In this short article, we'll explore our practices of selfless service and devotion. These paths or practices are also known as Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga.
These practices or paths are recommended by different religions and philosophies. And, they are very helpful for us, when living our lives accordingly. However, we have to remain sincere and humble while doing so.
Like Karma yoga, the path of Bhakti yoga also shifts the focus away from ourselves. Our attention and devotion are turned towards a master or a teacher, a deity or God. Everything we do, we do selflessly, at the service of our object of devotion.
The desired results for Karma and Bhakti yoga are the same - to merge with 'others' or divine union with the guru or God. In other words, to dissolve one's notion of a separate self.
While we are serving and offering ourselves, it is important to keep investigating our own emptiness. To keep checking up and enquiring into our own nature, as we serve others. So, we go beyond the concepts of 'doer' and 'doing'.
In this way, we act and live selflessly, without generating attachment to the fruits of our service and devotion.
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These practices or paths are recommended by different religions and philosophies. And, they are very helpful for us, when living our lives accordingly. However, we have to remain sincere and humble while doing so.
Being selfless
Through selfless service, we shift the focus away from this 'separate self' and we only live to serve others. We put the needs of others first, and in this way, our selfishness starts to dissolve. Our concepts of 'self' and 'others' fade away. Eventually, we become truly selfless.Like Karma yoga, the path of Bhakti yoga also shifts the focus away from ourselves. Our attention and devotion are turned towards a master or a teacher, a deity or God. Everything we do, we do selflessly, at the service of our object of devotion.
The desired results for Karma and Bhakti yoga are the same - to merge with 'others' or divine union with the guru or God. In other words, to dissolve one's notion of a separate self.
Being selfish
When we practice these paths without diligence, things can turn sour. Instead of becoming truly selfless, we become more selfish. It becomes my selflessness, my devotion, my service, and nothing and nobody should be standing in the way of my sincere practice...While we are serving and offering ourselves, it is important to keep investigating our own emptiness. To keep checking up and enquiring into our own nature, as we serve others. So, we go beyond the concepts of 'doer' and 'doing'.
In this way, we act and live selflessly, without generating attachment to the fruits of our service and devotion.
.jpg "My devotion, my service. Discover the Universe that is You. Shanti Universe blog by Anrich Bester.") |
| As we investigate our own Being, the concepts of 'doer' and 'doing' become transparent. |
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Through the lens of the "I" - 15 April 2022
Deep and lucid insights into subtle aspects of spiritual life. Great article Anrich!
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