A devotee follows the command from his Guru according to his consciousness and ‘Karma’. In this context there are three types of devotees.

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The first category of devotees can read the Guru’s mind and act accordingly. Their heart and consciousness is always centered at the lotus feet of the Guru. When such a devotee receives any command from his Guru, he executes those immediately with the attitude of a servant. One can’t notice any sign of stress or discomfort in such a devotee while executing his Guru’s order. The devotee becomes dis-passionate towards all positions and possessions, and treats everyone equitably. He doesn’t think about his personal commitments until the task assigned by the Master is finished. Such devotees are best, rare, and are blessed.

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The second category of devotees does only as much task assigned by the Guru. While executing Guru’s command, simultaneously they look after their personal responsibilities. If such a devotee faces any impediment while carrying out the task (due to his personal commitment), they pray to the Guru for intervention and resolution of the issue.

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The third category of devotees have minimal devotion towards the Guru. Neither they possess Faith nor Patience. They look for excuses when assigned with any task. Even if such a devotee does very little, they believe to have made a significant contribution. There is a hidden self-interest in all the services rendered by such a devotee.

Difference in Spiritual Growth

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The first category of devotee makes slow and steady spiritual progress while repaying the debt of past many lives (“Prarabdha”). He remains connected to the Guru and meditates in his presence. The Guru liberates the soul of such a devotee, when the time  arrives to leave the world.

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The second category of devotees renounce their family, responsibilities and stays in solitude. They spend their time in meditation, prayer, after obtaining “Diksha” (Initiation by the Guru). In this process, they repay the debts of past lives.

[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The third category of devotees are very much attached to their family and wordly objects. They go through the cycle of life by committing both sin and virtue. There is a large number of such devotees. By indulging in worldly pleasures, they don’t accumulate enough merit to receive divine grace.

Service rendered to one’s Guru never goes in vain. Guru himself gets the job done through the devotee and rewards him appropriately. As quoted in Shri Guru Bhagavat:

କର୍ମ ହିଁ କୃପାର ଆଧାର | ବୋଲି ଶିଖାନ୍ତି ଗୁରୁବର ||
ଭକ୍ତ ହାତେ କର୍ମ କରାନ୍ତି | କର୍ମ ଫଳ ନିଜେ ଦିଅନ୍ତି ||

Karma hin Krupara Aadhara | Boli sikhanti Gurubara ||
Bhakta hate karma karanti | Karma phala nije dianti ||

[Shri Guru Bhagavat, Vol. 1, Verse – 62, Page 67]

Source: Shri Guru Bhagabat Prashnottari