Service is regarded as an essential duty for a disciple who wants to
pursue this spiritual path. The gains of service are far superior to those of
worship. Service kills the ego. It breeds humility and good behaviour. It
destroys pride, impurity and illumines the soul. The sages have said that
there are a number of ways to reach God, but the best and the shortest is
that of service.
Renunciation of the world is necessary for the service of the Lord. The
heart is one, it cannot be focused on two things at the same time—the
world and the Lord. The final stage in renunciation consists of a complete
indifference to the world.This expulsion of worldly desire from the mind is
the most difficult task and therefore can be acomplished only with the help
of the Divine Grace.
The separation of the heart from worldly cravings is superior to the
separation of the body from worldly objects. Renunciation is the basis of all
virtues and is the first condition of discipleship. Renunciation can be divided
into three kinds. 1. Abstinence from what is forbidden by the scriptures.
2. Abstinence from over-indulgence in lawful pleasures. 3. Renunciation of
that which separates man fromGod - this is the highest stage of renunciation.
9
Purity of body as well as of mind is necessary at all times. Both are
required for the Divine attraction to uplift the seeker to the highest stage.
The gate to this path is knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the key to
all virtues, as ignorance is the key to all vices. It is therefore obligatory for
the seeker to seek knowledge and the company of the wise.True knowledge
is that which leads to God. False knowledge is that which leads to wealth
and worldly positions.
9
Chapter 75: Abandoning the World, ibid.., pp. 309-311
Th e F i r d a u s i Or d e r 192
