22 Aug 2023
[Smt. Chhanda asked: Padanamaskaram Swami. What is the significance of reaching God in 7 births as devotee or in 3 births as enemy? By Chhanda Chandra]
Swami replied:- God Vishnu tested His two devotees standing at His gate when they were cursed by the four devoted divine boys that they shall become demons since they obstructed the boys trying to enter His abode. Then, God Vishnu appeared before them and asked them whether they like to reach Him as devotees in seven births or to reach Him as enemies in three births. The gate keepers chose the choice to reach Him as enemies in three births. They told that they cannot wait for a long time to reach Him. This shows that they are the true devotees. Narada Bhakti Suutra says that true devotion is dedication of the self to God in all thoughts, words and actions and also that a true devotee can’t tolerate his separation from God (Tadarpitākhilācāratā tadvismaraṇe parama vyākulatā).
★ ★ ★ ★ ★