17. Four Types of Devotees

 


Krishna says that there are four types of devotees. The first one wants to come out of the difficulties and misery he is facing in life. The second one desires to have physical possessions and worldly pleasures. Most devotees fall into these two categories irrespective of culture, gender, belief systems etc.

Krishna says that these two kinds of devotees pray and perform rituals to various devatas. It is akin to approaching the right doctor based on the ailment one is suffering from. Krishna further says that the desires of these devotees are fulfilled because of their shraddha. It is in essence, a form of surrender.

The following example will illustrate shraddha. Two farmers who have adjacent farms decide to dig a well to irrigate their farms. The first farmer would dig for a day or two and upon not finding any water would change the location to start digging afresh. The second farmer persistently kept digging at the same place. By the end of the month, the first farmer is left with many ditches on his farm, and the second one gets water from the well. Even when our senses don’t find anything tangible (like water in this case), it is inner shraddha that keeps us moving as in the case of the second farmer. Shraddha is a fearless positive force and free of doubt.

Krishna hints that he is behind this shraddha which results in success. Shraddha in our relationships, family and professional lives has the power to achieve miracles.

The third kind of devotee is about to cross the boundary of desires. He is a curious person and seeks knowledge of self. The fourth kind is a jnani (a wise one) and he has crossed the boundary of desires. He sees the Lord in everything and everywhere as he has attained union with the Almighty.

 

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