9 : PUSTI BHAKTI A SIMPLE WAY OF VAISHNAVA LIVING

Chap 9 : PUSTI BHAKTI A SIMPLE WAY OF VAISHNAVA LIVING
What is meant by Pusti marga ? The Scriptures describe "Pusti" as Poshanam Tadanugraha; translated it means : "To receive the Grace of the Lord".
Basing on these scriptural writings, Sri Vallabhacharya, - the founder of the PustiBhakti Marga - asserted that "Bhagavad dharma" or the system of religious life is a form of His Grace and called it "Pusti".
The importance of "Pusti" is realised when a person attains creditable results though he is left without any means.
This 'Grace of the Lord' removes all obstructions and obstacles that come in the way of attaining or realising the Lord.
It is stated that this 'Grace of the Lord' transcends the limits of Time, actions and nature.
There is a unique kind of Grace which enables mortals to achieve the form of the Divine Being. The form of devotion which is the result of this special Grace is known as "Pusti Bhakti". In this system Grace is the controlling factor.
Even as Ganges transcends the ranges of Himalayas and finally merges with the ocean, the actions of mortals should set aside the limits and obstacles that come in the way of his life and progress towards the ultimate reality. This attempt is known as Bhaktiyoga.
The Pusti Bhakti is recognised by the single fact that the devotee desires for no other effect than attaining the form of the Supreme Being.
Sri Vallabhacharya has described the four-fold aspect of "Pusti Bhakti". The first is "Pusti Misra Jiva" who is all knowing; the second one is "Pravaha Misra Jiva" who is dedicated to action; the third one is "Maryada Misra Jiva", who is the embodiment of good qualities.
The fourth is unique and called "Sudha Jiva" and is bathed in love - love for the Divine Being. He advises the ordinary jivas to strive and achieve "Pusti Bhakti" and try to acquire that knowledge which helps in advancing devotion towards the Lord. The aim of the devotee should be Service of the Lord. He further adds that "Sudha-Bhakti" is very rare and
























only selected few receive the unprecedented Grace of the Lord.
In this particular Bhakti system all other means become of secondary importance. By the Grace of the Lord alone all accomplishments available in the world and mentioned in Vedas could be achieved. In this system the Lord would never consider the qualification of devotee nor will HE delay in accepting him.
The most unique part of this system is that a devotee will never attempt to find any drawbacks in the creation or actions of the Lord.
Again in this system a devotee will never crave for material benefits nor seek for celestial gains. He will not care for the fruits of his actions. He will desire for the joyful state of his Divine Lord. What else a Pusti Bhakti Jiva ask for when the Lord extends HIS Grace even without the worthiness of the jiva and of HIS free will woo him.
Where the pure Pusti Bhakti sentiment is at ascendence a devotee need not even to seek direct communion with the Lord to experience the "Rasa Bhava" (an emotion of love sentiment) of "Sachidahanda" Swarupa.
A devotee will be aware of his intense attachment for the Lord. All other mundane things will be lost to him. When a Pusti Jiva will concentrate all his sense organs, mind and the subconscionsness into one Reality, that unity is in itself capable of producing results. There will be no wonder if such Sudha Pusti Jiva will claim of direct communion with the Lord.
Whether they enjoy the Bliss (Ananda) in union with the Lord or suffer pangs in separation with HIM, a Sudha Pusti Bhakti Jiva will always treat his body as a means for the service of the Lord.
It is said that in this Bhakti Marga the intensity of the longing to be one with the Supreme Being would be more when the devotee pines for the Lord than when he will remain in constant union with HIM, union with the person of the Lord gives rise to pride while separation from HIM generates humility. Humility born out of separation assists in the manifestation of the Lord, Hence it is sought by the devotees.
As an ultimate sacrifice a devotee relinquishes all material objects and dedicates everything to the Lord. The devotee no longer cherishes any material desires. He dedicates his life with utter surender at the feet of Lord.























The day a Pusti devotee raises above all material passions and frees himself from 'I' ness and mineness and accepts the life as a mode of living essential in helping him in the service of the Lord, then it is said that he has achieved the impossible.
The true claimant of Pusti Bhakti is he on whom the Lord showers HIS Grace. The Grace of the Lord is not visible. Its presence can be guessed on the basis of the actions of a jiva. The very interest shown towards the objects related to HIM, denote, the Grace of Lord. For without that very Grace a jiva will never turn his mind towards the Lord.