"Students might have heard the story of Abou Ben Adhem who always offered sarva bhuta daya pushpam (compassion on all beings) to the Lord.
Everyday he used to go round the streets to serve the
destitute and the handicapped and return home late in
the night. One night when he returned home, he found
in his bedroom an angel writing something. When he
asked her as to what she was writing, she replied that
she was making a list of those who loved God. She
replied in the negative when he asked her if his name
was there in that list.
The following night, when he
returned home, he again found the angel writing
something. He queried, “Mother, what is it that you are
writing now?” She said, “Son, I am writing the names
of those who are dear to God.” He again wanted to know if his name figured in the list. She replied that
his name was on the top of this list.
The sum and substance of this story is that God
is pleased when you serve your fellow-human-beings.
The scriptures have prescribed nine paths of devotion,
namely, sravanam (listening to the Lord’s stories),
kirthanam (singing His glories), vishnusmaranam
(remembrance of the Lord’s name), pada sevanam
(service to the Lord’s Lotus Feet), archanam
(worship),vandanam (salutation), dasyam (servitude), sneham (friendship), atmanivedanam (offering oneself
to the Lord) i.e., complete self-surrender. But the path
of service is the greatest of all.
Neither by penance nor by pilgrimages
Nor by going through the sacred texts
Can one cross the ocean of worldly life;
One can redeem one’s life only through
service.
(Sanskrit Verse).
Abou Ben Adhem became the recipient of
God’s love because he spent all his time in the service
of his fellowmen. God loves all, for He is the
embodiment of love. But He will give Himself to those
who show compassion to all beings."
(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
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