Success in devotion does not require adherence to any particular creed or religion. The devotee should act only with love toward all. That love reaches God, by whatever names one calls him. If we perform our spiritual duty, God’s grace naturally flows to us. When devotion manifests in action and virtuous character, we may be sure that it is genuine. It is not enough if we preach virtue, but do not practice the messages of love and truth.

The devotion of an individual is open to suspicion if he has love for God but does not pay heed to God’s word. Desire for God but neglect of his injunctions cannot be the true characteristic of devotion.

Summer Showers 1979

Fervent devotion to the Lord is a good first step, but its effect is limited if it is not tempered with discipline and duty. Our love for the lord is important, but it is more important for him to love us. We draw God’s love to ourselves by performing our duties well and living within the bounds of right conduct.

Imbibe the ideals of duty, devotion, and discipline. Devotion must be rested in the crucible of discipline. It must be directed along the lines of duty.

Sathya Sai Speaks 9

If we restrict our worship to the church or temple one-day a week, we will realize only limited success. Devotion is a full-time pursuit. It requires commitment to achieving the goal of realization, of seeing divinity at all times and in all places. Self-transformation requires constant practice. It must be steady in the face of all obstacles.

When grief overtakes you, you run to God… When joy is restored you throw him overbroad…Bhakti is not a temporary salve. It is the unbroken contemplation of God without any other interposing thought or feeling.

Gita Vahini