How Do I Break Free Of The Desire To Impress Others

“Yashah, fame, should be according to Lord Chaitanya, who said that a man is famous when he is known as a great devotee. That is real fame.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 10.4-5 Purport)

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Friend1: I think starting a new job is one of the more unique experiences of adult life.

Friend2: Probably comparable to changing schools when you are a child.

Friend1: You know, many people don’t get to experience that. They grow up in the same area. Some small towns have a single school for grades K through 12.

Friend2: That is true. Changing schools is very strange. You are thrown into this situation all of a sudden. You don’t know a single person. Your friends are left behind, in another city probably. It takes some time to get adjusted.

Friend1: At the new office environment I feel the same way. I keep asking myself, how did I get here? Will I be able to handle staying in this place for forty hours per week?

Friend2: It’s not easy, even if you are familiar with everything.

Friend1: One of the tendencies I have is to try to impress others.

Friend2: The boss?

Friend1: Of course, but also my colleagues. I feel inspired to do a good job. I’m not sure what it is. I have so much respect for everyone else. It is not that I am trying to put them down. I am confident of their abilities. It’s just that I never want to be seen as a slacker.

Friend2: I see.

Friend1: If others speak of me, I don’t want to hear anything bad. I realize that is out of my control, but at least if I do a good job I will know that any criticism received will be unwarranted.

Friend2: You can’t impact outside sentiment entirely. Remember, you had Shri Krishna rumored to be a murderer because of a silly jewel in Dvaraka. Sita Devi, the most chaste woman this world has ever seen, could not maintain a clean reputation in Ayodhya. It’s just the way of the world. I would say that only the Supreme Lord’s impression should matter.

Friend1: I was getting there. But first, how do I break free of this tendency? I know that it shouldn’t matter what others think of me, but sometimes I can’t help it. I feel good when someone praises me. It is devastating to hear criticism.

Friend2: Goswami Tulsidas mentions something similar in the Ramacharitamanasa. The idea is that writers love it when someone praises their work, but rare it is to find someone willing to glorify another’s artistry in the same area.

Friend1: Like among rivals.

Friend2: Contemporaries. There doesn’t have to be a rivalry, but sometimes it is inevitable. I guess you are asking about fame itself. This is one of the innate desires of the living entity.

Friend1: Yeah, I guess that is why it is so difficult to shake.

Friend2: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that if someone wants to be famous, they should endeavor in the area of devotional service. Become well-known as a servant of the Supreme Lord. One who explains sacred instruction like the Bhagavad-gita becomes very dear to Krishna.

Friend1: Okay, but isn’t that impure devotion? You are doing the work with an outside motive.

Friend2: As we all start with many defects, devotional service is generally impure in the beginning stages. The idea is to take whatever impurities you have and direct them towards a higher purpose. The benefit is twofold. You get the connection to the Supreme Lord. You also lose the initial impure motivation.

Friend1: Meaning that if I try to become famous as a devotee, one day I will no longer wish to be famous?

Friend2: If you do everything properly, that is. Look at Shri Hanuman. He has control of the siddhis of yoga. He can become as large as a mountain if he wants. No one has done more in service to the Supreme Lord. No one can compare to Hanuman. Yet his preferred form is the small shape kneeling in worship before Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. That is pure humility; not some fake show in order to attract followers.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: Every kind of impurity, whether a physical attribute or a behavioral tendency, will be corrected through connecting with Bhagavan, which occurs as easily as through repeating a mantra.

Friend1: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

When towards bhakti directed,
Impurities corrected.

Applied with tendency for fame,
Shining bright and making a name.

Better if as devotee known,
Like with Hanuman shown.

Though greatest yogi of all,
Preferred kneeling as small.

The Three Time Periods In Which God Can Be Found

“Not only is the Supreme Personality of Godhead present as the Supersoul of all living entities; at the same time, He pervades everything in the entire creation. He exists in all circumstances and at all times.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.6.20-23 Purport)

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Nostalgia is for the people who experienced the situation from the past. In the moment they did not think they were part of a bygone era. They were not anticipating revisiting the time through pictures and video recordings, wondering why everything looked different.

Something like nostalgia is available for those who weren’t around in that time period. Prior to my birth, what was the situation in the world? How did the cars look? Were the homes decorated differently? How did people consume news?

