The Lover's Life - 3c

[Guest guest]

Devotional direction is laid out by the guru,

(outer and inner) and only shifted with the direct

endorsement of Hari. The Beloved's direct directions override

all other instructions. They spring from the source

and are undiluted truths.<br><br>For the calling to

arise and become firm, the root practice is to

cultivate the ability to rest in the Beloved's refuge. Then

the lover, in her quest for His shelter, takes the

company of other divinely afflicted lovers who also know

His union. They keep the Beloved and His ways within

their devotional heart. Only with His other lovers will

she share her secrets. Hari works through their

assembly.<br><br>The lover is content when she receives 'prasada', the

Beloved's grace. She lives on His leftovers and engages

only in as many worldly activities as necessary to

maintain a balance. <br><br>Poise in all spheres is

essential for the growth of devotion. For the sake of

devotional stability in her romance, she renounces all sense

of obstinacy regarding worldly matters. The lover

can do this for she knows that the Beloved provides

everything that is necessary. To live in this gentle harmony

between activities, worldly and divine is a matter of

wisdom and insight.<br><br>Although it is necessary to

obtain wealth for one's offerings and general living,

the bhakta never sets up false standards; she knows

Hari provides. She follows the Beloved's will and is

never inflexible.<br><br>('The Lover's Life'- Sri

Shyamadas)<br><br>Jaya Sri Radhey!