Posted by Ravi on December 12, 2017 at 6:39am in Karma
Hare Krishna Prabhuji,Please accept my humble obeisances.I am in my late 20's and It is only 3 months since I am into the movement of Krishna Consciousness. I experienced great solace while I am in association of Krsna devotees and I am chanting, reading Prabhupada books and participating in various events of Krishna. I would like to continue to do the same for remaining life.My life before Krishna Consciousness was a confident material achiever in professional life, Performer at work and always chasing for bigger and better things and my earnings have grown significantly for last 6 years and people closer to me expecting similar life from me. However, since last couple of years I could not do much and started looking for answers as I felt something bigger is playing the game.At times, I am finding myself in the cross roads of this material life where I have a lot of career which demands my time and energy every now and then and volatility in the family takes me down to the modes of Raja and Tamo.Subtle mind and intelligence is my main problem rather than gross senses.How should I balance and convince myself with a strong note ?
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I am finding myself in the cross roads of this material life, How should I balance and convince myself with a strong note ?
Since you have very recently been introduced to Krsna consciousness, you will be coming across many new aspects like philosophy, practice, sadhana, lifestyle etc.
It is best to take these aspects sustainably and seriously. It is best not to rush into many things of KC but accept most important aspects in a deep manner. Even if you are unable to commit all aspects of KC practice immediately, but understand that they are all important & the ultimate goal. Krsna consciousness is a joyful process. Chanting is very important.
Simultaneously it helps if one reduces the time and effort given to material aspirations, not suddenly but slowly. As materialists one is passionate or greedy about goals etc. But as one becomes more KC, one can realize its futility. So best is to keep limit to our material ambitions and aspirations. Over endeavor is not recommended. This could reduce the material rewards that we may get, but as long as it is not too less than previous, one need not be disturbed by a little loss, although people around us make a very big deal out of it.
The middle ground or the balance is very difficult to achieve and it is not a static thing. But one has to define it for onself - how much of KC and how much of material growth. So at this stage best to commit on most imp practice of KC like chanting etc and put a limit on material endeavor, in terms of time & effort given. Pray to Krsna to help in achieving the balance. Best thing is that when we depend on Krsna he gives us the intelligence which dramatically increases our efficiency & effectiveness.
The way out is to chant your committed rounds attentively, daily.
I can understand the conflict between meeting material aspirations and searching for a higher truth, a journey which makes all material aspirations worthless. Please take baby steps in the spiritual direction, until your faith is firm and you are mentally strong enough to judge for yourself what to do in which situation. By baby steps, I mean, how a child holds on to parent's finger while crossing the road or even walking the park. That same way, you need to be under the guidance of an experienced devotee, whom you can personally trust, look upto and confide in, all your thoughts and plans. Ask him how to handle issues and problems that are bound to happen in anybody's life, as and when they arise. You will gradually learn to rely on the scriptures, develop faith on the holy name and become firmed up in your sadhana. Then you can take it forward, you can increase the level of your sadhana, as per your convenience.
Career will demand your time and energy - no option but to give it. Only, you can be firm that you will follow your sadhana, come what may. Family volatility - this will also happen. That is the challenge - to keep your sanity in all this, to keep your faith, to do your sadhana. Family will come around once they see you are firm. Initial turbulence happens to everyone. The mistake I have seen a lot of people make is - we start looking down on family as "these materialistic people". This is not hidden from anyone and obviously, there will be bad blood. Please remember that the moment you step on this path, you are an ambassador of Krsna. Your family members are future devotees. How soon they come to devotion will depend on how you treat them, how you behave with them and how strong you are in your sadhana. The practical aspect of behaving properly, even in adverse situations, is the true test of sadhana. This will also happen with practise.
PLease take care. Write back with more questions if you have any. Best of luck.
Replies
Hare Krsna
I am finding myself in the cross roads of this material life, How should I balance and convince myself with a strong note ?
Since you have very recently been introduced to Krsna consciousness, you will be coming across many new aspects like philosophy, practice, sadhana, lifestyle etc.
It is best to take these aspects sustainably and seriously. It is best not to rush into many things of KC but accept most important aspects in a deep manner. Even if you are unable to commit all aspects of KC practice immediately, but understand that they are all important & the ultimate goal. Krsna consciousness is a joyful process. Chanting is very important.
Simultaneously it helps if one reduces the time and effort given to material aspirations, not suddenly but slowly. As materialists one is passionate or greedy about goals etc. But as one becomes more KC, one can realize its futility. So best is to keep limit to our material ambitions and aspirations. Over endeavor is not recommended. This could reduce the material rewards that we may get, but as long as it is not too less than previous, one need not be disturbed by a little loss, although people around us make a very big deal out of it.
The middle ground or the balance is very difficult to achieve and it is not a static thing. But one has to define it for onself - how much of KC and how much of material growth. So at this stage best to commit on most imp practice of KC like chanting etc and put a limit on material endeavor, in terms of time & effort given. Pray to Krsna to help in achieving the balance. Best thing is that when we depend on Krsna he gives us the intelligence which dramatically increases our efficiency & effectiveness.
YS Bharat
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
The way out is to chant your committed rounds attentively, daily.
I can understand the conflict between meeting material aspirations and searching for a higher truth, a journey which makes all material aspirations worthless. Please take baby steps in the spiritual direction, until your faith is firm and you are mentally strong enough to judge for yourself what to do in which situation. By baby steps, I mean, how a child holds on to parent's finger while crossing the road or even walking the park. That same way, you need to be under the guidance of an experienced devotee, whom you can personally trust, look upto and confide in, all your thoughts and plans. Ask him how to handle issues and problems that are bound to happen in anybody's life, as and when they arise. You will gradually learn to rely on the scriptures, develop faith on the holy name and become firmed up in your sadhana. Then you can take it forward, you can increase the level of your sadhana, as per your convenience.
Career will demand your time and energy - no option but to give it. Only, you can be firm that you will follow your sadhana, come what may. Family volatility - this will also happen. That is the challenge - to keep your sanity in all this, to keep your faith, to do your sadhana. Family will come around once they see you are firm. Initial turbulence happens to everyone. The mistake I have seen a lot of people make is - we start looking down on family as "these materialistic people". This is not hidden from anyone and obviously, there will be bad blood. Please remember that the moment you step on this path, you are an ambassador of Krsna. Your family members are future devotees. How soon they come to devotion will depend on how you treat them, how you behave with them and how strong you are in your sadhana. The practical aspect of behaving properly, even in adverse situations, is the true test of sadhana. This will also happen with practise.
PLease take care. Write back with more questions if you have any. Best of luck.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD