How to Inculcate Divine Virtues
Divine Virtues automatically manifest in a devotee.
Virtues like truthfulness, humility, non-violence, patience, compassion, benevolence, gratitude, satisfaction etc. are the attributes of a person of good character. Not only do people propagate these virtues but also strive to cultivate these characteristics within themselves. Even governments of communist countries, who do not believe in God, propagate peace and non-violence.
Our scriptures however, categorically state that these are divine virtues and can only be attained upon God realization. No material being can ever attain these divine virtues.
So the question arises, how can I attain God-realization?
The answer is simple, by turning away from the world of Maya, towards the divine area of God and Guru.
Why is it so important to turn towards God?
A person shivering in the cold may be aware that a fire is burning just a short distance away, but that knowledge alone does not relieve him of the symptoms of cold. Neither does pronouncing the word fire nor thinking about the many virtues of fire help. But as he starts moving closer to the fire, he will start experiencing the warmth of the fire without even saying the word fire or thinking about the qualities of fire. The physical proximity to the fire will naturally bring the required warmth.
It is an undisputed fact that devotion to God is the only way to get closer to God. When the mind is engaged in devotion to God, the mind becomes free of all material afflictions and divine virtues automatically manifest themselves. If your mind is imbued with God then you won't need to put in extra effort to get these virtues.
The Shrimad Bhagavatam says:
Our scriptures however, categorically state that these are divine virtues and can only be attained upon God realization. No material being can ever attain these divine virtues.
So the question arises, how can I attain God-realization?
The answer is simple, by turning away from the world of Maya, towards the divine area of God and Guru.
Why is it so important to turn towards God?
A person shivering in the cold may be aware that a fire is burning just a short distance away, but that knowledge alone does not relieve him of the symptoms of cold. Neither does pronouncing the word fire nor thinking about the many virtues of fire help. But as he starts moving closer to the fire, he will start experiencing the warmth of the fire without even saying the word fire or thinking about the qualities of fire. The physical proximity to the fire will naturally bring the required warmth.
It is an undisputed fact that devotion to God is the only way to get closer to God. When the mind is engaged in devotion to God, the mind becomes free of all material afflictions and divine virtues automatically manifest themselves. If your mind is imbued with God then you won't need to put in extra effort to get these virtues.
The Shrimad Bhagavatam says:
यस्यास्ति भक्तिर्भगवत्यकिञच्ना, सर्वैर्गुणैस्तत्र समासते सुराः ।
हरावभक्तस्य कुतो महद्गुणा, मनोरथेनासति धवतो बहिः ॥
हरावभक्तस्य कुतो महद्गुणा, मनोरथेनासति धवतो बहिः ॥
भा ५.१८.१५
yasyaasti bhaktirbhagavatyakinachna, sarvairgunaistatr samaasate suraah .
haraavabhaktasy kuto mahadguna, manorathenaasati dhavato bahih
haraavabhaktasy kuto mahadguna, manorathenaasati dhavato bahih
bha 5.18.15
Vishwamitra, the greatest rishi of the time, looked at Menaka just once and lost self-control.
"While all divine virtues naturally bloom in the heart of a God realized saint, it is practically impossible for a material being to accomplish these divine virtues, despite making great efforts to do so". Just like a poor person ceases to be poor only when he attains wealth, similarly these divine virtues manifest fully upon God-realization.
Is there any other way to attain these virtues?
Some people strive to restrain their senses and control anger, passion, greed etc., by practicing and exercising their will power. Such people experience some success, but the control on the senses is momentary. For example, Sage Vishwamitra was a great sage, who had complete control over his senses, but just one glance at the celestial nymph Menaka broke that control. Likewise, Saubhuri Muni, Jad Bharata and several other great seers and sages fell from their high pedestals within no time.
Thus, in order to promote the aforesaid divine virtues one has to mentally move closer to God (1). Only He is the ultimate treasure of all the divine virtues. His perfect devotees, called the saints are also endowed with all the attributes of God. Hence, the closer we get to God and Guru the farther we move away from Maya and divine virtues naturally manifest themselves in our heart.
How can we reach closer to God?
God is divine and our senses and mind are material. Obviously, He cannot be perceived with our material senses. First, we have to surrender at the lotus feet of our Guru. Guru will teach us how to cleanse our mind. Cleansing the mind is the process of turning away from the world of Maya and turning towards God(2). When the mind is cleansed of all material attachments then the Guru will secretly grace the soul and infuse divine power. Only then we can perceive God eternally with all the five senses.
In a nut shell, a genuine Guru takes care of ignorant material beings, cuts asunder the veil of Maya and makes the soul worthy of meeting God. The Guru can be compared to a mother who nurtures her daughter and trains her for 18-20 years for a successful future. Once she is old enough and endowed with many qualities then a boy comes, evaluates her worthiness, marries her and takes her away. Just like a mother prepares her daughter, the Guru prepares the devotee to meet God. This is why from the view point of an aspirant of devotion Guru is more important than God (3).
That is why Tulasidas ji firmly asserts:
Is there any other way to attain these virtues?
Some people strive to restrain their senses and control anger, passion, greed etc., by practicing and exercising their will power. Such people experience some success, but the control on the senses is momentary. For example, Sage Vishwamitra was a great sage, who had complete control over his senses, but just one glance at the celestial nymph Menaka broke that control. Likewise, Saubhuri Muni, Jad Bharata and several other great seers and sages fell from their high pedestals within no time.
Thus, in order to promote the aforesaid divine virtues one has to mentally move closer to God (1). Only He is the ultimate treasure of all the divine virtues. His perfect devotees, called the saints are also endowed with all the attributes of God. Hence, the closer we get to God and Guru the farther we move away from Maya and divine virtues naturally manifest themselves in our heart.
How can we reach closer to God?
God is divine and our senses and mind are material. Obviously, He cannot be perceived with our material senses. First, we have to surrender at the lotus feet of our Guru. Guru will teach us how to cleanse our mind. Cleansing the mind is the process of turning away from the world of Maya and turning towards God(2). When the mind is cleansed of all material attachments then the Guru will secretly grace the soul and infuse divine power. Only then we can perceive God eternally with all the five senses.
In a nut shell, a genuine Guru takes care of ignorant material beings, cuts asunder the veil of Maya and makes the soul worthy of meeting God. The Guru can be compared to a mother who nurtures her daughter and trains her for 18-20 years for a successful future. Once she is old enough and endowed with many qualities then a boy comes, evaluates her worthiness, marries her and takes her away. Just like a mother prepares her daughter, the Guru prepares the devotee to meet God. This is why from the view point of an aspirant of devotion Guru is more important than God (3).
That is why Tulasidas ji firmly asserts:
गुरु बिनु भव निधि तरई न कोई, जो विरन्चि शंकर सम होई ॥
guru binu bhav nidhi taree na koee, jo biranchi shankar sam hoee
guru binu bhav nidhi taree na koee, jo biranchi shankar sam hoee
"Even the most competent one, endowed with the knowledge equivalent to Lord Brahma (creator) and Lord Shankar (annihilator) cannot traverse the ocean of Maya without the grace of a genuine spiritual master".
So, for inculcating divine virtues, it is mandatory to practice devotion under the guidance of a genuine saint.
Attaining God is the only way to permanently attain all divine virtues.
So, for inculcating divine virtues, it is mandatory to practice devotion under the guidance of a genuine saint.
Attaining God is the only way to permanently attain all divine virtues.
