Devotion

You are O Lord
the one true treasure
precious as the last rupee
a beggar might own.

You are the roof
that may not amount to much
but to a homeless man
it’s everything.

You are the fulfilment
a stomach might find
in scraps of food
left by the road.

You are the parent
whose absence even
feels like love.

You are the wheel
of a cart
that’s broken beyond repair.

You are hope
to a heart that has nothing
and no one to live for.

You sweet Bhagwan
are the beloved
to a woman who has nowhere to go.

You are the flame at the altar
the deity
and the ritual too.

You are the stairs to the temple
the stone in the idol
and its prana too.

To me, O Lord
you are more precious
than anything I own
or have ever known.

Not the glitter of gold
or the sparkle of diamonds
neither family nor friends
love for life and desires it holds

You are O Narayana
the one beautiful God
who is the warmth
in my veins

Each day I pray
to see You a little more clearly
than yesterday

Sometimes I fail
for unknown to me
my failings are many

Yet, for each virtue of mine
You reward me
your most dazzling smile

Over and above everyone
You are the parent
I always hoped I had

You are steel
You are grace
You are gentle…oh how great!

O Light of the world
You are my heart
You are life itself…

– The poem is inspired by this beautiful discourse given by our most revered Swamiji in 2012, titled ‘Devotional Service’. It’s by far one of my most favourite. If you are pressed for time then I recommend watching the last 20 minutes. It’s priceless.

Here’s the link:

My humble obeisance in my master’s holy lotus feet.
🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️