1. The first is that one should accept everything that is favorable for the discharge of devotional service, and one should be determined to accept the process.
2. The second is that one should give up everything that is unfavorable to the discharge of devotional service, and one should be determined to give it all up.
3. Thirdly, one should be convinced that only Krsna can protect him and should have full faith that the Lord will give that protection. An impersonalist thinks that his actual identity is in being one with Krsna, but a devotee does not destroy his identity in this way. He lives with full faith that Krsna will kindly protect him in all respects.
4. Fourthly, a devotee should always accept Krsna as his maintainer. Those who are interested in the fruits of activities generally expect protection from the demigods, but a devotee of Krsna does not look to any demigod for protection. He is fully convinced that Krsna will protect him from all unfavorable circumstances.
5. Fifth, a devotee is always conscious that his desires are not independent; unless Krsna fulfills them, they cannot be fulfilled.
6. Lastly, one should always think of himself as the most fallen among souls so that Krsna will take care of him.
Such a surrendered soul should take shelter of a holy place like Vrndavana, Mathura, Dvaraka, Mayapur, etc., and should surrender himself unto the Lord, saying, "My Lord, from today I am Yours. You can protect me or kill me as You like." A pure devotee takes shelter of Krsna in such a way, and Krsna is so grateful that He accepts him and gives him all kinds of protection.
The Lord is very kind to His devotees, and He is very grateful, able and magnanimous. It is our duty to believe His words, and if we are intelligent and educated enough, we will follow His instructions without hesitation.
In Srimad Bhagavatam (10.48.26) Akrura tells Krsna:
"Who can surrender to anyone other than Yourself? Who is as dear, truthful, friendly and grateful as You? You are so perfect and complete that even though You give Yourself to Your devotee, You are still full and perfect. You can satisfy all the desires of Your devotee and even deliver Yourself unto him."
In this regard, Lord Caitanya recites a verse spoken by Uddhava in Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.2.23):
"How can one take shelter of anyone but Krsna? He is so kind. Even though Bakasura's sister planned to kill Krsna when He was an infant, still that heinous woman received salvation and was elevated to the same platform as Krsna's own mother." This verse refers to the time when Putana planned to kill Krsna.
A person who is intelligent and able to understand the philosophy of Krsna consciousness naturally gives up all other processes and takes to the shelter of Krsna.
Srila Prabhupada (TLC Ch 12)
No comments:
Post a Comment