Stay on the Light Side
We have to mold our life in such a way that twenty-four hours, not a single moment leaving aside, we should be engaged in the service of the Lord’s relations. The Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, the spiritual master, Tulasi-devi, the temple, the preaching, the books—these are all Bhagavata. Just like we are doing daily, trying to read one verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam, discussing amongst ourselves. By this process the dirty things within the heart become cleansed.
Inauspicious things mean the heart disease for different varieties of sense enjoyment.
This can be cleansed simply by hearing the message of Krsna from Srimad-Bhagavatam, from Bhagavad-gita, from the lips of devotees. Something for Krsna, something for sense enjoyment, that means still the dirty things are there. But the more we engage our time in the service of the Bhagavatas, the dirty things become cleansed, gradually. Not all cleansed, but say, seventy-five percent cleansed. At that time, you become fixed-up in devotional service.
Rupa Goswami says: “Any devotional service which has no reference with sruti, smrti, purana, pancharatra, that is simply a disturbance. There is no need of manufacturing some idea. Whatever idea is already there, follow strictly. That fixed up bhakti is required, not oscillating. Because without hearing about God authentically, how we can become fixed up? So when we offer our prayers to Krsna, they are not ordinary words. Therefore those who are not liberated soul, they cannot actually offer prayers . We have to repeat the prayers offered by liberated souls, not by ordinary man. Because he is not yet uttama, he is not yet in the transcendental platform. Therefore we don’t allow songs which are not sung by liberated souls like Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Narottama dasa Thakura. They are liberated souls. We don’t allow any literature which is not given by a liberated soul.
So in the beginning we must be very sincere, to follow the rules and regulations. But due to our past habits, if there is some flaw, that is excused. Not intentionally. So Krsna says, “All right, you try your best. It will be rectified.” If one is a sincere devotee, he’ll not be lost. He’ll make progress. But if there is any ulterior motive, then he’ll be lost. Maya is there. Just like shadow and light, they’re side by side. A little crossing the marginal line between shadow and light, you are in the darkness. Similarly, a little crossing of the marginal line from the darkness to light, you are in light. So Krsna and maya are side by side. As soon as you forget Krsna, or as soon as you want to utilize Krsna for your sense gratification, it is immediately maya, darkness. And as soon as you want to serve Krsna, immediately it is light. So if we keep ourselves on this side, light side, always serving Krsna, then there is no possibility of our being in contact with maya. Simply study Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, try to understand and chant Hare Krsna mantra.
Twenty-four hours be engaged in this way.
You’ll be on the light side. So our association, society, is giving these two opportunities: you serve the orders of the acharyas and live with devotees. Then you will be secure in devotional service. Even there is little inconvenience, still we should live with the devotees. Then we shall be profited. (Lecture on SB 1.2.18 in LA 8/21/1972)
Enthusiasm for devotional service, faith in the process of devotional service, the treasure of patience in endeavoring to attain love of God, performing activities conducive to pure devotion, abandoning the company of worldly people, performing approved devotional practices—I have never possessed these six devotional qualities. How then, shall I give up maya and worship Your lotus feet? O Lord Hari, in such a helpless condition surely will I obtain Your causeless mercy. O when, under the shelter of my spiritual master, will I call out to You with humble prayers? (Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura)
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
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Hare krishna Prabhu Ji,
I have doubt in my mind that how do we surrender ourself to krishna truly.
You have to read Prabhupada’s books and learn it from him…
Hare Krishna Prabhu ji
I’m a new devotee in Iskcon few of my friends asking me why you have to stop eating non veg. ,alcohol,onions ,garlic and more things which are all mention in books. They say we also pray Krishana and we all eat those things so please help me in regarding this.
Hare Krishna Ankur
Yes. Indians now generally are totally materialistic and completely sinful and still ‘pray to Krishna…’ But what is the use of that?
Devotees do not eat anything which is not first offered to Krishna and Krishna only accepts foodstuffs in the mode of goodness which means foods prepared from the four groups of grains, vegetables, milk products and fruits. We can not offer anything to Krishna that is in the mode of passion or mode of ignorance. So all these things, alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, etc are in the modes of ignorance and passion and can not be offered to Krishna. And devotees will not eat anything that is not offered to Krishna.
People who ‘pray to Krishna’ without following the instructions of Krishna can not expect Krishna to take them very seriously…
Chant Hare Krishna and be happy!
Madhudvisa dasa