Many people complain that their troubles have not ended and God has shown no compassion
towards them. They would do well to learn a lesson from an episode in the Ramayana.
After Vibhishana had become friendly with Hanuman, he once asked the latter, "Hanuman!
Although you are a monkey, you have been the recipient of the Lord's grace. Although I have
been ceaselessly engaged in the contemplation of Rama, how is it I have not secured His grace?"
Hanuman replied: "Vibhishana! It is true that you are ceaselessly chanting the name of Rama.
But to what extent are you engaged in the service of Rama? By merely contemplating on the
name of Rama you cannot get Rama's grace. When your brother Ravana brought away Sitadevi,
what is the help you rendered to her? Did you do anything to relieve even partially Rama's
distress?"
Devotees should realise that by merely uttering "Rama! Rama!" you cannot ensure the Lord's
grace. To what extent are you carrying out the injunctions of Rama, Krishna or Baba? How far
are you practising the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita ? Without practising the precepts, no
amount of repetition of the name of the Lord is of any use. It is merely like playing a
gramophone record. The Lord's name must get implanted in your heart.
(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)
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