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2. The Path of Devotion One of the best verses of Thiruvaachakam dealing with the path of devotion is found in the Decad of Amazement (51). The saint Maanickavachagar exclaims in astonishment mingled with wonder: “Who else indeed could gain such a privilege which my father vouchsafed me in His grace?” He declares that the Lord taught him the path of devotion (51:1) This path of devotion seems to be the prerquisite and necessary prelude and preparation to pursue the more important and the ultimate path of liberation with His Grace. What is this path of devotion? 曹 Devotion is loving piety and true love for God. Real love for God will lead one to the path of devotion the aim of which is to become eligible to receive His Grace. Therefore this path is also called the true path way. Realising this fact one must develop love for God. To love God is not so easy. That is a faculty by itself. It is an inner urge buried in the finer senses of the humane individual and is kindled rarely by unknown supra-mental power. It may appear as too abstruse a thought for a commoner. To the so-called rational and sophisticated human mind it is a paradox. So he may pose an array of questions: what is this love of God? Why should one love God? How to love God? What is the use of loving God? What matters if one does not love God? Love is a kind of natural feeling of the living organism. It is inherent as an instinct even in the unicellular organism, be it an Amoeba or Chiamydomonas. It may be observed in their sexual or even in asexual phase. That feeling develops 16