On the occasion of the holy Maha Shivaratri, how should we participate in the Akhanda Bhajans? Bhagawan lovingly guides us so that we may make best use of this opportunity.
Wherever you sit, whether in the prayer hall or elsewhere, if your thoughts are fixed on God, then you are a true devotee and you will attain His grace. If you feel sleepy, you can sleep. There’s no objection. However, in sleep, may your thoughts be fixed on Divinity. Is it not because of your love and devotion towards God that you came all the way to Prasanthi Nilayam to participate in Shivaratri Bhajans? I understand your devotion. A true devotee doesn’t need conveniences. He doesn’t wish for any comfort. Wherever you go, keep your mind under your control and direct all your thoughts toward God. That’s real devotion. Don’t divert your attention to physical comforts. Always chant Panchakshari Mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya”. If you merely chant with lips, it will merge into worldly sounds. On the other hand, if you chant the divine name sincerely with full concentration of your mind, it will spread all over the world. Chanting of the divine name with full concentration by the mind is real sadhana.
– Divine Discourse, Feb 19, 2004.
