Discover Your Super Soul

First take First step towards Krishna

iskcon June 16, 2025

Most of the time, we are reluctant to take the very first step towards Krishna because we feel that it is impossible to be Krishna Conscious in this world. We have been so accustomed to sense gratification that we think we cannot live without it.

And if we cannot give up sensual pleasures then how can we become spiritual. So, we become disheartened and unfortunately do not become serious in spiritual life.

But journey always begins with a first step. A huge banyan tree is just a small seed in the beginning. The seed is first sown in the ground. The gardener nurtures it daily by watering it. Slowly the seed sprouts into a sapling then it becomes a plant and finally becomes a gigantic tree.

One of the biggest challenges we face in life is impatience. We want to achieve everything immediately. But we should understand that unless and until we strive for a goal, we will never get it. We have to take the plunge. We have to take the first step.

Mṛgāri, the cruel hunter, thought it impossible to practice devotion to Krishna. But sage Narada encouraged him, and he took the first step towards Krishna. Slowly his heart got cleansed of all impurities.

Before becoming a devotee, he enjoyed killing animals but after he began practicing devotion to the Lord, he was not even harming an ant.

Practice devotion with Patience

Srila Rupa Goswami in Nectar of Instructions say that a devotee should practice devotion with enthusiasm and determination but should also have patience.

If currently our heart is inflicted with lust, anger and greed then immediately it won’t go away. But we should be determined to free our heart from these impurities.

Following four regulative principles of no meat eating, no intoxication, no gambling and no illicit sex is a must if we want to advance in spiritual life.

So, we should make a plan how to give it up eventually. We cannot keep on indulging in these activities and develop love for Krishna.

Practicing four regulative principles become easy if we regularly chant the names of Krishna and read literatures like Bhagavat Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. These spiritual activities will purify our heart, and we will automatically lose taste for prohibitive activities.

So, today let us take a vow to take the first step in our devotional life. Let us begin by dedicating a fixed amount of time for remembering the Lord. And the best way to remember God is by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

An expert gardener waters the plant daily. Similarly, if we want to grow in our devotional life then we should chant the holy names of the Lord daily.

We should begin by daily chanting at least one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. And the goal should be to eventually chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily.

Krishna promises that if we take first step towards him then he will take thousands of steps towards us. We just have to take the initiative. Are we ready for it?

Three Reflections

One of the biggest challenges we face in life is impatience.
Srila Rupa Goswami in Nectar of Instructions says that a devotee should practice devotion with enthusiasm and determination but should also have patience.
We should daily chant at least one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Ask Yourself?

Am I daily chanting at least one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra and by when I am going to start chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Action Items

Without fail daily chant one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Discuss with your spiritual guide and make a plan to eventually chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.