The Path of Devotion (prose) by Manatita
For Seekers of God
The Path of Devotion has, throughout the ages, been an unprecedented journey for men and women alike, who were steeped in God. The great Soul Mirabai, in her unflinching devotion to Sri Krishna and sweet songs of ecstasy, is said to have been unparalleled, among women devotees of the Lord.
We read that Sri Ramakrishna was filled with burning love for his Mother Kali, and would roll ceaselessly on the earth saying: “Mother, yet another day has gone and Thou has not come.” Another day of this short life has gone, and I have not known the Truth."
In the agony of his soul, sometimes he would rub his face against the ground and weep, and this one prayer burst forth:
"Do Thou manifest Thyself in me, Thou Mother of the universe! See that I need Thee and nothing else!"
http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk/namoma/life/index.htm. Visited 7th Dec., 2013.
The Christ followed the Path of sacrifice, because of His great love for His Father and love of man, saying:
“Forgive them, o my Father, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23: 34.
What is devotion? Speaking as God Itself, in the Hindu epic, The Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna exhorts Arjuna to:
“Devote your whole mind to Me, and practice Yoga. Take Me for your only refuge … that Yogi sees Me in all things and all things within Me. He never loses sight of Me, nor I of Him. He is established in union with Me, and worships me devoutly in all beings.” -Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God. P 80, 86, 162-163. (1987) Trans. C Isherwood; Swami Prabhavananda, Vedanta Press, California.
Sri Chinmoy spoke of Devotion as blessedness itself. One continues to learn and is
never filled in the journey of self-transcendence. Devotion is man’s destiny; it is also the
one-pointed consecration to God the Highest Cause. Here is a very sublime quote from Sri
Chinmoy on the virtues of devotion:
“Devotion is the intensification of the Seekers dedication to the Supreme Cause. His whole
life becomes an alter of intensification. Everything that he does, he does with an
intensification of his dedicated, devoted, unreserved and surrendered heart.” The Oneness
of The Eastern Heart And The Western Mind, Volume 3, Page 122. (2004). Agni Press.
We read that Sri Chaitanya - the thirteenth century God-man, danced with joy upon the streets of His day, and was so exalted, that all whom he touched, went into that state also. He never thought about anything other than His Beloved God. Rather like Hanuman, the name of the Supreme was always upon His lips and in His heart, as He ababdoned Himself to God's love.
The writer won’t dwell too much on devotion here. There are numerous books written about this subject. I came here primarily with a devotional poem, and I have used this prose to give my reader an insight into the life of the devotee of Truth. Each must dive deep within to find his/her own Path and relate to God or the life of inspirational saints, as best one can. By the Master's Grace I have done and still continue to do so. I hope you find this useful.
