Source page 213

“If anyone regards my beloved devotee as small and displays pride before that person, then however great that proud one may be, I make Brahma himself bow his head before my devotee. Darling, I have that devotee worshiped by every being in all the worlds; why speak of others? I myself bow my head. I keep not the slightest difference between the devotee’s body and my own; I never withdraw my affection, even if I see a hundred thousand faults in that person.

“The kingdom of the three worlds, all royal power and riches, my son, and Vaidehi— none of these is as dear to me as the love I bear my devotee. For that devotee’s sake I assume countless forms and wander from forest to forest; I bear innumerable calamities upon my head, but never abandon my friend. The courtesan, Jatayu the vulture, Gajendra the elephant, Ajamila, Sabari, the king of monkeys, Jambavan, Hanuman, and Vibhishana— all are my beloveds.

“Whoever gathers the mind away from everything else and fastens love upon my feet— I accompany that person like a servant; this is my steadfast way. But if one claims love for me while directing affection toward other gods, then even after millions of supplications, I do not go near that person. One wholly devoted to love, wholly absorbed in consciousness, who writes friendship upon the heart— such a lover is never, even for a moment, left afflicted by my neglect. One who keeps self-interest in the heart, altruism upon the lips, and displays a counterfeit love— the face of such a treacherous friend does not please me even in a dream. When the great dissolution comes upon the universe and no man or woman survives, my beloved is not destroyed. Listen, Siddhi and all you maidens.