Re: Need help for a fresh start
Dear Bharava8,
So I'm asking for help. How do I be a devotee of Lord Shiva and simply excel at learning and growing as a Hindu.
I am breaking your question into these sub-questions and their answers :
1. How to be a devotee : Love God with all your heart. But before you can do that you must know who and what is God, right ? Unlike what is taught in Abrahimic religions, God in Hindu Dharma is not a being separate from its creation. The creator is the essence of the creation ... there is nothing in this universe which is devoid of that essence. So, there is no need to go to anywhere to find God and love Him. See Him alone in all forms, all names, all activities. Love Him in all His creations. Love God within you ... trying looking within during meditation, cut yourself all from all worldly disturbances and just feel His Omnipresence. You cannot be a true devotee unless you can sacrifice everything for the love of God. Please mark the word, "Can" ... it is not "shall". So, detachment from worldly pleasures, achievements, egoistic feelings, wealth, carnal pleasures etc. is the way to true devotion. If detachment is required then there must be equal amount of attachment to something ? Yes. Attach yourself in helping people, animals, trees, flowers and the whole universe with whatever capacity you have to help them happy, help them grow and help them free from their problems --- develop compassion towards one and all.
2. How to become devotee of Shiva ? - Do whatever is stated above with Lord Shiva's form in mind. BTW, Lord Shiva is worshiped as Infinite, without form and attributeless Brahman and also as one of the trinity in Devloka. Choose what suits you. Remember, God becomes what you think of him.
3. Simply excel at learning and growing as Hindu - Just tell yourself that you are a Hindu to the core. Know about Hindu festivals, vrats (fasting days/occasions) and celebrate and perform pooja and fasting as required, believe in Laws of Karma (what you reap is what you sow). Be regular to any Hindu group/temple. It is not necessary that the Hindus must be Indians. Choose any Hindu group that suits you. Be good to others. See good in others. Believe in this Mantra :
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah,
Sarve bhavantu nirAmayAh |
Sarve bdrAni pashyantu,
Na Kshchid dukhbhavbhavet ||
Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih !
==> May all be happy ! May all be healthy ! May we see good in all ! May no one suffer from any pangs of sufferings ! Let there be peace all over, let there be peace, let there be peace !!
and finally, keep reading, visiting this forum, discussing and practising everything about Hindu Dharma.
OM
"Om Namo Bhagvate Vaasudevaye"
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