A mere ethical and moral life, however perfect it may be, cannot by itself bring about the spiritual solace and intense personal experience which are the demands of all spiritual seekers. No doubt moral and ethical life, following the positive virtues of a creative life, in themselves have a measure of peace and tranquillity to give.
But a true spiritual aspirant’s demand is much more than a relative life of peaceful contentment and inner quietude. He demands a perfect and full experience of the infinite beatitude. He wants to explore the universe in himself and finally arrive at the immutable Reality behind the world of perceptions.
‘Therefore’ (atah), the student must necessarily practise devotion.Devotion is defined in various ways by various teachers but to Devarñi Närada it is indeed ‘the supreme love for God’. It depends upon nothing else. A mind totally turned towards God in love, demanding nothing, not even Liberation, is a mind filled with devotion.
Thoughts constantly flowing in love towards the Supreme is devotion. Nobody else, nothing else, no one else, but Narayana – this attitude of the heart is love. This state is called exclusive love (ananya prema) and this total love for the Lord is devotion.