Value: Krishnaversation - December 2025

Fourth Week: Path of Meditation

Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda defines meditation as the natural state of Awareness, and not any particular action, worship or Japa, though these are helpful means to quiet the mind. The path of action, devotion or knowledge are incomplete if they do not quiet the mind, helping it to abide in the Self through meditation.

Meditation is to see the beauty of God with your eyes closed

External worship and adoration of God is necessary to turn the mind’s attention from the world. Such a mind should subsequently realize His presence in one’s own heart through meditation. Once the beauty of God is realized, the soul starts to revel in the constant presence of God everywhere. Lord Krishna says, ‘He who sees me everywhere and everything in Me, he does not perish and I will never be absent for him.’

At the peak of meditation He alone speaks

A very well-known phrase says, ‘In prayer you speak while God listens, and in meditation He speaks and you listen.’ Saints and sages who are selfless also tirelessly work in the world. For what purpose? They work per the command of Bhagavan. They listen to Him in meditation who guides them to accomplish His work. Only when we shed our desires, He will start working through us! Pujya Gurudev said, ‘Only ann empty reed can render His music!’

Inside-out is action; outside-in is meditation

When we constantly engage in expressing our desires through actions,  we unknowingly move away from our own center, the Self. This departure from the Self is the cause of all sorrows. Disregarding this, we try to obtain temporary joys through fulfilling the demands of the mind. Once the ability to bring our mind to the Self is mastered, desires will naturally diminish. For, drying up the ocean of desires impossible to accomplish even after many thousands of births.

In conclusion, i found this attempt to explain and share my thoughts on the values from Bhagavad Gita a very fulfilling experience. By the blessings of Bhagavan and Pujya Gurudev, I could regularly write the blogs to inspire myself and the readers.

May the blessings of all the saints and sages be with us, to steadily walk the path toward our self-unfoldment and eternal joy!

 

Value: Krishnaversation - December 2025

Third Week: Path of Knowledge

That is regarded as complete knowledge, which never faces any contradiction. Intellectual knowledge has a limited scope, since conclusions drawn from available data within a given period can be overturned by subsequent data. Most scientific theories and conclusions of every passing era face the same fate. However, the awareness of the Self that doesn't change its nature, nor is influenced by anything external to it, is the only knowledge that lasts forever without any contradiction.

Doing without knowing is like painting without a wall

Bhagavan Krishna advises Arjuna that practice without knowledge is inferior to practice that is informed by understanding. While consistently engaging in certain actions may lead to skill and efficiency, it does not necessarily result in growth or progress. To illustrate this point, wise individuals have often shared the following story:

An owner of a teakwood forest employed two skilled young men to cut wood for the local supply. Both were given similar axes to use. One of the men completed his job within the allotted six hours, while the other took over eight hours to accomplish the same task. When asked about the difference in their productivity, it was discovered that the first man sharpened his axe every morning before starting work, while the second man used the same dull axe for many days. The story concludes with the statement, "Efficiency is enhanced by improving the quality of the tools you use!"

Knowledge enhances the quality of your actions. With knowledge, you can also identify and eliminate actions that do not contribute to your growth and progress.

The end of darkness cannot be found in darkness

When we dwell in the darkness of ignorance, we often remain unaware of its dangers. When those around us also continue to live in ignorance, seeking only fleeting joys, we struggle to find a way out. It is only when we receive guidance from a compassionate soul that we begin to recognize how long we have existed in this darkness of ignorance, perhaps for many lifetimes. The end of darkness can never be found in the darkness.

Darkness is the absence of light, but light is not the absence of darkness

As we journey along the path of knowledge, we come to realize the significance of the light that guides us. Light serves as the only true remedy for darkness. Vedanta teaches us about the illusion of darkness; it is merely the absence of light. If darkness were real, it could not vanish in the presence of light.

On the other hand, light does not fade away in the presence of darkness, which demonstrates that light is real while darkness is not. This analogy applies to knowledge and ignorance as well. The absence of knowledge is ignorance, which is only an illusion that can lead to harmful consequences. In contrast, knowledge is real, and when it is fully established, there is no danger of ignorance.

