I have read many stories where people (good or bad) perform intense penances in order to achieve a deeper connection with Krishna or a demigod. Sometimes they are seeking a boon, but often find during the penance that what they were asking for pales in comparison to being with the Lord.
My question is, how might one perform these penances to deepen devotion? I was taught that a "penance" is something you do to repent or make up for your sins. What activites count as a penance in terms of Krishna Consciousness?
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Participating in community service or temple activities, such as cooking for the deities, cleaning, or distributing prasadam (slope)
"My question is, how might one perform these penances to deepen devotion? I was taught that a "penance" is something you do to repent or make up for your sins. What activites count as a penance in terms of Krishna Consciousness?"
Anti-sin penances are called prayascitta or krcchra. The ascetic practices are called tapas - from the verb tap, to burn etc. derived from the practice of pancagni, sitting in the midst of five fires.
Various forms of tapas were performed by risis, devas or asuras but they are hardly possible for people in Kali yuga. Vaisnavas follow Ekadasi which in its full form brings more results than these ancient ugra practices.
Hari Hari
ys J.