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"A devotees work is a work of devotion".
We hear almost everybody talking in some way or the other about God,
the soul and the mystery of the universe. But, if we are in quest of
one who has realized God, or is acquainted with Him, we will probably
find none such among them. This is the reason why there is constant
feud among the representatives of different religions. They talk a good
deal about God but inwardly they might be no better than a downright
atheist. They acknowledge His existence in words but at heart they seem
to be totally unmindful of His existence. To them the only utility of
God is when they are in distress or misery. They expect Him on such
occasions to attend to their call to remove their troubles. They pray
to Him chiefly for the supply of their wants. It is really far from
the idea of true love and devotion.
A true devotee is one who loves Him not for any favour or worldly interest
but merely for love's sake. He always remains in a state of complete
resignation to His will. He is perfectly contented with all that is
bestowed upon him whether good or bad, joyful or unpleasant. Joy or
sorrow is meaningless to him. Everything is a boon to him from his beloved.
Such complete resignation and unquestioning attitude in all matters
is the highest form of devotion. Resignation does not, however,
mean that he should remain idle, doing nothing himself and depending
all the time upon God, thinking that God will send him all that he requires
if he so wills. 'God helps those who help themselves' is a common saying
which is literally true. We are failing in our sacred duty if we do
not exert ourselves for the discharge of our responsibilities pertaining
either to this or to the next world. The only thing which should be
borne in mind is that we work in accordance with the will of God and
feel contented with the result whatever it might be. When we come up
to this level we may rightly think ourselves to be true devotees of
the Supreme Master, and hence on the right path leading to reality.
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