The questions are many because the situation is always changing. That is the meaning to the material, prakriti, which is an energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna. While mentally travelling back in time we may find certain people and objects missing, with Krishna that is never the case. He can be located not only in every sphere, but every time period.

1. The past

If I travel back a thousand years, I can still find God. It is not that He somehow goes missing. Even if the sacred text that I hold so dear today wasn’t yet produced, the existence is not determined by observation. That is to say someone seeing Krishna or not seeing Him makes no difference on existence itself.

He can be found in any time of the past. One day ago. One hundred years. Millions, in fact. As much as the mind can comprehend with the amazing concept of infinity, the existence persists. This is confirmed to the disciple Arjuna.

श्री-भगवान् उवाच
बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि
जन्मानि तव चार्जुन
तान्य् अहं वेद सर्वाणि
न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
bahūni me vyatītāni
janmāni tava cārjuna
tāny ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi
na tvaṁ vettha parantapa

“The Blessed Lord said: Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!” (Bhagavad-gita, 4.5)

2. The present

This is the objective of the human birth. Athato brahma-jijnasa. Make the inquiry into spiritual matters. Rather than focus only on what needs to be accomplished at work, think long-term. The seasons come and go, as do the champions and athletes on the playing field, but what is the meaning to it all?

I can actually locate Bhagavan today. Right now. In a second, in fact. Goswami Tulsidas makes the complex understandable. Chant the holy name and renounce bad association. The mistakes of the past get erased, and there are the welcoming arms of sharanagati.

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)

3. The future

Religion as a faith typically carries this promise. Be good today. Follow pious behavior. Voluntarily impose restrictions. Stay within proper boundaries of behavior. The reward will be ascension to heaven. The leaders usually stop there; no further details forthcoming. The followers are left to speculate as to what exactly eternal life is.

The genuine religion, dharma, is sanatana. It has no beginning and no end. You can find Krishna today, for sure. You can do so easily by chanting His holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The process by which you find Him today can be replicated at any time in the future. If there is concern over death, from quitting the body and being thrown into new circumstances upon the subsequent birth, there is the assurance that one with the proper consciousness reaches the appropriate destination.

Thus every time period is covered. There is no need to lament if circumstances are unfavorable today. However bad things may get, there is always the chance to find the one who is above everything. He pervades the entire space, and at the same time He is neither part of it nor affected by it. He accomplishes the work of the world without effort, and He is what the soul has been seeking since time immemorial.

In Closing:

Of existence sure to be,
But where exactly to see?

In the past Bhagavatam before,
How to find Him for sure?

Today stated through chanting,
But same for future granting?

Shri Krishna at any time found,
To manifest world not bound.

Five Possible Activities In Bhakti

“The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.13)

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यज्ञ-शिष्टाशिनः सन्तो
मुच्यन्ते सर्व-किल्बिषैः
भुञ्जते ते त्व् अघं पापा
ये पचन्त्य् आत्म-कारणात्

yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo
mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ
bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā
ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt

The Sanskrit teachings passed on in the Vedic tradition reveal the presence of a subtle element known as ego. Typically identified with the word ahankara, the false version is tied to the temporary body. Essentially, the way I identify is the ego, and starting from birth I get fooled into a mistaken identity.

I am not who I think I am, but a worse mistake is to think that I am nothing. I do have an identity. I am spirit soul, aham brahmasmi. Spirit is of a different quality than matter. Spirit is so amazing that it is finer than the subtle elements of mind, intelligence and ego, but it still gives strength to everything larger. Without the spirit inside, the body would be inoperable; something like the total loss to an automobile in insurance terms.

The false aspect of the ego gets removed when there is a connection to the source of spirit. The proper identification is that I am a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Spirit. Ego remains, as there is work that goes on. My identification is what drives me to continue in service, and so there is bound to be some rivalry with others.

Variety in surrender, sharanagati, manifests in different kinds of activities. Genuine spiritual life is not dull and lifeless. It is the complete opposite, in fact. Something like being a kid again, with youthful exuberance and boundless energy. Inexhaustible, since the target never fails to reciprocate.

1. Working

Going to the office. Maintaining a day job. Riding the subway train in the morning, packed with other passengers, some who do not smell very nice. Rushing to make the transfer to the express train so that you arrive on time at your desk. Sifting through a mountain of emails. Hoping to work on that languishing project without constant interruptions.

