|
Devotees are of four types. Rather, devotion has four stages in its evolution. Devotees of the four levels are described to be Aartaas (devotees in distress when they are almost on the verge of death or dishonour) like Gajendra, Draupadi and Savitri (whose husband was on deathbed). They pray to God very ardently and the prayers are never unanswered. Next, we have Artharthis or devotees seeking fulfilment of desires such as Kuchela and Dhruva who seek wealth and recognition. Jijnasu is one who seeks knowledge about God like Uddhava, Arjuna, Maitreyi and Gargi. Finally there are Jnana Bhaktas like Sri Anjaneya and Prahlada.
All the four pray. It is an evolution from prayer for protection of life to prayer for the sake of prayer. Gajendra wanted to be saved from the jaws of death. But Prahlada remained unperturbed even amidst fire. His prayer is for the sake of prayer, which is the highest form of prayer.
In between the Aartaas and the Jnanis there are seekers of gifts and boons ranging from the monetary to intellectual benefits. As we evolve, we blossom in the full glow of Bhakti for the sake of Bhakti or prayer for the sake of prayer.
"God is the Kalpataru, the Wish-fulfilling Tree. You will certainly get whatever you ask of Him. But you must pray standing near the Kalpataru. Only then will your prayer be fulfilled. But you must remember another thing. God knows our inner feeling. A man gets the fulfillment of the desire he cherishes, while practising sadhana. As one thinks, so one receives. Pray to God. He is full of compassion. Will He not listen to the words of His devotee? He is the Kalpataru. You will get whatever you desire from Him." --- Sri Ramakrishna
| 
