Many of us make the mistake of being 'part time devotees' - of course, we are busy, we have important work, personal commitments and we are too exhausted by it. At the end of the day, we don't even feel like lighting the lamp or praying. Sometimes, we begin to think how does lighting a lamp bring a difference to our already hectic lives? [READ: How Do You Light Deepam and Best Time to Light Diya]
[Image by Julia Volk @ Pexels]
As I ponder about this, my view is that the problem isn't with the lamp or the light - the problem is our 'know-it-all' attitude of self-inflicted superiority.
Unknowingly, we live in a society that thrives on 'showing off' and less on the subtle aspects of life, the smaller joys and delights of real life. Which is where something as seemingly 'small' and 'mundane' as lighting a lamp becomes reduced to by the 'logical' mind, or more candidly, the ego that shuts up the mind and the heart. [READ: How To Treat Your Ego with Love]
In the world of pure goodness and bhakti, who hasn't heard of Mirabai's devotion and love towards Krishna?
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, has referred many times to Mirabai's devotion.
"Develop love for God. There is no better spiritual practice than this. You may not do any other sadhana; it is enough if you love God wholeheartedly. Mira also said: “Payoji maine nam ratan dhana payo” (I have found the jewel of Divine Name). She considered the jewel of Divine Name as her greatest wealth. She sang, “Vastu amoulik dee mere sadguru” (My sadguru has given me this precious thing). Who is a sadguru? What is sat? Sat is that which is permanent. That is God. Sat means being. When her husband told her to leave the temple, she became very worried. She thought, “How will I go leaving my Krishna here?” Immediately, she took a decision: “These are all temples constructed by man. They are not permanent. The temple constructed by God is my heart.” Then she sang, Chalore Mana Ganga yamuna teer (Oh mind! Go to the bank of Ganga and Yamuna). “Oh mind! Go only there. Wherever else you go, there is no peace.” The center of forehead is the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna which represent the subtle channels, Ida and Pingala in man. Both Ganga and Yamuna meet there where lies the sushumna nadi (central subtle channel). How is the water of Ganga and Yamuna? Ganga, yamuna nirmal pani, sheetal hota sareer. Chalore mana Ganga yamuna teer (The water of Ganga and Yamuna is very cool and pure which will make one serene and peaceful. Therefore, oh mind! Go to the bank of Ganga and Yamuna)....
When you fill your heart completely with love for God, that love itself is enough to earn the grace and love of God. Therefore, develop the principle of love and attain God through love." - Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam on 18th June 1996.
Reflecting on Mirabai's devotion to Krishna, let us share these stories with our children and in our homes. Invite positive thoughts and loving energy.
Something as simple and beautiful as lighting a lamp can be the most beautiful way for us to bond with our children and family members.
[Image by Yan Krukov @ Pexels]
As we know, light is the most powerful force in the world - and when we light our homes, it is our hearts that are illuminated from within.
If you've enjoyed reading this post, read: Why Malayalis Light Nilavilakku in Their Homes.
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