LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
भक्ति-गम्या (119)
Bhakti-gamya (119)
Meaning;
Devi can be attained only by devotion. We have already seen in the previous namah that Devi is fond of devotion. Now it is mentioned She can be attained only by such devotion.
Interpretation:
Here Bhakti means devotion and Gamaya means attainable / reachable. Devi is attainable only by deep devotion or meditation and worshiping her in the mind.
While meditating, we come across two paths leading the mind to attain Brahmam. They are the Bhakti Marg (the path of devotion) and the Jnana Marg (the path of knowledge). Bhakti Marg is not something that the sadhaka can choose on his own. It is only when Devi showers her blessings on him, the sadhaka can follow the Bhakti marg. Hence Bhakti Marg is considered to be Supreme.
Adi Shankara's qoutes from Shivananda Lahati
Shivanandalahari is a text of bhakti dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sage has enunciated the definition of bhakti in the entire text and gives the reason for choosing the title for this composition of his.
वसन्तीमच्चेतोहृदभुविशिवानन्दलहरी
Vasanthim Ichcheto Hridabhuvi Shivananda Lahari.
I wish to carry in my heart of heart the waves of Bliss of Lord Shiva.
Shankara has elucidated the worship of the Lord within the mind, which according to him, is the supreme form of worship.
Manasa ruthim Ishwarasya Seve,
Shirasa chaiva Sadashivam namami
I would worship thee with my mind, Oh , Easwara, and would bow my head before you says the holy saint.
Author's note:
I wish to make a couple of quotes from Upanishads to underline the importance of devotion (Bhakti) and the methods prescribed therin for attaining liberation.
Brahma Sutra (III.ii.24) says, Brahman can be realized only in samadhi, known as the direct revelation stage, and this stage can be reached only by devotion.
Chandogya Upanishad (II.23.1) says Brahmasmsthomrtatvameti which means the one devoted to Brahman only can attain immortality. Attaining immortality means Sayujya.This is possible only through devotion.
Katha Upanishad (II.i.1) says God has created the sense organs with the inherent defect. This is the reason why these organs can see only things that are outside and cannot see the Self from within. To realize one from within, one has to spend a lot of time on devotion.
Taittiriya Upanishad (II. i) says Satyam, Gnanam, Anantham Brahma, meaning truth, knowledge and infinite are the representations of Brahman and to realize this one has to meditate.
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