Thursday, April 30, 2009

What is the difference between Bhakti (devotion) and Sharanagati (taking refuge in God) ?

Question:  What is the difference between Bhakti (devotion) and Sharanagati (taking refuge in God) ?

Swamiji:  Devotion is pervasive (vyaapak) and Sharanagati (refuge) is included within it.  Where there is description of the Nine forms of devotion, in that refuge - (aatmanivedan, sharanagati) - has been shown as one of the forms; just like -

"shravanam, keertanam, vishnosmaranam paadasevanam

archanam vandanam daasyam sakhymaatmanivedanam."  (Srimad. Bhag. 7:5:23) 

1)     Hearing of the Lord's praises and stories,

2)     Kirtana - chanting his name, praises and story,

3)     Smaranam - fixing one's thought on Him

4)     Paadasevanam - Adoring His feet 

5)     Archanam - worshipping an image of the Lord

6)     Vandanam - making obeisance to Him 

7)     Daasya - offering devout service to the Lord 

8)     Sakhyam - cultivation friendship with Him

9)     Aatmanivedanam - Offering one's self to the Lord.

by Swami Ramsukhdasji

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