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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Hare Krsna
Lord Brahma underwent penance for millions of years to be able to create the universe as it existed previously. Tapa means penance. By this penance he was able to get Darshan of the Lord and he was encouraged to create or rather re-create the universe. This kind of penance is in terms of Krsna consciousness since the Vedas manifested from the Supreme Lord in the heart of Lord Brahma.
Hari Bol
Participating in community service or temple activities, such as cooking for the deities, cleaning, or distributing prasadam (slope)
In Krishna Consciousness, deep devotion comes through Bhakti practices like chanting mantras and serving Krishna. Penance here focuses on purification, achieved through simple living, following moral Retro Bowl codes, and having the right attitude during practices.
"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.