Guru Gita verse 172 - Those who do not perform seva are unfortunate

[Guest guest]

Here is our verse today friends, please share your thoughts.

 

172. Those people who only with the strength of their knowledge

perform purifying austerities, and do not perform seva (selfless

service as an expression of love) to the Guru, they are unfortunate.

It is true. It is true, oh Giver of Boons.

 

Comment - All Beloved Shree Maa ever asks of Her children is their

pure devotion. Devotion is the main ingredient needed to perform

seva. I embrace any opportunity to perform seva to Beloved Guruji.

Not my will but THY Will be done.

 

KaliaDo You

?

 

[Guest guest]

Kalia,

 

All the time, it seems we are thinking of seva as if it were something

different from our sadhana, but it is not.

 

Most of us are doing our practices because that is the first thing the

Guru asks of us. She wants us to grow, to become even as she is, so we

do our practices, as instructed, and seva then becomes whatever extra

tasks we perform to serve the Guru's interests. But that is almost

backward in its emphasis.

 

Most of us here cannot clean the ashram or cook a meal for Mother and

Swamiji. We feel we cannot do seva because we are not with them. But

we can do seva every time we sit for puja, if we want to.

 

Consider that the Guru's entire reason for being is the growth and

enlightenment of her students. What is there that could possibly

please her more, contribute to her mission more, than worshipping with

devotion and one-pointedness of mind, and continually stoking the fire

of purification with more sadhana?

 

Now this verse makes a subtle, but vitally important, distinction. It

is saying it doesn't matter how many rounds of bhastrika you can do,

or how long you can sit in one asana. If you do it only for yourself,

you are unfortunate, indeed.

 

It is "the feet of the Guru" again. If you do your sadhana at the feet

of the Guru, with the feeling of doing "selfless service as an

expression of love," you are performing seva - the highest seva.

 

Guru Prityartham (for the pleasure of the Guru)

 

Chris

 

 

 

 

, Kali Kali

<kaliananda_saraswati> wrote:

>

> Here is our verse today friends, please share your thoughts.

>

>

>

> 172. Those people who only with the strength of their knowledge

perform purifying austerities, and do not perform seva (selfless

service as an expression of love) to the Guru, they are unfortunate.

It is true. It is true, oh Giver of Boons.

>

>

>

> Comment - All Beloved Shree Maa ever asks of Her children is their

pure devotion. Devotion is the main ingredient needed to perform

seva. I embrace any opportunity to perform seva to Beloved Guruji.

Not my will but THY Will be done.

>

>

>

> Kalia

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Kalia,

 

This verse drives home a very important point.

 

Some people do think that it is sufficient if they do the sadhana

prescribed by a Guru.

 

More and more I am thinking that is not the case .... definitely in

my case.

 

It doesnt matter if I chant the Chandi or the Guru Gita or the

Rudri ... these are just tools given to keep me out of mischief.

What REALLY matters is the proximity to the Gurus and what I have

learned from them in the last two years.

 

YES Sadhana is important, but it needs to go hand in hand with Seva.

 

Guru Seva above all else !

 

I remember Swamiji consoling a devotee who didnt have much time to

do sadhana as he was so busy doing seva. Swamiji said (and I

paraphrase) - "Those who come here and wash bottles and dishes and

clean the floors and the rooms get the same benefit as those that

chant to the Goddess", thus stressing that the intent - to be of

service - was far more valuable than anyone just sitting to chant.

 

My humble two cents.

Jai Guru

Nanda

[Guest guest]

The reason they are unfortunate is because, Guru Seva is a big boost

to sadhana. One gets close to the mind of the Guru. Take advantage of

this opportunity if you can.

 

 

, Kali Kali

<kaliananda_saraswati> wrote:

>

> Here is our verse today friends, please share your thoughts.

>

>

>

> 172. Those people who only with the strength of their knowledge

perform purifying austerities, and do not perform seva (selfless

service as an expression of love) to the Guru, they are unfortunate.

It is true. It is true, oh Giver of Boons.

>

>

>

> Comment - All Beloved Shree Maa ever asks of Her children is their

pure devotion. Devotion is the main ingredient needed to perform

seva. I embrace any opportunity to perform seva to Beloved Guruji.

Not my will but THY Will be done.

>

>

>

> Kalia

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jai Guru.

