Three Ways Your Family Might React To Your Choosing Bhakti

“Indignant and angry, his reddish eyes like molten copper, Hiranyakashipu said to his servants: O demons, take this boy away from me! He deserves to be killed. Kill him as soon as possible!” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.34)

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आहामर्ष-रुषाविष्टः
कषायी-भूत-लोचनः
वध्यताम् आश्व् अयं वध्यो
निःसारयत नैरृताः

āhāmarṣa-ruṣāviṣṭaḥ
kaṣāyī-bhūta-locanaḥ
vadhyatām āśv ayaṁ vadhyo
niḥsārayata nairṛtāḥ

It seems like a rather innocent decision. Not that you are aiming at perfection at the outset. The finish line is way in the distance, perhaps not even attainable. This is your analysis at present, anyway. Nevertheless, you accept the promise from Shri Krishna that a little effort along the path goes a long way.

नेहाभिक्रम-नाशो ऽस्ति
प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते
स्व्-अल्पम् अप्य् अस्य धर्मस्य
त्रायते महतो भयात्

nehābhikrama-nāśo 'sti
pratyavāyo na vidyate
sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya
trāyate mahato bhayāt

“In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.40)

Prior to making this turn, for a while little questions here and there were starting to prop up. You were no longer accepting everything blindly, following along just because everyone else was in the same mindset. You knew that life had to have something more. There must be a purpose for being put on this earth. It can’t be to simply enjoy the senses, as the animals already fall into that category.

They have no choice, but the human beings are rational. They can use that enhanced thinking ability to make excuses for procrastinating from the real objective, but you would rather not wait any longer. As Goswami Tulsidas says, correct the many mistakes from the past, including prior births, today, right now.

बिगरी जनम अनेक की सुधरै अबहीं आजु |
होहि राम को नाम जपु तुलसी तजि कुसमाजु ||

bigarī janama aneka kī sudharai abahīṃ āju |
hohi rāma ko nāma japu tulasī taji kusamāju ||

“The many past births you spoiled can be rectified right now, today, if you start chanting Shri Rama’s holy name and renounce bad association, says Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 22)

The issue is that most people don’t live in isolation. If they implement drastic changes to lifestyle, such as giving up meat and alcohol consumption, always chanting a specific mantra and so forth, others are sure to notice. The close family members can react in different ways.

1. “That’s cool”

In this case they are accepting. They may not understand what you are doing. The many previous generations in the family ate meat. They never considered a vegetarian diet. They were not concerned with killing innocent animals. Every new generation simply followed tradition. There was no challenge.

The family accepts your decision, but they think it is more or less a phase. You will eventually grow out of it. After all, it is not affecting them. Maybe one or two friends will take an interest down the road, but for now you are left alone.

2. Worried

In this case the family members have grave concerns. At a young age, you should be interested in advancing materially. Getting a better job. Perhaps further education to earn more prestige which translates to a higher salary. Marriage. Children.

The last thing that should be on your mind is life and death. Why give up so quickly? Renunciation is for the end of life. Right now is the time to enjoy. They try to talk you out of it.

“Try religion at a later point in life. I am religious, too, you know, but you don’t see me doing anything crazy. There has to be a balance to things. You go to the extreme today and tomorrow you will regret the time missed experiencing what is out there.”

3. Order violence

You can handle either of the two previous cases. It’s understandable for friends and family members to be worried. Shri Rama describes that a person only offers such instruction when there is love and affection in the relationship.

मम स्नेहाच्च सौहार्दादिदमुक्तंत्वयाऽनघे
परितुष्टोऽस्म्यहं सीते न ह्यनिष्टोऽनुशिष्यते

mama snehācca sauhārdādidamuktaṃtvayā'naghe
parituṣṭo'smyahaṃ sīte na hyaniṣṭo'nuśiṣyate

“Certainly all these words were spoken by you due to your kind-heartedness and affection for Me. I am very pleased with you, O Sita, for indeed one does not offer instructions and advice to another without caring for them.” (Lord Rama speaking to Sita Devi, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 10.20)

What if the opposition went to the extreme? Forget trying to change your mind, they wanted your life ended, and immediately at that. Prahlada Maharaja faced that very danger. Hiranyakashipu tried to show affection in the beginning. Tears streamed from his eyes when he one time saw the five-year old son offering obeisance. This was after the relationship had turned rocky.