 

Value: Krishnaversation - December 2025

Second Week: Path of Devotion

Devotion is not a path with roads leading to Bhagavan; rather, it is a path that Bhagavan builds to reach your heart. Did Mother Sita build the bridge, or did Sri Rama? It was her total dedication to Bhagavan that allowed Sri Rama to find His way to her. The same is true for Ahalya and Shabari.

Religious ceremonies, festivals, and rituals cannot be considered acts of devotion on their own unless they are performed with complete surrender and love for Bhagavan. These practices have been passed down through generations to help us cultivate steadfast devotion to Bhagavan.

Bhagavan will be your friend if you have none as your enemy

While addressing Arjuna's question about the nature of devotion, Bhagavan Krishna offered a simple piece of advice: "Eschew animosity to become my devotee."
 
Many of our negative feelings stem from preconceived notions related to caste, color, community, religious faith, and social status. We often categorize the world into three groups: those we dislike, those we like, and the rest we don't care about.
 
I once heard a touching story about a young boy who wanted to see God and kept asking his mother about it, though she couldn't provide a satisfactory answer. One day, on his way home from school, he sat on a park bench to eat his lunch. Beside him sat an elderly man. The young boy smiled and shared his food with the man, and though they did not talk, they shared a warm connection.
 
When the boy returned home, he cheerfully told his mother, "Today I saw God sitting next to me, and I shared my food with him. He looked old!" Meanwhile, the elderly gentleman happily spoke to his daughter, saying, "Today, I had lunch with God. I never thought He could be so young!"

When your mind is with Bhagavan, rest will happen

Bhagavan is on Everest! Yes, He is ever-rest. He doesn't feel any anxiety about the future because He knows what lies ahead. If you watch a movie for the second time, you won't experience the same anxiety about the plot twists and turns that you felt the first time. Similarly, Bhagavan is aware of everyone's past, present, and future. He smiles when we express our worries and agitations.
 
Bhagavan Krishna assures us: "Keep your mind on Me, and you will remain forever restful." A true devotee experiences the same peace that Bhagavan has when he completely trusts Him, surrendering his mind entirely to Bhagavan's will.

All in One is knowledge, One in all is devotion

A deep study of Vedanta enhances our understanding of Oneness, recognizing that the entire universe, encompassing all things and beings, is part of a singular substratum known as Brahman. Realizing this Oneness is the key to fostering peace among communities from various cultures, religions, and regions.

Devotion, on the other hand, cultivates our ability to perceive the One divine presence in everyone. While our senses may focus on the myriad names, forms, shapes, and colors in the world, our developed minds can transcend these differences and recognize the One presence that exists in us all. When we acknowledge that the same One is present within us and in others, we naturally develop a love for all.

It is akin to seeing yourself in multiple mirrors; you remain the same in all reflections. Don’t you love each one of them?

 

Value: Krishnaversation - December 2025

First Week: Path of Action

We conclude this final month of our year-long discussions on spiritual values with the most significant highlights from the conversation between Bhagavan Krishna and Arjuna. The term used by a well-known Vedanta Acharya, Madhusudana Saraswati, for this conversation is samvada, which means "intelligent communication" and not merely a list of instructions from one to another. It does not refer to commandments or rules.

Arjuna was the best warrior of his time, a renowned archer and accomplished leader. For someone like him, who is already an efficient warrior, Bhagavan Krishna's conversation begins with the theme of "efficiency in action." The reason for this focus is that, at the outset of the war, Arjuna was confused about the purpose of the conflict. Krishna provides numerous insights to help him gain clarity.

We see a few of them below:

Detach, and the world cannot touch you

Presently, we all act according to our direct or indirect attachments. A working person engages in daily duties mostly out of attachment to family members or for profit and prosperity, a king does so for 'his' kingdom, and so on. The possible failures and other uncertainties from the world cause fear, anxiety, stress, etc., which would make one inefficient while working, as in the case of Arjuna. 

Bhagavan Krishna's advice is: Do not stop doing what you need to do, but do your best, without attachment to action or the results. Then the world will not touch you; you will remain like the lotus on the water. 

One who chases his own shadow can never rest

The entity that drives you to act day after day is a phantom that resembles you. It remains discontent and unhappy, regardless of how much you provide for its demands. Even in a state of detachment, it will continue to seek results!

