Flavours of Devotion: What would the Master Do? (Love-in-Action Blog Series)

In the Narada Bhakti Sutras—a classic collection of teachings on divine love—there’s a beautiful verse that says:

Tat prāpya tadeva avalokyati, tadeva śṛṇoti, tadeva bhāṣyati, tadeva cintayati.

Translation: When one is immersed in Bhakti (pure love), they see only love, hear only love, speak only love, and think only love.

This state of being is called Anasuya(1)- devoid of fault-finding eyes. Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, tells the warrior Prince Arjuna, “I’m giving you this knowledge because you are Anasuya.”

One who is steeped in love does not see any imperfection in his beloved (the one he is in love with). And any imperfection is accepted and embraced in its totality - even considered an adorable trait :)
For a mother, her child is perfect. For a student, the Master is perfect. For a true Master, a student, a disciple, a devotee, is perfect, and every "flaw" is accepted. In fact, it is this unconditional love and acceptance that brings forth a transformation.   

An enlightened Master is Anasuya in every sense. He sees perfection in every being, in every aspect of existence. I have heard Gurudev say, "If only you could see the World through my eyes. You would see that everything is in its perfect place. Everything is moving from one level of perfection to the next."   

This is Bhakti. Seeing the world through the eyes of the Master, not seeing a fault in anyone, not blaming or accusing anyone or anything as being imperfect. Bhakti, therefore, is also expressed as living in the image of the Master. It is said that when a Bhakti Yogi faces a challenging situation, she asks herself: “What would the Master do in this situation?” 

Scene 1: Love vs. Stress (and a Surprise Turnaround)

In my first month at a research program in Germany, I proposed organizing a stress management workshop for our team. I thought it’d be a thoughtful gesture. My senior supervisor... did not agree. 😅Instead, he got really upset and said: "If we organize a stress management workshop in the office, people will think we are stressing out our employees!"

I tried to reason that the effect would actually be the opposite - that people would feel grateful and taken care of. I also pointed out that the top Ivy League universities are offering such workshops to their students and staff as stress is now an inevitable part of modern life - we have to learn how to manage it! But it was all to no avail - with each argument, my supervisor just got angrier! I later learned he'd just come out of a nervous breakdown himself.

I left my supervisor's office with a terribly heavy feeling in my heart - what had I done!?!?! My first month in the research program and I had already pissed off my supervisor! The anxiety stuck with me all day. I didn't know what to do! 

Late that evening, I asked myself, "What would Gurudev have done in this situation?" Suddenly, I remembered something a senior Art of Living teacher once told me:
        When you're in a conflict, ask yourself: is your love stronger or is their anger stronger? Whichever         is stronger will win.

I immediately felt lighter - I told myself: my love is stronger. It will win. 

The next morning, as I walked into the office, I saw my supervisor approaching from the other end of the corridor. He saw me, frowned, and looked away. He was clearly still upset. Something inside me smiled a very mischievous smile as I recollected my resolve... "my love is stronger and will win..." We kept walking towards each other, and just as our paths crossed, our eyes met for just one moment - I had a big smile on my face and felt absolutely no fear or anger. 

My supervisor was so surprised that he came to a complete halt, stared for a moment with a look of complete confusion, and then returned a wide, radiant smile! Just like that, the conflict was over - no words, no discussions, no explanations - just an exchange of genuine, friendly smiles. 

Scene 2: False Accusations, Unshakable Love

Another time, I was falsely accused and suspended from my job. During the entire period of my suspension, I only felt love and compassion for my boss and colleagues - it was a surprise even for me that I did not feel any anger! Needless to say, I was reinstated within 3 days. I continue to be on good terms with everyone who accused me. 

As the feeling of Bhakti cannot remain bottled up in one’s heart, it flows out as love and compassion to everyone around us. All yoga practices, meditation, pranayamas, and asanas are done with the goal of thinning the veil that covers the unconditional love that we all are. A love that helps us live in the image of the enlightened Masters. 

References and suggested further reading

(1) Asuya and Anasuya, Wisdom Series with Bawa and Dinesh, available on YouTube Here Knowledge Sheet 11 - Asuya and Anasuya
(2) Sutra 55, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Commentary on Narada Bhakti Sutras.

Suggested reading: Love is beyond boundaries - The Story of Vidyadar - Wisdom by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

What-Would-the-Master-Do: Healthy Recipe of the Day
Mixed Salad with Lemon-Raisin Dressing 

Preparation time: 10-15 mins
Serves 2-3

Ingredients:
200 g Feldsalat/Corn Salad/Field Lettuce/Mâche 

1 large Cucumber 
1 large Red Capsicum/Paprika/Spitz Paprika - 
1 Avocado 
1 Tbs Raisins (Optional)
2 Tbs Peanuts OR 100g crumbled Feta cheese (Optional)

For the Dressing:
3 Tbs Raisins
3-4 Tbs Olive Oil
1/2 Lemon - Juiced
2 tsp Maple Syrup (Optional)
1 heaped tsp vegetable broth powder / Gemüsebrühe 

 

Method:
Wash the Feldsalat and spin dry it till all the excess water is out. Cut the cucumber, capsicum and avocado into bite-sized cubes. In a large salad bowl, gently mix the Feldsalat, cucumber, capsicum and avocado. Add the raisins and set aside. 

Put all the dressing ingredients into a wet grinder and grind into a smooth, dense liquid. Some small raisin clumps are OK. 

Pour the dressing into the salad. Add the crumbled feta/peanuts. Mix well with a gentle hand. Serve immediately. 

Perfect for a hot summer day!