Be Like Babes

By

Sri Swami Atmaswarupananda

Early Morning Meditation Talk given in the Sacred Samadhi Hall of Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh

On January 1st, when members of the Christmas Retreat visited Pujya Swami Chidanandaji, he presented each one with a book that he had personally published. It was a strange book in that it contained only the sayings of Jesus. Of course, the longer passages make a lot of sense because they are a continuous narration, but there are many fragments that don’t make too much sense.

However, there is one verse in particular, that is even a fragment in the Bible, which is pregnant with meaning for us as seekers. Almost out of context, one day Jesus said, “I thank Thee Father that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them unto the babes.” He doesn’t, of course, say specifically what He is referring to, but we assume he is referring to the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God. And perhaps because so often we describe the path and the goal as being the same, He is also referring to the path. “I thank Thee Father that Thou hast hidden them–both the path and the goal–from the learned and the wise and revealed them–both the path and the goal–to the babes.”

This is a verse that catches the ego right by the throat. We can understand why Jesus would say that it is hidden from the learned. Gurudev used to speak about lip- Vedantins. But why is the path and the goal hidden from the wise? Wisdom means both learning and experience. To call a person wise in this world is to pay them the highest compliment, and yet Jesus thanks God for hiding it from both the learned and the wise and revealing it unto the babes. And He then adds, for such was Your gracious will.

What is the difference between the learned and the wise and the babes? The learned and wise think that they know the way to God. The babes don’t know; they have to depend upon God’s guidance. Their hearts are open to God. Indeed, the learned and the wise can be quite certain that they know the way and others don’t, especially the simple and the childlike. And yet ultimately our knowledge and our wisdom have to bring us to the point that we see that finding the path and the goal depend upon us not knowing. We have to be brought to our knees and recognise that that childlike humility that doesn’t know, that has to be guided moment by moment, is, in fact, both the path and the goal.

What do we see in great ones like Sri Gurudev or Pujya Swamiji except simple human beings, not really knowing from moment to moment what they will do next, because they are continuously open to the guidance of the Spirit? That is the goal. And the way to the goal is exactly the same. Not knowing the way, but being continuously open to the guidance of the Spirit–to have given up our learning and wisdom in order to be like babes.

Be Like Babes

In the spiritual journey of life, innocence, purity, and unconditional faith are considered the greatest virtues. The message of Be Like Babes teaches devotees to live with a heart free from ego, jealousy, hatred, and selfishness. Just as a small child trusts completely, smiles naturally, and loves without conditions, human beings are encouraged to develop the same divine qualities in their lives. The teaching of Be Like Babes reminds us that true spirituality is not found only in rituals or scriptures, but in maintaining simplicity and purity within the heart. According to many saints and spiritual masters, God resides where innocence and love exist naturally. This sacred message has inspired seekers across the world, especially followers connected with Devotional india, where devotion and surrender form the foundation of spiritual life.

The divine principle behind Be Like Babes is deeply connected with humility. Children never carry pride about wealth, status, or achievements. They forgive quickly and forget negativity easily. Spiritual masters often say that unless a person becomes childlike in purity and faith, true peace cannot be experienced. The essence of Be Like Babes teaches devotees to remove unnecessary complications from life and develop complete trust in the Divine. When the mind becomes pure like that of a child, devotion flows naturally and inner happiness increases. This sacred teaching is widely respected among followers of Devotional india, where spiritual wisdom emphasizes simplicity and surrender to God.

Modern life often fills the human mind with stress, competition, anger, and endless desires. People become restless while chasing temporary happiness and material success. The message of Be Like Babes offers a beautiful solution for such problems. It encourages individuals to live with compassion, honesty, and contentment. Children do not worry constantly about the future or regret the past. They live joyfully in the present moment. By following the wisdom of Be Like Babes, devotees can gradually remove fear and anxiety from their lives and experience spiritual calmness. The teachings shared through Devotional india frequently highlight the importance of inner purity and faith as the pathway to divine grace.

Another important lesson hidden within Be Like Babes is unconditional love. Small children never judge others based on religion, caste, status, or appearance. Their hearts remain open to everyone. Spirituality also teaches humanity to rise above discrimination and develop universal love. When devotees practice kindness and compassion selflessly, they move closer to God. The divine message of Be Like Babes inspires people to become loving instruments of peace in society. Such values continue to strengthen spiritual traditions associated with Devotional india, where love for humanity is considered equal to love for God.

Faith is another powerful aspect connected with Be Like Babes. Children naturally trust their parents without fear or doubt. Similarly, devotees are encouraged to trust the Divine completely during difficult times. Even when challenges arise, unwavering faith gives strength and courage to continue the spiritual journey. The wisdom of Be Like Babes reminds humanity that God always protects sincere hearts filled with devotion and purity. This timeless spiritual guidance has transformed countless lives and continues to inspire seekers connected with Devotional india across the world.

The spiritual meaning of Be Like Babes ultimately teaches humanity to return to its original divine nature. Innocence, simplicity, kindness, truth, and faith are not weaknesses but signs of spiritual strength. By living with a pure heart and loving all beings equally, devotees can experience lasting peace and divine bliss. The eternal message of Be Like Babes continues to guide spiritual seekers toward a life filled with devotion, harmony, and inner joy.

-A Divine Life Mission