How do YOU Surrender to GOD? 6 Inspiring Stories by Swami Mukundananda | Draupadi Story | PYS Part 2

Summary

The concept of Sharanagati, or total surrender to God, is explored through six key principles. These include desiring in alignment with God's will, refraining from desiring against His plan, having unwavering faith in His protection, expressing gratitude for His grace, recognizing everything belongs to Him, and relinquishing pride in one's actions. Illustrated with insightful stories and teachings, the message emphasizes that true devotion comes from accepting God's will without complaint, trusting in His care, and practicing humility. Sharanagati leads to spiritual peace and liberation, as it fosters a deep connection to the divine and a life of surrender and trust.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sharanagati is the concept of complete surrender to God's will, involving six core aspects that must be fully embraced.
• 😀 The first point of Sharanagati is to align your desires with God's will, accepting whatever He chooses for you without complaint.
• 😀 The second point stresses the importance of not desiring anything against God's will, even during times of hardship or suffering.
• 😀 Faith in God's protection is crucial—believing that He is always watching over you, similar to a child trusting their father as the pilot of an airplane.
• 😀 The fourth point emphasizes gratitude for all the blessings and grace that God bestows upon us, recognizing even the simplest things as gifts.
• 😀 It is essential to realize that everything in life belongs to God, and the sense of personal ownership is an illusion.
• 😀 Practicing Sharanagati means letting go of the ego, especially the pride of doing good, and recognizing that any success is due to God's grace.
• 😀 The story of Bhagwan Ram and the frog highlights how accepting the consequences of karma without complaining is an essential aspect of Sharanagati.
• 😀 Gratitude is key—recognizing the countless blessings God has provided, like oxygen, which we often take for granted.
• 😀 Humility is the final point of Sharanagati—do not take credit for any good deeds, as everything is achieved by God's grace and not by personal effort.

Q & A

What is Sharanagati and what does it involve?

Sharanagati is the concept of total surrender to God. It involves aligning one’s will with God’s, accepting whatever comes as His will, and living with faith, humility, and gratitude. It has six key aspects, which guide a devotee's actions and mindset.

What is the first aspect of Sharanagati?

The first aspect of Sharanagati is to desire in accordance with God’s will. It means that a devotee should align their desires with what God wants, just as Mirabai demonstrated through her complete devotion to Lord Krishna, accepting whatever He gives—whether happiness, sorrow, or prosperity.

How does the concept of desiring in accordance with God's will relate to accepting both good and bad situations?

Desiring in accordance with God’s will means accepting both the joys and hardships of life as His will. A devotee should not complain when faced with challenges but should trust that all experiences, positive or negative, are part of God’s plan for spiritual growth.

What is the second aspect of Sharanagati?

The second aspect is to avoid desiring against God’s will. This involves refraining from complaining or resisting God’s plan, even in difficult times. A devotee should understand that any situation, even hardship, is part of divine justice and their own karmic journey.

How can we avoid desiring against God’s will when faced with difficulty?

We avoid desiring against God’s will by cultivating patience, acceptance, and trust in His plan. Instead of resisting or complaining about tough situations, we should accept them as part of our spiritual journey, believing that they are necessary for our growth.

What is the third aspect of Sharanagati?

The third aspect of Sharanagati is having unwavering faith in God’s protection. This faith is illustrated through the story of a little girl on a plane, who is calm during turbulence because she trusts that the pilot, whom she considers her father, will safely take her home. Similarly, a devotee trusts that God, as the eternal protector, will always take care of them.

How does faith in God's protection make surrender easier?

Faith in God’s protection helps to surrender more easily because it removes fear and anxiety. When a devotee truly believes that God is always caring for them and guiding them, they can face life’s challenges without worry, knowing they are in safe hands.

What is the fourth aspect of Sharanagati?

The fourth aspect is feeling gratitude for all the graces that God bestows. This includes recognizing the divine nature of everything we receive, from the air we breathe to the opportunities we have. The story of a man paying a bill for oxygen in a hospital illustrates the importance of being grateful for the many gifts God gives us, often without asking for anything in return.

Why is it important to feel gratitude in the practice of Sharanagati?

Gratitude is crucial because it helps a devotee recognize God's grace in every aspect of life. When we are grateful for even the smallest blessings, we acknowledge God’s presence and benevolence in our lives, fostering a deeper connection and devotion.

What is the fifth aspect of Sharanagati?

The fifth aspect is to think that all we have belongs to God. This understanding removes the illusion of ownership and ego. Everything in the world, from possessions to life itself, is ultimately a gift from God, and acknowledging this helps to cultivate humility and surrender.

How does the belief that everything belongs to God impact a devotee’s mindset?

This belief helps a devotee detach from materialism and ego. By recognizing that nothing truly belongs to them, they can live more humbly and focus on serving God, understanding that all they have is temporary and divinely granted.

What is the sixth and final aspect of Sharanagati?

The sixth aspect is to give up the pride of having performed acts of devotion (sadhana). A devotee should not take pride in their spiritual practices or accomplishments, but rather, recognize that all success comes from God’s grace, and any mistakes are due to their own limitations.

Why is humility important in the practice of Sharanagati?

Humility is essential because it prevents pride and ego from interfering with the surrender process. By acknowledging that all spiritual progress is due to God’s grace and accepting one’s imperfections, a devotee cultivates a deeper and more authentic surrender to the divine.

How does the concept of Sharanagati relate to controlling the mind and achieving success?

Sharanagati helps control the mind by focusing it on God and His will. When a devotee practices the six aspects of surrender—desiring in alignment with God’s will, accepting His plan, having faith in His protection, feeling gratitude, acknowledging His ownership of all, and remaining humble—they are able to overcome mental distractions and achieve spiritual success.