The effect of Maya automatically deludes by placing before an individual many options as goals in life which are easily believed as not only important but also as true and enduring. But the spiritually inclined are able to discriminate between the ephemeral and the eternal and are determined to seek only the ultimate goal, liberation, pointed out Sri Damodhara Dikshitar in a discourse.
The narratives in the Bhagavata Purana reiterate this truth to help the jivatma see the way Maya ties one to samsara and how propitiating the Lord and being in His service is the best haven of refuge. Prithu’s great grandson, Prachina Barhis, reputed for upholding dharma and for serving his subjects, asks his ten sons, known as Prachetasas, to set out into the world and propagate the race. The ten brothers are staunch devotees of the Lord and proceed westwards where they reach Narayanasaras, a sacred lake frequented by Siva for worship of Narayana. They are wonder struck and pleasantly surprised to see Siva rise from this lake.
Siva is equally happy about their selfless devotion to Lord Narayana. He imparts the sacred Rudra Gita to them, wherein the path to liberation through bhakti for its own sake is explained. Intense devotion to the Lord, with no desire for any worldly gain or benefit, is a sure and easy means to win His Grace. This is the spirit of devotional fervour one sees in Tirunavukkarasar who typifies the Dasa marga of worship, which rests on the permanent bond of servant and master between himself and Siva.
Accordingly, each one fulfils his enjoined duties. When he realises that God showers His grace on him though he is most undeserving simply because he is a servant, he is so overwhelmed and this act of kindness in turn makes him understand his role, which is to only serve Him wholeheartedly.
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