Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him…
Develop pure, selfless and egoless love, then God will manifest before you instantaneously, says Bhagawan recounting a beautiful episode from His previous incarnation as Lord Krishna…extracted from Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse in Prasanthi Nilayam on July 31, 1996.
Once Yashoda went on searching for Krishna, “Where is Krishna, where has He gone?” She was searching for Krishna because she identified Him with His physical form. Once you realise that Krishna is everywhere, then you don’t need to search for Him.
As Yashoda was searching for Krishna, Radha came there. Yashoda asked Radha, “Oh Radha! Have you seen my child? Has my Gopala come to your house? I have searched in all streets and have gone to all houses, but I could not find Him. Did you see Him anywhere?” Radha closed her eyes and chanted the name of Krishna with heart full of love. At that very moment, Krishna appeared there. This incident was an eye-opener for Yashoda. She said to Radha, “All along I thought Krishna is my son and I am His mother. I have been thinking that no one else has more love for Krishna than me. I had this pride that there is none other in this world who gives such unlimited love to Krishna as I do. But so far I never realised that your love for Krishna is much superior and is endowed with great power. There is so much power in your love that the moment you remembered Him with love, He manifested before you.”
What was the type of Radha’s love for Krishna? It was pure, unsullied and totally devoid of ego. That is why Krishna manifested before her then and there. If there is even a small trace of impurity and ego in your heart, God will never manifest before you, no matter for how many hours, days and even Yugas (aeons) you may pray to Him.
Yashoda caught hold of the hand of Radha and said, “So far I was under the influence of ego and ignorance. You have removed them and opened my eyes. There may be many in this world who love Krishna more than me. But due to my ignorance, I thought my love for Krishna was the greatest. This was my mistake. Kindly teach me the path of love that you follow.” Radha replied, “Mother, this is not something that someone can teach you or give you. Once you realise your true Self and have total faith in Krishna, this love will automatically develop in you.”
Once when Krishna returned home, Yashoda complained to Him:
Oh Krishna! You do not eat what I serve You at home.
But You go to the houses of the Gopikas
and steal their butter.
Oh dear Krishna! It spoils our good name.
Yashoda said, “Krishna, there is so much butter in our house, but You don’t eat it. On the other hand, You go to the houses of others and steal their butter even when they try to chase You away. What is the inner meaning of this?”
The inner meaning is that Krishna does not steal butter; He steals the hearts of Gopikas which are full of love. If you develop pure, selfless and egoless love, God will manifest before you immediately. You don’t need to wait even for a moment. It is only due to their delusion arising out of their body attachment that people undergo suffering.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him Through Pure Devotion
In the spiritual journey, the greatest treasure a seeker can cultivate is pure and selfless love. Human life often becomes occupied with desires, expectations, and attachments that create distance between the individual and the Divine. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba repeatedly emphasized that true spirituality is not found in rituals alone but in the transformation of the heart. When love becomes free from selfish motives, it naturally attracts divine grace and helps one experience the presence of God in everyday life. The message of Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him… reminds devotees that God is not distant; He resides within every heart and reveals Himself through sincere love.
Selfless love is different from ordinary affection. Worldly love is often based on conditions and expectations. It seeks something in return and therefore brings disappointment when those expectations are not fulfilled. Divine love, however, is unconditional. It gives without asking, serves without seeking recognition, and forgives without hesitation. Such love purifies the mind and elevates the soul. Bhagavan taught that every act performed with love becomes worship and every moment lived in love becomes a step closer to God.
The practice of Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him… begins with seeing the Divine in all beings. When a devotee treats others with kindness, compassion, and respect, he or she is serving God Himself. Small acts of help offered with humility become powerful spiritual practices. A gentle word, a helping hand, or a compassionate heart can bring joy to others while purifying one’s own consciousness. Through such actions, divine qualities gradually blossom within.
Prayer and meditation also play an important role in nurturing selfless love. When the mind is turned toward God regularly, negative tendencies begin to diminish. Anger, jealousy, pride, and selfishness lose their hold, making room for peace and contentment. The heart becomes a temple where divine love shines continuously. This inner transformation is the true purpose of spiritual life. The teaching of Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him… encourages seekers to focus on inner purity rather than external achievements.
Bhagavan often declared that love is God and God is love. Therefore, to experience God, one must become an embodiment of love. The more selfless and pure the love, the more clearly the Divine presence is felt. A devotee who loves all beings without discrimination begins to see unity in diversity. Differences of status, religion, language, and culture disappear before the vision of universal brotherhood.
The wisdom shared through Devotional India inspires countless devotees to follow this sacred path. Through stories, teachings, and spiritual reflections, seekers are reminded that the simplest way to reach God is through love. The message of Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him… continues to guide aspirants toward a life of compassion, humility, and devotion.
Ultimately, the goal of human life is not merely worldly success but the realization of one’s divine nature. When selfless love fills the heart, God becomes a living reality rather than a distant concept. Such a life radiates peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. As taught by Bhagavan, let every thought be filled with love, every word be spoken with kindness, and every action be performed in service. Then the truth of Develop Selfless Love and Manifest Him… will be experienced directly, leading the seeker to lasting bliss and divine communion. Devotional India continues to share this timeless message, inspiring hearts to walk the path of love and righteousness.