KaliaNanda <chandimaakijai > wrote:

Dear Kalia,This verse drives home a very important point.Some people

do think that it is sufficient if they do the sadhana prescribed by a

Guru.More and more I am thinking that is not the case .... definitely

in my case.It doesnt matter if I chant the Chandi or the Guru Gita or

the Rudri ... these are just tools given to keep me out of

mischief.What REALLY matters is the proximity to the Gurus and what I

have learned from them in the last two years.YES Sadhana is important,

but it needs to go hand in hand with Seva.Guru Seva above all else !I

remember Swamiji consoling a devotee who didnt have much time to do

sadhana as he was so busy doing seva. Swamiji said (and I paraphrase)

- "Those who come here and wash bottles and dishes and clean the

floors and the rooms get the same benefit as

those that chant to the Goddess", thus stressing that the intent - to

be of service - was far more valuable than anyone just sitting to

chant.My humble two cents.Jai GuruNanda

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[Guest guest]

Nanda (and All),

 

I agree with everything you said (except perhaps the part about the

scriptures being intended just to keep us out of trouble). It is a

great blessing to be in the presence of the gurudeva, and, in effect,

sit at his physical feet. You also said that it is the intent that is

important, and to that I say "YES!", for that was my point exactly.

 

Kalia pointed out that there are many ways in which one can be of

service to the Guru by serving others. This is a beautiful path.

 

But everyone seems to be saying that sadhana is not seva, and I don't

quite understand why, because, notwithstanding the culture we all come

from (the Devi Mandir) in which seva generally describes acts of

service other than austerities, and sadhana generally describes our

worship and austerities, the Guru Gita seems to me to be making this

very point here, that depending on your intent, sadhana is either

merely a series of ego-enhancing exercises, or it is seva (the

expression of selfless love to the Guru).

 

I think that the Guru Gita is saying that the attitude of seva is so

very important, that even one who performs purifying austerities

without the feeling of loving service to the Guru, is unfortunate.

 

Take a look again at the verses before and after this verse. Each

gives Guru the credit for all of our blessings and attainment in life.

They express an attitude of gratitude and surrender. It is so easy to

become proud of how far we have come, how much we can chant, how long

we can sit, etc., etc.. This verse tells us to purify this pride in

the attitude seva when we do our practices.

 

This section of verses also parallels an earlier section. Take a look

at verses 83-86, actually, 80-88 is more complete.

 

These verses describe an attitude of surrender and devotion in action

that is seva. In my opinion, it is the combination of these that

constitutes the metaphorical "feet of the Guru" that is given so much

importance throughout the Guru Gita.

 

Verses 80-82 describe the inward experience and discipline of devotion

and surrender to the Guru, verses 83-86 describe the active expression

of these attitudes, as seva, and verses 87, and 88 describe the

internal expression of these attitudes (they are external acts, ie.,

speaking, bowing, but they are internal processes, ie. "I speak,I

bow.")

 

Verse 83 describes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva performing their

respective actions of creating, preserving, and transforming, as seva

to the Guru, whose prasad of grace allows them to do so. Now, you may

say that they are serving others in doing their duties, and so

performing seva, and you would be right, but I would submit that at

this stage of being there is no difference between one's duty and

one's sadhana. Actually, I think there is no difference at any stage -

it is a matter of intent, isn't it?

 

The next verse, verse 84, says, essentially, that no one but the Guru

knows the exact method by which He is served. Notice that the word

"method" is used, implying a specific outward activity, or kind of

outward activity. The reason, I think, that no one knows is precisely

because seva is not an outward activity of any certain type, but is an

inner attitude of loving service to the Guru.

 

The next verse, verse 85, deals with the same issue as our present

verse, "the strength of knowledge of purifying austerities." Now this

verse was not just stuck down in the middle of all these others about

seva; it belongs here. It is saying, in effect, "Look what happens if

you do not perform your sadhana as seva (in loving service to the

Guru)." Full of "pride and great egotism," you will "continue to

revolve around the ocean of objects and relationships, just as a water

pot revolves around a water wheel." Even the Gods are not immune and

"cannot be liberated if they turn their face away from the expression

of selfless love to the Guru." (vs.86)

 

The next two verses (87 and 88) show us how to develop and maintain

this attitude of seva by remembering, speaking, bowing, and worshiping

the respected Guru as the supreme expression of divinity. As much as

the respected Guru fills our minds, hearts, and our every action, so

much will our every act be an act of gratitude, of worship, of service

to the Guru.

