In the realm of spiritual practices, diverse paths lead to inner peace and understanding. While some traditions emphasize rigorous physical disciplines, others, like the teachings of Maharajji, guide us towards a more outwardly focused approach: service. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in the “Love Serve Remember Foundation,” a principle that encourages us to connect with the divine by loving and serving others while constantly remembering the divine essence within ourselves and all beings.
The essence of this foundation lies in shifting our perception when we interact with others. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial layers of personality and physicality. As explored in spiritual discourse, when we focus solely on the body, we are engaging with desire. Similarly, dwelling on personality leads to attachment. These perspectives keep us tethered to the surface, obscuring the deeper connection that is possible.
To truly serve, we must recognize and honor “that in each of us which we already are.” This refers to the inherent divinity, the spark of consciousness that resides within every individual. By remembering God, or this universal consciousness, when we encounter another person, we are not just seeing their external form but acknowledging and serving their inner being. This understanding forms the bedrock of compassionate action and meaningful service.
Service, in this context, becomes an act of relieving suffering. However, the nature of service is nuanced and depends on the individual’s needs and level of awareness. For someone deeply entrenched in worldly reality, suffering often arises from unmet desires and lack of pleasure. In such cases, service might involve addressing basic needs, like providing food to the hungry. This is a fundamental act of compassion and kindness.
However, service transcends simply fulfilling immediate desires. Consider the example of a yogi fasting. If they express hunger during their fast, true service might not be to offer food but to support their spiritual discipline. This illustrates that service is not about adhering to a rigid formula but about discerning the true need and responding with wisdom and understanding. The form of service is thus a function of both the served and the server’s nature, requiring mindful awareness and empathy.
This path of “love, serve, and remember God” resonates deeply with core tenets of various spiritual traditions. In Southern Buddhism, the concepts of chela (purification), samadhi (concentration), and punyam (wisdom) offer a parallel framework. Chela, or purification, involves becoming aware of our desires, attachments, and distorted perceptions of reality. This self-awareness, fueled by nascent wisdom (punyam), motivates us to purify our actions and intentions. As purification deepens, so does our wisdom, creating a cyclical process of growth. Similarly, the practice of “love serve remember foundation” can be seen as a path of purification – simplifying our lives, detaching from superficial connections, and cultivating genuine relationships rooted in recognizing the shared divine essence.
Ultimately, the “love serve remember foundation” encourages a transformation in how we perceive ourselves and others. It’s about moving beyond superficial interactions and connecting with the deeper, shared reality. By loving and serving with the constant remembrance of the divine within, we embark on a path of purification, compassion, and profound spiritual growth, fostering a world built on genuine connection and understanding.
