Hari OM
Application - that is what 'Workings-days' are about!
The last verse hinted at the presence of things which could interrupt us from our devotion if we are not careful. Those who have great devotion will never give it up - even if there appears to be no reciprocation from the Higher. There is an understanding that any response will not be immediate, and even if it is, could be quite subtle, and thus a constant awareness is required to receive the signals. What is more, in Sanatana Dharma, there are verifiable 'witnesses' to The Truth. These are now stated.
vaTsLyad_ayàdansmyadataRitRinvaRp[at!
AaEdayaRd"zae;[adgi[t ïey> pdàap[at!,
seVy> ïIpitrek @v stt< sNTyÇ ;q!sai][>
à’adí iv_aI;[í kirraq! paÂaLyhLya Øuv>.16.
Vaatsalyaad-abhaya-pradaana-samayaad-aartaarti-nirvaapanaat
Audaaryaad-agha-shoshanaad-aganita shreyaH pada-praapanaat,
sevyaH shriipatir-eka eva satatam santyatra shat-saakshinaH
Prahlaadashcha vibhiishanashcha kariraat paanchaalyahalyaa dhruvaH ||16||
Lord Vishnu, the consort of Wealth, alone is always worthy of worship, due to his affection toward His devotees, giving protection in time, removing afflictions, having generosity, eliminating sins and granting meritorious state. There are six witnesses for these great qualities; they are Prahlaada, Vibhiishana, king of the elephants (Kariraat, a.k.a. Gajendra), Panchaalii, Ahalyaa and Dhruva.
Here is painted a very pictorial expression of compassion which is to be felt from the Lord. It is pure devotion and can seem overwhelming if one is generally reserved in emotions. Think, though, of being first 'in' love, how one gushes and blushes and can see no wrong! This is how the true devotee remains. There is no loss of the 'in' love part of devotion this strong, and it can carry one on to great deeds.
The saints who are named were some prime examples of devotion and what could be achieved in its name as well as the boon of protection from the Lord. Each of their stories is inspiring, and you can click on each of their names above to see those tales when you have finished here today. These were not the sages who studied and questioned and meditated. These were the Lovers of the Lord. It was pure devotion which saved them from their trials and tribulations. Remembering their Lord in the lowest of times, raised their spirits and brought 'darshana'; visions of the Lord and 'rescue'.
SAADHANA;
That is your saadhana for this week. Read at least two of the articles of the great witnesses of faith and consider how you stand in your own faith at the moment.
