Page 81 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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names and forms and to transient personalities. As a result, the Divine Self, Who is the very embodiment of Love, is ignored. Therefore, you gradually learn the art of withdrawing your heart’s loving sentiments from the relationships and objects of the world and redirecting them towards the Self.
This movement does not imply that you develop a cold indifference towards your relatives and friends. Rather, it implies that you develop a stronger intensity of love—love that is more elevating and inspiring toward those who love you and toward those who are loved by you. When you love the ocean, the waves are automatically included. In the same manner, when you love God, the transient names and forms of the world (all living and nonliving things), as well as the entire universe, are all automatically included. This is expressed in Christ’s statement,
But seek ye rst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(KJV Matthew: 6-33)
By the practice of japa (repetition of mantra or Divine name), prayer, devout meditation, and association with Saints and Sages, you learn the art of developing love for the Supreme Self (God). This is the essential teaching of all the religions and spiritual movements of the world.