The proof of devotion

[dattaswami]

The proof of devotion

Shankara says that knowledge and devotion are not separate (Paramartha Jnana Lakshana Sampannam Bhaktim). Therefore, it means that complete knowledge means complete devotion. The proof of devotion (love) is only service as you can see in the case of your children. Your love on them is expressed only through service to them. In their case, there is no theoretical love. You are not chanting the name of your child, you are not singing about your child. All these forms of false devotion appeared only in the case of God. I say it is false because there is no sacrifice or service as found in the case of children. Therefore, devotion itself means service Therefore knowledge; devotion and service are the three alternative words for the same meaning. Shankara preached about knowledge. Ramanuja preached about devotion. Madhva preached about service. This means that Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva are the three incarnations of the same Lord Datta. Thus if knowledge is intensive and complete, you have reached the goal as said by Shankara. The Lord praised the knowledge at the very outset in Gita. Therefore concentrate on the divine knowledge and propagate it so that all other souls also reach the goal along with you.
These questions are very important in the sense that the elaborate answers for these questions constitute the entire divine knowledge I have preached so far! The answers given here are very brief, touching some main points only.