The Divine Sentinel in the Royal Path
Everyday millions on this earth engage themselves in various spiritual practices, like Worship, Parayan, Naam Jaap, Yoga, Tantra and Upasana. They always seek for the kindness of God and yearn for God realization. They build Temples, Shrines and other Religious Institutions for the welfare of the people. They gain knowledge in scriptural philosophy.
Many of them practice religion without any awareness of the real divine path (that exists). They all tread along the ‘lanes’ of religion, in order to enter into the ‘Rajpath’ (the grand road of spiritualism) which ultimately leads to God. Thus, millions of men and women walk in queues to enter to the path leading to God for ‘self-realization’.
One is able to enter to the ‘Rajpath’ due to the fruits of virtuous deeds of many past lives. Only he, who has surrendered to the Guru gets an easy entry.
It is not easy to move from the lane (of religion) to the ‘Rajpath’ (of spiritualism) as the crowd in the narrow lane wanders aimlessly. Climbing on each other’s shoulders and pushing each other, they try to forge ahead. The movement (process of evolution) of those (spiritual aspirants) who are absorbed in the mundane activities (in the lane) get delayed and they slow down. Being attracted by the worldly market place of ‘Maya’ (the illusory games), the devotees lose their sense of purpose and their mind gets absorbed in the festivities of the congregation (in the lane). Thus, time passes away and their entry to the ‘Rajpath’ (the path of God realization) gets delayed.
Some devotees climb up the ladder of devotion (slowly) with faith and patience. Reaching the gate of the ‘Rajpath’, they await with determination for the kindness Of the Guru to open the gate. Having earned a lot of Punya (noble deeds), virtuous men and women come (to the gate) reciting the name of Guru and singing hymns in praise of God. Seeing them, the door-keeper (Sadguru) immediately opens the Lion gate (main door).
However, those who are left behind start screaming with jealousy. How could they not enter (the gate), they wonder?
Why the gate did not open (for them) even when they have performed so many religious activities!
Where from did they (the devotees) come and entered the Rajpath straight away! They wonder if God is impartial, why does He take side of those who have entered the gate? Some get blinded with their limited perception and become highly impatient. Not being able to proceed on the path any further, some of them return back (to their mundane existence).
The door opens easily for one who has surrendered to God. If there is conceit yet, in the mind of the devotee, the door does not open easily. If one deviates from spiritual path out of anger or conceit, it takes several lives for him to get a place in the lane again.
Source: Excerpts from Pages 10-14 of Shri Guru Bhagavat, Vol. 2 by Dr. C B Satpathy