Devotion is meant to be practiced in the mode of absorption, not in the mode of achievement.

We live in a society that celebrates achievements and achievers. While this is natural and necessary to some extent—since the world has real and serious problems that require remarkable efforts to address—those who succeed in such endeavors deserve applause, which can inspire others to put in similar efforts. The problem arises not when achievements are recognized but when achievement becomes the sole currency for evaluation in society.

Many people work in areas that are vital and indispensable, yet their work may not result in any sensational achievements. For example, taking care of one’s family is not considered a glorious achievement in a society that celebrates achievers. Yet this activity is vital and indispensable for the sustenance of the human race. The achievement mode of functioning becomes detrimental when the focus of an activity is on developing and deepening a relationship. This is the essence of devotion, where the primary purpose is to develop a relationship with the Lord.

Naturally, as part of expressing our devotion to the Lord, we may want to make significant offerings to Him. In pursuing such service, we might achieve remarkable things that contribute significantly to spreading His glories. These achievements can be invaluable aspects of our devotion. However, the danger of practicing devotion in the achievement mode is that our attention can subtly yet swiftly shift from the Lord to the world. This happens because the world’s recognition of our achievements is visible, tangible, and measurable, while the Lord’s recognition manifests as a greater attraction to Him and a richer satisfaction in His remembrance. This deeper state of absorption is what the Bhagavad Gita (12.8) describes as the highest state of devotion.

In this state of absorption, we are not only guaranteed to attain the Lord in the future but have already attained Him in the present through our constant connection with Him. However, when we fixate on the achievement mode, we become more world-conscious and less God-conscious. Over time, even our motives may shift—from seeking achievements for the Lord’s glorification to seeking them for our own glorification. What begins as worship of God may degenerate into worship of our own ego, with God being reduced to a mere instrument for boosting our pride.

Given these dangers inherent in the pursuit of achievements, does it mean we should not seek achievements as expressions of our devotion? Not at all. The implication is that achievements should not be the primary focus of our devotion. The essence of devotion lies not in the things we offer to the Lord but in the heart we offer to Him through the immersion of our consciousness in Him. External offerings are symbolic representations of our internal emotions. As Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita (9.26), He is satisfied and delighted even by a simple offering of a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water if it is made with devotion.

Taking inspiration from such teachings, we can strive to practice devotion in the mode of absorption. This means focusing on connecting with the Lord and keeping our consciousness fixed on Him. This does not mean we become distracted or half-hearted in our practical service to Him in the world. Rather, it means giving priority to times when we can connect directly and exclusively with Him, striving for absorption during those moments.

If we seize such opportunities for absorption, we won’t treat sadhana (spiritual practices) as something to “get through” so we can get to seva (practical service), mistakenly considering it the real essence of bhakti. At certain levels of consciousness, we may find more stimulation and satisfaction in practical activities than in immersing ourselves in the Lord. This is akin to someone expressing love in a relationship by doing tangible things for the other person rather than sitting down and having a deep conversation. However, the activities must still be centered on the person being loved, ensuring that they remain prominent in our consciousness as the purpose driving our actions.

Similarly, we need to take an honest inventory of our consciousness to ensure Krishna remains the purpose of our activities. If He truly is, and we repeatedly redirect our minds to keep Him as our focus, then our achievements in His service will enhance our absorption in Him rather than distract us from it. Such achievements will contribute to His pleasure and our resulting purification, ultimately deepening our connection with Him.

Summary:

  • We live in a society that celebrates achievements, often prioritizing them over relationships. When we pursue bhakti in the achievement mode, we may initially seek to glorify Krishna but gradually shift our focus to seeking recognition from the world or glorifying ourselves, turning devotion into ego worship.
  • To ensure our devotion is practiced in the absorption mode, we should prioritize direct connection with Krishna through sadhana and strive for absorption during those moments. This ensures our achievements remain intended for Krishna and do not serve as tools for self-glorification.
  • The essence of devotion lies in the heart offered to Krishna, not in external achievements, however significant. Absorption in Krishna’s remembrance enriches our spiritual connection and deepens our relationship with Him.

Think it over:

  • Reflect on times when your devotion shifted from the absorption mode to the achievement mode. What caused the shift, and how did it impact your consciousness?
  • How can you ensure that Krishna remains the purpose behind your activities, even when pursuing significant achievements?
  • Identify specific opportunities where you can strive for deeper absorption in Krishna during your spiritual practices.

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09.26 If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.