the deepest Peace … (04/12/13)
Deep-seated & lasting PEACE comes to each & every one of us all in our moments of real Devotion — but not a mere “devotion” to a relationship or a job or a cause or a belief or an ideal.
Rather, real PEACE comes to us when we are Devoted to the entirety of the Universe; when we are Devoted to the greatest Gift ever bestowed — when we are Devoted to everything living — when we are Devoted to life itself.
It is not a pilgrimage, this Devotion; not a journey with “enlightenment” or “salvation” waiting at some destination eventual. Rather, it is choosing to actively set aside all the boundaries that divide you from the Universe around you.
It is – for one perfect moment – having the courage to open up to the joys & sorrows of those around you, and then having the courage to immerse yourself in the same.
In this sense, devotion is a LOVE affair of the highest order. It is completely joining another … It is the deepest intimacy possible between two beings — a LOVE so deep that their two hearts start pulsing to the same rhythm; begin swaying to the same celestial melody.
What mere “love” is between individuals, the LOVE of Devotion connects one individual not solely with another individual, but rather with the whole of Existence.
Devotion dances in the waves of the ocean by cherishing clean water … Devotion dances with the swaying trees by protecting the sanctity of Nature … and Devotion dances with other beings by seeking to lessen their pain –- with a gentle smile, with a kind word, with open arms.
The Heart soaked in Devotion responds reverently to the sweet fragrance of the flowers, sings joyfully to the lilting hymns of the birds, and laughs playfully with the raucous antics of all animals. It stands Thank-fully in the warmth of every sunbeam, and it sits Peace-fully under the stillness of every moon.
And Devotion is also the embrace of death – or at least the embracing of all things that need to die so that LOVE may live. Devotion is setting aside all that which is mortal within you – your fears, your lusts, your hopes, even your needs.
And Devotion is replacing those yearnings with one moment — always THIS moment — that is fully & completely dedicated to the well-being of others.
And once your life is so completely given over, then only the immortal remains — only the eternal remains — only the deathless remains.
This is what it means to be “born anew” … And it is a rebirth that requires neither struggle or strife. It is in-deed natural & fluid, this awakening of one’s true Being. For the deathless cannot remain long separated from the Cosmos that surrounds it –- the Cosmos from which it arose; a Cosmos which is by its very nature also deathless … always ongoing … always shifting … always rebirthing itself.
The Universe, like this very moment – like the energy in every sun and the consciousness within you & every other sentient being, knows no beginning … and therefore knows no end.
And real Devotion is simply living accordingly; simply cherishing each moment of your priceless life by doing whatever you can –- be it a small gesture or the greatest of sacrifices –- to bring Joy & Harmony to all nearby.
This is what it means to “be saved” …
This is what it means to “worship the Father” …
This is what it means to “do God’s Will” …
This is what it means to LOVE.
(inspired by anonymous)
;