4. In India the most noble things of life are compared to the lotus. The lotus is the symbol of our culture. The
lotus, though pure and holy, is unattached. Purity and non-attachment are its two-fold
power. We compare every part of the Lord's body with the lotus. We speak of His lotus-eyes, lotus-feet, lotus-hand, lotus-face, lotus-navel,
lotus-heart and lotus-head and by this comparison we impress on our hearts the truth that everywhere beauty,
holiness and non - attachment exist.
5. This Chapter is intended to complete the discipline mentioned in the previous Chapter. When in our efforts
bhakti and awareness of the Self are combined, they become complete. Bhakti is only a part of the way of
effort. Both Self-realization and bhakti are two halves of the same process. The rishi says in the Vedas:
"yo jaagaara tam richah kaamayante
yo jaagaara tamu saamaani yanti."
"The Vedas love him who is awake; they come of themselves to see him." In other words to him who is awake
comes Vedanaraayana, the Lord in the form of the Vedas, jnana comes to him, bhakti comes to him. Jnana
and bhakti are not different from the way of effort. It is shown in this Chapter that these two
principles make effort sweet. Therefore, let us listen with one-pointed mind to this chapter of
bhakti and jnana.
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