Once there lived a devotee of Lord Siva. He used to worship Siva every day and chant the sacred Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Sivaya”. But, after some time he felt that Lord Siva had not done him any favour. Hence he put aside Siva’s picture in the almirah and kept Rama’s picture on the altar. Initially, he could experience some peace.
However, his desires remained unfulfilled and he became restless. He kept Rama’s picture also in the same almirah and started worshipping Krishna, on the advice of his guru. He chanted the divine name “Gopala Krishna” incessantly. After some time, he felt that even Krishna had not done him any good.
One day
a lady devotee came to him and said, “What is the use
of worshipping Rama and Krishna? Better you do Devi
puja (worship).” As per her advice, he kept a picture of
Devi on the altar and started worshipping it. As the puja
was in progress, he noticed that the fragrance from the
incense sticks was wafting towards the almirah where the
pictures of other deities were kept. He therefore decided
to remove those pictures from the almirah thinking that
the incense sticks were meant for the goddess and that
the other deities had no right to enjoy the fragrance.
Immediately,
the Divine Mother manifested Herself before
him and said, “Oh simpleton! You worshipped Siva for a
few days, and then you switched over to Rama and later
on to Krishna. What is the guarantee that you will not
discard My picture also tomorrow? This is not true devotion.
You should contemplate on one name and one form
till your last breath. You should remain unperturbed by
diffi culties and lead a spiritual life. Fill your heart with
sacred feelings. Only then will your life be redeemed.”
If you want to progress in life, never forget the name of
God. Do not divert your mind from one name to another.
Let your mind be focused on one name and one form.
(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
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