As soon as one begins practicing devotion to Krishna, his faith starts increasing in Krishna every day. He starts experiencing presence of Krishna in his life. Sometimes he does not get what he wants to get, and he becomes angry with Krishna.
Sometimes he gets what he wants to get, and he is happy with Krishna. But slowly it dawns upon him that Krishna is already giving him what he wants in his life. And most of the times the Lord gives him more than what he needs.
In Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord says, “But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.” Bhagavad Gita 9.22
Gradually, a devotee begins realizing that beyond providing all material necessities, Krishna is giving him what no one has ever given him and i.e. joy and satisfaction. Krishna’s sincere devotee begins understanding the futility of material hankerings. Power, post and position does not excite him anymore. He stops madly running after sense gratification.
A devotee is even able to give up the desire to enjoy with opposite sex which is extremely difficult to give up. It’s an abominable desire and it does not give any happiness too. Hogs and dogs enjoy it uninterruptedly and if it is so pleasurable then why not dogs and hogs start jumping in joy after the act.
Scriptures again and again caution us against giving into lust because it opens the floodgates of misery.
By constantly chanting the names of Krishna, reading Srimad Bhagavatam daily, visiting temples regularly, taking charanamrtia of the Lord, taking association of devotees especially senior devotees, the heart and mind gets purified of all lusty and abominable desires.
Slowly the things of this world stop distracting sincerely practitioners. Instead, he gets attracted towards the activities of the spiritual world. The pastimes of Krishna enchants his heart, serving the deities in the temple gives him great joy. Whatever time he has he uses it in the service of Krishna. By doing so every moment he relishes his Krishna Conscious life.
As heart gets cleanses of impurities, he completely loses faith in the false promises of the material world. Instead, he develops unshakable faith in Krishna and Krishna’s words. A devotee sees that if he lives a life centred around Krishna then Krishna personally takes charge of his life.
Loving Krishna unconditionally
As love of Krishna begins fructifying in the heart, a devotee stops demanding anything /from Krishna but starts contemplating how to always serve Krishna. Day by day, his faith in Krishna keeps on increasing. Now, his love for Krishna is not dependent on what he is getting or what he is not getting. Having complete faith in Krishna, he loves him unconditionally.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, “marobi rakhobi—jo iccha tohara/nitya-dasa prati tuwa adhikara” – Slay me or protect me as You wish, for You are the master of Your eternal servant.
Three Reflections
- Slowly it dawns upon a devotee that Krishna is already giving him what he wants in his life. And most of the times the Lord gives him more than what he needs.
- Scriptures again and again caution us against giving into lust because it opens the floodgates of misery.
- As heart gets cleanses of impurities, a devotee completely loses faith in the false promises of the material world. Instead, he develops unshakable faith in Krishna and Krishna’s words.
Ask Yourself
- Is Krishna not giving me what I need to live in this material world?
Action Item
- List down the things you need to live in this world and check if Krishna has provided you these things after you began practicing devotion to Krishna sincerely or not.
