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These steps bring us into intimate constant contact with Him, keeping Him always in our breath, mind, and heart.
Keep the lump of coal next to the live ember, So it also will become live ember. (SSB)
Developing a relationship with God, whether it is through Sai, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, or whomever you choose is fundamentally easy. Surrendering to Him fully and developing a commied loving relationship with Him can be challenging, however, because of our desires and ego. Our faith is tested in many ways. Temptations and aractions to the outer world of the senses are likened in holy books to the jaws of an alligator: powerful forces holding us fixed in a delusory world of duality. Frequently, there is conflict and struggle along the spiritual path, the titanic struggle of surrendering to God. This challenge is especially true during our current era when there is so much violence, selfishness, and suspicion in the world.
Surrendering to God
Here is a story about the struggle of surrendering to God. In this case, it is a story about evil Ravana’s struggle against surrendering to Lord Rama. Swami says that in this age, all of us have both good and evil in our minds. This means that the struggle between Ravana and Lord Rama is also taking place within us, thousands of years since this event.
Swami frequently speaks about how Lord Rama, the embodiment of God and epitome of dharma, aracts us by the way He lived His life. For example, He was the model of a perfect son. He protected the name of His father even when it cost Him an entire kingdom. Even though He was about to be crowned king of the land and acquire great material wealth and power, He demonstrated His transcendence over worldly desires by instantly giving it all up and accepting exile to the forest.
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