Bhagavan Krishna explains that God does not create any actors, actions, or attachments to results. These arise solely from 'habit.' You have developed a habit of chasing after the shadow that continuously eludes you, causing your mind to pursue various things and beings. Only by turning your attention to the ever-present Self can you discover true and eternal rest.

Selfless action is where there is less 'self' and more action

A person who has discovered inner peace acts out of compassion for others. Their actions are driven by choice rather than compulsion from within or outside influences. As a result, their actions are free from personal gratification, demands, desires, or ambitions.

 

Bhagavan Krishna emphasizes that such a person serves as an example for others to follow. They may appear to work tirelessly with ambition, but only those who observe their calm demeanor amidst a busy schedule will truly understand the depth of their connection to the restful Self.

 

Value: Meditation - November 2025

Fourth Week: Meditation & Life

An elderly, devout, wise person said the following inspiring words: 'One who knows the Self does not desire, he who knows you doesn't get angry, and one who knows both doesn't suffer.' As long as we ignore the Self, we do not think of these three as choices: desire, anger and suffering. 

Maintaining serenity

Is pursuing a desire a choice? Is there an alternative to desire? Are you prepared to let go of that desire if you achieve what you seek from it before you begin? If you reflect on this correctly, you will. The practice of meditation aims to attain a peace that is far greater than any happiness derived from achievement.

That man attains peace who, abandoning all desires, moves about without longing, without the sense of ‘l-ness’ and ‘my-ness.' (BG 2.71)

Bhagavan Krishna promises infinite peace through regular practice of meditation with assertion and negation, which we discussed earlier. How? Because this culminates in abidance in the Self, in which the individual's dominant ego, that which seeks happiness through desire, reduces itself to a single thought of 'I am the Self'  

Deal with the unpredictable

While you pursue peace, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that life brings. The journey is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, resulting in both positive and negative experiences. Should you shut your eyes and remain passive, or should you engage and risk losing your peace?

Wise individuals advise us to engage peacefully in every situation. This means avoiding the creation of new crises and not allowing our egos to drive selfish decisions. Consider how you can effectively participate in resolving crises by setting aside your ego, rather than perpetuating problems by clinging to it.

Regular meditation is key to reducing the ego. While constant reflection, known as atma vichara, can help convince your intellect, true freedom comes only when you reside in the Self, merging all thoughts into the vast ocean of the all-pervading Self.

 

Value: Meditation - November 2025

Third Week: Focus in Meditation

We all know how to focus. For instance, when reading a book, our attention is on the words, their meanings, and our understanding of the subject. When driving a car, we focus on the road and the traffic around us. Is the focus the same in meditation?

In meditation, focus is essential, but it should not be directed toward anything familiar to the mind. The goal is to reach the deeper layers of the mind—its underlying essence, where thought flows originate. This is akin to observing the riverbed through the flowing water.

External support

Traditionally, the worship known as upasana of your favorite deity should conclude with meditation. After invoking the presence of Bhagavan in an idol, you should focus exclusively on Him. The external form serves as a support to remove your attention from all other thoughts and to maintain your concentration on the divinity that the deity represents.

Gently chanting the name of Bhagavan, in a way that you can hear it while gazing at the form, will help calm your mind. This is neither the loud chanting of Vedic mantras and stotrams nor the repetition of names with a japa mala. It is simply a soft whisper to help you maintain mental stillness.

After a few weeks of practice, you will be able to visualize the form of Bhagavan in your mind with your eyes closed, while continuing to whisper the name or chant silently within your mind.

Internal support

The inner stillness that is gained from the above practice should be followed by abidance in the higher Self and not just remain as emptiness. For this, you can choose verses from the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita or other texts to meditate on. Essentially, these are used to assert the nature of the Self and negate the false notions of oneself, popularly known as anvaya and vyatireka, respectively.

Through this practice, you begin to affirm and abide in the eternal presence, and simultaneously recognize the false nature of the ego and discard what you have been living and identifying with for many lifetimes. 

