Swami Vivekananda: 'God is to be worshipped as the one beloved, dearer than everything in this and next life.'

God is to be worshipped as the one beloved, dearer than everything in this and next life.

In Swami Vivekananda's profound words, 'God is to be worshipped as the one beloved, dearer than everything in this and next life,' we are presented with a simple yet powerful statement about the essence of devotion. This quote encapsulates the idea that true worship requires an unwavering love and dedication towards the divine, surpassing all other attachments and desires. It highlights the significance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine, placing it above all worldly pursuits and relationships.At first glance, this quote seems to emphasize the concept of rendering unconditional love and devotion to God. It urges us to go beyond the mere fulfillment of religious rituals or obligations, and instead calls for a heartfelt connection with the divine. By emphasizing the word 'beloved,' Swami Vivekananda invites us to perceive God as a source of infinite love, compassion, and wisdom. It encourages us to develop a deep sense of reverence, where God becomes the center of our existence.However, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept, one that enriches our understanding of the quote and sparks deeper contemplation. The concept of non-duality, often associated with Advaita Vedanta philosophy, challenges conventional notions of worship by blurring the distinction between the worshipper and the worshipped. Non-duality suggests that there is an underlying unity connecting all beings and the divine. In this context, the quote by Swami Vivekananda takes on a new layer of meaning.While initially implying a separation between the devotee and the divine, the idea of non-duality invites us to question this apparent duality. It suggests that the beloved, to whom we offer our worship, is not separate from ourselves but rather an intrinsic aspect of our own being. Thus, the devotion we express towards God can also be seen as a means of self-realization, where we discover our own divine nature through the act of worship.By comparing and contrasting the two perspectives - one that emphasizes love and devotion to a separate deity and the other that highlights the unity between the worshipper and the worshipped - we are led to a more nuanced understanding of spirituality. Both perspectives have their merits, offering distinct paths to spiritual fulfillment. One may opt for a personal relationship with God, seeking solace and guidance in a separate divine entity. Others may resonate more with the concept of non-duality, seeing God as the ultimate reality that pervades all existence, including their own self.Ultimately, the significance of Swami Vivekananda's quote lies in its ability to inspire and remind us of the importance of devotion in our spiritual journeys. It emphasizes the need to cultivate a deep sense of love, reverence, and surrender towards the divine, transcending the transient and limiting attachments of our worldly lives. Whether we approach worship through a personal connection with a separate deity or through the lens of non-duality, the central message remains the same: God should be cherished and adored above all else, as the ultimate source of love, wisdom, and fulfillment.