(Post 03)
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/May_Jun/v1.ShivaPhilosophyDevotion)
The scriptures are full of such descriptions evincing the ultimate, eternal power of Lord Shiva.
But what has happened today?
We also worship and offer our devotion to Lord Shiva, still we remain afflicted by so many difficulties and sufferings.
Why isn't the divine grace of Shiva bestowed upon us?
Why and how we have lost the righteous path and sullied our lives, despite being His devotees?
When will God uplift us?
I myself was once quite puzzled by such questions and doubts in my mind. But soon a story from Shiva Puran clarified all my doubts and conveyed me the answers.
Why our devotion is of no avail?
I had read it while translating the eighteen Puranas from Sanskrit to Hindi. It clarified to me why our devotion to Lord Shiva does not result in the kinds of miraculous boons our ancestors were receiving.
Why don't we see any signs of His generous boons, which were so easily showered in the ancient times on anyone who did tapa for His grace?
It is not that people like you and me are per se debarred from receiving such boons; rather, it is the:
- fault in our approach,
- the half-heartedness of our dedication,
- insincerity of our devotion, and
- the shaky nature of our faith
that hinder accomplishment of our sadhana.
(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/May_Jun/v1.ShivaPhilosophyDevotion)
The scriptures are full of such descriptions evincing the ultimate, eternal power of Lord Shiva.
But what has happened today?
We also worship and offer our devotion to Lord Shiva, still we remain afflicted by so many difficulties and sufferings.
Why isn't the divine grace of Shiva bestowed upon us?
Why and how we have lost the righteous path and sullied our lives, despite being His devotees?
When will God uplift us?
I myself was once quite puzzled by such questions and doubts in my mind. But soon a story from Shiva Puran clarified all my doubts and conveyed me the answers.
Why our devotion is of no avail?
I had read it while translating the eighteen Puranas from Sanskrit to Hindi. It clarified to me why our devotion to Lord Shiva does not result in the kinds of miraculous boons our ancestors were receiving.
Why don't we see any signs of His generous boons, which were so easily showered in the ancient times on anyone who did tapa for His grace?
It is not that people like you and me are per se debarred from receiving such boons; rather, it is the:
- fault in our approach,
- the half-heartedness of our dedication,
- insincerity of our devotion, and
- the shaky nature of our faith
that hinder accomplishment of our sadhana.
