The following passage comes from the ancient sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita. I also carried this jewel around in my agenda for many years. It is a hard goal to realise (compare it to Ghandi's 'The Yogi of Action' in my post of the same name). But, as someone said, if you aim for the stars you might not get one, but you won't get a handful of mud either.
Krishna tells Arjuna what manner of devotee is dear to him:
One who does not hate any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from the notion of "I" and "mine", even-minded in pain and pleasure, forgiving;
One who is ever content, who has subdued the mind, whose resolve is firm, whose mind and intellect are engaged in dwelling upon Me; such a devotee is dear to Me.
One by whom others are not agitated, and who is not agitated by others; who is free from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety; is also dear to Me.
One who is free from desires; who is pure, wise, impartial, and free from anxiety; who has renounced the fruit of all undertakings; and who is devoted to Me, is dear to Me.
One who neither rejoices nor grieves, neither likes nor dislikes, who has renounced both the good and the evil, and who is full of devotion, such a person is dear to Me.
One who treats alike friend or foe, honour or disgrace, heat or cold, pleasure or pain; who is free from attachment;
One who is indifferent to criticism or praise, content with everything, unattached to anything, imperturbable, and full of devotion; such a person is dear to Me.
Discover The Tale of Genji, the 11th Century classic of Japan (click image)
Kiyomizudera Temple has a large veranda looking out over Kyoto and beyond
3 comments:
Such people probably wouldn't care much if he is close or not to Him.
Yes, interesting point. If one has no attachments how can one be devoted? But Krishna mentions devotion several times. I suppose it is a form of selective attachment and discipline.
That sounds sensible, Alex. If you are unattached, that doesn't mean you can't choose to be attached.
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