Detachment from material consciousness comes through knowledge, and knowledge arises by following the instructions from the spiritual master.
A devotee is special because he follows someone special.
The Vaishnava acharyas are constantly repeating to us that knowledge comes from disciplic succession, and that to receive this knowledge we need to become good followers.
The philosophy that the Acharyas presented to us is very simple, but once we start to follow we will notice many subtleties in this process.
Desires that we cultivate are creating our future, and they are directly affecting our practice of the bhakti process.
When material desires become our obsession, then spiritual life becomes secondary.
In my twenties, I became a follower of Srila Prabhupad and dedicated myself to serve his mission.
I constantly prayed for opportunities for spiritual advancement.
After some time my prayers were heard, and Krishna gave me many growth opportunities.
Srila Prabhupad used to quote his father, “When Krishna wants to give to you with his ten hands, how much can you receive with your two hands?” Morning Walk — February 10, 1976, Mayapura
Over the years I have met many saintly devotees and learned so many things, but at the same time I stopped praying for more growth opportunities!
This same desire to learn is not there anymore. The passion for spiritual advancement vanished.
What has happened?
Well, the answer to that is another question.
Am I a faithful follower?
Ananta Gopal das
4.8.2021
Bhakti Wisdom 