Bhakti Wisdom

Many of us thought in the beginning of our spiritual life that becoming a devotee of Krishna means that we need to renounce the world and focus on prayer and detachment. Often this same mood we cultivate even in later stages of our spiritual journey.

Desire to become a great yogi who can chant many rounds, can eat very little and practice strong sadhana is something that all of us went through in the beginning stages of our spiritual life.

Later when we became more mature we understood that nothing much changed after becoming a devotee except that now we know the cause of our suffering, what is our duty, what is our goal and how to achieve it.

We understand that in spiritual life we will go through similar difficulties as before but now with proper understanding why this happening is and what needs to be done.

Now our talents and desires will be engaged and focused to serve Lord and his devotees instead of ourselves.

Last week one devotee was not able to come for his service and he asked me if I could find him a cover.Being outside the temple and not having the opportunity to speak with temple devotees to cover service I called one of our congregation members if he could help.

He said to me one very deep point:”I’m more than happy to come and cover the service, we are team and should together endeavour to serve the Lord and bring smile on his face”

This devotee changed my perception of spiritual practice. He didn’t complain why I’m calling him last minute or that he needs to finish his chanting first but he saw an opportunity to serve not only Lord but also to assist the whole devotee community.

Reflecting on this point I’m meditating on how for a devotee renunciation doesn’t mean to be less active but rather be fully enthusiastic to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can.

Greatest offering we can make in this age is to work together as a team to serve the Lord.

This is the highest level of renunciation.

Srila Prabhupada- “Your love for me will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone.”