How do we describe divinity? Divinity refers to the quality or nature of God’s being. The concept of divinity is linked to how one perceives the universe and chaos. Divinity enables one to relate to a higher power. According to Swami Satyananda Saraswati when one must think about others then one can think about God.
When one serves mankind then that is defined as worship of God. If it is not possible to serve God, one can at least have compassion and empathy for one’s fellow beings. Many of us feel that by helping family members, we are being magnanimous. Charity is to be given to persons, who are never going to acknowledge what has been given. One must assist one’s fellow beings, and if one can do this, then one can benefit from the grace of God.
However, one has to be spontaneous in one’s kindness. Helping one another is a kind of prayer. It is a spiritual sadhana. One’s mirror of the mind becomes clean, and one can see one’s reflection clearly and exclaim, “I am self-aware and conscious.”
Atmajnana
Swamiji narrates a story about himself. He had lived a spiritual life for half a century. However, when he started thinking about others, God began thinking about him. He was sent to Rikhiya, where he began to take care of the entire village. He realized that what was the use of atmajnana (spiritual knowledge) and how could the world benefit from his spiritual gain and self-realization. He reflected on what he would gain by having a darshan of God, was it only for his salvation?
How could he be so selfish? He turned to God and said, “Show me the path. I am blind. Tell me what to do.” God then guided him and the village in Rikhiya became a place, where girls and boys studied and went on to college. Farmers became free from debts. Disciples donated generously. Whatever he asked for, God granted him, be it blankets or tractors.
My Guru was very humble and even before he adopted Rikhiya, he was giving and giving to everyone who came his way. His teachings changed thousands of persons, who in turn have enabled others to change their behavior.
He followed his Guru, Swami Sivananda’s footsteps in loving, serving and giving.
Aim Hrim Klim