Guruji's Teachings

Guruji's Teachings - 5

A True devotee:

True devotee is one who prays God not for himself but for the world. He need not wear ochre robes. He need not perform great rituals for God. God does not want all these rituals. Devotee can spend a little to his satisfaction. God wants a devotee to renounce his mind, purify his mind, repeat 'Srirama Nama' (God's name) at all times like breathing and lead his daily routine, family life. Such a devotee is a true devotee fit for Moksha.

We can see reflection of Sky in any well, any lake, any river. In same manner if we can treat every form in the world as a reflection of God then it is possible to see God.

God loves devotee like a mother loves her child. A father has little selfishness in his love towards his children. But a mother first takes care of her children and then only takes care of husband. Only after that she takes care of herself. Though her children grow up, she still loves her children in the same manner. But when children grow up she prefers to stay with the child who shows more love and affection and stay with that child. God also loves each and every human being with same love and affection but prefers to stay with those who love him and who keep remembering him always.

Men remember God only in times of difficulties. It is natural. Guruji says whoever prays to God always (not just in times of need) without desiring anything in return, then God will provide us with what is necessary at appropriate time without our asking. A girl never asks her father for marriage, but father knows when it is right time for marriage and makes preparations. Like a father who takes care of his children's needs appropriate at every age, God also provides us whatever we need at the right time. He decides what we need and what we don't need. Man's duty is to pray to HIM.

Some people look for suffering even in convenience. Such people complain about a missing essence when they are given rice pudding prepared with Ghee and Cashew.

Some people look for happiness even in times of difficulty. Such people take a meager meal consisting of diluted rice soup heartily and thank God for giving such a good meal. They not only enjoy this meal but give blessings to people who give such a meal.

Some people complain even when God gives them lot of things that they don't have so and so and in turn spoil their health. Some people treat life itself as a blessing. Even if they are not granted any thing, they think "God you have given two hands which which I can drink water to my content. Thank you God for giving such beautiful pair of hands."

A mother gives all play things to her child but still keeps checking on the child. When the mother is not seen for quite some the child leaves all her favorite toys and starts crying for mother. Similarly God has given toys of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Mada, Matsarya to man. Though every thing is within reach whoever gives up all those and goes crying to God saying "God I don't want anything, but you" such people are always protected by God.

In darkness when we light a lamp for finding a thing. But the light brightens up every thing within range. When we pray to God with one purpose, God not only fulfills that purpose but will give many more things we need.

A farmer reaps a corn harvest which comes to hand in 4 or 5 months. Farmer reaps the harvest and prepares for sowing new harvest next year. Instead if there is a mango plantation, it will keep giving fruits every year. If a small fire contacts a corn it turns into ashes. But a mango tree will not be completely destroyed, but the water in the roots will bring the tree back to life. A man who prays to God just for one desire and forgets God once his desires are fulfilled is like the corn. If a man keeps praying without any desires God will grant fruits forever just like the Mango tree.

The above illustrations are given to stress the point: Man should pray to God for ever instead of just for one day, with one aim. Man should remember God and take his name even while carrying out daily duties.

Jai Sriram, Jai Hanuman

March 2002