Devotion fulfills our twin needs of universal belonging and personal participation in a reality bigger than ourselves.
As social creatures, we naturally desire interaction, but our longing goes beyond mere interaction—we want to belong to something larger than ourselves. In an increasingly fragmented and isolated society, with the breakdown of families and community institutions, many seek communities of like-minded individuals or causes to align with.
While we yearn to belong to a community, we don’t want that belonging to be merely passive; we also want to contribute to a cause bigger than ourselves. Devotion provides a sense of belonging to the ultimate reality—one that includes everything. The Bhagavad-gita (15.7) explains that we are all parts of God. Regardless of religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, educational background, political orientation, gender, nationality, race, or any other identity marker, we all belong to Krishna. Unlike belonging to any other community, which may exclude others, belonging to Krishna is inclusive, fulfilling our need for connection in a most wholesome and non-divisive way.
Belonging to something vast can sometimes bring insecurity, as we may feel insignificant within the larger group. However, this concern is also addressed in Bhakti. Krishna has a unique, personal relationship with each one of us, with a specific role for everyone in his plan. When we contribute our abilities, interests, and resources to Krishna’s service, we experience a profound sense of personal participation in a divine plan aimed at the world’s welfare. Krishna, being omnipresent and omnipotent, can reciprocate with each of us individually. Through devotion to Krishna, we gain both a sense of universal belonging and a personal connection, fulfilling these social needs in a spiritually enriching and holistic way.
Summary:
- As social beings, we seek a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. However, belonging to one group can lead to sectarianism and tension with other groups.
- We also desire an active role in a greater cause, though sometimes, the larger the cause, the smaller our contribution may seem, potentially leading to feelings of insignificance.
- Devotion to Krishna addresses both these needs, providing universal belonging and personal participation, as Krishna includes all and personally reciprocates with each of us.
Think it over:
- Have you ever felt a need for belonging, and has that need raised concerns about sectarianism?
- Have you desired personal participation in a larger cause, and how have those experiences left you fulfilled or unfulfilled?
- How can devotion to Krishna fulfill our needs for both belonging and participation in a holistic way?
***
15.07 The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.
Leave A Comment