What is love? Who is a friend?

These are really some of the most essential questions in our lives I suppose, so that we can figure out where to place our love and trust, and where we can fulfill our need for love.

Growing up in the mire of material life I never really had the sensitivity or softness of heart to ask these questions. These questions are ones which a great devotee once posed.

I never felt much real love untill I met devotees. It was then that I realised that all the other types of love I thought I had in my life were really just bonds tying me to this body. I know that sounds severe, but as soon as I started making changes in my life so that I could try and become a devotee my family revolted and I suddenly had nothing in common with my 'friends'. So many people think that love is needing someone, but what living entity can truly fulfill the needs of another? When I see and read about the great love and sensitivity of the great pure devotees in our sampradaya, it is plain to see that only the Lord can make us happy, and that He is the person we desperately need. When I talk to my devotee friend and I see the great love she has for her Haladhari Hari, who are more dear to her than life, I feel inspired. When I hear of her talk of the Lord with such adoration I feel purified.

I'm just a neophyte just beginning to gaze at the wonderous ocean of prema bhakti, hankering to taste a drop. I want to dive deep into this ocean and never come back to this shady existance.

For me, my true friends were those causelessly merciful souls who nurtured my spiritual life and educated me about the Lord. Sacinandana Gaurahari is the emblem of pure love and Shri Nityananda Rama is my best friend Who gave me everything so I could try and reach the Lord and serve Them both. My spiritual life only started when I enquired about Lord Nityananda and it is His servants who are always nourishing my spiritual life. He protects and loves us so much, it is only He and His pure servants that bring us to the Lotus Feet of Gaurahari so He will mercifully glance at us and accept our service.

All Glories to Shri Nityananda Rama, the greatest and best friend to the fallen soul.

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