Second Shower of Rain

Growth of the Bhakti Creeper

Sadhana Bhakti Klesa-ghni: destruction of suffering and causes of suffering Subha-da: appearance of good qualities

Five Causes of Suffering Avidya or ignorance: to mistake that which is impermanent to be permanent, to mistake that which is full of misery to be blissful and to mistake what is not the self to be the self Asmita or false ego: identify with the body Raga: attachment to material happiness and methods that will provide it

Dvesa or hatred: the aversion to unhappiness or the causes of unhappiness Abhinivesa: an instinctive clinging to life and a fear of death.

The Five Klesas lead to actions which produce suffering in 4 stages: aprarabdha rudha bija prarabdha

Subha da Subha means spiritual qualities. disinterest in material affairs interest in the Supreme Lord mercy, forgiveness, respect, truth, simplicity, equanimity, fortitude, gravity, humility etc.

First Stages in Bhakti Sraddha: Faith Sadhu sanga: Association Anistita Bhajana Kriya: Unsteady Practice

Faith Sraddha is firm trust in the import of the bhakti scriptures. Sraddha is genuine desire to undertake the activities described in those scriptures. Either of these types of faith may arise naturally or suddenly by external factors.

Sadhu sanga Taking shelter of the lotus feet of the spiritual master, the faithful beginner in bhakti inquires from him about proper conduct. By following his guru's instructions – that person associates in friendship with devotees of his own status –finds shelter in the association of more realized devotees.

Bhajana kriya: Practice Two Varieties: –unsteady (anisthita) –and steady (nisthita).

Anisthita Symptoms false confidence (utsaha mayi) sporadic endeavour (ghana tarala) indecision (vyudha vikalpa) struggle with maya (visaya sangara) inability to uphold vows (niyama aksama) enjoying the waves (taranga rangini)