WHO IS DEAR TO GOD

Kolar Krishna Iyer

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says :
"Ever content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, possessed of firm conviction, with the mind and intellect dedicated to me, he, my devotee is dear to me. (XII-14)

He by whom the world is not agitated and to who cannot be agitated by the world, and who is freed from joy, anger, fear and anxiety - he is dear to me. (XII-15)

He who is free from wants, pure, expert, unconcerned, and free from pain, renouncing all undertakings or commencements - he who is thus devoted to me, is dear to me. (XII-16)

He who neither rejoices, nor hates, nor grieves, nor desires, renouncing good and evil, and who is full of devotion, is dear to me. (XII-17)

He who is the same to foe and friend, and also in honour and dishonour, who is the same in cold and heat, and in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment and repulsion.

He to whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, of a steady mind, and full of devotion - that man is dear to me. (XII-19)

They verily who follow this immortal Dharma as described above, endowed with faith, regarding me as their supreme goal, they the devotees, are exceedingly dear to me (XII-20)

The nine kinds of Bhagavata Dharma the modes of devotion are :

1. Sravanam : Hearing the lilas (glorious and divine sports) of the Lord.
2. Kirtanam : Sing His names.
3. Smaranam : constant remembrance of the Lord and constant repetition of His names and mantras.
4. Padasevanam : service of His feet.
5. Archanam : Offering flowers in worship.
6. Vandanam : doing prostrations to the Lord.
7. Dasyam : becoming his servant.
8. Sakhyam : Friendship with him.
9. Atmanivedanam : Doing total self-surrender to the Lord.