Story
Shabari was a woman from a village. According to Krishna Dutt, she was a seeker of knowledge and wanted to know the meaning of Dharma. After days of travel, she met Sage Matanga at the foot of Mount Rishyamukha. She accepted him as ''Rama's Arrival
According to the scriptural account, even though hundreds of other '' yogis'' were waiting to receive Rama in their ''ashrams'', Rama went only to Shabari's ashram because of her sincere devotion. On seeing Rama, Shabari became ecstatic and said, "There were so many exalted ''yogis'' waiting for your ''darshan'', but you came to this unworthy devotee (...) This clearly shows that you will neither see whether a devotee lives in a palace or humble hut, whether he is erudite or ignorant (...) neither see caste nor color. You will only see the true ''bhakti'' (...) I do not have anything to offer other than my heart, but here are some berries. May it please you, my Lord." Shabari offered the fruits which she had meticulously collected. As Rama tasted them, Lakshmana raised the concern that Shabari had already tasted them and they were, therefore, unworthy of eating. To this, Rama responded that, of the many types of food he had tasted, "nothing could equal these berries, offered with such devotion. You taste them, then alone will you know. Whomsoever offers a fruit, leaf, flower or some water with love, I partake in it with great joy." Traditional writers use this narrative to indicate that in '' bhakti'', faults are not seen by the deities. Pleased with Shabari's devotion, Rama blesses her with his vision. Rama notices the ''donas'', or bowls, of handmade leaves in which she had offered the fruits and is impressed by the hard work Shabari has gone through to make them and, hence, blesses the tree so that the leaves naturally grow in the shape of a bowl. Shabari also tells Rama to take help from Sugriva and where to find him. The Ramayana says that Shabari was a very bright and knowledgeable saint.Rama's discourse
Rama delivers his discourse on ''nava-vidha bhakti'' (ninefold devotion) to Shabari,Such pure devotion is expressed in nine ways. First is ''satsang Satsang () is an audience with a satguru for the purpose of spiritual or yogic instruction. The ''satsanga'' is a gathering of good people for the performance of devotional activities. Meanings The word is derived from the Sanskrit ''sat'' mean ...'' or association with love-intoxicated devotees and righteous people. The second is to develop a taste for hearing My nectar-like stories. The third is service to the ''guru'' (...) Fourth is to sing My '' kirtana'' (communal chorus) (...) '' Japa'' or repetition of My Holy name and chanting My '' bhajanas'' are the fifth expression (...) To follow scriptural injunctions always, to practice control of the senses, nobility of character and selfless service, these are expressions of the sixth mode of ''bhakti''. Seeing Me manifested everywhere in this world and worshipping My saints more than myself is the seventh mode of ''bhakti''. To find no fault with anyone and to be contented with one's lot is the eighth mode of ''bhakti''. Unreserved surrender with total faith in My strength is the ninth and highest stage. Shabari, anyone who practices one of these nine modes of My ''bhakti'' pleases Me most and reaches Me without fail. That which is most difficult for the greatest ''yogis'' was easily attained by you, Shabari, because of your sincere devotion.
See also
* Nath Sampradaya * SabarimalaNotes
References
* * *External links