Today I am inspired to write about Shri Gurudev's lotus feet. My experience has been that even under very tough situations and emotionally draining situations, just allowing the mind to dwell for few seconds on Shri Gurudev's lotus feet creates wonders. Dryness, despair, restlessness and desires get automatically replaced with Devotion, Hope, Happiness and Fearlessness. And for a devotee, Shri Gurudev's lotus FEET are both the means and the final destination. THEY are both the path to the realization and the realization itself.
"Guru Paduka Panchakam", which comes in the beginning of "Shri Guru Gita", very beautifully explains the mystical power of Shri Gurudev's lotus feet. One of the stanzas says that Shri Gurudev's lotus feet can give immediate liberation. Just reciting this panchakam transforms the outlook of a devotee for good.
For a devotee, if his mind cannot dwell on Shri Gurudev's lotus feet, then it is the most unfortunate thing. This has been most beautifully expressed by Adi Shankaracharya in "Shri Guru Paduka Ashtakam". A couplet from this ashtakam is as follows:
Manasena lagnam Guruangre Padme
Thatha Kim Thatha Kim Thatha Kim Thatha Kim ||
The meaning goes like this:
If the mind cannot dwell on Shri Gurudev's lotus feet, then
What is the use (of all worldly possessions)? What is the use? What is the use? What is the use?
It says that there is no use of having worldly accomplishments, beautiful wife and children, fame, pride, prestige and property if the mind cannot dwell on Shri Gurudev's lotus feet.
I pray to my Param Poojya Gurudev to shower HIS grace on me so that my mind dwells on HIS lotus feet every second and on every breath. HIS lotus feet is my VAIKUNTAM.
Guru Om... Guru Om... Guru Om...