A verse from Mundakopanishad:

यत्तद्-अद्रेश्यम्-अग्राह्यम्-अगोत्रम्-अवर्णम् -अचक्षुश्रोत्रं तद्-अपाणिपादम् |

नित्यं विभुं सर्वगतं सुसूक्ष्मं तद्-अव्ययं यद्-भुतयोनिं परिपश्यन्ति धीराः || १.१.६

The men of wisdom know the Self to be everywhere, which cannot be perceived by the senses, cannot be grasped, having no roots and qualities, having no eyes, ears, hands or feet (these are negations - that which you are not), which is eternal, omnipresent, all-pervasive, supremely subtle, imperishable and the womb of all beings (these are assertions - that which you are)

A verse from the Bhagavad Gita:

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचित् नायं भूत्वा-अभविता वा न भूयः |

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतः-अयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे || २.२०

This Self is never born or dies. (negation) Having come into existence, again it never ceases to be.  It is unborn, eternal, undecaying, ancient. It is not killed when the body is killed (assertions)

Value: Meditation - November 2025

Second Week: Meditative mind

A mind prepared for meditation should have limited or no worries. This doesn’t mean it is free from the complexities of worldly life, but rather that it is eager to explore the depths of inner silence, thereby spending less time in brooding. It is willing to let go of all mundane concerns to attain the inner tranquility and stillness that are natural to the Self, the divine presence within.

Eliminate mental hang-ups

The past is gone, and the future is yet to come. Neither has any reality in the present moment. However, accepting this truth can be challenging for us. If you are eager to practice meditation, you should set aside both the past and the future without hesitation. Just as you distance yourself from the world when you go to sleep, do the same here.

 

When you wake up from a deep sleep, what do you feel accomplished? Nothing, except for a good rest for your body and mind. Meditation is similar; there is no external achievement you will feel after practicing it. Like sleep, it requires minimal effort, exertion, and free of anxiety.

 

Just like the body and mind need rest in sleep, the soul also needs rest. It has been on a journey for a long time, gathering both pleasant and unpleasant experiences through various bodies and lifetimes. It finds rest in meditation, where all attachments to past experiences are set aside. After an exhausting road trip, when you arrive home and look at your travel map, you may be surprised by how far and wide you have traveled. In the same way, you will gain awareness of your soul's journey upon awakening from deep meditation. Thereafter, the mental preoccupations with life's trivialities will no longer occupy your mind.

Golden rule - Silence

Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji once shared a story: There was a devotee who went to the temple every day to pray. One day, he realized, “Each day I talk to God through my prayers, but I never listen to Him. Today, I will try to hear what He has to say.” So, he decided to remain silent. However, his mind kept chattering. He thought, “I still cannot hear Him; perhaps I need to quiet my mind.” When he finally succeeded in calming his thoughts, he entered a state of deep meditation. After this experience, he no longer visited the temple. When asked why, he replied, “I have found the Lord within me. Whether I worship Him internally or externally makes no difference.” This is the highest form of devotion, where one reaches the depths of meditation through sincere practice. Silence can be understood in two ways: when you do not speak, that is silence; when there are no thoughts, that is stillness. Outer silence has two aspects: the first is your choice to remain silent, and the second is observing the silence that already exists when there is no sound. Both forms are beneficial for meditation. This is why Bhagavan Krishna advised Arjuna to choose a place of solitude for meditation or to meditate at a time when the world has not yet awakened. Schedule time each day to practice silence. Commit to this practice diligently for a few weeks until it feels natural. Gradually work on silencing your thoughts during this time as well. Observe your thoughts without engaging with them.

 

Value: Meditation - November 2025

First Week: Prepare to Meditate

The secret of success in meditation lies in the secret of living a successful life, a way of pure existence. The more one lives by the right values, the more one shall succeed in meditation.

- Swami Chinmayananda

The culmination of living right values is having a calm mind when you sit for meditation. A mind that has no regrets, repulsion or anxiety alone can easily settle down. Leave aside all your roles and responsibilities when you sit for meditation. It is an exclusive engagement of you with yourself.

Create the right atmosphere.

With the mind, we live every wakeful minute. With the same mind, we should sit for meditation as well. We cannot leave the mind aside. Therefore, do not suppress the thoughts that arise in your mind. Regularity is essential in any practice. Fix the time and place of mediation and try to maintain it every day.