Then to go home at night and count down the hours until the same has to be repeated the next day. Surprisingly, such activity can fall into the category of bhakti. The distinction is the utilization of the fruits of the work. At the core, what are you working for? What is the purpose of the activity?

Two people enter a kitchen supply store to purchase a knife. One intends to chop vegetables at home to prepare dinner. The other is looking for a weapon to use for hurting others. The purchase of the knife is the same in both instances, but the intent differs greatly. The single action of purchase has a different influence based on the mindset.

2. Cooking

Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that devotees are absolved of sinful reaction, papa, since they eat the remnants of yajna. This is religious sacrifice; some sort of dedicated effort for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord, done in an authorized way.

Outside of this behavior, the purpose of cooking is to satisfy the senses. The same activity, but of a different nature; similar to the knife example. The beloved of Krishna, Shrimati Radharani, is so expert at cooking that she can prepare endless varieties for the satisfaction of the person she serves with heart and soul. Another person is famous for delighting customers at a restaurant, but the outcome is of a different nature.

3. Painting

Use whatever talents God has given you. If you like to paint, take the factual descriptions and accounts provided in shastra to memorialize significant events. Give others a chance to understand what the saguna aspect to Bhagavan is by appreciating paintings and drawings. Krishna’s glories are endless, which means that many lifetimes can be spent in this blissful activity.

4. Writing

The first step is hearing, shravanam. Sit down and sacrifice some time. Hear from saintly people, sadhu, about the lila [pastimes] of the Supreme Lord. Passive attention is sufficient for qualifying for a benefit. Hear on a regular basis, especially, creating something like a routine.

Soon enough you will be able to explain the same to others. You may not have thought this to be possible prior. But now writing is blissful. You like to keep a record of your thoughts, emotions and realizations. Unlike the daily newspapers, which have an expiration date in terms of relevance, glorification of Krishna is timeless.

5. Chanting

Incapable of entering any of the above mentioned engagements? Then simply chant. Take the maha-mantra and use it as your vehicle to travel to the spiritual world: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Krishna is so kind that He makes no distinction between the different kinds of service. While the cook may be looked down upon at the office full of high-paid executives, in the spiritual world there is equality in terms of status. The sentiment is what counts. The devotion is the most valuable aspect, and it can be exercised in any way preferred, provided the enjoyer is satisfied.

In Closing:

Activities looking the same,
But different reward to gain.

Like man purchasing knife in store,
One for cooking another violence for.

When with bhakti path aligned,
Highest benefit to find.

Through whatever way preferring,
Satisfaction of Krishna occurring.

Three Times The Supreme Lord Took Care Of Everything

“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krishna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.7)

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तस्मात् सर्वेषु कालेषु
माम् अनुस्मर युध्य च
मय्य् अर्पित-मनो-बुद्धिर्
माम् एवैष्यस्य् असंशयः

tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu
mām anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir
mām evaiṣyasy asaṁśayaḥ

After all, He is the greatest. No one is superior to Him. Travel the three worlds and the ten directions. Try outer space and deep inside of the earth. From the tiniest living being up to the creator himself, Lord Brahma. Everywhere features beginning, middle and end. Every living being has the limited range of manifestation, i.e. birth and death.

आ-ब्रह्म-भुवनाल् लोकाः
पुनर् आवर्तिनो ऽर्जुन
माम् उपेत्य तु कौन्तेय
पुनर् जन्म न विद्यते

ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ
punar āvartino ‘rjuna
mām upetya tu kaunteya
punar janma na vidyate

“From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes birth again.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.16)

The Supreme Lord, Bhagavan, is different. He cannot be compared to any person, place or thing. He is beyond the range of sense perception. He has the most power. Therefore, if we are in trouble, why not petition Him directly? Have Him take care of everything. There are instances in recorded history where Bhagavan has done just that.

1. Protecting Dandaka-aranya

The saintly people residing in the tapo-vanas [forests conducive for austerity and meditation] appeared to be helpless against attacking night-rangers. On one side you have skinny brahmanas known for their peaceful nature. On the other you have ogres who can change their shapes at will. Also, they like to eat human flesh.

