Walking on the road, a man may see a temple and make formal signs of worship. What are they worth? Worship should stem from the heart. Think of God in your mind and offer your worship in silence. Sakkubai had set an example to the world by her intense devotion to God. Even Namadeva became her disciple after seeing her exemplary devotion. He began chanting the Lord’s name continually. He taught the people that reciting the Lord’s name is the means to experience God.
(Namdev)
Once Sakkubai went to Namadeva and complained, ‘Swami! Our neighbours are stealing the dung cakes prepared by me. Namadeva enquired, ‘How can you say that they are prepared by you?’ She replied, ‘I do Nama Smarana while performing all my activities. The effect of that Nama Smarana can be found on the dunk cakes too.’ So saying, she rushed to her house, brought a dung cake and held near the ear of Namadeva. Namadeva could hear the divine name, ‘Ranga! Panduranga! coming out of that dung cake. He could not believe his ears. He asked Sakkubai to prepare another cake right in front of his eyes. She brought some cow dung and prepared a cake out of it, chanting the divine name of ‘Panduranga!’ The divine name spread to the dung cake too! From then on, Namadeva became her disciple and started chanting the divine name constantly. Through his sadhana, he demonstrated the truth that Nama Smarana alone can enable one cross the sea of samsara. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, pp. 134-135)
Once, Namadeva and Jnanadeva were going through a forest. For Jnanadeva everything was a manifestation of Divine Wisdom (Jnanamayam). He believed that through knowledge anything could be achieved. As they were going along they felt thirsty. They saw a derelict well. There was some water deep at the bottom of the well. Jnanadeva took the form of a bird, flew down to the bottom and drank the water to quench his thirst. Jnanadeva could assume any form because of his spiritual powers. Namadeva said, ‘I don’t need to assume any form. My God is within me. I can secure His nearness without my going to Him.’ So saying, he sat under a tree and started reciting the Lord’s name. The water in the well rose and overflowed so that Namadeva could quench his thirst easily. The true devotee should be able to bring God near him, without his having to go in search of God. If he is filled with love for God, that love will attract God toward him. (SSS Vol.31), 26 February 1998