Shri Ramakrishna used to say that if the worldly people would direct their love of lust and greed toward the Lord, they would soon realize God, Peace and Joy. It is amazing that even though we are so often kicked by the world, we continue to run after it. But even a slightly bitter advice in the spiritual path turns most of us away, just as a pig who finds comfort in the dirt promptly turns away from a flower's fragrance.

We must always love with pure hearts and steady efforts. In the Ashtavakra Samhita, we are advised that if we seek true happiness with lasting values, then we must abandon the objects of desires and develop forgiveness, simplicity, compassion, satisfaction, and truthful living with purity of heart. It is obvious that Mira constantly loved Krishna, who never ceased to abide in her heart though he sometimes played hide-and-seek with her.

This prayer instructs us to abandon all perishable pleasures and search within our own hearts for the true pleasures. As Jesus says, "The Kingdom of heaven resides in our heart." And so says Krishna (Gita 10:20), "I am Atma residing in the heart of every creature and everything."

-- Swami Radhanandaji