Gurudev's advice: "Today, when you have ten minutes all to yourself, sit down and practice smiling in your mind. Watch what is happening. It does not matter if your eyes are open; simply watch the mind and make it smile. Drop all its worries for the time being. In a cheerful mind, there will be very few agitations. Each day, your mind will bring a different weapon, and from your armory, you must select the right weapon as an antidote. On certain days, for example, you will feel an attachment to the body. By relaxing the body to a large extent, your attachment to it will be temporarily released.

Relaxation before meditation is effected through a process called thought massage, by which the meditator, with closed eyes, sends his thoughts consciously down his body, mentally relaxing and massaging every muscle in every limb."

Choose the procedure

What to do:

• Keep your back straight with head, neck and trunk of the body aligned in one straight line
• Keep your eyes softly closed. If you wish to keep your eyes open, have your personal deity's form in front of you at the level of the eyes
• Meditation spot should be well ventilated with sufficient air flow
• Meditation seat should not be too hard or too soft to sit on
• Face the east or north direction
• After sitting in a comfortable posture, inhale and exhale slowly
• Stay as a witness to the mind and watch the parade of thoughts

What not to do:

• Do not lean on a wall or other support. If you are sitting on a chair, maintain an erect posture
• Do not consume any caffeinated drink before meditation
• Do not sit for meditation when you feel physically exhausted
• Do not have another person or pet in the same room who moves a lot or disturbs the atmosphere
• Do not face the south direction
• Do not have very strong light or incense burning in the room

Further steps will be discussed in the subsequent blogs...

 

Value: Bhakti - October 2025

Fifth Week: Bhakti is Mukti

No one will seek mukti, or liberation, if it does not represent independent and everlasting happiness. However, our pursuit of happiness often focuses solely on avoiding sorrow. At the bodily level, we seek happiness through comfort, convenience in daily life, sensory gratifications, and relief from illness. A mind that is free from sorrows and agitations is also considered a source of happiness. Achievements such as appreciation, authority, and fame are regarded as happiness when attained. Yet, is this kind of happiness truly mukti, or liberation?

Some people define liberation as the end of the cycle of birth and death. Others believe that reaching heaven, the abode of the highest happiness, signifies mukti; while devotees see it as being in the presence of God at His lotus feet.

Devotion without division is liberation while living

Liberation should be understood as something that is not determined by any place, time, objects, or circumstances. If it is determined by these factors, it will be temporary and no different from worldly pleasures and gains. If I like a particular place, say a serene spot in a garden facing the ocean, that happiness will be lost when it is occupied by someone else. If I like an object or a person, then space and time may not hamper that happiness, but it is limited by the person or the object.

Happiness is lost due to divisions. An Upanishad student inquired this from the Guru: 'The uncaused (eternal) happiness cannot be effect of the ephemeral actions. What is the source of that (eternal)?' (Mu 1.2.12). A devotee worships the Lord upon recognizing Him to be the uncaused happiness. Devotion leads such a devotee to continue live, enjoying this oneness with Him, losing all divisions. 

Living with unconditional love

If the liberation, or mukti, achieved by the saint is unconditional, the love he expresses in the world is also equally unconditional. For him, it is evident that the presence of the Self or pure consciousness is unconditional in all living beings; therefore, the love for that is also unconditional in the heart of the saint.

From his standpoint, every being is eligible to realize the divine presence of God, and the opportunity to do so should be extended to all. Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, during his entire life as a missionary, embraced everyone as his disciples or devotees, only to compassionately guide them to reach unconditional happiness through unconditional love.

 

Value: Bhakti - October 2025

Fourth Week: Reflection & Contemplation

Reflection and contemplation are essential steps in understanding spiritual teachings. The first step is reflection, which involves recalling the teachings directly imparted by the Guru. Often, we do not pay enough attention when hearing these teachings, leading to difficulties in connecting them coherently. Reflection helps us organize these teachings in our minds by bringing them to memory.

Contemplation follows reflection. This process involves aligning our personal priorities with the goals outlined in the teachings. It is clear that all beings desire lasting happiness, and the teachings found in the Upanishads and other scriptures guide us on how to achieve it. Clarity about this pursuit comes through contemplation.