The brahmanas were getting attacked, but they were not completely defenseless. They had the ability to declare curses on the intruders. The problem is that for every curse applied, the source would lose some of their difficult to acquire spiritual merits.

They asked Shri Rama to help. This is the Supreme Lord Himself in the avatara of a kshatriya warrior. The greatest wielder of the bow, in fact, as He had shown in the contest in Janakpur to win the hand of Sita Devi in marriage.

Rama’s wife was even concerned that carrying so many weapons in a forest area would invite violence. The Supreme Lord kindly explained that after being asked for protection by His devotees, He was not going to sit idly by and allow them to be injured.

2. Helping Sugriva

Later on in Rama-lila, there is the alliance with Sugriva. He is the ostracized former leader of the Vanara kingdom in Kishkindha. Sugriva wants to help Rama find Sita, who has gone missing. Rama offers assistance first. Sugriva’s rival is his brother Vali.

Rama helps by shooting Vali in the back. What Sugriva could not accomplish the Supreme Lord takes care of rather quickly. The act went against the standard code of conduct, the dharma-rules established for the kshatriya order. For His friends, Bhagavan is willing to do anything. Since He is above right and wrong, piety and sin, there are no harmful side effects.

3. Entering Talavana

This case wasn’t as serious, in an objective analysis. Cowherd boys in Vrindavana wanted to taste the fruits from a nearby forest called Talavana. The problem was that the asura named Dhenuka was terrorizing the area.

The boys did what was familiar to them: ask Krishna for help. Though displaying the visual of a young child, Krishna was Bhagavan Himself. In any size or shape He retains full potency. To meet the desires of His friends, Krishna entered Talavana and dealt with the problem.

…

There must be sufficient justification to simply sit back and allow Krishna to do everything, but a higher standard of devotion is to act with good faith on His behalf. The outcome is always in Krishna’s hands regardless. Better to put the effort in, because then the reward will taste sweeter. There will be victory of some kind for sure, and it will be tied to the all-attractive one.

This was the route Arjuna chose on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He fought with a devotional spirit. Hanuman showed the same courage in travelling to Lanka and searching for Sita. He did not ask from God; rather he is always willing to give. That selfless attitude is most appreciated on the other side.

In Closing:

All protection can give,
So that with assurance can live.

Like Sugriva reversing Vali takeover,
Responsibility to Rama turning over.

Saints in Dandaka being eaten,
Soon intruders by Rama beaten.

Higher standard when impetus taking,
Like Arjuna best bow-warrior making.

There Are No Atheists In Foxholes

“The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities, which are in actuality carried out by nature.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.27)

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प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि
गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः
अहङ्कार-विमूढात्मा
कर्ताहम् इति मन्यते

prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni
guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā
kartāham iti manyate

“You probably hear this argument a lot, but I think it has some merit. I get that the bhakti-yoga people are into religion. You want to worship God and so forth. Thank Him for everything. Be grateful. Avoid the kripana mentality; don’t be a miser.

“But it seems like you are giving up on the world. You are abandoning everything too soon. As if you see no hope at all, you are surrendering in the game. It just seems a little too easy for me. Give up now and be forever saved. Why not at least try?”

There is the saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” The situation is military conflict. Engaging the enemy head-on, there is the rush of conflict. An emergency situation, and thus no time to contemplate life and death. Remain completely aware of your surroundings. No moment for rest.

When in the foxhole, however, things are more out of your control. You have to sit there and hope things go right. You are not sure if a bomb will come and blow up the area. A large attacking force may be on the march. It is for this reason that the helpless turn towards the heavens.

Even if they were the staunchest atheist before, they come to grips with the reality of imminent death. They understand that no one else can save them. The behavior is similar in emergency situations involving medical treatment or rescue from a burning building. Maybe you really want to pass that test, which will then change your life.

The person following bhakti-yoga simply speeds up the process. They retrieve that helpless feeling without requiring the emergency. They are aware that every living being’s destiny is the foxhole-type situation. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita [2.27], where Shri Krishna says that after birth, death is certain.

Why wait for the emergency? Imagine that it has arrived today. It is the truth, in fact, since no one can guarantee waking up in the morning. The situation is always tenuous, but the illusion of repeating daily activities fools us into thinking otherwise, into forgetting.

