Paths of Devotion (contd....)

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Pada Sevana, i.e.,

resorting to the feet of the Guru is a means of spiritual development. If this

is not physically possible, we must mentally prostrate ourselves at the feet of

the Guru with reverence and humility.

Archana, i.e., worship of God is another

type of devotion. This is real or mental worship of the various images of God

and offering Him the best things of life, with deep yearning after God

realization.

Namaskara is the same as archana, i.e., bowing down or

prostrating ourselves before God or God-like person. This entails such noble

qualities as humility, dedication, total surrender and patients waiting with

hope and faith for the grace of God.

Dasya, i.e., service of God is possible in two ways,

either through doing service which will turn the people towards God or

rendering service to bhaktas is really service to

God.

Sakhyata, i.e., friendship of God is a type of devotion

which is most difficult to practice. Human friendship rests on a compromise of

give and take policy, whereas friendship with God is uncompromising

determination to give all and lose all, if need be. Our human friends may

desert us in times of need, but God, though he appears indifferent to our

sacrifices, really watches over us with kindness. To an impatient devotee it

would appear that God does not reciprocate our love. He leaves us uncared for

and disappointed. Such a devotee will become angry with God and even hate Him

because our little desires are not fulfilled. God's friendship is undying,

enduring and everlasting.

His grace is perennial. If

there are disappointments and difficulties, we must suffer them calmly and

courageously. Suffering and disappointments form an integral part of spiritual

life. Without them spiritual life is not tested. The key to achieve the

friendship of God is with the devotee alone. God, being the innermost reality,

is enshrined in our heart and is the breath of our life. We must have firm

faith and love towards God. All our thoughts, feelings and actions have their

reflection in God. The more sincere and truthful we are, the more are we drawn

near and bound to God. Then God becomes more than Mother, Father or Friend to

us.

Atma nivedana, i.e., the

annihilation of the self or ego and achieving unity with God. This is the crowning glory of devotional life.

Though there are several ways to gain this unity with God, the best means is

through constant meditation on pure ideas about God. Impure ideas are got rid of. Then dualism

yields to the dawn of advaitic experience. Through

this intuitive perception the Sadhaka is drawn

towards God with magnetic fascination. Every moment of his life he will feel

the compelling and dominating influence of God and will ultimately merge in

him. Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi was one such saint who lived in holy

communion with God every moment of his life. May he inspire us to tread this righteous

path of devotion with concentrated vigour, fearless

integrity and dauntlessness !

Om Shanti ! Shanti !!

Shanti!!!