Sant Tulsidasji said,
Ram Singhu Dhan Sajjan Dhiraa.
Chandan Taru Hari Sant Samiraa.
“While Shri Rama is the ocean, the wise saints are like the rain-clouds; or to use another metaphor, while Shri Hari is the sandal tree, the saints represent the wind (that diffuse its perfume).”
(Shri Rama Charita Manasa Uttara Kanda: 119.9)
Lord Krishna also said to Durvasa Muni,
Aham Bhaktparadhino Hyasvatantra Eva Dvij.
Saadhubhirgrastahridayo Bhaktairbhaktjanapriyah.
“Oh Brahmana, I am completely under the control of my devotees. I am like one who has no self-dependence. My heart is won over and hence is in the possession of my righteous devotees, and I am the beloved of them.”
(Shrimad Bhagavata Purana: 9.4.63)
God has said that saints are greater than Him. I have never found any scripture in which God has said that He is greater than saints. Thus saints are greater. If we think for our benefit, saints are greater. Because despite the Paramatma dwelling in the heart of every jiva as Truth-Consciousness-Bliss absolute, we remain unhappy being deprived of the realization of the Supremely blissful nature of God without saint’s grace and satsang. Realization of the real nature of God is obtained by devotion to God which is obtained through saint’s grace and satsang.
Bhagati Taat Anupam Sukhmoolaa.
Milae Jo Sant Hoin Anukoolaa.
“Devotion, dear brother, is incomparable and the very root of bliss; it can be acquired only by the favour of saints.” (Shri Rama Charita Manasa Aranya Kanda: 15.2)
Bhakti Sutantra Safal Sukh Khaani.
Binu Satsang Na Pavahin Praani.
“Devotion is independent and a mine of all blessings; men, however, cannot attain it except through the fellowship of saints.” (Shri Rama Charita Manasa Uttara Kanda: 44.3)
Therefore saints are greater than God for us. The human body obtained by divine grace can be used to attain heaven, hell or moksha according to the actions and sadhana done by him, but satsang obtained through the saint’s grace gives the fruit of only Supreme State.
God delivers the wicked by destroying them whereas saints do the same by reforming their mental modifications. God is bound by Laws enacted by Him but saints are overcome by mercy. Saints are greater even from this point of view. God can be found everywhere but Self-realized saints can be found in very few places.
Hari Durlabh Nahin Jagat Mein, HariJan Durlabh Hoy.
Hari Heryaan Sab Jab Milai, Harijan Kohin Ek Hoy.
“In this world God is not a rarity, rather His loving devotee who has taken refuge in Him, is a rarity. On searching, God will be found everywhere but God’s loving devotees can be found in few places.”
We should believe saints to be greater because they are greater in delivering us. Saint and God, both are one from the philosophical viewpoint.
How to serve saints? This question can be answered in these words alone. The best way to serve a saint is to follow the dictates of his mind, his commands and follow His principles and ideal with deep regard. This is the highest possible way of serving saints because they love their principles more than their life breath which is dearest to all of us.
We should follow their principles in all respects, and conduct ourselves according to His mind and if we cannot know His mind we should follow his signals, commands etc. This is the greatest service we can render to Him. Agyaa Sam Na Susaasahib Seva. “There is no service greater than following the commands of the saint.” Therefore if we serve Him with our mind also while serving Him physically it will be the best service.
We should live in His company and ask Him about God to know what His principle and divine realization is. We can reap greater benefits from Him this way. To desire worldly things related to a son, a woman, wealth, honour, fame etc. is to break a diamond with a stone. This is not the appropriate use of the company of saints.
Consider all that they suggest as their order and follow them. Obedience to the commands is believed to be the most important way of service.
There was a saint who wanted to test one of His devout followers living with Him. He said, “My back is aching. Press (massage) it with your feet.” The devout person said, “Maharaj, How can I place my foot on your body?” The saint replied, “You did not place your foot on my body but haven’t you placed it on my tongue?”
Yes, it is possible that you cannot follow the order of a saint completely but if your mind is inclined to follow His words, and you have made all possible effort, you will get great benefit even without carrying out His order to the letter.
Saints deliver satsang (uninvited) because by going to the loving aspirants of knowledge they get a chance to reflect, think and contemplate on divine thoughts which are very dear to them. Not only this, they thank the persons who hear His satsang because he could devote some of His time discussing God. Kakabhushundi said to Garuda, “You have done me a kindness by giving me a chance to discuss God through satsang.”
Usually we fail to understand saints. We wish to see some miraculous facts about their outward actions. It is very difficult to recognize a saint with our limited intellect. We can recognize him only through His grace and divine grace. We become perplexed when we try to recognize them by putting them to the test because it is wrong to test saints. Then how to recognize a saint?
On association with a great soul, if our sadhana is enhanced, divine qualities come to us, we progress on the spiritual path, get knowledge about divine truth, our faith increases in true shastras, God, we develop love for God and keep remembering Him then he is a saint for us. To get this type of benefit from Him is true benefit.
The association of saints never goes in vain. To live truly in His company is to understand the importance of His company and put his principles into practice. The real benefit of His company is experienced quickly by doing this.
– Swami Ramsukhdasji
