Devotion means for the total; it is never for Rama, never…
“Devotion means for the total; it is never for Rama, never for Krishna. Of course, Rama and Krishna are implied in the total, but it is never for a chosen one. Love is always for the chosen one, devotion is for the whole. So you cannot be a devotee of Rama. If you are for Rama, you are only a lover; and when you are a lover, then competition is bound to be there. Then Krishna will be a competitor, and Christ will be a competitor, and the same jealousies, the same conflicts, and all the same nonsense will follow. It has followed.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Devotion should be universal, not limited to a single deity; love focuses on a personal object, creating competition.
In simple terms: Universal devotion vs personal love.
Embrace all, avoid exclusive devotion.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- personal relationships
- spiritual practice
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one practice universal devotion?
- What risks arise from exclusive devotion?
May be idealistic in pluralistic societies.