How Can You Express Your Love for Lord Vishnu?

The love for Lord Vishnu is most truly expressed through a deep affection for His dear devotees. The Vaishnava tradition, rooted in profound spiritual teachings, emphasizes that loving Lord Vishnu naturally extends to loving all who are devoted to Him.

Understanding Vaishnava Devotees

In the essence of the spiritual compassion of Lord Vishnu, His devotion extends to those who love Him. The Padma Purana teaches us this in the verse: vioraya yato hyāsīttasmādvaiava ucyate, which means since devotees belong to Lord Vishnu, they are called Vaishnavas. This sacred verse in the Yajurveda, vaiavamasi viave tvā, clarifies the bond between Vaishnavas and the Lord.

Service to Devotees

Among the highest forms of worship, the Padma Purana states that the worship of Lord Vishnu is surpassed by the service rendered to His devotees, as mentioned in: ārādhanānā sarveā viorārādhana param ntasmātparatara devi tadīyānā samarcanam. This emphasizes the importance of showing respectful regard for the Lord's devoted followers.

True Devotion and Pseudo-Devotion

While many may claim to love Lord Vishnu, true devotion is demonstrated by genuine respect for His devotees. Those who disrespect Vaishnavas, despite claiming to honor Vishnu, are considered falsely proud rather than true devotees. The Padma Purana (6.253.177) states: arcayitvā tu govinda tadīyān nārcayet tu ya na sa bhāgavato jeya kevala dāmbhika smta.

The Nondifference between Vishnu and His Devotees

The nature of devotion to Lord Vishnu is described in the Padma Purana: yathā viustathā cāya nātara vartate kvacit, which means that as and when one worships the Lord, they are also worshipping His devotees. The Padma Purana further reinforces this by noting: arcito vaiavo yaistu sarveā caiva pūjanam. This highlights the profound bond and unity shared by Vishnu and His devotees.

Worship through Devotees

Scripture imparts that all worship ultimately aims at praising and honoring the devoted followers of the Lord. The Padma Purana instructs: arcito vaiavo yaistu sarveā caiva pūjanam, which teaches us that by adoring the Vaishnavas, one truly worships His grace and love.

Inner Reflection and Devotion

The Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (13.2) illustrates this beautifully, stating that seeing a pure Vaishnava is the perfection of one's vision, touching their feet is the fulfillment of the sense of touch, and glorifying them is the essence of one's speech. The said verse inspires us to see and embrace the devotees of Lord Vishnu as they are manifestations of Him.

Chanting the Holy Names

Chanting the holy names of Lord Krishna, such as Hare Krishna or the Mahamantra, Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare, is another way to express one's love for Lord Vishnu. This act of chanting is highly cherished and pleases the Lord immensely. The Mahamantra, in particular, is mentioned as a means to connect deeply with the Lord.

Overall, expressing love for Lord Vishnu involves offering due respect and service to His devotees, deeply engaging in acts of devotion, and implementing spiritual practices like chanting. Through these actions, seekers can approach Lord Vishnu and feel His divine presence in their lives.