 

Do not think for a moment I do not believe in the importance of doing

things for the gurudeva, directly, or indirectly, other than

austerities (cleaning the bathrooms at the ashram is sadhana too,

after all). But, as I see it, that is not the meaning and intent of

this present verse. This verse is saying that we must experience our

sadhana, our austerities, as acts of loving service to the gurudeva.

If we do not, we are "unfortunate."

 

Jai Gurudeva!

Jai Maa!

 

Chris

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai> wrote:

>

> Dear Kalia,

>

> This verse drives home a very important point.

>

> Some people do think that it is sufficient if they do the sadhana

> prescribed by a Guru.

>

> More and more I am thinking that is not the case .... definitely in

> my case.

>

> It doesnt matter if I chant the Chandi or the Guru Gita or the

> Rudri ... these are just tools given to keep me out of mischief.

> What REALLY matters is the proximity to the Gurus and what I have

> learned from them in the last two years.

>

> YES Sadhana is important, but it needs to go hand in hand with Seva.

>

> Guru Seva above all else !

>

> I remember Swamiji consoling a devotee who didnt have much time to

> do sadhana as he was so busy doing seva. Swamiji said (and I

> paraphrase) - "Those who come here and wash bottles and dishes and

> clean the floors and the rooms get the same benefit as those that

> chant to the Goddess", thus stressing that the intent - to be of

> service - was far more valuable than anyone just sitting to chant.

>

> My humble two cents.

> Jai Guru

> Nanda

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

 

my contribution: thinking about the relationship between sadhana and

seva, I tend to see them as inseparable:

 

-in the verse, seva is defined as 'selfless service as an expression

of love', and in the glossary accompanying the Kasyapa Stutra, seva is

described as "the privilege to demonstrate love through effective

action".

-Swamiji has defined sadhana as follows:

(Q&A 117) "Sadhana is any activity which we perform for the express

purpose of demonstrating our devotion to God."

 

to me, this means that our demonstrations of devotion to God in the

form of prayer or puja etc. are meant to help us become open channels

for the outpouring of God's love through us, as instruments of divine

grace.

To demonstrate our devotion to God in the form of prayers etc. with

knowledge only, without the opening of the heart so that Love may flow

through you, means you miss out on the whole purpose of sadhana.

Unfortunate indeed. But also to perform 'seva' with knowledge only,

because you think certain things are expected of you and feeling very

proud because of it, means you are not really performing seva at all.

Perhaps sadhana, then, could be seen as turning 'inward' towards the

Source, and seva as turning 'outward', allowing the waters of divine

love to pour themselves out through you. Receiving and giving, giving

and receiving.., the one turning into the other, until, when 'inward'

and 'outward' become one, sadhana and seva are one also.

The more open you become to the Guru's love, the more ways are found

for expression of that love, and the more you realize your sadhana is

not 'your' doing at all. Your demonstration of your devotion to God

becomes God's demonstration of devotion to you and all beings.

Devotion to the Guru is nothing but Guru's grace flowing through you.

There is nothing but the Guru, there is nothing but Love desiring to

express Itself.

 

Henny

 

 

, "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956@y.

...> wrote:

> Nanda (and All),

>

> I agree with everything you said (except perhaps the part about the

> scriptures being intended just to keep us out of trouble). It is a

> great blessing to be in the presence of the gurudeva, and, in

effect,

> sit at his physical feet. You also said that it is the intent that

is

> important, and to that I say "YES!", for that was my point exactly.

>

> Kalia pointed out that there are many ways in which one can be of

> service to the Guru by serving others. This is a beautiful path.

>

> But everyone seems to be saying that sadhana is not seva, and I

don't

> quite understand why, because, notwithstanding the culture we all

come

> from (the Devi Mandir) in which seva generally describes acts of

> service other than austerities, and sadhana generally describes our

> worship and austerities, the Guru Gita seems to me to be making this

> very point here, that depending on your intent, sadhana is either

> merely a series of ego-enhancing exercises, or it is seva (the

> expression of selfless love to the Guru).

>

> I think that the Guru Gita is saying that the attitude of seva is so

> very important, that even one who performs purifying austerities

> without the feeling of loving service to the Guru, is unfortunate.

>

> Take a look again at the verses before and after this verse. Each

> gives Guru the credit for all of our blessings and attainment in

life.

