Waiting for God

Aum Sairam

While walking across the paddy fields in the vicinity of the
Dakshineswar Temple, Sri Ramakrishna's disciple said to him, Master,
for many years have I worshipped God and called out to Him with tears
in my eyes. I have led a chaste life, served friends and strangers
alike to the best of my abilities. But the Almighty is still
unattainable for me. And many a times I a struck by the thought that
the time devoted by me to prayer and meditation has all gone waste.

The Master smiled. Then pointing towards the tillers of the soil
working in nearby fields, he said, There are two classes of farmers
those who are farmers by birth, because there are ancestors were
farmers and they keep on tilling the soil even though it does not rain
for years together and they harvest no crop. Come famine, come floods,
they despair not! They do not desert their fields.

And there is the other group of farmers who take to tilling the land
with the sole motive of making profits. Thus he is disheartened by a
single season of drought.

The Master continued, the true devotee of God never gives up his
devoted services. He keeps on repeating the Name of God, he continues
singing the glories of the Beloved and he keeps on shedding unbound
tears even though he isn't once blessed with the vision of God.

On another occasion the Master said the pearl diver dives again and
again into the sea and though every time he comes out empty handed, he
does not despair continuing his search with the assurance that his
quest will bear fruit.

The pilgrim in search of God must do likewise. If you have a vision of
God after several months of strenuous devotional practice do not give
up. But intensify your efforts and wait in patience. For remember
always His delays are not denials. The Lord ever appeared to His
devotees at the right time.

Allah Malik