of circumstance, because they know that situations change eventually.
To be a devotee, one must have endurance, a strong will, contentment and resilience.
They must also have proper focus. Just as the point of a compass always points north, similarly, our attention must always be focused on the Lord in any and every life circumstance.
A devotee should not cause harm to anybody or to the world, directly or indirectly. In wartime, however, which involves violence and bloodshed, such actions are performed for a righteous cause, to perpetuate and promote righteousness or dharma.
Prahalad is considered to be a super devotee. We are all taught that we must obey our parents and take their advice into consideration. Although Prahlad’s father, King Hiranyakashipu, was insistent that Prahlad pray to him instead of Bhagavan Vishnu, Prahalad tried to explain his reasoning to his father. He respected him as his father, even when the king tried, on multiple occasions, to destroy him. As a super devotee, Prahalad remained firm in his belief and devotion to the Lord in the midst of adversity.
A true devotee has a strong mind that remains unaffected by rain or shine, joy and sorrow. They possess vairaagya, dispassion and detachment, with the spiritual understanding that everything happens according to God’s plan.
A true devotee conquers anger and envy; otherwise one’s spiritual vibrations decrease. It is said that while the tree remains steady and unperturbed by the winds of anger and envy, the creepers on the trees are dislodged by those winds.
While mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety affect many in our society, our scriptures and our sages tell us that there are ways through which we can avoid negative states of mind, to some extent. We can start by nurturing a positive mindset to overcome the negatives that exist in our daily lives.
Shree Krishna states that the kinds of food that we eat also affect our state of mind. He recommends a sattvic diet, of vegetable, fruits, legumes and provisions, which are said to promote pure thoughts of Godliness and goodness. We should practise meditation and deep breathing, which have a powerful effect on the way we feel and think.
As he urges in the Bhagavad Gita, the ultimate devotee is one who will “Think of Me, serve Me, honour Me, worship Me, bow down to Me and you shall come to Me.”