Experiencing the proximity of His presence

God embodies infinite happiness, and discovering Him as the eternal presence within our hearts is the goal of all spiritual paths. Sri Ramana Maharshi highlights this with his significant statement: "Resting the mind in (God, who resides in) the heart is the aim of all yogas." A well-known mantra from the Upanishads states, "Just as butter hidden in milk rises to the surface through constant churning, the presence of the divine, which is hidden in our hearts, will manifest only by churning the heart with the help of the mind."

Upon making this discovery, we should consider a pivotal question: "Is He in me, or am I in Him?" Both perspectives imply a separation between oneself and God. The phrase "He is in me" encourages us to discipline and divine our lives, serving as a constant reminder that He observes all our words, actions, and thoughts. Conversely, the phrase "I am in Him" leads to surrender, devotion, and an egoless existence.

Study of devotional texts

Devotion develops through steady association with fellow devotees. Regularly seek the company of those who love God, perform services for Him, sing His praises, and love everyone as if they were God.

When you cannot find a community of devotees, read the devotional texts and compositions authored by them. Through their words, you can cultivate the same devotional feelings and love for God. Bhakti finds its expression through selfless service, singing with devotion, and maintaining gratitude for everything we receive from Him.

 

Value: Bhakti - October 2025

Third Week: Namanam - Salutations!

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda used to explain the term nama as na mama, which means "not mine." True salutations involve renouncing the notion of "me" and "mine." What is most dear to us? It is not any object or person; rather, it is our own mind that we are so attached to. We implicitly follow our mind's commands from the moment we wake up until we go back to sleep.

Therefore, namanam can also be understood as na mana, meaning "no mind." This can be challenging unless we practice it daily. In Hindu tradition, younger members of the family are taught to speak softly in the presence of elders and wise individuals. This is one way to relinquish the mind—by observing silence at the altar of the Lord and in the company of those with wisdom. 

Salutations to Surrender

There is an old Tamil song that expresses a profound idea: "If everything were to happen exactly as one thinks, there would be no God; and if one continues to ponder over what has already happened, there will never be peace." The song continues, "Whatever has occurred does not continue in His books, and whatever has begun does not necessarily end in one's home or the sphere of influence."

Our daily struggle often stems from our inability to accept what has happened and our unwillingness to embrace the present. This stems from our limited perception of life. Life itself never ends; it is only the body that dies. The Upanishads affirm that life continues beyond death. If we can understand and accept the eternity of the soul, we will find that we have little to complain about in this world, which is merely a temporary residence. True reverence to the Lord comes when we attain this understanding and surrender ourselves to Him.

Surrender to Salvation

The song had a significant impact on the minds of filmgoers at that time. It conveys a profound message: "The heart has a thousand gates, giving rise to many thoughts. There will be no suffering if only One remains in the heart; if another enters, there will never be peace!"

This is truly insightful! Salvation is not found in death or merely reaching heaven. It lies in maintaining His presence and not allowing anything or anyone else in. The song concludes by stating, "No one knows where life begins or how it will end. No one knows the path or the journey. The path will ultimately change, and the journey will come to an end. The delusion will fade when we realize that the path has shifted."

Salvation is not a sudden conclusion, but a change of path that leads to the merging of the soul, much like a river alters its course to flow into the vast ocean. This change represents total surrender to His will.

 

Value: Bhakti - October 2025

Second Week: Japa - Repetition of holy names

Our minds are always doing the japa - repetition of thoughts! Strong tendencies and lasting impressions are the results of repetitive thoughts about our likes and dislikes. But when the same repetition of thoughts about the qualities of the Lord when practiced correctly, will help us rise above likes and dislikes. 

Repetition of the Lord's name reprograms the thought-flow

Let us explore the correlation between the mind's behavior and the characteristics of the five basic elements. In a deep sleep state, the mind is like the earth—static and unmoving. When we are awake, the mind behaves like water, continuously flowing toward the world of objects, emotions, and feelings. When we engage in lofty thoughts and ideas, it acts like fire, rising upward.

