We hear that śravaṇaṁ (hearing) is the most important aṅga of bhakti, yet we’re also told that practical service (seva) purifies us. How do we know if we’re leaning too much on theoretical knowledge or becoming mechanical in service?
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Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
All the 9 angas of bhakti - sravanam, kirtanam, smaranam, padasevanam, archanam, vandanam, dasyam, sakhyam and atma nivedanam - all are purifying. What is mentioned in scriptures is - it starts with sravanam - waking up a lost soul. Like how we are woken up from sleep with sound, same way soul is awakened by sravanam.
Seva is the practical application of all the theory that we hear and learn. The bhaav with which we do seva tells us our level. You can examine for yourself - whether the service given to you is a chore or it is a pleasure or it is to be done with intense service attitude. If we are happy only reading or hearing lecture with no practical bhajan kriya (practical service), then we are leaning too much on theoritical knowledge. If we are doing so much seva that there is no time to even chant, then we will naturally become mechanical in our service and the service attitude will disappear before we realise.
We have to do all angas of bhakti with the attitude that this is for our purification The obstacles that we receive during service, whether it is chastisement or non cooperation from fellow devotees, is for our purification. Of course, it is not expected that a person realises it in the beginning. But if one persevers with faith, this realisation is sure to come. And with this realisation, spiritual growth is sure to happen.
We should constantly introspect and see what is our bhaav for doing any service.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krsna,
Thank you for your insightful and inspiring post. You have beautifully highlighted the essence of bhakti as both a theoretical and practical journey, where sādhana and seva go hand in hand.
Without honest self-assessment, our service can easily become mechanical or ego-driven. Your reminder to persevere with faith, even when faced with challenges, is a much-needed encouragement for all devotees on this path.
May we all cultivate such a sincere attitude in our service to Śrī Guru and Gaurāṅga.
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Did anyone ask you?
Hare Krsna Prabhu
Hearing also purifies us. In fact, sevice to the Spiritual master according to Srila Prabhupada is to hear from him the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Hari Bol
Yes, i know but it is only limited to me, right? I'm asking from a perspective of other's seva other than listening.
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