Maharaj Kripalu's Explanation of Devotion
As long as God keeps the feeling of ego in us, it is easier to follow the path of devotion." - Shri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
According to Maharaj Kripalu, your soul eternally longs for such a 'love' that will infinately extend the peace and happiness of your mind and render your heart blissful, forever. Such a love is not a quality of this mayic world, neither a feature of your mind alone.
Devotion should not be an addition to the daily routine of your life, but rather, absorbed into all of the activities of life, large and small.
"The ego is like a stick dividing water in two. It creates the impression that you are one and I am another. When the ego vanishes you will realize that Brahman is your own inner consciousness." - Shri Ramakrishna
"Self-important, obstinate, swept away by the pride of wealth, they ostentatiously perform sacrifices without any regard for their purpose. Egotistical, violent, arrogant, lustful, angry, envious of everyone, they abuse my presence within their own bodies and in the bodies of others." - Bhagavad Gita