Prahlada insisted on the science of self-realization. He did not keep the preference to himself. When asked about the most important subjects taught in school, Prahlada replied with devotion to Vishnu. He explained that the real self-interest of the individual is to go towards the personal side of God. Material life, otherwise, is an embarrassing situation.

The father was the greatest materialist, so he did not like being insulted. More offensive was the praise of Vishnu, who was considered an enemy to the kingdom. Hiranyakashipu could no longer tolerate. The supposedly innocent choice of devotion to a higher being was considered a crime.

There is always this danger. The material world is not very conducive to spiritual life, but fortunately in this age the connection in yoga can be created and maintained through the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Prahlada stayed with that name, and the unbroken meditation saved him. The devotion thrived, whereas Hiranyakashipu and his attacks did not survive for long.

In Closing:

In fixed meditation strong,

So attacks not lasting long.

Since eventually time to heal,

And wrath of Narasimha to feel.

This way when choice making,

That impetus for devotion taking.

Others not always to accept,

But Lord’s shelter can expect.

Is Faith In Krishna The Only Way To Win Redemption

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.66)

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सर्व-धर्मान् परित्यज्य
माम् एकं शरणं व्रज
अहं त्वां सर्व-पापेभ्यो
मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः

sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ

Friend1: The concept of salvation is certainly not exclusive to any one religion.

Friend2: Explain what you mean by “salvation.”

Friend1: The idea that everyone in this world is a sinner. That is the reason for being here, in the first place. Not through work alone does the situation change. Not through knowledge, sacrifice, penance, austerity, or any other specifically designated effort.

Friend2: Then what is the solution?

Friend1: Born-again faith.

Friend2: Oh. In a particular person?

Friend1: Sure, or a sacred book. The idea is that you must have faith. Otherwise, everything is hopeless.

Friend2: What happens if you fail to acquire such faith in this lifetime?

Friend1: I think most of the religions say that you are out of luck. Condemned to hell.

Friend2: Forever? No chance at redemption?

Friend1: This is your chance. Don’t let it go to waste.

Friend2: Okay, but what about those who pass on before they have the option to make a conscious decision?

Friend1: Babies, children, and the like?

Friend2: Or even someone who never gets the chance to hear about the need for salvation. Not everyone goes through the exact same cycle of life. What is the fate of such a person?

Friend1: I don’t know. I’ve heard different explanations. One is that the higher authorities involved in a specific faith give every person a chance at some point.

Friend2: What about the child in the womb?

Friend1: Yes, I never said I was an expert on these rules [smiling].

Friend2: Alright; no problem.

Friend1: Anyway, my question to you relates to the Vedas, and specifically the Bhagavad-gita. We have the promise from Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that a person who abandons all kinds of dharma in favor of surrender to Him has no reason to fear.

Friend2: They will be delivered, or “saved” if we want to stay consistent with the theme of today. They are protected from any negative consequences attached to giving up a specific dharma, which is a kind of system of religion or rule-set.

Friend1: Okay, so I understand that Krishna makes this promise at the end of the discussion with Arjuna. There is so much philosophy presented. It is a science for realizing the self; not just blind faith. At the same time, couldn’t someone make the accusation that the followers of the Vedas are insisting on the same kind of born-again faith for achieving salvation?

Friend2: It’s not the only way, though. And there are different kinds of liberation. Someone who enjoys speaking on the Vedic science enjoys hearing such challenges.

Friend1: Why is that?

Friend2: Because the person on the other side has no idea what they are about to hear. The transmigration of the soul. The concept of karma. The fundamental difference between body and spirit. The imperishable nature of the individual. The different kinds of bodies he can inhabit. The different kinds of worlds in which a person can take birth.

