Love which arises at one moment and fades the
next moment is not love at all. True love shines like a pure divine flame in the heart of the man
whose soul has no birth and death. True love is not subject to growth and decay. Whatever grows
or declines is related to the ego. True love should be regarded as an effulgent flame.
Once, Emperor Janaka approached the Sage Yajnavalkya and asked him: "Oh Sage! Please let
me know the facts about my previous life."
The Sage replied: "What is past is past. There is no
use in recalling it. You have completed a journey along a road. Do not bother about the road that
has been traversed. It does not redound to your glory."
Although the sage used many arguments
to dissuade Janaka from persisting in his request, Janaka was insistent on knowing about his
previous birth.
Yajnavalkya then resorted to his divine insight and told the Emperor: "Janaka,
your wife in the present birth was your mother in your previous life."
On hearing this, Janaka
was shocked. He reflected: "What a wicked person have I been to treat my former mother as my
wife! I must give up such a wicked life."
From that moment he began to treat his queen as his
mother, and giving up all attachments to worldly things, began to pursue spiritual wisdom. (The
spiritual discipline he practised is known as Raja Yoga).
When, while performing one's duties, one cherishes divine aspirations and contemplates on God,
leading a purposeful life, it is called Raja Yoga. This kind of devotion to duty, while pursuing
one's spiritual Sadhana, was exemplified by Emperor Janaka, who attained liberation in this way.
Every person has to discharge his duties in this spirit. Then, duty is God.
(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
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