34. An Ideal Offering to God

Sri Adi Shankara beautifully expresses the essence of devotion through a profound prayer, contemplating the most fitting offering to God.

“O Lord, what can I offer You? What do I possess that is not already Yours?” he pondered.

“One might think of offering gold, but the Lord holds Mount Meru, the golden mountain itself, in His hand. At the time of ‘Tripura Samhara,’ He even used it as His bow. Thus, offering gold to Him would be meaningless.

“What about money? But Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, stands ever ready to serve Him.

“What about modern gifts or novelties? The Lord already has Kalpavriksha, the celestial wish-fulfilling tree, and Kamadhenu, the divine cow, at His service, capable of bestowing any desired object.

“Could we at least offer Him sandalwood paste for comfort? But, He already wears the cool crescent moon upon His head.”

Realizing this, Sri Shankara arrived at a profound conclusion: “O Lord, I have nothing worthy to offer You, except one thing - my mind.”

Indeed, the greatest and most meaningful offering to God is a heart filled with unwavering love and devotion. When one surrenders one’s mind at the feet of the Lord, one attains the highest realization of life. ❁❁❁❁