With Bhakti, our instruments should always serve the absolute truth

I am the Self dwelling within this body. That Self is the ultimate truth, the all-pervading Divine. To recognize this Inner Indweller, the body, senses, and mind must be used in the right direction—just as tools are meant to be used purposefully.

What are the senses? They are the instruments—ear, nose, tongue, eyes, and skin—through which we perceive the world. They naturally pull us towards both necessary and unnecessary objects. Therefore, they must be trained to seek truth alone. This is done by using our intellect to steady the mind through devotion, contemplation, and prayer.

With the verse below in Telugu, Bammera Pothana teaches us:“Without devotion to Viṣṇu, the body, speech, hands, eyes, and even one’s birth fail to hold their true worth.”

Let us recite this poem and put its meaning into action. Applying knowledge is the essence of Sanātana Dharma.

**Kaṅjākṣunakuṁ gāni kāyambu kāyamē?; pavanaguṁphita carmabhāstri gāka;

Vaikunṭhuṁ bogaḍani vaktrambu vaktramē?; ḍamaḍamadhvanitōḍi ḍakka gāka;

Haripūjanamu lēni hastambu hastamē?; taruśākhā-nirmita darvi gāka?

Kamaleśuṁ jūḍani kannulu kannulē?; tanukuḍya-jāla-randhramulu gāka;

Cakricinta lēni janmambu janmamē? tarala-salila-budbudambu gāka;

Viṣṇubhakti lēni vibudhuṁḍu vibudhuṁḍē? pādayugamu-tōḍi paśuvu gāka.**

1. If we do not use our body in the service of Vishnu—the lotus-eyed Lord—can it truly be called a body? No. It becomes useless, like a leather bag merely filled with air.

2. A mouth that does not praise the Lord of Vaikunṭha—is that a real mouth? It is just like a hollow drum that only makes meaningless noise.

3. A hand that does not worship Hari—can it be called a true hand? No. It is just like a lifeless wooden ladle carved from a tree branch.

4. Eyes that do not behold Kamaleśa (Vishnu)—are they really eyes? They are merely tiny holes in the body, like windows in a wall.

5. A life that does not meditate upon the Lord who wields the discus—is it a true human birth? It is like a water bubble—fleeting, meaningless, and soon to vanish.

6. A scholar who lacks devotion to Viṣṇu—can he be considered truly wise? No. He is merely an animal that happens to walk on two legs, without divine understanding.

Written by: Hindumitra Dr. Malladi Srinivāsa Śāstri