> They express an attitude of gratitude and surrender. It is so easy

to

> become proud of how far we have come, how much we can chant, how

long

> we can sit, etc., etc.. This verse tells us to purify this pride in

> the attitude seva when we do our practices.

>

> This section of verses also parallels an earlier section. Take a

look

> at verses 83-86, actually, 80-88 is more complete.

>

> These verses describe an attitude of surrender and devotion in

action

> that is seva. In my opinion, it is the combination of these that

> constitutes the metaphorical "feet of the Guru" that is given so

much

> importance throughout the Guru Gita.

>

> Verses 80-82 describe the inward experience and discipline of

devotion

> and surrender to the Guru, verses 83-86 describe the active

expression

> of these attitudes, as seva, and verses 87, and 88 describe the

> internal expression of these attitudes (they are external acts, ie.,

> speaking, bowing, but they are internal processes, ie. "I speak,I

> bow.")

>

> Verse 83 describes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva performing their

> respective actions of creating, preserving, and transforming, as

seva

> to the Guru, whose prasad of grace allows them to do so. Now, you

may

> say that they are serving others in doing their duties, and so

> performing seva, and you would be right, but I would submit that at

> this stage of being there is no difference between one's duty and

> one's sadhana. Actually, I think there is no difference at any stage

-

> it is a matter of intent, isn't it?

>

> The next verse, verse 84, says, essentially, that no one but the

Guru

> knows the exact method by which He is served. Notice that the word

> "method" is used, implying a specific outward activity, or kind of

> outward activity. The reason, I think, that no one knows is

precisely

> because seva is not an outward activity of any certain type, but is

an

> inner attitude of loving service to the Guru.

>

> The next verse, verse 85, deals with the same issue as our present

> verse, "the strength of knowledge of purifying austerities." Now

this

> verse was not just stuck down in the middle of all these others

about

> seva; it belongs here. It is saying, in effect, "Look what happens

if

> you do not perform your sadhana as seva (in loving service to the

> Guru)." Full of "pride and great egotism," you will "continue to

> revolve around the ocean of objects and relationships, just as a

water

> pot revolves around a water wheel." Even the Gods are not immune and

> "cannot be liberated if they turn their face away from the

expression

> of selfless love to the Guru." (vs.86)

>

> The next two verses (87 and 88) show us how to develop and maintain

> this attitude of seva by remembering, speaking, bowing, and

worshiping

> the respected Guru as the supreme expression of divinity. As much as

> the respected Guru fills our minds, hearts, and our every action, so

> much will our every act be an act of gratitude, of worship, of

service

> to the Guru.

>

> Do not think for a moment I do not believe in the importance of

doing

> things for the gurudeva, directly, or indirectly, other than

> austerities (cleaning the bathrooms at the ashram is sadhana too,

> after all). But, as I see it, that is not the meaning and intent of

> this present verse. This verse is saying that we must experience our

> sadhana, our austerities, as acts of loving service to the gurudeva.

> If we do not, we are "unfortunate."

>

> Jai Gurudeva!

> Jai Maa!

>

> Chris

>

> , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

> >

> > Dear Kalia,

> >

> > This verse drives home a very important point.

> >

> > Some people do think that it is sufficient if they do the sadhana

> > prescribed by a Guru.

> >

> > More and more I am thinking that is not the case .... definitely

in

> > my case.

> >

> > It doesnt matter if I chant the Chandi or the Guru Gita or the

> > Rudri ... these are just tools given to keep me out of mischief.

> > What REALLY matters is the proximity to the Gurus and what I have

> > learned from them in the last two years.

> >

> > YES Sadhana is important, but it needs to go hand in hand with

Seva.

> >

> > Guru Seva above all else !

> >

> > I remember Swamiji consoling a devotee who didnt have much time to

> > do sadhana as he was so busy doing seva. Swamiji said (and I

> > paraphrase) - "Those who come here and wash bottles and dishes and

> > clean the floors and the rooms get the same benefit as those that

> > chant to the Goddess", thus stressing that the intent - to be of

> > service - was far more valuable than anyone just sitting to chant.

> >

> > My humble two cents.

> > Jai Guru

> > Nanda

[Guest guest]

Very beautifully expressed, Henny.

