Bhakti karavi dridhtar | Gambhirpane asave dheer | 

Tarich utarije paalpar | Ihapartri saukhya pave ||

To increase devotion, action is necessary. As devotion grows, actions increase, and as actions increase, duties increase. The joy obtained from fulfilling duties is the essence of devotion. Devotion should be such that it uplifts our lives. With the grace of the Guru, this joy of devotion will increase in our lives; but we must make efforts. If efforts are not made, success will be proportional. Even if we attain joy through the grace of the Supreme Being or the Guru, or if our life reaches an advanced state, we should resolve never to stray from the Guru's feet in any situation. People become arrogant when they acquire wealth, thinking it is due to their own achievements. However, this feeling should never be entertained.

There should be no gap in our devotion, and we should experience increasing joy in our lives. This ensures that devotion remains pure and unblemished. Arjuna's devotion was firm and pure. The way Arjuna worshipped Shri Krishna was acceptable to Shri Krishna. Arjuna did not show anything outwardly, but in his heart, there were no thoughts other than those of Shri Krishna. For example, one day Narada asked the Lord, "O Lord, I constantly chant your name, but you do not seem particularly inclined to visit me. Yet, you are engaged in washing Arjuna's horses? What is this?" The Lord smiled and said, "I am obliged to serve those who have dedicated their entire lives to me or who remember nothing but me." The Lord took Narada to where Arjuna was sleeping. But Arjuna was not actually sleeping; he was chanting 'Soham'. Narada heard this and realized his mistake. He said, "I only chant 'Narayan Narayan' while awake, but he worships you even in his sleep." Narada admitted his mistake. Whatever actions we perform, we should remember the Lord with all our heart, worship Him, and remember Him. Our devotion should be such that the Lord takes notice of it.

|| shree gurudev datta ||