One beholds God only by devotion and love, and this is out of God’s grace and satsang –
Bhakti taat anupam sukh moola
Milayi ho hoyhin sant anukoolaa
Bhagati swatantra sakal guna khaani
Binu satsang na paavahi praani
Therefore for us, only the saint is greater. According to man’s deeds and spiritual practices, the fruit of this human body attained by God’s grace, can be heaven, hell or liberation. It can be anything. However, the fruit of satsang that one gets by the grace of saints is only the eternal post. God reforms the evil-doers, He destroys them, but saints redeem the evil doers by improving their nature. God is bound by the laws He has established. But saints yield to their compassion. From this perspective too a saint is greater than God. God can be attained everywhere, but saints are only at certain places. Therefore they are more scarce than God –
Hari durlabh nahin jagat mein, Harijan durlabh hoi
hari heryaan sab jag milai, Harijan kahin ek hoi
Only a saint is greater for our reform, therefore we must regard the saint as greater.
Seeing from the perspective of the Essence, the saint and God are one and the same; because the saints do not have attachments, interests, sense of mine-ness etc. that is separate from God. Therefore they are a form of God only.
Bhakti bhakt bagavant guru chatur naam, bapu ek
In ke pad bandan kiye naasat bighna anek
Now the question arises in what manner to serve a saint? In answer to this, one can only say, that the best of all means of serving a saint is to walk the path according to his instructions and wishes; to respectfully abide in his principles. This is the highest principle of serving a saint. This is because the saints love their principles, even more than life itself, which is most dear to us. This is the reason that when the need arises, they are willing to give up their life, but they will not give up their principles. Therefore abide and diligently follow their principles, and do according to their wishes. And if you do not know what is on their mind then do according to what they gesture and instruct etc. This is the highest and best service to them. “Agyaa sam na susaahib seva” along with serving with the body, if one can also serve with the inner-senses, through love and devotion, then what to say ! To know their principles, be in their company, one must ask questions pertaining to God. By this we can benefit significantly.
From “Jeevan ka Kartavya” in Hindi, by Swami Ramsukhdasji.
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