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

 

 

 

, "henny_v_i" <HvI@S...> wrote:

> Dear all,

>

> my contribution: thinking about the relationship between sadhana and

> seva, I tend to see them as inseparable:

>

> -in the verse, seva is defined as 'selfless service as an expression

> of love', and in the glossary accompanying the Kasyapa Stutra, seva is

> described as "the privilege to demonstrate love through effective

> action".

> -Swamiji has defined sadhana as follows:

> (Q&A 117) "Sadhana is any activity which we perform for the express

> purpose of demonstrating our devotion to God."

>

> to me, this means that our demonstrations of devotion to God in the

> form of prayer or puja etc. are meant to help us become open channels

> for the outpouring of God's love through us, as instruments of divine

> grace.

> To demonstrate our devotion to God in the form of prayers etc. with

> knowledge only, without the opening of the heart so that Love may flow

> through you, means you miss out on the whole purpose of sadhana.

> Unfortunate indeed. But also to perform 'seva' with knowledge only,

> because you think certain things are expected of you and feeling very

> proud because of it, means you are not really performing seva at all.

> Perhaps sadhana, then, could be seen as turning 'inward' towards the

> Source, and seva as turning 'outward', allowing the waters of divine

> love to pour themselves out through you. Receiving and giving, giving

> and receiving.., the one turning into the other, until, when 'inward'

> and 'outward' become one, sadhana and seva are one also.

> The more open you become to the Guru's love, the more ways are found

> for expression of that love, and the more you realize your sadhana is

> not 'your' doing at all. Your demonstration of your devotion to God

> becomes God's demonstration of devotion to you and all beings.

> Devotion to the Guru is nothing but Guru's grace flowing through you.

> There is nothing but the Guru, there is nothing but Love desiring to

> express Itself.

>

> Henny

>

[Guest guest]

This is a very beautiful and well thought out contribution. Thank you.

Kaliahenny_v_i <HvI (AT) SoftHome (DOT) net> wrote:

