It is very easy to use the word ‘devotee’. One doesn’t become a devotee by proclaiming to be one. Even Ravana proclaimed himself to be a great, even the greatest devotee of Shiva, but his thoughts and deeds were otherwise leading to perdition. A true devotee of Sri Aurobindo would know that Sri Aurobindo and The Mother were not at all in favour of meddling into politics since they could see how ugly and full of falsehood it is. That is why in their Ashram one of the rules for the disciple is not to engage with politics. A devotee is someone who is given to the Divine, who ‘devotes’ his time and energy contemplating upon and in the service of the Divine whom he adores. One may have intellectual admiration or appreciation, but being a devotee is a different thing. It means one has given oneself to the Master, entirely or at least some of one’s time, life, work.
Visiting the Ashram, reading books, speaking on related subjects does not make one either a devotee or a disciple. To be a disciple means to make it one’s life’s goal, to surrender to the Divine Master, obey the Guidance given, live a life of inner aspiration rather than ambition.
In any case, politics and the true spiritual life do not mix well, whether done by the government or by those who oppose. Politics by its very nature requires a strong vital ambition. There are exceptions, no doubt, but very rare. A lot of money also goes into the game of thrones. And wherever there is money and ambition, lusts of various kinds easily walk in. Those who sincerely want the good of the country and change it do not waste their time doing dharnas and hunger strikes, reminiscent of an obstinate child who is unhappy with what he has and wants to revolt and force his way upon others. Besides, dharna and protests, even in a most democratic setup does not mean disrupting public life and the functioning of the government of the day. What we saw yesterday was not dharna but hooliganism. Nobody has the right to disrupt the life of the average citizen. As to the government, a better way in a democracy is to win the hearts of the people with genuine work so that they vote for you and then, when you are voted in because people trust you, then make the changes and amendments you think are best. But what is often done in the name of protest is anarchy and that is surely harmful, both for the nation as well as for the average individual taxpayer.
Affectionately
Alok Da
