STRESS AND BHAKTI : DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The words health, well being, stress management, welfare, holistic renaissance, superliving etc; are used by us in a casual and superficial manner. Even if we are honest; we are ignorant. We have no experience any of these; in true sense!

This is true for the word bhakti also!

Many of us conceive it as a gullible and impractical activity or a neurotic endeavor; suitable for the illiterates. But this is not true.

What is bhakti?

Bhakti is the firsthand experience of well being in true sense! It is intense, wholesome, selfless, universally benevolent and immortal state; in which a person transcends the individuality or subjectivity! There is no sectarianism, no prejudice, no hatred, no vengeance, no fear, no expectation…no trace of pettiness! Every moment; he or she exudes objective universal benevolence; divine love.

The presence of such a person (bhakta) SURELY catapults the others to well being in true sense; the immortal bliss.

We all; evolve or progress through the grace of Guru (gurukrupa) from our casual, superficial and petty life; to increasingly holistic thinking, feelings, instincts and behavior; only to realize that we are far away from the truth!

Gradually; every thought and effort of ours towards superliving, holistic renaissance or Total Stress Management or Total Well Being; at individual and global level; reminds us that it all is still a superficial and peripheral ‘stepping stone’! True health, true well being i.e. our true aspiration is actual firsthand experience of the submission to our guru; and His krupa!

This is bhakti; the culmination (and not substitution) of every effort and aspiration in life; and it is the greatest bounty of Guru. It is our greatest fortune if we could experience even a semblance of it! Hence; it has to be most important, dearest, singular and exclusive pursuit in our life.