Dear all,my contribution: thinking about the relationship between

sadhana and seva, I tend to see them as inseparable:-in the verse,

seva is defined as 'selfless service as an expression of love', and

in the glossary accompanying the Kasyapa Stutra, seva is described as

"the privilege to demonstrate love through effective action". -Swamiji

has defined sadhana as follows:(Q&A 117) "Sadhana is any activity

which we perform for the express purpose of demonstrating our

devotion to God."to me, this means that our demonstrations of

devotion to God in the form of prayer or puja etc. are meant to help

us become open channels for the outpouring of God's love through us,

as instruments of divine grace. To demonstrate our devotion to God

in the form of prayers etc. with knowledge only, without the opening

of

the heart so that Love may flow through you, means you miss out on the

whole purpose of sadhana. Unfortunate indeed. But also to perform

'seva' with knowledge only, because you think certain things are

expected of you and feeling very proud because of it, means you are

not really performing seva at all. Perhaps sadhana, then, could be

seen as turning 'inward' towards the Source, and seva as turning

'outward', allowing the waters of divine love to pour themselves out

through you. Receiving and giving, giving and receiving.., the one

turning into the other, until, when 'inward' and 'outward' become

one, sadhana and seva are one also.The more open you become to the

Guru's love, the more ways are found for expression of that love, and

the more you realize your sadhana is not 'your' doing at all. Your

demonstration of your devotion to God becomes God's demonstration of

devotion to you and all beings. Devotion to the Guru is nothing

but Guru's grace flowing through you. There is nothing but the Guru,

there is nothing but Love desiring to express Itself.Henny--- In

, "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956>

wrote:> Nanda (and All),> > I agree with everything you said (except

perhaps the part about the> scriptures being intended just to keep us

out of trouble). It is a> great blessing to be in the presence of the

gurudeva, and, in effect,> sit at his physical feet. You also said

that it is the intent that is> important, and to that I say "YES!",

for that was my point exactly.> > Kalia pointed out that there are

many ways in which one can be of> service to the Guru by serving

others. This is a beautiful path.> > But everyone seems to be saying

that sadhana is not seva, and I don't> quite understand why, because,

notwithstanding the culture we all

come> from (the Devi Mandir) in which seva generally describes acts

of> service other than austerities, and sadhana generally describes

our> worship and austerities, the Guru Gita seems to me to be making

this> very point here, that depending on your intent, sadhana is

either> merely a series of ego-enhancing exercises, or it is seva

(the> expression of selfless love to the Guru).> > I think that the

Guru Gita is saying that the attitude of seva is so> very important,

that even one who performs purifying austerities> without the feeling

of loving service to the Guru, is unfortunate.> > Take a look again at

the verses before and after this verse. Each> gives Guru the credit

for all of our blessings and attainment in life.> They express an

attitude of gratitude and surrender. It is so easy to> become proud

of how far we have come, how much we can chant, how

long> we can sit, etc., etc.. This verse tells us to purify this pride

in> the attitude seva when we do our practices.> > This section of

verses also parallels an earlier section. Take a look> at verses

83-86, actually, 80-88 is more complete.> > These verses describe an

attitude of surrender and devotion in action> that is seva. In my

opinion, it is the combination of these that> constitutes the

metaphorical "feet of the Guru" that is given so much> importance

throughout the Guru Gita.> > Verses 80-82 describe the inward

experience and discipline of devotion> and surrender to the Guru,

verses 83-86 describe the active expression> of these attitudes, as

seva, and verses 87, and 88 describe the> internal expression of

these attitudes (they are external acts, ie.,> speaking, bowing, but

they are internal processes, ie. "I speak,I>

bow.")> > Verse 83 describes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva performing

their> respective actions of creating, preserving, and transforming,

as seva> to the Guru, whose prasad of grace allows them to do so.

Now, you may> say that they are serving others in doing their duties,

and so> performing seva, and you would be right, but I would submit

that at> this stage of being there is no difference between one's

duty and> one's sadhana. Actually, I think there is no difference at

any stage -> it is a matter of intent, isn't it?> > The next verse,

verse 84, says, essentially, that no one but the Guru> knows the

exact method by which He is served. Notice that the word> "method" is

used, implying a specific outward activity, or kind of> outward

activity. The reason, I think, that no one knows is precisely>

because seva is not an outward activity of any certain type, but is

an> inner attitude of loving service to the Guru.> > The next verse,

verse 85, deals with the same issue as our present> verse, "the

strength of knowledge of purifying austerities." Now this> verse was

not just stuck down in the middle of all these others about> seva; it

belongs here. It is saying, in effect, "Look what happens if> you do

not perform your sadhana as seva (in loving service to the> Guru)."

Full of "pride and great egotism," you will "continue to> revolve

around the ocean of objects and relationships, just as a water> pot

revolves around a water wheel." Even the Gods are not immune and>

"cannot be liberated if they turn their face away from the

expression> of selfless love to the Guru." (vs.86)> > The next two

verses (87 and 88) show us how to develop and maintain> this attitude

of seva by remembering, speaking, bowing, and

worshiping> the respected Guru as the supreme expression of divinity.

As much as> the respected Guru fills our minds, hearts, and our every

action, so> much will our every act be an act of gratitude, of

worship, of service> to the Guru.> > Do not think for a moment I do

not believe in the importance of doing> things for the gurudeva,

directly, or indirectly, other than> austerities (cleaning the

bathrooms at the ashram is sadhana too,> after all). But, as I see

it, that is not the meaning and intent of> this present verse. This

verse is saying that we must experience our> sadhana, our

austerities, as acts of loving service to the gurudeva.> If we do

not, we are "unfortunate."> > Jai Gurudeva!> Jai Maa!> > Chris> > ---

In , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai> wrote:>

> > > Dear

Kalia,> > > > This verse drives home a very important point.> > > >

Some people do think that it is sufficient if they do the sadhana > >

prescribed by a Guru.> > > > More and more I am thinking that is not

the case .... definitely in > > my case.> > > > It doesnt matter if I

chant the Chandi or the Guru Gita or the > > Rudri ... these are just

tools given to keep me out of mischief.> > What REALLY matters is the

proximity to the Gurus and what I have > > learned from them in the

last two years.> > > > YES Sadhana is important, but it needs to go

hand in hand with Seva.> > > > Guru Seva above all else !> > > > I

remember Swamiji consoling a devotee who didnt have much time to > >

do sadhana as he was so busy doing seva. Swamiji said (and I > >

paraphrase) - "Those who

come here and wash bottles and dishes and > > clean the floors and the

rooms get the same benefit as those that > > chant to the Goddess",

thus stressing that the intent - to be of > > service - was far more

valuable than anyone just sitting to chant.> > > > My humble two

cents.> > Jai Guru> >

NandaDo You

?