"In the Kaliyuga, man being totally dependent on food for life, can not altogether shake off the idea that he is the body. In this state of Mind it is not proper for him to say, 'I Am He'. When a man does all sorts of worldly things, he should not say, 'I Am Brahman'. Those who can not give up attachment to worldly things, and who find no means to shake off the feeling of 'I', should rather cherish the idea, 'I am God's servant; I am His devotee !' "
- Ramakrishna Paramahansa
'Tapas' (penance) in general is construed as deep meditation with austerity in seclusion with an aim of either seeking appearance of a chosen deity or for sheer salvation.
However Annamacharya provides us a broadened connotation of of 'Tapas'. For realization of 'Self', one's becoming ardent seeker of the Almighty is the only proper 'Tapas' in this age, as against going to ascetic life for penance in solitude in a deep forest or a dark cave or in the snow clad mountains.
This theme is to dealt in his sankeertana, "Haridasu Dagute Yadi Tapamu"......
'Becoming devout seeker of the Almighty is the real Tapas and all other attempts are only fruitless.
'In this world, some people bless us and some others denounce us. In being balanced in mind by treating both situations equally is the true Tapas. All the acts of rites and rituals as per the customs, traditions and scriptures, performed with austerity and pomp is only vanity exhibited, which is fruitless in the ultimate.
'When we approach people for some necessity, some may concede in favour immediately and some others may show empty hands. The trait of being cheerful in both the situations in equal measure is the real Tapas. Performance of all pious acts in public is only a pretension which is fruitless.
'When we seek help from others, some may readily come to our rescue and some may slip away with a murmur (of disgust). If one maintains has pleasant disposal (without slightest consternation) even in the latter case, it is the real Tapas. Instead of wandering in far of places for 'Realization' and getting exasperated in vain, it is wise to become austere devotee of the Almighty with unconditional total surrender. That is the real Tapas !'.........
In this context, we may consider hear the saying quoted at the outset from Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who venerated both Form and Formless Almighty equally.
Thus, we find with rather a note of surprise that many many centuries back itself Annamacharya had professed, 'Self Realization' through the 'Devotional Surrender to the Almighty' approach - the most practicable way for the common man !
A devotee's contentment is that of a simple flower !
Om Shanti !
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