Loving God - Two ways

[Believer]

Namaste Saidevo,

I bow to the higher wisdom of our shashtras, and thank you for taking the time to list the shalokas/text relevant to the issue. Ultimately the following goes a long way in reconciling the differences.

Originally Posted by saidevo

......but in Hindu Dharma, there is no single set of directives that must suit everyone at different levels.

Anirvan, thank you for your inputs.

Pranam.

[OjasM]

Originally Posted by rainbowlotus

I wonder the same thing. I think there is a 3rd way personally.

Yes there is. Adi Shankaracharya has put it in one of his prayers.

[OjasM]

Originally Posted by yajvan

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté

Could there be a 3rd way ? to adore Him as my very own Self? Then I carry the ~temple~ with me every moment
of every day no matter where I put my feet.

praṇām

It is in shiva manasa pooja by shankara

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by Believer

On the other end of the spectrum, some people love God as a parent. Their affection is proportional to how well they are taken care and how many of their demands are met. The relationship is like a business proposition. You give me this, this and this, and in return I will recognize your existence and care for/worship You. Any time the expectation is not met, prize not awarded, demands unfulfilled, the love and affection goes down a notch.

Thank you for your most illuminating thoughts. I realise now that this is how I approach God and I humbly believe this is a most unsatisfactory way in which to approach the almighty.

I will endeavour to be more humble in my approach to the Lord and try to accept what happens to me with gratitude.

Hari Om.