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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Divine love is a two-way path

 

CHENNAI, JULY 17. Human body has been described as a stairway

which can lead a person to three places. If he gives trouble to

others, by mind, speech or action, he will be erecting a

staircase to hell. If he works for humanity's progress, it will

take him to heaven. However, he will remain there subject to re-

births. But if he acts with single-minded devotion and in a

spirit of absolute detachment, his pathway will fetch him

``liberation''. But his salvation will not be possible to gain

without spiritual knowledge which in turn is obtainable through

the guidance of a master.

 

To hold water, a pitcher is required but such a vessel cannot be

made without water. Similarly, the mind, which is the cause of

bondage as well as salvation cannot develop concentration without

devotion and knowledge which can be imparted only by a preceptor

who is a manifestation of God. Even if medicines fail, the grace

of Guru will work wonders. The main teaching of such exalted

persons is that God is present in everything and He will manifest

through Divine love which can be compared to the total attention

which a mother pays to her child when it is ill. Her only thought

will be to see that the child is saved. Likewise God extends His

grace to those who entrust themselves to Him and desire to obtain

His protection. A king was told that his sick son will survive if

he offers to God his most cherished possession. Those around him

suggested that he dedicate a most valuable and priceless diamond

in his custody. ``I shall give much more,'' he said and prayed

that his own life can be taken away and transferred to his son.

This is a sacrifice at its zenith and God will be anxious to

grant anything to His devotees who are ready to surrender at His

feet and seek His blessings. Scriptures refer to Divine love as a

two-way path.

 

How God enables a sincere aspirant to reach Him has been spelt

out in His ``Gita''. If one loves God, then he will also respond

without hesitation. If one takes one step forward towards Him, He

will rush towards the former moving down by 10 steps. That God

pervades the entire universe at all times was explained by an

example by Sri Musafir Anand. A spiritual teacher handed over to

his two disciples, one fruit each asking them to cut it without

being seen by one. While one consumed it in a market square and

felt that he was not noticed by anyone, the other said that there

was some superior force watching him always, without being

observed by anyone. What he intended to convey by this was that

God is an indweller in every soul He has created and watches his

deeds. Faith in God can achieve anything.

 

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