From a satsang with Pt. Jaidath Maharaj, M.Ed., President, SWAHA International and Spiritual Leader, SWAHA Gyaan Jyoti Mandali
There are 35 qualities of a bhakt, a true devotee of God, as enunciated in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Puraanas. Here are some of those highlights:
- Bhakts are happy with everything because they are happy with themselves, the world and others because of their connection with the divine. If we are not happy with ourselves, nothing in this world can make us happy. Being a bhakt is personal; it starts from within.
- Bhakts are the same in criticism and praise. Their minds are always on God, as enunciated in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, chapter 6.
- They are the same towards a friend or an enemy. This is a lesson that we all have to learn. They love God so deeply that friend and foe are treated the same. We must learn to see the presence of God in everyone.
- They are neither elated nor hostile. They remain in a state of equilibrium. They maintain equanimity of mind, being neither too happy nor angry.
- They are not dependent on anything or anyone. Meerabai, Surdas, Vibheeshan, all these bhakts did not let anything or anyone distract them from their quest for God. If they seek God and find Him, they have found everything.
- They do not get disturbed by people, nor do they disturb anyone. They have a positive personality and an attractive aura.
- They are always tranquil because they are masters of the mind and senses.
- Without special glorification of Bhagavan Shankar, one cannot have
Thus, the overarching quality of the bhakt is peacefulness. Bhakts are at peace with themselves and possess a deep love for God. There are different forms of bhakti. Both the Ramaayan and the Puraanas provide us with a similar list of nine forms, as stated by Shree Raam and Bhakt Prahlad, respectively. Shree Raam also states that in order to achieve bhakti, there are certain conditions: satsang, association with holy ones and we must also possess punya, spiritual merits.
Why is bhakti important? Scriptures tell us of many pathways to God: karma yoga, the path of action; bhakti yoga, the path of devotion; gyaan yoga, the path of knowledge; dhyaan yoga, the path of meditation. In Uttara Kaand of the Ramaayan, Shree Raam gives us the answer: if we wish to be happy in this world and in all other lifetimes, He says, listen to My words and imprint them in your hearts. In other words, reflect on His advice and practise it as much as possible.
