The Meeting of Devotees

- Gurpreet Bhatia

(Verse 327)

The verse describes how Devotees of God meet and greet each other and the feeling of elation that they take delivery of from such a natural meeting.  It describes the sensational emotion, which runs through the spirits of the two and the general way of the Devotee, being a life of humility without which, one will not be the privileged to receive the grace of the beloved Spiritual Sage.

First Sight

“When I meet my fellow devotee, I gain unending pleasure and upon this meeting we bow down to each other.”

It is said that when devotees see each other they experience a remarkable sense of elation within themselves.  This feeling is generated because the eyes have witnessed another person who lives with the benefit of the knowledge of Nirankar God Formless.  Essentially not only the physical bodies are united but the truth is, that hearts are conducting a reunion.  A Devotee does not normally undergo such emotion when he sees every human being, a friend or a relative.  His fellow devotees stand out in a crowd and are treated differently to his normal daily relationships.

This is subject to one proviso, that some devotees are completely joined with higher experience and live in a greater elevated state.  Such people it is considerately suggested cannot distinguish between enlightened persons and others.  There is one vision, which flows within their hearts when they meet all, being the ideal and perfect life.  This is what all Devotees of God aspire to achieve.  They do not trample on the rights of other human beings.  On the contrary, they respect all people as members of one global family, which is seen as their duty to humanity.

What happens next?

Once the devotees have met, they bow down at each other’s feet as a mark of respect and acknowledge the formless resident in each other.  This provides an opportunity to further reflect upon the giver of life and appreciate his existence.  This is an instructive example of the behaviour of the Devotees as they are capable of distinguishing what is real in the world from that which is artificial.  Such identification leads them to reform their lives.  The true identity granted by the Spiritual Sage, is the cause of love for devotees, which is deeply felt.

A sign that the knowledge has an unceasing abode in a devotee’s heart is illustrated when he formerly bows down before his fellow disciple, which will inspire the production of humility.  Those who are reluctant to do so, may indicate the fading of the spirit of the all-pervading energy.

The Way of the Devotee

“This is the way of the Devotee and it is True Devotion Being finer than a strand of hair”

It is said that bowing down is a tradition in the life of True Devotees.  As mentioned, it encourages humility to enter the temple of the mind where it finds a resting place for permanent residency.  Otherwise, humility comes in for short periods and then leaves.

“Bowing before others is strength not a weakness.”

                                                                                                                                                                - Nirankari Baba Ji

Why is this so?  The devotee has accepted his limitations and confirms the formless God Nirankar, is the fortress within which he lives.  It provides, maintains, supports him and is the reason for his every success.  This view is written in stone, becoming his firm belief and the basis of his entire faith.  Thereafter, the devotee will travel the path to live a pure and unblemished life on the basis of such established conviction.  To allow humility to be stitched into the thoughts of the devotees is symptomatic of Spiritual Growth.  When he accepts that he is no more, the truth will pervade itself within him.  It is one of the main pillars accomplishments within a life of devotion and will lead to true discipleship.

A difficult Path to follow?

The verse flows on and expresses caution.  Although it may become the natural way of such people, it remains a delicate path and is described as fine as a strand of hair to tread upon.  The path has also been considered as treacherous and one may face numerous hurdles and obstacles en route, which take the form of testing moments.  The counsel of the masters is most relevant at these times and the best advice is to surrender to the almighty to allow him to work his way.  Although this is easy to speak of, it is most difficult for all believers to surrender to this Nirankar formless at all times.  Talking about the path, which routes to take and which direction to travel is one extreme, to actually walking upon it and practicing the principles in daily life.

Following the Path of Humility

“He who forgets to live humbly and bow before others, loses out from the company of the spiritual teacher.”

If such lessons of humility are not observed in a devotee’s approach and manner in the world, it is said that the spiritual sage will not stand with him.  The devotee should never forget the message and at the same time, knowing that he should be able to draw the line, remaining aware of circumstances around him not being gullible.  He should not be taken advantage of due to his innocence and saintly nature.  He must focus on leading a beneficial life and observing his duties within society.  Nevertheless, in reality such people are rare species to find in this day and age but are able to love everyone and be recipients of the same invested love from all.

In conclusion, it is respectfully submitted that these are very serious commandments which must be strictly followed and failure to comply will lead to the withdrawal of the company of the spiritual sage.  Arrogance has always closed the mind of a devotee, such that guidance can not be received.  For a true devotee this is crucial as one who been touched by the spiritual master can never contemplate living without him as he becomes life for him.  He is one with him at all moments in his life and would not do anything to jeopardize his complete love for his master.

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