Page 129 - Ecstasy and Agony in the Journey to Infinity

58. శదర్ ధ్ (Shraddha)
This is a stage of faith in the method (means), faith in oneself (confidence) and faith in the Master (Goal). The method is understood as the only way to come out of the disturbed state of mind. The means gets established, traditionally called as a state of upaaya nirnayam.
Bhakti is towards Guru. Shraddha is towards the method
Faith is the confidence, method is the means and Master is the goal. Confidence in the means and Goal, arhata, upaya and upeya. Arhata, means, am I fit? Many people think they are not fit but the question does not arise. Every person is competent. Is arhata there? yes.
Traditionally, it is told that to get arhata, you have to do japa for a number of years prescribed, and then come for further progress, or you are asked to do a puja and come. Then only they used to say we have arhata, otherwise not. Atleast you are asked to wear the sacred thread, otherwise you are refused teaching. If brahma vidya has to be taught, then the person is asked if
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