Friend1: Sure, that’s great, but how does it tie in to the concept of salvation?

Friend2: Again, you get a better understanding of what liberation means. It is the end to the cycle of birth and death. There are different kinds of enjoyment afterwards. A person who does not surrender to Krishna is not forever doomed. There is always a chance, since the Supreme Lord stays close by in the heart. He is the source of strength in both the sinner and the saint. The thief gets as much intelligence from Krishna as the world-famous preacher with hundreds of followers.

Friend1: But we do insist on surrender. We advise people to chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend2: The discussion can continue for years and years to explain the glories of sharanagati, of experiencing the bliss of the shelter of the Supreme Lord. The short summary is that the devotion to Krishna is not exclusive. It does not invalidate any of the promises presented by the other faiths.

Friend1: Really?

Friend2: There can only be one God. There is only one real religion. Perhaps it is explained in different ways based on time and circumstance, but the individual is always separate from the temporary conditions of the material world. He is always spirit soul, part and parcel of God. Connecting with Krishna means understanding and enjoying God in His complete feature. It means experiencing the best kind of life in liberation. The promise is not for scaring anyone; it is for alleviating concerns related to abiding by this rule and that. It is for removing doubts.

In Closing:

On born-again faith insisting,

With this logic persisting.

Of no other path aware,

Dedication with humble prayer.

Vedas the complete explanation giving,

Of just how in liberation living.

That no more on suffering wheel spinning,

Eternal association of Krishna winning.

Narasimha Chaturdashi 2019

“Hiranyakashipu could not kill his son by throwing him beneath the feet of big elephants, throwing him among huge, fearful snakes, employing destructive spells, hurling him from the top of a hill, conjuring up illusory tricks, administering poison, starving him, exposing him to severe cold, winds, fire and water, or throwing heavy stones to crush him. When Hiranyakashipu found that he could not in any way harm Prahlada, who was completely sinless, he was in great anxiety about what to do next.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.43-44)

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दिग्-गजैर् दन्दशूकेन्द्रैर्
अभिचारावपातनैः
मायाभिः सन्निरोधैश् च
गर-दानैर् अभोजनैः
हिम-वाय्व्-अग्नि-सलिलैः
पर्वताक्रमणैर् अपि
न शशाक यदा हन्तुम्
अपापम् असुरः सुतम्
चिन्तां दीर्घतमां प्राप्तस्
तत्-कर्तुं नाभ्यपद्यत

dig-gajair dandaśūkendrair
abhicārāvapātanaiḥ
māyābhiḥ sannirodhaiś ca
gara-dānair abhojanaiḥ
hima-vāyv-agni-salilaiḥ
parvatākramaṇair api
na śaśāka yadā hantum
apāpam asuraḥ sutam
cintāṁ dīrghatamāṁ prāptas
tat-kartuṁ nābhyapadyata

The father was determined; of that there is no doubt. Once the decision was made to terminate the existence of the obstinate son, who refused to abandon worship of Vishnu despite every warning of the impending consequences to such action, Hiranyakashipu would go to any length to see success. On the occasion of Narasimha Chaturdashi, we celebrate his colossal failure, which was not due to a lack of effort.

Those acquainted with Vedic culture have likely heard the story. There is the annual celebration of Holi, known for its many colors tossed here and there amongst friends and family. The origin is an incident involving Prahlada Maharaja, who withstood an attack from the father. He survived being placed in fire, while the father’s sister, who was thought to be immune, perished and left behind ashes of different colors.

It was a triumph of good over evil, similar to Dussehra, but with additional significance. The exercise of devotion receives protection from the mighty arm of the Supreme Lord. Even when sufficient physical strength appears to be lacking, when the antagonist has the weight of force and manpower supporting them, the exercise is allowed to continue. In Prahlada’s case it flourished.

Hiranyakashipu went to unspeakable lengths. This is symbolic of the mentality of the asura. Despite so much evidence to the contrary, they continue in their opposition to God. They would rather stamp out every mention of His name than pause for a moment to ponder the thought of His existence and supremacy.

