Trisatyasya bhaktireva gareeyasi, bhaktireva gareeyasi
There are three truths, three paths - the path of knowledge, the path of action and the path of love. You can attain something through these three ways - through knowledge, action and love. Deep analysis, sharp attention and flawless perception take you to the knowledge which is truth, which is ultimate.
Precise action and 100% dedicated swift and compassion will take you to the same reality, same goal. And blemishless love, unconditional and Universal, takes you to the same goal.
So, of these three paths of knowledge, action and devotion, the path of love, of devotion is supreme. Because for knowledge you need some abilities, to go on the path of action you need strength, but to love you need nothing.
To gain knowledge, you need patience, perseverance and clear perception. To engage yourself in action, you need strength and right observation and correction - action always needs correction. Not every step in the action will be the same, so it needs the observation and the ability to correct the next step. But the path of love needs nothing. It needs just one thing and that is the recognition that the Divines loves you so dearly. You cannot be in Divine love if you do not know the Divine loves you so dearly. First God tells you, “I love you so much, that is why I have created this beautiful world for you,” and just a recognition of the unconditional love of the Divine is good enough for you to be on the path of love. And this recognition, you can make it now, in this moment, or after several lifetimes - it is up to you! Just that faith, unquestioning faith that the Divine loves you so dearly, “Anything in the world may change, but not the love of the Divine for me.” This strong conviction, faith in the Divine love is essential to walk the path of love - it is the only qualification.
If you doubt the love of the Divine for you, then you will stumble, you may not be able to walk the path of love. Never ever doubt the love of the Divine, however seemingly it may appear to be contrary to you. It may appear that the Divine does not love, but don’t even take notice of it.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation