One devotee was asking God, ‘You say you are in me, around me, above me, below me. How is it you are not protecting me’? God answered ‘I am always in you, around you. Do not look for me externally’.

(Footsteps of God)

The devotee asked ‘Are you behind me, really?’ The Lord replied, ‘My shadow is your body’. When the devotee turned around to see whether God was behind, he could not see Him. He asked, ‘Are you speaking an untruth? I am unable to find you’. God replied, ‘When you turn back, I too have to turn back. So you could not see me. You have not understood the truth’. Supposing you stand before a chair, the chair is in front. If you turn round, chair is at your back. God manifests according to your bhavam (feelings). When you pray, ‘can you not hear my prayers?’ You visualise Him, hearing with His ears. When you pray, ‘can you not see my suffering’, you see His eyes only. When you pray, ‘Why you do not stay with me!’ You hear His footsteps. You have to maintain perfect silence. The ancient seers spent their time in listening to the voice of God, which is Pranava or Om. Even now you can experience this. Close your eyes tightly. You will hear the sound ‘Om’ from within. God proclaims, ‘Oh devotee! You are seeing with physical eyes and listening with physical ears. Be in utter silence. You can listen to the footsteps of God.’ Such holy paths have been shown by great devotees. One who does not understand this, is in ignorance. (SEKH, p. 77)