From a single verse in the Shrimad Bhagavatam we get a sampling of the efforts made against the innocent son. Prahlada’s only crime was showing allegiance to the origin of everything. Vishnu is the source of strength, including the ability employed by the father and his attendants.

1. Thrown beneath elephants

This should have been sufficient. How could a five-year-old boy tolerate such a massive weight placed on his body? This defies the laws of physics.

2. Throwing among snakes

Poison acts quickly. Just one snake is enough, but for Prahlada there were many. The king had no problem seeing his son in such a dangerous situation.

3. Employing destructive spells

In the modern day someone with such an ability might mistakenly be identified as God. In truth, destructive spells have been around since before anyone can remember. It is a kind of art form, and sometimes the bad people, the asuras, use them to further their plans of destruction.

4. Hurling from the top of a hill

A struggling parent may have this urge every now and then when dealing with a child who won’t stop crying, but only a crazy person carries through. Hiranyakashipu had every intent from the beginning. It was a premeditated attack, and also one that failed.

5. Conjuring up illusory tricks

From the Ramayana we learn of incidents where Rakshasas showed false visions on the battlefield. This is a way to dispirit the enemy. Something like a psychological operations campaign, make the other side think that there is no hope. The Supreme Lord dispelled those illusions by releasing arrows, and for the devotees He does the same through the torchlight of knowledge.

6. Administering poison

If the snakes can’t succeed, then feed directly. Mix poison into the food. Perhaps have the child drink it. Regardless, no need to mess around.

7. Starving him

Improper food not having an effect? Go in the reverse direction. Simply withhold food or drink. Make Prahlada starve. That didn’t work, either, though. The son of the Daitya king showed amazing resilience.

8. Exposing to severe cold, winds, rain and fire

It is common to complain about the situation during the winter.

“I swear, I am never tolerating this again. I have had enough. Who wants to live in a freezer for three months out of the year? This is too much to take. I would prefer anywhere else.”

Then when the summer rolls around, the complaints go in the opposite direction.

“This is unbearable. Not even the air conditioner is helping. I must say, this is much worse than the winter. I will take the cold and snow over this any day.”

Mother nature is one of the primary sources of misery in a material existence. The elements each have their role to play, but in severe form they can cause great distress. Hiranyakashipu used this to his advantage, though none was forthcoming. Prahlada continued to meditate on Vishnu.

9. Throwing heavy stones

Crush Prahlada with weight. Though elephants didn’t work, maybe there wasn’t a direct strike. See firsthand how Prahlada handles the drastic difference in weight.

From the broad spectrum of weapons employed we see that Hiranyakashipu left no stone unturned (no pun intended). Amazingly, it would take just the nails on a lion-like figure to do away with the father. The same strength that was protecting Prahlada the entire time manifest in an amazing half-man/half-lion creature. This was the same Vishnu worshiped by the son and hated by the father.

In Closing:

To kill Prahlada to try,

With lethal force to apply.

Underneath elephants to trample,

Or fed with poison ample.

Off of cliff to hurl,

Snakes around him to curl.

The son every time to survive,

Until finally Vishnu to arrive.

Three Moments Of Distress To Remember Shri Hari

“Once Bhima was administered poison in a cake, once they were put into the house made of shellac and set afire, and once Draupadi was dragged out, and attempts were made to insult her by stripping her naked in the vicious assembly of the Kurus. The Lord saved Draupadi by supplying an immeasurable length of cloth, and Duryodhana's party failed to see her naked.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.24 Purport)

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For proper professional development others advise to not remain at one job for too long. It is something like the game with car insurance. Once you sign up, they won’t really offer any discounts moving forward. The only way to get a substantial rate reduction is to shop around for a different vendor. They will make an extra effort to lure you away, a means of attracting your business.

Within a particular field it might be better to shift every three years. Find some place where your skills are in demand. Since you are actively working at the time, the new company is compelled to sweeten the pot, so to speak. Repeating the process on a periodic basis ensures a steadily increasing annual salary.

