The difference between God and humankind is that God is omniscient and we only know of our own affairs. Because God is omniscient, God loves all and God's interest is in all; so it is with the godly soul. The divine personality expressed through the godly soul shows itself in interest for all, whether known or unknown to that soul. One's interest is not only for another because of one's kind nature or of one's sympathetic spirit. One does not take interest in another person's welfare and well-being because it is one's duty but because one sees oneself in another person. Therefore the life and interest of another person to the godly soul is as one's own. In the pain of another person, the godly soul sorrows; in the happiness of another person, the godly soul rejoices. Thus the godly soul, who has almost forgotten him or herself, forgets also the remaining part of the self in taking interest in others.

From one point of view it is natural for the godly soul to take interest in others. The one who has emptied him or herself of what is called "self' in the ordinary sense of the word is alone capable of knowing the condition of another. One sometimes knows more than the person him or herself, as a physician knows the case of the patient.

Divine manner, therefore, is not like that of parents to children, of friend toward beloved friend, of king to servant, or of servant to master. Divine manner consists of all manners; it is expressive of every form of love. If it has any peculiarity, that peculiarity is a divine one! In every other form of love and affection the self is somewhere hidden, asking for appreciation, for reciprocity, and for recognition.

Divine manner is above all this. It gives all and asks nothing in return - in any manner or form - thus proving the action of God through the human being.

Social Gathekas

28. Divine Manner, II

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Social Gathekas

28. Divine Manner, II