Attitudes of a Devotee with Swami Kriyananda

The path of devotion, as taught by Swami Kriyananda, begins with the fundamental understanding that true discipleship is not about blind obedience but about intelligent surrender.
A devotee approaches the spiritual path with both heart and mind engaged, seeking to understand the deeper principles behind every teaching and practice.

Humility forms the cornerstone of the devotee’s attitude, yet Kriyananda emphasized that this humility should never become self-deprecation or spiritual weakness.
Instead, it is the recognition that the ego’s limited perspective cannot comprehend the infinite wisdom of the Divine.
This humble awareness opens the heart to receive grace and guidance from higher sources.

The devotee cultivates unwavering loyalty, not to personalities or institutions, but to the eternal principles of truth and righteousness.
Kriyananda taught that this loyalty must be tested through life’s challenges and should deepen rather than waver when difficulties arise.
True devotion shows itself most clearly when external circumstances would tempt one to abandon the path.

Gratitude permeates every aspect of the devotee’s consciousness, transforming even mundane experiences into opportunities for spiritual growth.
This thankfulness extends beyond personal blessings to encompass all of life’s experiences, including hardships that serve as catalysts for inner development.
The grateful heart naturally attracts more divine blessings and deepens the connection with the sacred.

Self-offering represents the ultimate expression of devotional attitude, where the devotee gradually releases personal desires and ambitions to align with divine will.
This surrender is not passive resignation but active participation in a higher purpose.
Kriyananda emphasized that true self-offering brings the greatest freedom, as it liberates one from the limitations of ego-driven existence.

The devotee maintains constant remembrance of the Divine through all activities, whether in meditation, work, or relationships.
This continuous awareness transforms ordinary life into a sacred offering and keeps the heart centered in love and devotion.
Every breath becomes a prayer, every action a form of worship, and every interaction an opportunity to serve the Divine in others.