The moment we utter the word “devotion”, the first thought that comes to most minds is, “Devoted to what Who are you devoted to ”
The moment we utter the word “devotion”, the first thought that comes to most minds is, “Devoted to what Who are you devoted to ”
We must understand what devotion is. The word “devotion” comes from the root word “dissolution”. If you are truly devoted to something, then who you are — your person — will dissolve into the object of devotion.
Did anybody achieve anything significant without being devoted to his/her goal Irrespective of the chosen field, only when somebody shows a certain sense of devotion to his/her work, hoes s/he get to do something of some significance.
Even a thief, if he has to be successful, must be devoted to thievery, otherwise s/he shall not excel at it. S/he risks his/her life, isn’t it S/he is devoted in some way.
So, it does not matter what is the nature of the activity you have chosen, if it has to rise beyond the mundane, it takes devotion. That means, who you are should merge with what you are doing. Otherwise your activity, whatever it may be, whatever your destination, will not find any great significance.
If you get devoted to a certain source of energy, it empowers you. Depending upon what one is seeking, people devote themselves to that form of energy so that they are empowered in that direction.
Based on this, in India, we created thousands of consecrated forms. If you are seeking success, go to this temple. If you are fearful, go to that temple. If you seek love, go to this temple, if you seek liberation, go to that temple.
Now this is a double benefit. To be devoted itself, does something beautiful to you. The English expression, “Falling in love,” is significant because you don’t rise in love, you don’t fly in love, you don’t walk in love, you don’t stand in love, but you fall in love, because something of who you are has to go.
Something of what you think “I am” should fall, only then can love happen. There is a certain beauty to love because something of you falls — you are willing to destroy a bit of yourself for the sake of the other. Love is a wonderful experience but you can still get over it.
Devotion, unlike love, is different from love in this sense. In devotion, there is no “I”. So you cannot get out of it. Which is why it is beautiful.