Bhakti-yoga is remembering. Not only the nature of birth and death, but also the control of the Almighty. He is entirely in charge of outcomes. We think that we are the doers in this world, but the material nature must first comply for any result to manifest.

The devotee of Krishna is not hopeless about this world. They are quite optimistic, in fact, that the all-attractive one will take care of everything. Even if something inauspicious occurs, it is the Lord’s mercy. He is finding a way to help me to remember Him. He is letting me enjoy His association in bliss instead of fear. He gives me the impetus to surrender now, so that I won’t have to face misery later on. He gives me the renewing bliss of the sankirtana process: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Like immediately to transpire,
That foxhole not required.

Where from war afraid,
And obeisance to heaven paid.

Knowing that helpless already,
So with devotion steady.

That Krishna everything to support,
Always my first resort.

Four Places We Go To Beg

“When your personal and supreme interests can be easily obtained from one place, it is not sensible for you in weakness to beg at the doors of others, O Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 54)

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स्वारथ परमारथ सकल सुलभ एक ही ओर |
द्वार दूसरे दीनता उचित न तुलसी तोर ||

svāratha paramāratha sakala sulabha eka hī ora |
dvāra dūsare dīnatā ucita na tulasī tora ||

Considered a lowly occupation, a condition only arrived at through a tragedy in life or the onset of mental illness, begging is not the preferred way to go. The living entity is a kind of ishvara, after all, so they have control over the body. They are the dominant force over the subordinate energy that is the material nature.

अपरेयम् इतस् त्व् अन्यां
प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम्
जीव-भूतां महा-बाहो
ययेदं धार्यते जगत्

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ
prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām

jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho
yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

“Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is a superior energy of Mine, which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and are sustaining the universe.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.5)

From a verse in the Dohavali, Goswami Tulsidas explains that it is not wise to go begging elsewhere. The truth needs to be stated because everyone is a beggar to some degree, even if they are unaware. Generally seeking short-term interest, svartha, they have to rely on someone else to provide.

1. For a job

The thought process goes something like this:

“I am an independent contractor. I have freedom of movement. I will take my talents elsewhere, as the famous basketball player once said. It is time for others to bid on my services. I will only consider offers north of a certain salary range.”

The reality is that there is some begging involved. The individual usually has to make some sacrifice when looking for a new job. In the interview stage, they may have to wear a suit and try to avoid sounding too eager. They may have to answer difficult technical questions relating to their field of work.

Afterwards, it is the etiquette to send a “thank you” note. Even if you don’t want the job, go along with the dance. See how everything works out. But it is out of your control. The other side must agree.

2. For a customer

Tired of looking for jobs? Sick of begging other people to hire you? Then become your own boss. Start a business. Determine your own hours of operation. Hire employees. Sit on the other side of the table.

While there is a greater sense of proprietorship in this situation, begging still takes place. The new company needs customers. It likely should have many of them, to minimize risk. This means that the CEO of the wealthiest company in the world still has to humble themselves. They have to beg Congress to avoid passing commerce-crippling laws and raising taxes to confiscatory rates. They have to ask customers to continue to show support through future purchases.

The leader must also maintain satisfaction in the customer base. If there are issues with the product after sale, there has to be a mechanism to address. Perhaps open a call center to handle the flood of inquiries. Maintain a level head, even if the customers are irate.

3. To calm an angry spouse

You screwed up. Not exactly sure what you did, but the spouse is upset. You wish they would just tell you already, but they get even angrier if they think you don’t know. You should be aware of your actions. You should have apologized already.

Despite being a grown adult, you have to humble yourself and buy some flowers. Say that you are sorry. Admit that you were wrong. This is for the good of the relationship, for maintaining peace in the home, which is desperately required.

4. For votes

It is often described as “retail politics.” A person running for office should make the rounds. Name recognition is not enough. Purchasing television and radio ads certainly helps, but people want to meet you face to face.

Thus you must shake hands with as many people as possible. Attend that local pancake breakfast, but make sure not to be caught eating on camera. Go knocking door-to-door in the neighborhood, meeting supporters and opponents alike. Listen to what they have to say. In the end, politely ask them for their vote. It goes a long way.

…

Tulsidas says that the immediate and long-term interests can be met in one place. Why go around begging? Especially if there is no guarantee of success, if there is no ability to provide anything meaningful, better to approach the door of the Supreme Lord.

