|
Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 3: Verses 21-31
Therefore, one desirous of knowing the highest good should resort to a preceptor who is versed in the Vedas (which embody Brahma in the form of words), has realized the ultimate Reality and who is free from attachment and hatred. Under the preceptor, whom one should love as one's own self and as the object of one's devotion, one should, by rendering devoted service to him, learn the ways of life of the Lord's devotees, by which Sri Hari is pleased-Sri Hari, who is the Soul of the universe and gives Himself away to His devotees. First the disciple should learn detachment of the mind from all objects (body, children etc.), and attachment to the Lord's devotees. And he should also learn to cherish in all sincerity compassion, friendliness and humility towards one's inferiors, equals and superiors respectively. He should (further) learn (to acquire) purity (external and internal), devotion to his religious duties, endurance, control over his speech, a habit to study the scriptures, sincerity, continence, non-violence and evenness of mind under the stress of dualities (like pleasure and pain, profit and loss). He should learn to see the Atma (as the intelligent substance) and lswara (the Ruling Principle) pervading all, live in solitude, without any sense of possession for any dwelling, wear pure clothing or rags (stitched together) and feel satisfied with whatever he could get for food. He should (also) learn to have faith in the scriptures celebrating the Lord, without disparaging other scriptures, and curb his mind, speech and actions (through control of breath, tongue and activity respectively), and to be truthful and able to control the senses and mind. He should learn to hear, sing and dwell on the story of the advent, pastimes and excellences of
Lord Sri Hari of wonderful deeds and to do everything for (pleasing) Him. He should (further) learn to offer to the supreme Lord all his sacrificial activities, gifts, austerities, repetition of the sacred syllables, righteous conduct, and all that he likes for himself„ (nay,)
his wife, children, house and his very life. He should also learn to love devotedly those persons who have realized Sri Krsna as their own Self and as the Lord of their life; to servethe mobile and immobile creatures (as the embodiments of the Lord); and (specially) to serve human beings and among them more specially those who adhere to their own duty and are devotees of the Lord. He should (further) learn to expound and discuss among the devotees the sacred glory of the Lord, and in association with others find delight and satisfaction resulting in the freedom of the mind from egotism. (Thus) remembering and reminding one another of Sri Hari, who destroys innumerable sins (in an instant), their devotion turning into divine love, the devotees filled with rapture experience a thrill of joy.
|
|
