Those who follow the above said Nine-fold Path are of two
kinds. (1) The followers of the Hard Path. (2) The followers of
the Safe and easy Path. These are sometimes referred to as (1)
Bhakthi and (2) Prapatthi. That is to say, the practice of the
Markatakisora or the young of the monkey is Bhakthi and the
practice of the Marjalakisora or the young of the cat is
Prapatthi.
Devotion has to be unintermittent, uninterrupted, like the flow
of oil from one vessel to another. Though the two kinds are
basically the same, the practices are different. Without Prema
nothing can be acquired in this world. It is only when there is
Prema, the Anuraga or Attachment, in its turn, produces the desire
to protect and guard. In both the above kinds, Prema is equal, no
doubt; but, in actual manifestation, there is difference. In the
Markatakisora Marga, the child has to rely on its own strength to
protect itself; wherever the mother monkey might jump about, it
has to attach itself fast to the mother's belly and should not
release its hold, even if pulled apart? So, the Bhaktha too has to
stand the test at the hands of the Lord and hold on to the Lord's
name at all times and under all conditions, tirelessly, without
the slightest trace of dislike or disgust, bearing the ridicule
and the criticism of the world and conquering the feelings of
shame and defeat. The example of this type of Bhakthi is that
first among devotees, Prahlada.
The Prapatthi Marga is not of this type; it is like the way of
the kitten, the Marjalakisora, 'Sarvabhaara Samarpitha' attitude.
As the kitten simply continues mewing in one place, placing all
its burdens on the mother cat the devotee puts complete trust on
the Lord. The mother-cat holds the kitten in its mouth and removes
it to more elevated places or transports it safely through even
very narrow passages. So too the devotee places all his burden on
the Lord and surrenders fully to His Will. Lakshmana is the
example of this path.
The discipline of Prapatthi is much superior to the discipline
of Bhakthi. The characteristic of Prapatthi is complete
self-surrender, in all aspects. To serve Sri Rama, Lakshmana
renounced all obstacles in his path, like wealth, wife, mother,
home and even sleep and food. And, this, not for a day or month or
year but for full fourteen years. He felt that Sri Rama was his
all, his happiness and joy, that He would grant him everything
that he needed and that his life's purpose was only to follow Him
and serve Him, and surrender his will to Him. So, if all burdens
are placed on Him and if He is followed ceaselessly and
unforgettingly, He will certainly provide everything. This is the
nature of the Prapatthi type of devotion.