What Should Be the Nature of a Sadhak?

We chant naam for hours, but when it comes to behavior, the same old deceit and anger emerge. Have you ever thought about why your years of sadhana have not been able to change your 'nature'? The only measure of true bhakti's success is 'simplicity'.

1. 'Inner and Outer Being One' is True Simplicity

On the spiritual path, 'simplicity' is not a weakness, but rather that purity of inner consciousness where a sadhak's internal intention and outer speech become one. For a sadhak, the most destructive thing is a double personality. When your heart is dwelling on something different while you outwardly display something else, you are spiritually lifeless. Guilelessness is the foundation upon which the mansion of bhakti stands. Your words and deeds should be one.

2. The Fatal Mixture of Sweet Speech and a 'Sharp Knife'

In society and often among sadhaks as well, a great 'cunning' is seen—speech sweet as honey, but a 'sharp knife' in the heart. Some people will flatter you by calling you "Avatar" or "God," but hidden within them is the tendency to betray. A sadhak should understand that with such cleverness you can deceive the world, but not that 'all-knowing Lord' who is intimately acquainted with every corner of your heart. If you harbor deceit within while appearing sweet on the outside, you are moving away from the Lord. God is not pleased by cunning, but by the simplicity of the heart.

3. The Transformation of Nature is the Measure of Bhajan's Success

Bhajan's true effect should fall upon our 'karana sharira' (causal body), because that is where our 'nature' is formed. If your efforts, your speech, and your perspective have not changed, then it means your bhajan has not yet matured. A true worshipper is one whose bhajan becomes merged in their nature. When naam jap and contemplation of the Lord's leelas flow continuously, the nature naturally becomes tender and guileless. If even after years the cunning remains the same, then examine yourself—are you truly doing bhajan, or are you just part of a pretense?

4. Simplicity Even in Adverse Circumstances

There was a person who behaved in an extremely bitter and harsh manner towards the saints. People were amazed that no one became angry with him or removed him. To this the saints gave a remarkable reasoning—"If the other person does not wish to abandon their nature of harshness and enmity, why should we abandon our nature of simplicity and joy?" This is the pinnacle of spiritual maturity. Our behavior should not be a reaction to others' conduct, but an expression of our own inner qualities. Even if the world does not immediately understand you, remain steadfast in your simplicity; ultimately, it is this very nature that will win over the Lord.

5. God is Subject to 'Simplicity'

In spirituality, simplicity is that supreme power which breaks down the wall of ego. God does not come under the control of any cunning or intellectual knowledge. He is subject only to that simple heart which harbors no 'concealment'. When a sadhak becomes one from within and without, they become 'guileless' and because of this guilelessness, the Lord becomes indebted to them. The Lord being subject to the devotee is not a weakness, but rather the pinnacle of love where the devotee's simplicity outweighs the Lord's majesty.

Conclusion

The path of spirituality is a path of self-improvement, not of display. If your bhakti is not making your behavior tender, if you still keep 'honey' in your speech and a 'knife' in your heart, then you are very far from truth. To meet the Lord, there is no need for any special cleverness, only the need to erase the difference between your inner and outer self.

Original article: bhajanmarg.com