On the other side of things, with your case you didn’t really follow any of that advice. You were fine with the first job. Plenty of freedom to learn new things. No strict adherence to schedules. Enough work to keep you occupied throughout the day; you were always surprised to see the clock showing that the day had ended.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. You had to move on. It wasn’t your decision. Business in the material world is not certain. The company could be around for over a hundred years, but one zealous and corrupt government prosecutor can slap on an indictment without any evidence, and the news is enough to sink the establishment. In other cases, the rapid evolution of technology renders your company’s particular good or service obsolete.

Being an aspiring devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, your biggest concern is not over transition in work environments. You will be able to adjust. The issue is remembrance. Will you be able to continue with a devotional mindset? In a foreign place, not knowing a single person, scheduled to work for a set number of hours each day, how will you get the opportunity to remember the person to whom you owe everything?

Fortunately, the unwanted situation of starting a new job is not the most difficult to have arisen over the course of history. The Vedas document countless situations where devotees faced tremendous hardship and were still able to stay connected in yoga.

1. A blazing fire

This took place in the land of Gokula-Vrindavana. The cowherd boys were out playing, as usual. Nothing new on this particular day except suddenly a huge fire was ready to consume them. They had no other hope except to think of Krishna, who had been their savior before.

The residents of that farm community were not aware that their life and soul was actually Hari Himself. Shri Krishna chose to descend to earth and live in that specific land because of the good qualities in the people. Dangerous moments were only temporary in nature and lacked any real potential to harm. Something like a snake without fangs, the fire was no match for the mouth of Krishna, who saved His friends by devouring the blaze.

2. Being disrobed

Draupadi was married in all righteousness, dharma. A special situation, she actually had five husbands. They were of the kshatriya order, which meant that by both quality and occupation they could protect others from injury.

If that was the case, what happened in the assembly of the Kurus? Draupadi was on the verge of being shown naked in front of everyone. Against her will the culprits wanted to embarrass both her and the Pandavas. Her husbands could not help since the punishment was tied to losing a bet.

Having no one else to intervene, Draupadi called out to Krishna. Just like with the forest fire in Vrindavana, He came to save the day. This time He took the form of an unending sari. No matter how much the Kauravas tried, they could not completely remove Draupadi’s sari.

3. Surrounded by ogres

Why is it that those closest to the Supreme Lord tend to find the most distressing situations? Here Sita Devi was in the kingdom of Lanka against her will. Since she would not give in to the advances of the evil king named Ravana, the punishment was constant surveillance and harassment by female man-eating ogres.

Even if you have a stressful day at work, at least there is the high likelihood of being able to sleep at night, uninterrupted. Sita had no such comfort available to her. Despite the dreaded circumstances, she was still able to remember her husband, Shri Rama. He is also Hari, appearing on this earth in the Treta Yuga to deal with bad characters like Ravana.

The idea is that making a sincere effort in spiritual life does not necessarily mean a person will be able to perpetually remain in a peaceful and quiet setting like a temple. They may have the opportunity to always chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. They can congregate with other like-minded people and enjoy discoursing about the Supreme Lord and His pastimes.

मच्-चित्ता मद्-गत-प्राणा
बोधयन्तः परस्परम्
कथयन्तश् च मां नित्यं
तुष्यन्ति च रमन्ति च

mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam
kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ
tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca

“The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are surrendered to Me, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 10.9)

At the same time, life might toss them into this difficult situation and that. Whatever the case, God can always be remembered. That is the way to a pure consciousness, which has the attached reward of liberation after death.

In Closing:

Ability to focus on interest higher,

Life much easier in time prior.

But now into distress thrown,

Feeling helpless and alone.

To remember Krishna how when?

Moments from past supporting then.

Like Draupadi with the sari unending,

And blaze into mouth Krishna sending.

