Puttugam2

This is the outcome of worship in solitude (ekanta seva). It is one of the nine types of devotion. Such devotees have the ability to sit in solitude in front of Swamiji’s photo and converse with Him internally. They get all their answers from Swamiji in their inner mind itself.

Such devotees do not talk directly to Swamiji or clarify their doubts face to face when they see Him. This is because Swamiji’s mind is constantly involved in various activities and hence keeps moving in different directions continuously. These devotees have not acquired the ability to unite their buddhi (intellect) with Swamiji’s mind that is relentlessly moving. Instead they realize that all their doubts are getting answered when they sit in front of Swamiji’s photo and worship it. Hence they do not exhibit any devotion in public or in Swamiji’s presence. Such bhakti is also nishchala bhakti (unflinching devotion). Swamiji loves to see such devotees.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

Suppose a wedding is going on and hundreds of relatives, friends, acquaintances have gathered. Guests divide themselves into various groups and begin to chat. Persons belonging to the teaching profession form a group. Likewise traders who share a similar mindset form another group. Students mingle with other students. Politicians form their own group. Likewise housewives form their own groups. Thus based on the thoughts, feelings, profession each form their own group.

Similarly, thousands of people flock to the ashram. According to their feelings and nature they form different groups. Amongst these it is very easy for Swamiji to identify the group that has people with true devotion.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

Only a few selected persons among them can be called as devotees. The rest of them just come to Swamiji seeking his blessings for some particular reason, that’s all.

Glimpses of Bhaktimala

These are traditionalists. They possess a natural devotion towards God and Guru and towards good pious persons. They are experts in Guru bhakti. They do not have any selfish desires. They desire the company of great souls (satsang). They do not attach much weightage to materialistic successes or failures. They also would have acquired the capacity to treat praise and abuse equally. Such people are Swamiji’s dearest devotees. They do not have any expectations from Swamiji. In fact they do not even desire to be next to Swamiji at all times. They experience Swamiji’s presence with them wherever they are staying. This is a type of selfless devotion. Generally such people are also quite detached. They try to be like the lotus in the dirty pond.

• Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

These are not mere teardrops. They are tears of joy. Such people, when they see Swamiji are able to experience the Absolute Truth. There will be no impurity in the minds of such people. They have total, pure devotion devoid of any desires. They are the greatest among devotees (bhaktas). Irrespective of whether the situations are favourable or unfavourable to them they remain devotees. They do not blame Swamiji. They do not seek anything either. Even if they face failures at all fronts they are contented. ‘Swamiji is with us-that is enough’ is their attitude. Swamiji too loves such devotees.

Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4