There’s a simple, yet profound joy in witnessing the transformative power of daily practices. It’s akin to sowing a seed and watching it sprout with diligent care. In our ongoing series on inner harmony, we delve into the concept of transformation – a significant change in character or condition.
Transformation, or ‘parivartana’ in Sanskrit, is often misunderstood as a fleeting change, like the temporary enthusiasm one might experience post-seminar. However, true transformation is a substantial and lasting shift starting from our core, much like a tree that matures and bears fruits.
The ancient Vedic literature posits that such transformation is systemic, observable through the ‘fruits’ or symptoms it produces. For instance, the Mundaka Upanishad describes knowledge as the sharpened axe that helps one cut asunder the fetters of ignorance, leading to a profound inner change.
But let’s be clear, transformation is not always positive by default. It is a neutral term, suggesting a shift that could lead towards either growth or decline. The key is to direct this transformation positively by conscious effort, guided by knowledge and practice.
In this light, let’s explore bhakti-yoga, a transformative practice that aims at reorienting our focus towards what is most valuable. Derived from the root ‘bhaj’, bhakti is the act of devoting one’s attention, heart, and actions to the divine. It’s about aligning our deepest values with our daily activities.
As we engage in bhakti-yoga, we begin a transformation that transcends mere habit alteration. It’s an evolution of consciousness. The Bhagavad Gita (6.47) extols the yogi who, imbued with great faith, worships with inner transcendental love, as the most intimately united with Krishna in yoga and is the highest of all.
Through such practices, we can transform not just our character but our very condition. Like a lotus rises unstained from murky waters, bhakti allows us to rise above the mundane, to a plane of higher, spiritual existence. It’s about sublimating the lower for the higher, the temporal for the eternal.
In closing, remember that transformation is a journey, not a destination. Each small step we take in our practice, in our focus on what’s most valuable, brings us closer to that state of yoga – the ultimate union with the divine. Let’s embrace this journey with open hearts and see where it takes us. Together, let’s cultivate a transformation that lasts; taking us to the highest possibilities of our existence.
Please drop me a note with your realizations or if you have any questions/comments using Ask Vaish form. I would really like to hear from you.
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