To: AM-GLOBAL
From: V.J.K. Rajpurhit
Subject: Gauge Your Devotion
Baba
== GAUGE YOUR DEVOTION ==
Namaskar,
In His historic March 1984 DMC discourse in Varanasi, published in
Subhasita Samgraha part 17 Hindi edition, Baba has given a very clear
cut equation that every sadhaka should know.
THREE STAGES OF DEVOTION
Baba clearly and succinctly outlines three stages of devotion.
1. "I exist and God also exists."
In this first stage of devotion, people think of themselves first. They
feel, "I am present and my Lord is also present." The key point being
that they consider their own existence first.
With the regular practice of sadhana and doing social service, the mind
comes in closer proximity to Parama Purusa. By this way love and
affection is generated for the Supreme, by His grace. Then one thinks
more about Parama Purusa and less about oneself
It is just like how a mother thinks more about her infant than about her
own self. This happens when there is a strong bond of love - otherwise
not. Otherwise that "love" remains in theory only.
With sadhana, the feeling of devotion arises spontaneously within. With
such feelings, Parama Purusa comes closer - otherwise not. At that
stage, people think very often of Parama Purusa in a very natural way,
without any logical imposition.
The central idea of this feeling is exemplified by the second stage of
devotion.
2. "God exists and I also exist."
In the final stage, when a sadhaka is in deep meditation or samadhi,
then that sadhaka forgets about himself entirely. The I-feeling is
totally lost; one is oblivious of their own existence. Then only the
thought of Parama Purusa remains. That is the highest state of devotion.
3. "Only God exists."'
In the above three levels of devotion, the presence of God (i.e. Baba)
is the essential component.
IT ALL STARTS WITH BHAKTI
As we know, bhakti means service to Baba.
Bhaktir bhagavata seva
God's presence is essential. So when God / Baba has died (i.e.
Mahaprayan) then seva is not possible.
If one imposes the idea of Mahaprayan, the great departure, then
devotion is itself impossible. This is not at all difficult to understand.
We should all aim to understand this important aspect of devotional life
and read the discourse, "What is Bhakti."
Namaskar,
Vidyasagar
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