Letter from the Field: Devotion & Wisdom

Dear Fred, 

I want to share this little anecdote about how the quality of my Bhakti towards God has changed as a result of the experiential nature of your teaching.  I thought it would make you smile.

For years, I have worshipped an Indian saint and have participated in many festivals and  rituals in celebrating and expressing my love for him and his teachings. As you know, God and Guru are equal in Hinduism and both are worshipped as such.  This month, we are having a little ceremony to welcome a picture of the saint to our home with friends and family, from his temple along with soil from the town (which is regarded as sacred because he tread on that ground).  It is believed that the arrival of a picture of the Guru is the same as him visiting in person.  A few years ago, I could engage in the event as though I were really welcoming the saint. But now, there was a distinct feeling of wondering how do you welcome that One who is everywhere? Was He not here before? Is there anything that I can do—something like sing songs, wave incense or engage in any action that could really bring in the One that does not move?  Feels a little odd and funny welcoming someone who is already here!  Of course, I understand that we should not get stuck in the Absolute view. While holding that, we simultaneously cooperate and participate in the relative level.  I will participate in the ceremony just as I did before, but internally there is a silent change in attitude.  I did not feel this way before. The change happened after I came under the umbrella of this skillful teaching.

Ravi reminded me of the same teaching we received from our Vedanta teacher on the subject. We were taught that all of us start worship with what is known as Eka Roopa Eswara—God with a particular form and attributes. This is Bhakti at the level of duality. The attitude is something like,  here I am small, limited and vulnerable. I depend on you for everything.  I plead for protection and express my love and gratitude.  At the next stage, as we grow in knowledge, we see Him as Viswaroopa—God as the world. Every form is His form. The creator and creation are One.  Then there is the highest form of Bhakti, in which there is recognition that He (just a word to refer) is Aroopa—formless! There is no movement possible because He is beyond Space.  The skillful teacher walks his student through this non-journey as you have done for many. 

❤?
Manju