Three Reasons A Father Might Be Disappointed In Their Son

“After Prahlada Maharaja had spoken in this way and become silent, Hiranyakashipu, blinded by anger, threw him off his lap and onto the ground.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.33)

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इत्य् उक्त्वोपरतं पुत्रं
हिरण्यकशिपू रुषा
अन्धीकृतात्मा स्वोत्सङ्गान्
निरस्यत मही-तले

ity uktvoparataṁ putraṁ
hiraṇyakaśipū ruṣā
andhīkṛtātmā svotsaṅgān
nirasyata mahī-tale

A brand new life headed your way. Boundless potential. They can end up being anything they desire in adulthood; at least that is the consideration prior. If the baby is a boy, the father may have certain expectations or hopes. To that end there is also the possibility of great disappointment later on.

1. Doesn’t share the same interests

The father is into sports. They love both playing and watching. Baseball, football, tennis, basketball – you name it and they spent a significant portion of their youth involved in that activity. The son will hopefully follow in the footsteps. At the very least, the father now has someone to teach the basics to. They have a playing partner, with the hope that the son will one day surpass them in ability.

The son turns out to be what is referred to as a nerd. They are interested in science and technology. Video games are more to their liking. Science experiments are fun. Sports? Not so much. No matter how much the father tries, the son just has no interest. They are on the low end of ability, as well. They can’t throw a ball very well. They are slow and clumsy when running. At times the father wonders if this child is actually related to them.

2. Doesn’t follow authority

Just go to sleep at a certain time and stay asleep throughout the night. That is all the parents ask. They will let the young child play the day away. The rules are relaxed in other areas, but this one requires strict adherence. It’s for the sanity of the family.

The problem is the son just doesn’t listen. They respect authority for maybe a second or two. After that they are back to doing whatever they desire, at that particular moment. The frustration mounts, to the point that the father wonders if the son will ever listen to anyone.

3. Refuses to change their ways

As is common in the journey through life, new interests develop. The son indulges in this activity and that for a period of time. The father tries to explain the negative aspects to certain decisions he disagrees with.

The problem is the son refuses to adapt. They think the father is old, following an antiquated way of life. Everyone today is doing it the son’s way. The father tries the different methods of diplomacy, such as pacification and bribery, but the son is obstinate.

A long time ago, a king named Hiranyakashipu had a similar experience with his son. Prahlada did not follow in the father’s footsteps. While the royal teachers spoke of the need for basic religion, economic development and sense gratification, the child was only interested in worshiping Vishnu.

He not only followed in practice, but he could explain the principles, as well. Svartha gatim hi vishnu, the teaching from Prahlada that the actual self-interest of the individual is to go towards Vishnu, which is one name for the Divine, referencing His personal side.

Hiranyakashipu considered self-interest only, and that with a skewed understanding. He took the sense demands to be of paramount importance, when in fact the senses can lead a person astray. Even if they are otherwise discriminating, capable of utilizing previous knowledge to predict an outcome to a risky behavior, they cannot help themselves, like a boat veering off course because of a strong wind.

इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां
यन् मनो ऽनुविधीयते
तद् अस्य हरति प्रज्ञां
वायुर् नावम् इवाम्भसि

indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ
yan mano 'nuvidhīyate
tad asya harati prajñāṁ
vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi

“As a boat on the water is swept away by a strong wind, even one of the senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man's intelligence.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.67)

The father was disappointed in the son to the point of disgust. At one point he threw Prahlada off of his lap and onto the ground. The leader of the Daityas was sick of hearing about Vishnu. That the words came from his own son only dug the knife further in.

From that episode we see that though children may not turn out as planned or desired, if they are devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead the parents have received the greatest blessing. Even in the case of an antagonistic father like Hiranyakashipu, the end result is still auspicious. Vishnu Himself arrives on the scene to purify.

In Closing:

Hoping that to follow one day,

Interest in sports to play.

Or that with same understanding clarity,

Problem when into disparity.

The father then disappointed in son,

Like with Prahlada in family to come.

But devotion for all the best,

Vishnu that home to bless.

Were People Like Arjuna Ever Nervous In Their Devotional Service

“Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity, and leadership are the qualities of work for the kshatriyas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.43)

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शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर् दाक्ष्यं
युद्धे चाप्य् अपलायनम्
दानम् ईश्वर-भावश् च
क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभाव-जम्

śauryaṁ tejo dhṛtir dākṣyaṁ
yuddhe cāpy apalāyanam
dānam īśvara-bhāvaś ca
kṣātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam

Friend1: When I have an important task to complete, sometimes I get nervous.

