Inquiries Into the Absolute: Digest 159, How did Srila Prabhupada

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Digest 159, March 10th, 2006. Answers by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja

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How did Srila Prabhupada persist in service, while we succumb to maya?

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Q: Prabhupada had undergone so many troubles in his life; still he continued

his preaching in his life even after having so many temples to manage. That was

his success. But when we are trying to follow his teachings in our life, why

are we not able follow it perfectly?

 

Sometimes we say Maya is so strong. What will happen to us? When we are sick,

it is so difficult to even complete 16 rounds. Why does this happen to us?

 

Answer: We know from Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 1.2.6) that there is no material

force that can stop the flow of pure devotional service - it is 'ahaituki

apratihata', causeless and uninterrupted. It is the characteristic of one who

is in the steady stage of pure devotion that they are not swayed by any

material influences or circumstances - this was exemplified in Srila

Prabhupada's life. Conversely, unsteadiness in our execution of Krishna

consciousness is caused by lack of maturity in our faith & devotion, thus

permitting impediments or "unwanted things in the heart" (anarthas) to prevail.

For sadhakas, or those of us in the practicing stage of devotion, as long as

unwanted residual desires (anarthas) are present in the heart, there is

experience of unsteadiness and struggles.

 

When these anarthas are uprooted by proper execution of hearing, chanting etc

(as described in SB 1.2.18) then one becomes situated in nistha, or irrevocable

devotional service.

 

In other words, imperfections and unsteadiness in our initial efforts to

cultivate devotion is not unexpected and not something to be discouraged about.

This should not however make us complacent or indifferent to our lack of

success thinking, "Anyway I am not a very advanced devotee like Prabhupada and

this is how it is going to be for a long time to come." The weeds of anarthas,

if left unattended, will completely outgrow and choke our bhakti-creeper.

Therefore, taking inspiration from the example the pure devotees have set

before us, we should enthusiastically uproot these sources of unsteadiness,

having full confidence in the potency of the process given by the acharyas.

 

The most important element that carries one from the position of anisthita

bhakti to the other side of nistha is strong faith. Strong faith is defined as

the unflinching trust that simply by executing Krishna consciousness, one

automatically performs all subsidiary activities and achieves the highest

perfection. In practical terms, thistranslates to acting firmly and obeying the

instructions of the representative of Krishna; by firmly following the orders

of Guru and Krishna, all obstacles are overcome. (Please see BG 2.41 p.) And

the backbone of faith is enthusiasm. Eagerness to attain the fearless shelter

of lotus feet of Krishna and enthusiastically striving for it by the proper

means: this will completely ensure our success in devotional service.

 

Maya is indeed very strong but Krishna is stronger than maya. A devotee should

regard Maya with respectful caution and therefore take shelter of Krishna for

protection. Krishna promises that those who surrender to Him can easily cross

over Maya.

 

Srila Prabhupada once remarked "The reason I can never fall down to Maya is

because I am ALWAYS praying to Krishna to kindly protect me from falling down."

 

 

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