Harmonizing between Devotion and Non-Dualism

If you are stuck in a situation where you are trying to follow both the path of Devotion and Non-Duality, you are putting yourself into a world of confusion and bewilderment.

• If you are Brahman, the One Reality, who are you being devoted to in prayers?
• If you are a Devotee of Lord Krishna (Or Shiva, Or Kali), how can you turn around and see yourself in the same pedestal where you place your Ista? 

This can and will drive you nuts.  

Swami Sarvapriyananda ji was once told by a senior monk --  

Je tomar Ista, Shei Tomar Atma.   

Meaning: 

The One who is your Ista, that very same One is also your Atman.

OK ...  But how does that help you?

The Only way to cut through this confusion is to be super honest with yourself and ask this:

Have I realized undeniably that I am the One Witness Consciousness, within what the entire Cosmos appears?   

This realization shouldn't be a intellectual understanding.  It has to be a lived experience. 

If yes:  (Master, I touch your feet and am honored beyond words that you are here)

Then you know what you know.  As Lord Krishna said Himself, the enlightened ones are His greatest devotees.  Please help us on our journey. 

If no:  (Which is the case for most of us.  Welcome to the Club) 

Grab hold the feet of your Ista, without His grace no non-dual self realization shall you ever come across.  There is nothing more important than Devotion when you are on the path to Self Realization.

If Errr:  (This is the dangerous in-between state. During mediation or self enquiry you get to the state of Oneness but you snap out of it when the phone rings or the world gives you a prod)

Keep things separate, like Quantum Physics and Relativity. There's no need for a unified field theory and absolutely avoid the desire to find one. 

During Meditation - Abide in Self.  Go deeper.  If a stray thought of Iswara comes, know that you have reached here with His blessings but bring the focus back into forming your Brahmakar Vritti.  Focus.

During Prayers or Interacting with the World: Focus on Bhakti, Focus on the words you are chanting. Spiritualize your life and work. Live Karma Yoga.  Your intellect Knows Brahman is the foundation upon which all appears and while you mayn't always perceive the Cosmos that way all the time, you can and should see Cosmos as a manifestation of your Ista Devata Grace. Keep focus on Bhakti during your Prayers and Work done in the Spirit of Karma Yoga.    

Well, that is the simple not-so-simple path to retaining sanity that sometime works. 

Now you know why they say:  Don't follow multiple paths simultaneously.

But if you are like me....

Hari bol!