God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns

A parrot taught to utter Rama Rama Rama was caught by a cat. However, when the  cat dug its teeth into the bird, it forgot to call for Rama Rama Rama; it screeched like any other parrot in great pain. So too, all talk of the unity of mankind, of the immanence of God, and the pervasiveness of the Divine is forgotten when self-interest reigns!

There was a sultan who had a daughter always immersed in the meditation of God. She was so pious and pure that the father was determined to give her in marriage only to a person who was equally busy in spiritual activities and study, and equally determined in spiritual practices. The prince of the neighboring state asked for her hand and pleaded for it so tenaciously that the decision regarding her marriage had to be resolved sooner rather than later.

While searching for a suitable groom, one evening the sultan happened to come across a young fakir [holy man, usually living in poverty], lost in meditation, in a corner of the mosque, his face lit with the glow of inexpressible inward joy. He watched him silently for hours until the saintly man became aware and conscious of his surroundings. The Sultan asked him whether he was married, and when he heard that he was not, he was greatly pleased. He introduced himself and offered his daughter to him.

The fakir argued that he was far too poor to maintain a princess as his wife, but when the sultan described her devotion and sadhana [spiritual discipline], his mind was put to rest on that score. The fakir agreed on the condition that the sultan was to spend for the wedding ceremony only three paise [pennies], one for betel-nut, one for jaggery [raw sugar], and one for incense. The conditions were accepted and the princess was sent to live with him in the caravanserai.

A few days later, she discovered tied in a corner of her husband’s garment a small piece of bread.  She asked him how it happened to be there. He replied, “I saved it for the morning.” The princess said that by this act, he had declared himself to be an unworthy fakir,to be a non-believer. For he had by that act doubted God’s love and God’s capacity to feed His children. He had no confidence in God and His Mercy.

So saying, she returned to her father and continued her spiritual practices undisturbed. He who has planted the tender seedling will fulfill his responsibility and water it into a sturdy plant. Have faith; do not simply profess and deny in practice.

God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns

In the journey of life, human beings often seek happiness, success, recognition, and material comfort. While these pursuits are not wrong in themselves, problems arise when personal desires become the sole focus of thought and action. God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns because the mind becomes occupied with temporary gains rather than eternal values. When selfish motives dominate, spiritual awareness gradually fades, and the divine presence that resides within every heart is overlooked.

The human mind is naturally drawn toward what it considers beneficial. It constantly calculates profit and loss, pleasure and pain, and advantage and disadvantage. In this process, many people begin to think only about their own needs and desires. Compassion, gratitude, and humility slowly diminish. This is why God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns. The heart that once sought divine guidance becomes absorbed in worldly concerns, leaving little room for spiritual reflection.

Throughout history, saints and spiritual masters have taught that selflessness is the foundation of true spiritual growth. They emphasized that love for God must be expressed through love for fellow beings. When individuals focus only on themselves, they become disconnected from this higher truth. They may continue to perform rituals and prayers, but the deeper connection with the Divine weakens. The reason is simple: God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns, and devotion cannot flourish in a heart filled with selfish ambitions.

A selfish mind often creates divisions. It separates people based on status, wealth, education, or personal benefit. Such thinking leads to competition, jealousy, and conflict. In contrast, spiritual wisdom teaches unity and oneness. God resides equally in all beings, regardless of their external differences. When this understanding is forgotten, relationships suffer, and inner peace becomes difficult to attain. The realization that all are manifestations of the same Divine Reality helps dissolve selfish tendencies and awakens genuine compassion.

The teachings shared through Devotional India frequently highlight the importance of selfless service. Service performed without expectation purifies the mind and opens the heart to divine grace. When people help others without seeking recognition or reward, they experience a sense of fulfillment that material possessions cannot provide. Such acts remind them of their spiritual nature and strengthen their connection with God. Selfless service becomes a powerful remedy for the tendency to place personal interests above spiritual values.

Many spiritual traditions compare the human heart to a mirror. When the mirror is covered with dust, it cannot reflect light clearly. Similarly, selfish desires cloud the mind and prevent individuals from perceiving the presence of God. The more one becomes attached to personal gain, the thicker this layer of dust becomes. Therefore, spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and service are necessary to cleanse the heart. They help remove ego-centered thoughts and restore awareness of the Divine.

Modern society often encourages excessive self-interest. People are constantly urged to achieve more, acquire more, and compare themselves with others. While ambition has its place, it becomes harmful when it overshadows spiritual values. In such circumstances, God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns, and life begins to feel empty despite outward success. Many individuals discover that wealth and status alone cannot provide lasting happiness. They eventually realize that true contentment comes from inner peace and spiritual connection.

The lives of great saints provide inspiring examples of selflessness. They dedicated themselves to serving humanity and saw God in everyone they encountered. Their actions were motivated not by personal gain but by love and compassion. Because they placed divine will above individual desires, they experienced profound joy and peace. Their lives demonstrate that spiritual fulfillment is achieved not through selfish accumulation but through selfless giving.

Another important lesson taught by Devotional India is the value of gratitude. A grateful person recognizes that every blessing comes from divine grace. Gratitude reduces selfishness because it shifts attention away from personal demands and toward appreciation. Instead of constantly asking for more, the grateful heart learns to cherish what it already has. This attitude strengthens faith and deepens spiritual awareness.

Self-interest also affects decision-making. When individuals think only about their own benefit, they may compromise ethical principles. Honesty, kindness, and fairness can be sacrificed for personal advantage. Such choices create inner conflict and distance the individual from spiritual ideals. However, when actions are guided by conscience and devotion, life becomes more harmonious. The presence of God is felt more strongly when decisions are rooted in truth and righteousness.

The path toward overcoming selfishness begins with self-examination. One must honestly observe personal motives and identify areas where ego influences behavior. Through sincere prayer and spiritual discipline, selfish tendencies can gradually be transformed. Every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, and every effort to help others weakens the grip of self-interest and strengthens awareness of the Divine.

Ultimately, God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns, but God is remembered when love, humility, and service become guiding principles. Spiritual life is not about rejecting the world; it is about living in the world with a heart centered on divine values. When individuals place God above personal desires, they discover a deeper purpose and a more meaningful existence. The teachings preserved by Devotional India continue to remind seekers that lasting happiness is found not in selfish pursuits but in selfless devotion. By cultivating compassion, gratitude, and faith, every person can overcome the limitations of ego and experience the joy of living in constant remembrance of the Divine. In that sacred state, God Is Forgotten When Self-Interest Reigns no longer applies, because the heart remains firmly anchored in God’s love and grace.

-Self-Knowledge