Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji:
It is imperative for man to have shraddha and bhakti (devotion) towards God. We observe that some cultivate a desire for moksha even from childhood. Inclination towards visiting sacred places, taking bath in sacred rivers and tanks come naturally for such persons. This is a result of antecedent punya accumulated over several births. It is called mumuksha lakshanam.
पुण्यक्षेत्रेषु या बुद्धिः पुण्यतीर्थेषु या रुचिः ।
मोक्षधर्मेषु या श्रद्धा मुमुक्षालक्षणं हि तत् ॥
Such a mumukshu may sometimes have doubts while learning subtle truths. He should not attempt to unravel them by himself. Instead, he must get them cleared by experienced persons well versed in the Sastras.
तीव्रा मुमुक्षा यद्यस्ति प्रज्ञामान्द्यं च वर्तते ।
सच्छास्त्रविद्वच्चर्चाभिः प्रथमं तन्निवारयेत् ॥
Approaching a person who has no such authority will bear no fruit. In fact, it may even entail sin.
यथाधिकारविहितं कर्म सिद्ध्यति चान्यथा ।
कार्यसिद्धिर्न जायेत प्रत्यवायो महान्भवेत् ॥
Therefore, one with a desire for moksha should move only with like-minded persons. This develops satsanga and strengthens mutual understanding. This is known as sadhu sanga. In the first place, special grace of Bhagavan is absolutely essential for moksha. It is but proper that one who has earned Bhagavan’s grace should engage in noble actions and must dedicate the results to Bhagavan. By this one can attain chitta shuddhi (purity of mind) and advance in adhyatma (Self-knowledge).
न हि कश्चिद् भवेन्मुक्तः ईश्वरानुग्रहं विना ।
ईश्वरानुग्रहादेव मुक्तिरित्येष निश्चयः ॥
(Source: Voice of Jagadguru)
23/11/2024
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