During inspired activities, the mind moves like air, transcending familiar areas of knowledge, where all creative thoughts and intuitions arise. In meditation, the mind dissolves into vastness, similar to space, where there are no physical dimensions.

Japa, or the repetition of the Lord's names, transforms the mind from being like water to fire. It shifts the gross mind into a more subtle presence and reprograms the flow of thoughts to rise upward.

Repeat-Remember-Love-Seek-Reach

Oral japa refers to the repetition of words that express the qualities of the Lord. Words stem from thoughts, and when our thoughts echo these words, it allows our minds to remember Him more frequently.

Love grows through constant remembrance, and as a result, our devotion, or bhakti, increases with the conscious practice of japa. The next step after nurturing devotion is to seek the Lord. This seeking is not about possession; rather, it is about making ourselves available to Him, serving Him, and carrying out His work in the world.

A devotee who firmly believes that the Lord is the sole focus of love will ultimately reach Him. This concept is emphasized by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita: "एक भक्तिः विशिष्‍यते" (One-pointed devotion excels).

 

Value: Bhakti - October 2025

First Week: Devotion - the path of Love

No living being is unfamiliar with the emotion of love. Even plants and animals comprehend the universal language of love. In fact, this is the first language we learn from our mothers while we are still in the womb. It is the only language that God understands from those who earnestly seek Him.

Bhajanam Bhaktih

The word bhaj in Sanskrit encompasses several meanings: to share, to receive, to cultivate, to pursue, to practice, to choose, to honor, to love, to grant, to worship, and to sing, among others. It represents all actions performed with sincere emotion. Let us explore five aspects of Bhajanam for our analysis: bhakti, japa, namanam, mananam, and mukti.

The first and foremost qualification for being a devotee is recognizing the Lord's role in our lives. He operates for our existence, both externally and internally. The texts of Vedanta emphasize that the entire creation is the will of Ishwara; we live in His mind. By faithfully acknowledging this, we begin to sense His living presence in our minds, similar to how a dream exists in our mind while we are also present in that dream. 

Bhava-rupa Bhaktih

Who is qualified to love God? Everyone is qualified, and no special training is necessary! In Vedanta texts, there are various means of knowledge that also serve as ways to understand the divine: direct perception, inference, illustration, logical conclusion, and so on. However, for devotion, no proof is needed.

The feeling of love cannot be proven through perceptions, such as seeing or sensing; it cannot be established through inference or logical conclusion. Neither is there a need for documentary evidence. Love is, in itself, self-evident. When one is truly in love, one simply knows. 

However, devotion to the Lord differs from love for other beings or inanimate objects. When you love someone, you often seek reciprocation. When you love an object, you care for it possessively. In contrast, in devotion, you do not seek reciprocation, nor can you possess Him. The natural and spontaneous love that arises from your heart for Him is, in fact, the response from the Lord. You also fully allow Him to possess you!

 

Value: Seva - September 2025

Fourth Week: Seva at the Altar

Having a personal deity as part of the family has been a long-standing tradition among Hindus. Daily worship of this personal God is considered a duty for every householder, with the entire family participating in the worship process. Monthly and yearly festivities related to the deity are celebrated as family events, where all members, including relatives, neighbors, and friends, joyfully engage in seva (service) to God. This participation includes children and youth.

Performing seva at the family altar by the youth fosters respect for the elders, who have also served the same altar with reverence and devotion in the past.

Seva begins with surrender to the personal God

The Upanishads teach us that all the faculties of our bodies are engaged in serving the presiding deity, who resides within each of us—the Self. Each faculty has its own unique role and responsibilities, and they do not compete with one another. Similarly, we are like the limbs of the Lord, and our actions are a form of service to Him. Therefore, there should be no comparison or competition among us in performing service wherever we do.

To free ourselves from the stress and strain of a competitive world, let us begin each day with surrender to God. Our work is ultimately His work, and both our successes and failures belong to Him. Our morning prayer at His altar is a request to help us give our best in all that we do throughout the day.

An altar in life will alter your life

Spiritual transformation is a gradual process; it does not happen overnight. The bondage created by ignorance has accumulated over many lifetimes, so the release from it will also occur over many lives. However, we can expedite this process by continually remembering God's presence within us.

