Meditations on Transcendence

 The Universe as a Person: A Vedic Perspective The universe is not mere dull matter but a living, conscious entity—a person we can relate to intimately. In the Purusha Sukta (Rigveda 10.90), the universe is described as the cosmic being: “Puruṣha evedaṃ sarvam—All this is the Purusha alone, whatever has been and whatever will be.” The Purusha’s body encompasses all creation, with his eyes as the sun and his breath as the wind, suggesting a personal, vibrant universe. Similarly, in the Bhagavad Gita (11:7), Krishna reveals his universal form, saying, “Eka-sthaḥ anupaśya—Behold, in one place, the entire universe residing in my body.” The Bhagavata Purana (2.1.24) further personifies creation: “Viśvaṃ vai brahma-tanuḥ—The universe is the body of Brahman.” These texts urge us to engage with the universe as a divine person, through devotion and dialogue, rather than treating it as inert matter—fostering a living, personal connection with the cosmos.

How to Understand God's Unpaid Servants: The Glories of Serving the Lord In the realm of divine service, unpaid servants of God exemplify selfless dedication. They receive no salary, no worldly compensation, yet their hearts overflow with fulfillment. Why? Service to God is not a burden but a wellspring of joy. The act itself becomes the reward, as divine service expands the ocean of bliss— anandambudhi vardhanam . This unique experience transcends ordinary mortal understanding. God's servants, being His amsas (fragments), share in His supreme bliss. Service invigorates the soul, akin to tapta jivanam —life-giving nectar. It is not servitude but divine connection, a celebration of love that enriches and uplifts eternally. ----------------------------------------- O Krsna, master of amorous pleasure, O bestower of benedictions, we are Your unpaid maidservants. You are killing us by the glance of Your eyes that steal even the proud beauty of the whorl of supremely enchanting, hi...

 "When you invoke and offer pure devotional service, it immediately opens up a channel where amṛtam flows from the Lord to the devotee's heart. One gets an experience of beyond time, beyond past, present, and future, into the eternal present." Imagine pure devotion as an enchanted thread, one that binds the devotee directly to the Divine, like a secret passage that only the heart can open. This isn’t just a feeling—it’s like stepping through the veiled archway of a timeless realm. With every breath, the devotee receives amṛtam, a nectar sweeter than anything earthly, filling their heart with a warmth that shimmers beyond understanding. Here, time loses its grip; there’s no past or future—only a luminous present where soul and the sacred meet, weaving magic from an eternal, golden love. It’s like living in a spell cast by the Divine itself.