|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 302 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  153

Nimi Navayogi Samvadham

King Nimi speaks “ Oh! Bhagavath Priya, kindly describe the methods of Bhakti/devotion,  what’s true devotion? and who’re passionate devotees of Lord?”

Navayogi Hari speaks “Oh! Rajan, there three types of devotees, Uththama Bhakta/superior one, Madhyama Bhakta/moderate one, and Prakritha/Adhama Bhakta/inferior one.  The superior devotee/Uththama Baktha is one who envisions the presence of supreme Lord in all living and non-living things and constantly remembers the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in him/her.  The moderate one/Madhyama Bhakta is one who have faith in God, cultivates good companionship with the devotees of Lord, and will have a desire to elevate the souls with the knowledge of the presence of Supreme Lord as a soul in living beings, and has the ability to tolerate disgrace and unpleasant things in life and considers them as the grace of the Supreme Lord, ability to keep silent and not to retreat others with harsh words.  The Prakritha Bhakta/inferior one is the person who conducts idol or image worship/without the knowledge of the presence of Paramathma in him, conducts sincere veneration of Lord Hari, and refrain from the association of saintly ones and Sadhus, and live a selfish life.”

Archayameva Haraye Poojam Ya: Shradhdhayehathe | Na  Thadh Bhaktheshu Chanyeshu Sa Bhaktha: Prakritha: Smritha: ||

Navayogi Hari continues “Oh! Rajan, I shall describe the nature of sincere devotee, is one who has perfect control over senses, and accepts all that happenings in life as the grace of the Supreme Lord, are considered as Bhagavathoththama.   The person who performs all the duties and responsibilities as a service to Lord, and live in the material world without getting attached to it, and make one’s own heart as the abode of Vasudeva/Vasudevanilayam. Whoever follows the prescribed rite of Varnnashrama, and the spiritual and religious rites, without arrogance or pride, is beloved of Lord Hari. Even though if you own the wealth of the three worlds, if your virtues are like deities or mind and intellect is not soaked in worldly matters and bondage, and you cannot take away your mind and intellect from the lotus feet of Supreme Lord, even for a second, is considered as Bhagavathoththama.  Therefore, the true devotees fasten the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord with their intense love and devotion upon him, with the regular practice of the devotion and meditation eventually attains supreme bliss.”