 

If we consider Hanumanji as the vital force, the son of the wind, we can understand how He energizes every part of our body to carry out various functions. He embodies the best servant of the Lord by serving everyone as this vital force, without seeking any credit for Himself. He carries the essence of His Lord, Sri Rama, wherever He goes and in everything He does. Similarly, let us carry the essence of God in our hearts while engaging in all our actions as a form of service to Him.

 

In addition to regularly worshipping your personal deity at home, seek out the nearest temple or shrine where you can extend your service (seva) to the Lord. Spend time quietly serving at the altar. This can include ritual worship (puja), washing the lamps and puja utensils, preparing the altar for worship, maintaining the garden for the flowers, and more. All these activities are for the same Divine presence that resides in all of us.

 

Value: Seva - September 2025

Third Week: Seva with vision

Service is about helping those in need. But who should be helped? Assistance should be directed towards those who are helpless and cannot meet their own needs. For someone who is penniless, financial support is essential. For those who have no one to share their thoughts with, a compassionate listener can make a significant difference. For individuals seeking companionship, your time is invaluable. However, it’s important that this service also uplifts you! This way of thinking requires both clarity and vision.  

Seva is to become free from Ego 

Your seva should serve your own growth. In spiritual terms, seva should help in liberating you from ego—the mindset of 'I' and 'mine.' When you dedicate your time to support those in need, you step out of your comfort zone. You set aside your personal needs and security, making yourself available to accommodate others. You break the boundaries created by your ego!

Only by recognizing yourself as part of the larger creation, compassionately crafted by the Lord for all souls to experience the consequences of their actions, will you see that you are working for Him. His actions will manifest through you. Conversely, if you focus solely on your personal agenda, neglecting the needs of those around you, not only do you defer your karmic responsibilities to the next life, but your existence will lack significance for others as well.  

Seva is a path, not a destination

A spiritual journey begins with a clear determination of your destination. Only by understanding how far you are from your ultimate goal can you cultivate the qualities needed to reach it—qualities such as patience, love, faith, dedication, and service. Each of these qualities requires time to develop and mature. Engaging in seva (selfless service) brings all these qualities to the forefront. When you serve the world out of love for God and maintain the faith that He is working through you, while patiently dedicating your seva to Him, you embody these essential qualities. Your growth gets expedited.

When Pujya Gurudev was asked about who would continue his work after his departure, he answered with a smile: 'It is His work. If I disappear, He will find someone else to continue. Why should I worry about it?'  This is true selflessness. This maturity would come to us only when we detach from whatever we do, supported by total surrender to God's will

 

Value: Seva - September 2025

Second Week: Seva with emotion

The word "seva" also signifies reverence and admiration, both of which stem from an emotional connection. We tend to revere only what we respect and devote ourselves to. Admiration, on the other hand, is a form of deep appreciation. Does this mean that seva, or service, should only be offered to those we revere and admire?

Seva is enhanced by devotion

Divine emotion manifests as devotion. Many people dedicate themselves to their personal deities, worshipping them at home or at specific holy shrines. Devotees often undertake yearly pilgrimages and observe festivals with great reverence. While these events can evoke intense love for God, they do not lead to personal transformation unless we maintain the same respectful attitude toward everyone we encounter in our daily lives.

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna (BG 9.27): यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्। यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्।। - "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer as a sacrifice, whatever you give, and whatever austerities you undertake, all that you offer to Me." Devotion should not be confined to rituals, festivals, and pilgrimages; it should be expressed as a constant love for God, who Himself manifests as all beings. Serving the world is, in essence, serving God.

Loving attitude

Consider viewing service as a way to express your love for God. Seva is about connecting with the world around you to facilitate your ability to serve. When you present a fruit to God, who do you thank or show gratitude to? Is it the shopkeeper who sold it to you, the wholesaler who supplied the shop, the farmer who cultivated the produce, the tree that bore it, or the Earth’s fertility, along with the sun and water?

 

Although we may feel independent, we are actually interdependent. No one can thrive without the support of many others. When we have the opportunity to serve, we should be grateful to all those who contribute to our lives, both known and unknown. True seva is expressing thanks to the Lord, who supports us through countless hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouths, and hearts.