Love Is the Highest Form of Devotion

Satsang 3, by Param Sant Kanwar Saheb Ji

This world is not our true homeland. Our real home is somewhere else. When a person goes to a foreign country, he does not experience the same freedom, happiness, and peace that he enjoys in his own land. In another country, he must live according to its laws and customs. Similarly, when the soul comes into the realm of Kaal and Maya, it has to live according to the rules established here. But the peace, love, contentment, equality, and harmony that exist in its true home are not found here.

To explain this truth, take the learning from Saint  Mirabai. She was a living example of pure love and proved that true love itself is true devotion. Worldly attachments, social status, and family ties have no value before such love. Mirabai was born into a royal family and from childhood had deep devotion to Lord Krishna. Her love for Him became so intense that she accepted Him as everything. For a true disciple, the Beloved becomes everything. When someone truly loves another, he does not look for faults. A mother loves her child and never hates him, no matter how much trouble he causes. In the same way, true love does not see caste, status, or social differences. When a person develops true love for God, he no longer feels the need for anything else.

Mirabai demonstrated this through her life. Even after marriage, she remained devoted only to Krishna. Her family tried to make her accept worldly responsibilities, but her heart was not attached to her husband or family. Her love belonged entirely to Krishna. Day and night she sang His praises, lived in His remembrance, and remained immersed in spiritual joy. All worldly pleasures seemed insignificant to her. She often expressed that beautiful clothes, ornaments, and delicious food held no attraction for her. The joy she received from devotion to her Beloved was far greater than anything the world could offer.

A person who lacks love in the heart cannot be said to be practicing real devotion. When the mind becomes attached to God, everything appears equal. Such a person no longer worries about what others think or do. He remains absorbed in divine love. History is full of stories of great lovers—whether spiritual lovers like Mirabai or worldly lovers such as Laila and Majnun, Heer and Ranjha, or Romeo and Juliet. Their love was centered on one beloved alone.

The soul which develops true love attains liberation. Many people sing shabds, attend satsangs, and perform outward acts of devotion, yet their hearts are not sincere. Instead of looking within themselves, they remain busy observing others—what they do, what they wear, what they eat, or whom they speak with. But when true love awakens in the heart, there is no time or interest in judging others.

The saints who became intoxicated with the love of God and the power of Naam cared little about the opinions of the world. They remained absorbed in divine love and allowed others to think whatever they wished.