Friend2: About the outcome? Concerned that you won’t be able to reach success?

Friend1: Certainly that is part of it. The other is just the knowledge of the amount of effort necessary. I guess you call the result procrastination.

Friend2: Every person suffers from that to some degree. Imagine if there were no deadlines in this world. Nothing would ever get done. The pressure related to time serves as the great impetus to actually focus and put in the effort needed.

Friend1: I know there is the classic case of the all-nighter for students. They wait until the last minute to complete a lengthy paper.

Friend2: Or maybe there is an important exam for which they cram the studying into a single stretch of time.

Friend1: The night before the due date. Anyway, I was considering the carryover to devotional service. Bhakti-yoga looks like fun and enjoyment on the surface.

Friend2: Chanting, dancing, feasting. Repeating the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend1: Hearing about the Supreme Lord. Shravanam, one of the most effective processes of devotional service. It happens to carry the least mental strain, at least in my opinion.

Friend2: Isn’t that such a wonderful promise? Shri Krishna is so merciful that He will liberate anyone who simply sacrifices to hear about Him on a regular basis. Krishna-katha alone can dispel the ignorance borne of illusion.

Friend1: For some of the other tasks, I’m wondering if devotees ever get nervous. Are they worried that an outcome won’t go there way?

Friend2: You mean in like spreading the glories, talking to other people, speaking in front of the public, and so forth?

Friend1: You don’t even have to get to the modern day. Think about people from the past. Shri Hanuman. Arjuna. In some cases they were risking life by carrying out work for the Supreme Lord. Did they ever get so scared that they couldn’t continue?

Friend2: Hanuman was always assessing progress. He was most worried about failing Shri Rama and letting down the friends from Kishkindha.

Friend1: Okay. So how does someone like that carry forward? How do you get past the nervous feeling?

Friend2: Well, with exalted devotees it is part of their makeup. They have the sannyasa spirit, even though they may not officially be part of that institution.

Friend1: The renounced order of life.

Friend2: Hanuman fights against many enemies at the same time. Arjuna is fearless in battle. He is a true kshatriya. You see that in people today. If there is an active shooter situation at a church or something, sometimes ordinary citizens grab their firearms and look to protect people.

Friend1: True heroes, in my estimation.

Friend2: Absolutely. They are not worried about getting shot. They have this fearless attitude. The more a person advances in devotional service, they acquire a similar mentality. Not that they necessarily become a kshatriya, but any worry that arises is not enough to stop them from moving forward.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: Arjuna was so saintly in character that his primary concern was winning. He wasn’t worried about the incoming fire from the enemy. He could handle that. He was worried about what would happen to the other side, which contained many well-wishers. Arjuna at one point was trembling, unsure of what to do.

Friend1: This means that even exalted people are not entirely confident.

Friend2: If they run into issues, they know where to get help. The connection in yoga guides them along the proper direction. In Vrindavana, the elderly gopis are worried that Shri Krishna will be attacked by asuras sent by Kamsa. They see Krishna taken high into the air by Trinavarta. They see the poisonous snake Kaliya wrapping its hoods around Him. They see the hideous witch named Putana. The people get nervous, but they know towards which direction to turn.

In Closing:

Big assignment tomorrow due,

So nervous prior are you.

Since waiting to the minute last,

Now time to work super fast.

Nervous not devotees the same,

Like when Arjuna to battlefield came?

Idea that still pushing through,

Inspired by Krishna for who.

Why Can’t I Practice Religion How I Want To

“Sanjaya said: Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief.” (Bhagavad-gita, 1.46)

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सञ्जय उवाच
एवम् उक्त्वार्जुनः सङ्ख्ये
रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्
विसृज्य स-शरं चापं
शोक-संविग्न-मानसः

sañjaya uvāca
evam uktvārjunaḥ saṅkhye
rathopastha upāviśat
visṛjya sa-śaraṁ cāpaṁ
śoka-saṁvigna-mānasaḥ

Friend1: We might have covered this subject before, but I think it has eternal relevance.

