Nearest Devotee
“That devotee of mine, who expecting nothing, is pure, dexterous, unconcerned, free from distress, and renounces all undertakings, is dear to Me” (Bhagavan began His discourse with this shloka [verse] from the twelfth canto of the Bhagavad Gita)…
In the world, there is on the one side, the attraction of the preyo-marga (the pleasure seeking path) and on the other, the shreyo-marga (the superior righteous path). There is another path, which transcends the path of preyas (pleasure) and shreyas (virtues). These two paths encompass all the possible desires of human beings. Anapeksha goes beyond both of them. Anapeksha is described as being free from desires. But, this is not wholly correct. It is when a man gives up the feeling, in the performance of all actions, that “I am the doer” (the sense of ego), “I am the experience,” (the sense of fulfillment of desire) that true anapeksha emerges. ..
The second quality is suchi (Purity). There should be both inner and outer purity. Bodily purity relates to the physical… but mere external cleanliness without internal purity is of no value. For the purification of the heart everyone must undertake selfless service. Attachments and aversions, that pollute the mind, should be eschewed by concentrating on seva [service]. It is only when the heart is pure that selfless service can be performed.
The third quality is daksha (firm resolution). This means that everyone should regard his life as a form of penance. Everyone must have a firm resolution that as long as life lasts he will dedicate himself to the service of his fellowmen. Thereby he will realize his oneness with all mankind. Such a feeling of unity will lead to God-realization.
The fourth quality is udaaseenah. This means indifference toward sorrow and joy, loss or gain, honor or dishonor. You must be concerned only to see whether your actions are pure and selfless according to your conscience. Nothing else matters, neither the praise nor the blame of other people… you must seek to serve all with a feeling of love. “Indifference” should not assume the form of arrogance or ostentatious condescension.
The fifth quality is gatavyathah (free from worry). This means there should be no worry regarding what is past… Keeping the present in view, men should engage themselves in right actions. The past and the future are in the present. Devotees who do their duty in the present are dear to the Lord.
The sixth quality is sarvaarambha parityaagi (renunciation of all undertakings). This means that there should be no ostentation or showing off in any undertaking by a devotee. Unless ostentation is given up, egoism will not go. The ego must be eliminated for purifying the heart… It is through sacred deeds that the heart is purified.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 23, “The Devotee Dear to The Lord”
