AatmasamarpaNa - Aatmanivedana

आत्मसमर्पण - आत्मनिवेदन
(Self-surrender - Self-dedication)

Surrender yourself to God. In the Naarada Bhakti-sootra, Naarada Muni lists 9 ways of bhakti. The 9th way he calls Aatma Nivedana. Surrender is giving up mind, body and soul to God. Nivedana is offering them with devotion to God, as Naivedya. (Some add wealth in the list surrendered to God. When you join their mission, your share of family property has to go to the mission).

Surrender looks easy, as man thinks his responsibilities cease and God takes over all his responsibilities. Of course, God lovingly takes over, which He does even otherwise. But greater resposibility descends on your shoulders. Being God's chosen man, you have to be extra cautious in all that you think and all that you do so none can say God has betrayed your trust in Him.

RamakRuShNa used to say - If you do not look after your wife and children, will your neighbours look after them? In fact, he made provision of Rs. six a month for his wife for her life after his death. He had asked her - How many chapaatis you eat at meals? She replied - six. He said - Six! No, you eat only four, and he fixed Rs 6 as allowance.

Once you surrender, you accept whatever comes your way. Sweets or ashes, you accept as prasad with equal pleasure. Joy and sorrow you accept without difference. No complaints. When a devotee who had claimed he has surrendered to God complained of some problem and RamaNa commented - Is it the surrendered man who s complaining? In a story, Sharatchandra writes of a village lady. Her husband, given to drinks, sneaks in dressed as a policeman to steal money in his own house. The wife knew who the thief was. Still sleeping on her mat on the ground, she said - There are three rupees behind the rice pot. God gives, He takes back. No complaints!

Surrender, however, requires you cleanse your mind of desires, sense of possessions, devotion to God, all selfishness and taking all as your brethren, all children of God. Never entertain any thought that you are His only chosen child.