What is The Path of Bhakti? Pt II

Work and Love with Mind, Body, Ego, and Heart

You need not deny ego, your identity, or try to beat out all aspects of your individuality. Rather, exercise your creative self, express your unique personality in order to realize a rewarding life and simultaneously to give meaning to others. For the highest reward, focus your self-actualization on service to God and others. This type of self-actualization turns into the higher manifestation of self-realization.

All forms of personal expression: entrepreneurship, artistry, raising children, education, humanitarianism, altruism–whatever your life calling–deserves your energy and attention. If you choose to move forward in service to God and others, you’ll get closer and closer to your authentic self, and thus to its genuine expression.

You have a body. Take care of it. Listen to teachers who know about holistic living. Exercise or practice sport(s) or yoga, use the body–the machine it is–in ways that support a long healthy life. As the body needs water and air and a planet to sustain itself, care for the planet’s body, too. Go green, recycle, consider vegetarianism, pay attention to natural health practices for your body and the planet.

You have a mind. Learn its nature. Don’t let it control you or your emotions. Harness the knowledge and experience readily available so you can live in the present. Take each moment as precious. Meditate and care for your psychological health by seeing counselors, if needed, reading books, and continuing to learn throughout your life. Improve your life through all manner of mental health care and growth.

Take special care of your heart.

The center of your being is most closely connected to spirit and guides you in spirituality. The soul and SuperSoul (God) reside in the heart and its natural function is to love. Cultivate the spiritual heart by practicing Unconditional Love and take the time to develop qualities that support Unconditional Love. Be kind, equal to all, charitable, humble, respectful, grateful, mindful, happy, friendly, gentle, peaceful, and compassionate. Developing these qualities requires mental intent, but ultimately they come from choice and heart.