The guardian is a Vanara named Hanuman. He is quite benevolent in this area. He simply asks for devotion. Have some love and affection for Sita and Rama, the goddess of fortune and her husband. Then you can live in their kingdom, and all of your needs will be taken care of.

In the spiritual world there are no distinctions between high and low. That is to say a person is not considered a better servant just because of their ability. The beggar is on an equal footing with the protector. The sweeper is the same as the famous preacher. This is the love and compassion of the Supreme Lord.

In Closing:

Even if on solid financial ground,
From CEO begging found.

Ameliorate the customer base,
Memory of product failure erase.

Maintain profit through selling,
And of positive outlook telling.

Tulsidas advising towards Rama to go,
Beg there and real security know.

Four Ways Krishna Cannot Be Realized

“One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.55)

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भक्त्या माम् अभिजानाति
यावान् यश् चास्मि तत्त्वतः
ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा
विशते तद्-अनन्तरम्

bhaktyā mām abhijānāti
yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ
tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā
viśate tad-anantaram

The intelligent human being at least makes an endeavor. Hopefully with maturity there comes a recognition of the repeating pattern in life. Bhoga and tyaga. Enjoying one day and renouncing the next. I love this person; I hate that one. The viewpoint could shift in regards to the same person or situation. One day I am eating pizza and the next I am swearing off of it.

There has to be more. Maybe religion is the answer. More than just blind faith or allegiance to an institution, let me find that original source. I want to go beyond birth and death, to understand the meaning behind everything.

In this regard there are different avenues that most certainly will not lead to a proper understanding of the Almighty, who is ultimately a person. He is an active, interested observer, who breaks from His position of neutrality on occasion.

1. Mental Speculation

This is something like awaking in a dark room and guessing as to what hangs on the walls. You can likely find the boundaries by surveying the area and feeling with your hands, but there are no lights to show the way. You think that the room has this and that inside, but there is no way to be sure. Moreover, you can only reference objects with which you are familiar. If you have never been exposed to something, you can’t very well guess that it is present within the room.

The Supreme Lord, God the person, who is known as Shri Krishna among many other names, is beyond the range of sense perception. His features cannot be properly measured by blunt instruments. Thus there is no way for me to speculate and reach the proper conclusion as to His nature and activities.

2. Personal endeavor

Win enough championships in the professional sports league and you are a lock to enter the hall of fame upon retirement. Put in enough hours at the office and you will get a positive performance review the next time around. Walk enough steps in a day and you could be well on your way to slimming down the waistline.

There is no equivalent in spiritual life. There are many recommended practices and procedures, for sure. There may even be the promise of promotion to a better destination in the afterlife. Yet this has nothing to do with knowing Krishna. Business-like dealings with empowered figures guarantee only temporary benefits; not a change in consciousness.

3. Education

Perhaps I can know by studying. Jnana. Read every work of the Vedas. Memorize verses. Teach others the same. Repeat what I have learned and hopefully the information will sink in.

The issue is that jnana does not automatically lead to vijnana, which is practical understanding. Indeed, I could be the biggest atheist in the world and know everything from shastra. Recite verses from memory, but I don’t really know anything. Education can certainly help me along the way, but it is not the determining factor in success.

4. Material acquisition

Maybe if I am the wealthiest person in the world. Accumulate more than everyone else. Live up to my potential for achievement. Build up power and strength to get an idea of what it means to be supreme. Show the Almighty my resume while quitting the body; maybe He will be impressed.

…

The truth is that Krishna can only be understood by devotional service, bhakti-yoga. That service can involve any of the aforementioned paths, but it is the underlying attitude which matters. Bhakti is so strong that a person lacking education can still understand Krishna. Even if they are poor or unable to exercise the brain to the proper imaginative length, they are equally as eligible for connecting with the origin of the universe.

The bhakti process starts by hearing. Listen to discourses about the Absolute Truth, Shri Hari. Remain in His association through chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Discover the best matching outlet for service and never abandon that choice.

In Closing:

Not so smart am I,
Though in education to try.

Others at speculation striving,
But not to proper conclusion arriving.

Since only by bhakti is known,
Through underlying sentiment shown.

Help to the sincere giving,
So that always with Him living.