Achieving love of Krishna isn’t difficult as most of us presume. For e.g. for a child to achieve the affection of father is very simple. The child just needs to reciprocate with the father’s love. Similarly, for us to get the love of Krishna, who is our supreme father, is not difficult.
He is eagerly waiting for us to show our love to him. We too want Krishna but unfortunately currently our attachment to Krishna is weak and to this world is terribly strong.
So, we need to make efforts to develop unbreakable and ever lasting bond with Krishna. This becomes easy when we begin associating with those who are deeply attached to Krishna.
This is one of the most important methods of inculcating love of God. An iron rod put in fire acquires fiery quality after a while. Similarly, if we remain in the association of sincere devotees then we eventually develop love for Krishna.
This is what the scriptures and acharya teach us.
Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, a Vaisnava acharya, has advised that one should always live in the association of those who are sincerely practicing devotional life and following the footsteps of previous acharyas – tadera carana sevi bhakta – sane vasa.
Srila Prabhupada says, “One must worship the lotus feet of the ācārya and live within the society of devotees. Then one’s endeavor to cross over nescience will surely be successful.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.31 purport
We see how hippies of the western world who had no knowledge about Krishna became sincere devotees of Krishna just by associating with Srila Prabhupada.
Krishna wants us back
While associating with devotees is vital for our spiritual advancement, it is also equally important that we do not associate with non-devotees. Those who are not interested in Krishna will try to pull us away from Krishna.
We may be desirous to tread the right path, and our heart may long to get closer to God but in the company of non-devotee friends it becomes difficult to sustain the enthusiasm. If we spend too much time with them then we will succumb to our old bad habits.
Lord Chaitanya says, asat – sanga – tyaga, – ei vaisnava acarya: Characteristically, a Vaisanava is one who gives up the association of worldly people or non-devotees. Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhaya 22.87
So as a seeker or as a beginner in Krishna consciousness, we should always try to remain in association of devotees of the Lord. With them to practice devotion to Krishna is always inspiring.
And if at present we are not having such association then we should sincerely pray to Lord to provide us with the association of his sincere devotees. Krishna will reciprocate with our desire and put us in the company of sincere souls. He eagerly wants us to come back to him.
If we just take one step towards Krishna, then he begins desperately running towards us to embrace us and to be with us.
Just imagine, how our life will become wonderful when we will get reunited with Krishna!
Three Reflections
- If we remain in the association of sincere devotees, then we eventually develop love for Krishna.
- A sincere devotee should give up the association of worldly people or non-devotees.
- If at present we are not having devotee association, then we should sincerely pray to Krishna to provide us with the association of his sincere devotees.
Ask Yourself
- Do I practice devotional life in the association of devotees?
Action Item
- If not, then try to find devotees living near you and practice devotion with them.
