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?