We are never at a loss about what to buy for ourselves or what to present to others. We can think of innumerable ways of spending money. But do we spend money rightly? Our willingness to spend it is most often for the wrong causes. If it is to offer a gift to someone, we may not hesitate to spend money, for we like to show off our ability to spend. But what can these people on whom we lavish attention do for us? Our relatives are connected to us in this birth. Who knows where our karma will toss us up in the next birth? But we value these impermanent ties and forget the One who can grant us moksha. We splurge on clothes, jewels and property, none of which lasts. But we are miserly when it comes to buying even a garland for God. We bargain with the flower-vendor, trying to push the price down. While human beings value us according to our wealth and status, God values only true bhakti.
We should seek Him in everyway possible. What we offer to Him must be offered ungrudgingly and with love. It can be the simplest of offerings. He will accept happily whatever we offer Him with love and devotion. Did He not accept the rice flakes offered by Kuchela? Even if we have nothing to offer Him, we need not despair. Can we not offer Him some water at least? If we cannot offer Him even that, can we not shed tears, contemplating His auspicious qualities? Our tears can then serve as our offering, M.V. Anantapadmanabhachariar said, highlighting the impermanence of worldly ties and emphasising Lord Narayana's kindness.
The Lord accepted what sage Bharadwaja offered Him. He ate the fruits which Sabari offered Him. He did not distinguish between a sage and humble Sabari. He always accepts what is offered to Him by His devotees. Sabari's offering was doubly welcome, because she had a preceptor, namely, Sage Matanga, whom she served faithfully. While serving God is important, in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, serving one's preceptor is just as important. God never abandons His devotees, so He is called Achyuta. But the Lord is glad when we not only serve Him humbly but also serve His devotees with zest. He who serves His devotees endears himself to Him.
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