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Who am I

Success in life begins with knowing, "Who am I? What is the purpose of my life?" Knowledge of the self exists; but sincere seekers are rare. More rare are the great teachers of such wisdom. Since time immemorial, wise men have described our wonderful nature: spiritual, primeval, ever-existing, undying, unchangeable, imperishable. This selection of the writings of Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa (Chris Butler) shares that timeless wisdom — inspiring, challenging , practical.
 
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Home arrow Self Surrender by Bhaktivinode Thakur arrow Self Surrender - The Spiritual Poetry Of Bhaktivinode Thakur (pg 29-32)
Self Surrender - The Spiritual Poetry Of Bhaktivinode Thakur (pg 29-32) PDF Print E-mail

TWENTY-NINE

1
Whatever activity is favorable for devotion to Thee
I will most surely practice with the utmost care.

2
For all things of this world that tend to devotion
Will I cherish liking by way of the portals of the senses.

3
With care will I listen to Thy word,
I will fully employ my eyes in beholding Thy dwelling place.

4
I will nourish my body with food by Thy grace,
I will smell the perfume of the tulsi of the offering.

5
With my hands I will serve Thee always,
In the place where Thou didst abide will I ever dwell.

6
My desire will I employ in Thy service,
I will show my anger to those who are hostile to Thee.

7
May all my faculties and thoughts in this manner,
Augment their influence by serving Thee.

8
May I esteem whatsoever I do in pursuance of Thy service,
As it tends to devotion to Thyself.

9
Bhaktivinode knows neither good nor bad,
May all his activities subserve devotion to Thee.


So a person's entire lifestyle can be dovetailed with his deep purpose in life. Such a person is the controller of his body, not a slave of his senses. Most people are servants of their senses and minds?they are godas (go means ?senses?; das means ?servant?). A bhakti yogi, however, strives to be a goswami (swami means ?master,? and so goswami means ?master of the senses?). A goswami is not dragged around by his senses, but instead uses his senses for his own desired purposes. Although goswami is also a title, in fact the real meaning of goswami is controller of the senses, whether one is externally with the title goswami, brahmachari, householder, or whatever.
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