The Nine Gems for Liberation: A Path to Moksha

The ultimate goal of life in Hindu philosophy is Moksha—freedom from the cycle of birth and death and union with the Divine. Lord Rama explains the path of Navdha Bhakti (nine forms of devotion) to Shabari in the Ramayana , presenting it as a powerful means for spiritual purification and liberation. These forms of devotion are timeless principles that, when followed sincerely, uplift and transform us spiritually and bring us closer to liberation. Let’s explore these nine gems, drawing relevant parallels to modern life and their application in both personal and professional spheres.

1. Company of Saints and Good People (First Bhakti)
The first step to devotion is the company of saints and wise people. This doesn’t only mean being near them physically but also immersing ourselves in their values and teachings. In professional life, this principle encourages us to seek mentors, read insightful works, and study the lives of accomplished people in our field. Just as being around wise individuals keeps our minds inspired and our hearts open, surrounding ourselves with exemplary figures in our profession can ignite self-improvement and keep us focused on positive growth.

2. Love for Listening to Divine Stories (Second Bhakti)
The second form of devotion is cultivating a love for divine stories. These can be inspiring tales of gods, goddesses, or spiritual figures that demonstrate virtues like love, kindness, and courage. Similarly, in our field of work, staying updated on significant developments, breakthroughs, and core issues helps us deepen our understanding. By engaging with recent advancements and learning and relearning critical aspects, we remain connected to the heart of our profession, experiencing the same transformative benefits that divine stories bring to spirituality.

3. Service to the Guru (Third Bhakti)
The third devotion is service to the Guru, our spiritual teacher or guide. A true Guru shows the way to wisdom, guiding selflessly. In the professional world, this translates to respecting and valuing the contributions of teachers and mentors. Honoring their advice, learning from their experience, and even offering assistance in small ways shows gratitude and helps us learn humility. By serving and respecting those who help us grow, we become more open to their blessings and wisdom, growing stronger in character.

4. Singing Praises of God with a Pure Heart (Fourth Bhakti)
The fourth step is singing the praises of God with a pure heart, free from any hidden motives. In a professional context, this can mean immersing ourselves in our field with genuine interest and appreciation, free from deceit or personal gain. Reading works, engaging with concepts, and learning purely for self-enrichment, not for external rewards, helps us connect with the true spirit of our work, similar to how genuine devotion to God uplifts the soul.

5. Chanting God’s Name with Faith (Fifth Bhakti)
Lord Rama’s fifth form of devotion involves chanting God’s name with unwavering faith. This practice is akin to mantra-based meditation, which strengthens the soul and purifies the mind, similar to how regular exercise strengthens the body. In daily life, we can adopt meditation and chanting practices to clear negative energy and achieve a state of inner peace. This practice prepares the mind to face challenges with clarity and reinforces the value of grounding oneself in faith, a powerful tool for navigating life’s uncertainties.

6. Self-Control, Good Conduct, and Righteousness (Sixth Bhakti)
The sixth devotion involves self-control, ethical conduct, and living righteously. Lord Krishna speaks of karma in the Bhagavad Gita , emphasizing the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the outcome:
"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47)
In modern life, this translates to working diligently with integrity, without obsessing over the results. Self-control and morality build inner strength, and doing our duty with righteousness and humility leads to stability and peace.

7. Seeing God in All Beings (Seventh Bhakti)
The seventh form of devotion is seeing the Divine presence in all beings

. This idea is beautifully expressed in the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , meaning “the world is one family.” When we see others with respect and compassion, realizing that every soul is connected to the Divine, we rise above feelings of jealousy, anger, or hatred. In daily interactions, treating everyone as part of this universal family allows us to cultivate unity and love, qualities that bridge divides and foster harmony.

8. Contentment and Non-Judgment (Eighth Bhakti)
Contentment is the eighth devotion, encouraging us to appreciate what we have and avoid judging others. When we resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others, we cultivate inner peace. This lesson, if applied widely, can reduce conflicts and wars, helping us live in harmony. By focusing on gratitude and letting go of judgment, we free ourselves from negative emotions that breed resentment, allowing us to grow in compassion and acceptance.

9. Simplicity, Honesty, and Trust in God (Ninth Bhakti)
The final form of devotion is to lead a simple, honest life, free from deceit, and to place unwavering trust in God. Whether we experience success or setbacks, trusting that God’s plan is for our ultimate good helps us stay calm and resilient. In challenging times, this faith empowers us to overcome obstacles with courage. Adi Shankaracharya’s verse from the Nirvana Shatakam

beautifully captures this surrender to a higher truth:
"I am not virtue nor vice, not pleasure or pain,
I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures or rituals,
I am not the experience, not the object of experience, not even the one who experiences,
I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Shiva (that which is not)."
This wisdom reminds us that our truest self is beyond worldly attachments, transcending both pleasure and pain. By embodying simplicity and honesty, we touch upon our true nature, realizing that in every experience, we are simply a part of the eternal consciousness.

Is Our Destiny Fixed, or Can We Change It?
One of the timeless questions humanity has asked is whether our destiny is predetermined or if we have the power to change it. Spiritual teachings explain that while our past actions (karma) shape our current circumstances, we have the freedom to alter our future through conscious actions today.
There are three ways to influence our destiny

, according to spiritual wisdom:
1. Meditation and Spiritual Guidance
By meditating and seeking spiritual knowledge, we purify our thoughts, clearing away the burdens of past actions.

2. Positive Actions and Virtues
When we engage in good deeds and cultivate virtues such as love, peace, and kindness, we create a reservoir of positive energy, attracting joy and prosperity.

3. Freedom from Negative Traits
Avoiding negative traits like anger, greed, and attachment helps us remain balanced and spiritually grounded, transforming our destiny positively.

Conclusion: The Path to Liberation
Following the Nine Gems of Devotion is a journey of self-purification and spiritual growth. By incorporating these principles into our lives, we elevate our soul and align ourselves with the Divine, thus moving closer to moksha—freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Each form of devotion guides us toward an inner state of peace and harmony, bringing us closer to liberation.

"Birth again, death again,
Again resting in the mother’s womb!
It is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of saṁsāra.
O Murari! By your mercy, protect me from this cycle."
(Bhaja Govindam by Adi Shankaracharya)
By sincerely following these nine gems in our lives, we not only enrich our present existence but also set our soul on a path to eternal peace and freedom from all worldly attachments.

Authors: Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Shashank R Joshi