Ahamkara vs Bhakti - lessons to learn from Shiva's Bhakti

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 Ahamkara vs. Bhakti: Lessons of Shiva 's Devotion - Ravana the Demon king

In the vast tapestry of Hindu Gods and ancient history, Ravan, the infamous demon king of Lanka, stands as a complex and intriguing figure. Known for his intellect, power, and devotion to Lord Shiva, Ravan's story offers profound insights into the dynamics of pride (ahamkara) and devotion (bhakti).
Ravan's devotion to Lord Shiva was unwavering and profound. He performed intense penance and sought to win the favor of Mahadeva through his prayers and offerings. However, despite his sincere devotion, Ravan's downfall lay in his pride. His ahamkara, or excessive pride in his status as a devotee of Shiva, clouded his judgment and led him astray.
Ravan's ahamkara manifested in various ways throughout his life. His sense of superiority and entitlement fueled his ambition, leading him to commit heinous acts and ultimately challenge the gods themselves. Despite his immense power and knowledge, Ravan's ahamkara blinded him to the consequences of his actions and ultimately led to his downfall.
In contrast to Ravan's story stands the timeless wisdom of bhakti, or devotion. Bhakti teaches us to surrender ourselves completely to the divine, with humility and sincerity. It is a path of love, compassion, and selflessness, where the ego is dissolved in the presence of the divine.
As Lord Shiva himself teaches us, "If your faith is strong and intentions are clean, your heart becomes Kailasha, and I will always reside there." Bhakti, when practiced with purity and humility, opens the door to divine grace and inner transformation. It is a path that transcends ego and leads us to spiritual fulfillment and union with the divine.
The contrast between Ravan's ahamkara and the teachings of bhakti serves as a powerful reminder for spiritual seekers. Ahamkara, when unchecked, leads to arrogance, selfishness, and ultimately, downfall. On the other hand, bhakti cultivates humility, compassion, and selflessness, paving the way for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
As we navigate our own spiritual journeys, let us heed the lessons of Ravan's pride and the wisdom of bhakti. Let us keep our devotion to the divine pure

and sincere, always striving to humble ourselves before the vastness of the universe. Let us remember the words of Lord Shiva and strive to keep our hearts as sacred as Mount Kailash, free from the shadows of pride and ego.
In the end, it is not the strength of our ahamkara that defines us, but the depth of our bhakti and the purity of our hearts.
Har Har Mahadev
Dr Ashwini Chube

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