The true purpose of devotion and meditation are two invaluable heritages of the Indian spiritual tradition, which have been described as the path to purification of the soul and awakening of consciousness. But today most people do not understand their real meaning and purpose. Satsang, temple, pilgrimage and countless worship methods are adopted, but the soul does not find peace. Why? Because devotion and meditation are considered only an action, not a process of changing life.
In this article we will know what is the true purpose of The true purpose of devotion and meditation, and how it helps in awakening the soul.
Does the soul get power from external means?
It is often said that the soul gets power from worship, recitation, devotion. But this idea itself is fundamentally wrong. The soul is complete in itself, it is a part of God. If the soul gets power from any external means, then it means that thing has become bigger than the soul – which is not possible.
Bhakti does not give power to the soul, but removes the veil of the mind and illusion on it. When the distortions like greed, attachment, anger, lust are removed from the soul, then its form starts to shine on its own.
How do Bhakti and Dhyan remove the veil on the soul?
The main function of Bhakti and Dhyan is to wash away the dirt of the mind. Meditation is such a medium through which the tendencies like lust, anger, greed, attachment gradually calm down. Just as a diamond does not shine when it is buried in the soil, similarly the soul is also covered with the disorders of the mind.
When Surati (inner mind) becomes stable through meditation, then the real brilliance of the soul starts to appear. The soul does not get new power from meditation, but its original consciousness becomes active.
Why does the mind hinder meditation?
While meditating, people often experience that the mind wanders again and again. Why? Because the mind knows that if the meditation becomes stable, then all its games will be exposed.
The mind is the thief who uses the power of the soul according to its own convenience.
So whenever we meditate, the mind pulls the Surati towards the troubles, thoughts and desires of the world. This is why meditation requires constant practice and discretion.
Why is it necessary to understand the power of Surati (attention)?
Surat is the invaluable element through which all the activities of life are performed – listening, speaking, seeing, understanding. If the attention (Surat) goes towards anger for a short while, we become full of anger. If it goes towards bliss, we become blissful.
So when our Surati is focused on the Satguru or the soul, all the qualities that are in that consciousness start appearing in us. The whole world is being run by the game of Surati –
“Surat mein rachyo sansara, surat ka khel hai sara.”
Why is meditation on the Guru necessary?
It is said in the scriptures —
“Dhyan Moolam Guru Roopam, Pooja Moolam Guru Padukam”
We can meditate only on that which we have seen and experienced. No one has seen God, so it is not easy to meditate on him. But Guru is the representative of that consciousness which makes us experience God.
The soul’s Surati becomes stable only by the grace of Guru.
“Guru Kripa Bin Sakal Buddhi Bah Jahin” — Kabir Sahib
What is the difference between Guru and God?
This question is natural that is Guru greater than God?
Saints say — Yes! Because Guru is the medium through which the experience of God is possible. Tulsidas ji wrote —
Guru is the worldly form of the Supreme Being. Just as the salty water of the sea gets purified through the clouds and becomes rain, similarly Guru is the fragrance of that sandalwood which the breeze (wind) carries to the world.
Meditation and devotion: The medium of the soul’s journey
The true purpose of The true purpose of devotion and meditation are not just rituals, but the medium of the soul’s inner journey. When the bonds of the mind and illusion are broken, only then the soul recognizes its true nature. This journey is difficult, but becomes easy with the grace of the Satguru.
“Without meditation, name and surat, the soul can never awaken.”
Conclusion: The true purpose of devotion and meditation
The main purpose of The true purpose of devotion and meditation is – the inner cleansing of the soul, its awakening, and knowing its original form.
They do not mean only worship, but to cultivate consciousness. The consciousness of the soul increases with the grace of the Guru and meditation, and that makes our life blissful.
The true purpose of devotion and meditation are the sunshine of the soul that spreads light by removing the clouds of the mind and illusion.
What does your experience say?
Have you ever experienced spiritual peace through meditation? Or has devotion brought any deep change in your life?
Do share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below.
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Let us together understand, cultivate and awaken the journey of the soul.