Friend2: Really? Eternal? As in, no matter the time period, a person will come across this trouble spot? Go back thousands of years and there is the same problem?

Friend1: Absolutely. One of the supporting examples I will reference is from five thousand years back.

Friend2: Alright. You may proceed.

Friend1: Let’s take a situation where a person concurs on the need for changing the direction in life. Something is wrong with the path of material pursuit. Earn as much money as possible. Enjoy. Get a bigger house. A more expensive car. This person gets it. Something more must come out of the living experience.

Friend2: Have they been taught about the different options or are they simply lost and looking for some guidance?

Friend1: First, I would say that they are more hungry than lost. They want something more out of life. In this situation they have come across a teacher of the science of self-realization. They have heard the pitch, so to speak, for the need for genuine yoga and how the body is different from the identity of the individual.

Friend2: Nice. That is a great starting point. Just getting there is so difficult and rare.

Friend1: The thing is, this person has a specific way they want to practice. They enjoy chanting the holy names. No problem there. They particularly like the routine of japa in the morning hours. Without anyone bothering them, they are free to focus on the sounds produced: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend2: Even better.

Friend1: What to do if life throws obstacles along the way? What if your preferred expression of bhakti, devotion to the Supreme Lord, is not allowed?

Friend2: By whom? A higher authority?

Friend1: It could be life in general. It just doesn’t seem fair to me. I have agreed to serve Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am not turning away. At the same time, I get blocked from my specific choice.

Friend2: Who would get blocked? I’m not sure I understand.

Friend1: Take Arjuna, for example. He didn’t want to fight in the Bharata War. He was a devotee; no denying that. He asked Krishna directly if he could drop his weapons and retreat to the forest or something similar.

Friend2: Right, but that was shirking responsibility. Just because you don’t want to do something doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. You can’t be afraid of what life throws in front of you.

Friend1: But what if there is no interest? After all, commensurate with advancement in the spiritual science is detachment.

Friend2: Okay, so if you are truly detached you shouldn’t have a problem doing what the higher authorities will ask. There are more examples to cite, I hope you know.

Friend1: Such as?

Friend2: Shatrughna, one of the younger brothers of Shri Rama. He wanted to stay in the kingdom of Ayodhya and enjoy the association of Rama, who had been away for so long before.

Friend1: Because of the fourteen-year exile thing caused by Kaikeyi.

Friend2: Yes. Shri Rama ordered Shatrughna to go take care of a particular bad character named Lavana. From there the younger brother had to administer the kingdom. Not just search and destroy. Make sure there was peace in the aftermath.

Friend1: You are saying that is analogous because Shatrughna had a different idea in mind for how the devotion would be practiced.

Friend2: On that level there isn’t even conscious awareness of a difference between spiritual and material life. He just wanted to be with the Supreme Lord.

Friend1: Okay, and so that wasn’t fair. Why should a person have to suffer like that? Especially if they are dear to Krishna, shouldn’t He return the favor?

Friend2: And there you have it. He will most certainly reciprocate. Time reveals the master plan. In that separation, in that difficult work that a person may have been reluctant to complete in the beginning, there is increased bliss in consciousness of the Supreme Lord. Shri Hanuman is another example. No one willingly signs up to travel to a hostile foreign territory alone, to search for someone you have never previously met. Hanuman would prefer to chant the name of Rama, in the way that Mahadeva does. At the same time, the son of the wind does not turn back in the face of adversity. The difficult service suits him; Rama chooses the right person. In the same way, in the journey towards liberation there will be many difficult moments, but perseverance will be rewarded.

In Closing:

In most difficult moment now,

To continue with devotion how?

Since hindered my preferred way,

Why Supreme with me to play?

Idea that best result giving,

So that in higher devotion living.

Like with Arjuna and Hanuman so,

And Shatrughna to new territory to go.