Devotional Service is a Privilege....

 

Devotional Service is a Privilege....

I read somewhere that devotion is love with wings. So, to engage in devotional service means spreading love, and if we get such an opportunity in life, it is truly a privilege and brings immense satisfaction. In India, from August to September, there are many festivals like Janmashtami, Ganpati, Navratri, Diwali, and more, which people celebrate with great preparation. Some do it because it has been a tradition passed down by their ancestors, some because others are doing it, and some to have a reason to invite people to their homes. Some celebrate because their children or parents demand it, while others do it in groups to celebrate together. Everyone in the house, family, community, and country comes together for these devotional activities to pray to God and celebrate the spirit of divine connection. But I wonder, why is this connection only for these three months? Why not every month, every day, every minute, or every second? I believe we, as Indians, have been privileged by our ancestors to perform such devotional services, both toward God and toward each other, throughout the year.

"God's devotion of love is unimaginable. He gave us the sun, the moon, the stars, the oceans, rivers, plants, animals, birds, and many more things for our survival. He gave us time to be purposeful, to unite, and provided us with the energy of air, water, and food so that we may live happy and beautiful lives. We are privileged to receive such love, time, and energy directly from God, and in abundance. But what do we do? Do we truly value it? Do we respect what we have? Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita and through his stories, has conveyed that devotion is a part of life—devotion to your loved ones, especially your parents, your family, your community, and your country. Many saints say that energy can be felt and transmitted to heal. So, what is happening that we are not able to feel God's devotion of love for us?"

"Recently, I was invited as a speaker for one of the Paryushan Vyakhan Mala, where I was asked to speak on 'The Art of Happiness.' I was genuinely happy that my writings on positivity were helping people, and I saw many had gathered to listen. During Paryushan, those who follow Jainism come together to pray and listen to speakers who inspire them to think positively and help them bring about change. However, one thing I noticed was that the majority of the audience was between the ages of 45 and 70. I hardly saw any young people attending, either to listen or to pray together. Among those who did come, most were singles; there were very few couples present. In this fast-paced world of scientific progress, we seem to be losing the ability to devote time to the one who gives us unconditional love."

"We understand that today's youngsters have a lot of commitments. To survive and stay competitive, they need to earn money and take care of their families, especially their parents, spouses, and children. However, I also believe that just as they find time to play garba, spend time with friends, or watch cricket, movies, or other forms of entertainment, they should also learn to devote some time to pray to God. Humanity will survive on faith if we all dedicate a little time every day to the Almighty. When you're young, you often don’t realize the value of this, which is why we see the majority of people between the ages of 45 and 75 attending when they have reached a stage of self-realization. As parents, we should cultivate the habit of praying with devotion to the Almighty from the moment a child is born. If we do so, we will witness miracles every day."

"Devotion is essential in everything you do, whether as parents, in education, in spending life with your partner, at work, or in contributing to your community and society. Recently, I met a young woman who excels at her work. In the beginning, she puts in her best efforts to achieve results, but over time, as she takes on more commitments, she struggles to maintain the quality of her work. In the rat race of earning money, she doesn't even find time for herself. Her physical and mental health are unstable, which affects her devotion to her work. During our discussion, she realized that true devotion to work brings satisfaction and ensures the quality of her output. Otherwise, focusing solely on quantity and money deteriorates work efficiency."

"Devotion comes from within. Birds, despite the difficulty of finding food and shelter each day, will sing with joy every morning, ready to fly again in search of sustenance. Similarly, one should be dedicated at every stage of life and in everything they do. Daily rituals, especially those with emotional intensity, can foster this devotion. Strong positive emotions, distinctive rituals like maintaining cleanliness, following a healthy diet and lifestyle, practicing honesty, and consistently showing gratitude toward God for what He has given us to survive on this earth all contribute to a life of devotion. If we can achieve this, we are truly privileged. Teachers who educate students not only about their studies but also about the environment around them are shining examples of devotion and the privilege it brings.

Devotion is a powerful force that comes from within and is expressed through our daily actions and mindset. Just like birds that face challenges every day to find food and shelter yet wake up each morning ready to sing and fly again, we too must approach life with a sense of purpose and perseverance. Whether it's in our personal lives as parents, in education, or in our work, devotion is key. By practicing daily rituals with emotional intensity—such as gratitude, maintaining cleanliness, following a healthy lifestyle, and being honest in our actions—we cultivate a mindset of positivity and devotion. These habits help us recognize the abundance we receive from the Almighty and allow us to live with a sense of privilege and purpose.

True devotion is not only about religious or spiritual practices but extends to everything we do, including our work and relationships. Teachers, for example, are prime examples of devotion, as they dedicate themselves to the education and growth of their students, shaping not only their knowledge but also their understanding of the world around them. In a fast-paced world where many people prioritize quantity and wealth, it is important to remember that devotion brings true satisfaction and helps maintain quality in all aspects of life. When we approach life with devotion and gratitude, we create a foundation for lasting fulfillment and success.