I would like to share a very touching and wonderful realisation from our ISKCON Maharashtra Padayatra. While travelling through a village, we stayed there for just one night. In the evening, during the blissful nagar sankirtan, a dog quietly started following us. At first, we did not notice anything special, but that night it came and stayed near our chariot as if it had found shelter.

The next morning, when we began our padayatra and started moving with the chariot, something amazing happened: the dog also got up to walk with us. It did not turn back. It walked nearly 7km along with the chariot.

From that day onward, it has not left us even for a single day. It continues to travel daily with the padayatra, faithfully walking along with the devotees. What is truly astonishing is its nature and behaviour. It only accepts prasadam and completely avoids any outside food. Even if other food is available, it will not touch it. It honours prasadam with such respect and never wastes even a small portion.

The dog always stays close to the chariot, which protects it from other dogs. During the night, it carefully guards our oxen, remaining alert and attentive like a sincere servant. At the same time, it never disturbs the chariot or enters the kitchen area. It behaves with such discipline, as if it understands devotional etiquette.

Every single day it attends all the aratis, from mangala arati early in the morning to the evening programmes. It peacefully sits during kirtan and listens, appearing fully absorbed in the holy names.

Seeing all this, our hearts become filled with devotion and wonder. This is no ordinary animal. By the causeless mercy of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar, this living entity has received the rare opportunity of sadhu-sanga and devotional service.

This beautiful incident reminds us of the dog of Sivananda Sen who went back to Godhead by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu mentioned in the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta:

prasāda nārikela-śasya dena phelāñā
‘rāma’ ‘kṛṣṇa’ ‘hari’ kaha’ — balena hāsiyā

Furthermore, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was throwing remnants of green coconut pulp to the dog. Smiling in His own way, He was saying to the dog, “Chant the holy names ‘Rāma,’ ‘Kṛṣṇa’ and ‘Hari.’ ”

śasya khāya kukkura, ‘kṛṣṇa’ kahe bāra bāra
dekhiyā lokera mane haila camatkāra

Seeing the dog eating the green coconut pulp and chanting “Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa” again and again, all the devotees present were very surprised.

āra dina keha tāra dekhā nā pāilā
siddha-deha pāñā kukkura vaikuṇṭhete gelā

The next day, no-one saw that dog, for it had obtained its spiritual body and departed for Vaikuṇṭha, the spiritual kingdom.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 1.29-31

This is all the magic of sadhu-sanga; even a simple dog can become most fortunate by associating with devotees and participating in sankirtan.

This result is possible even for a dog, by the mercy of the Vaiṣṇava. Therefore, everyone in the human form of life should be induced to associate with devotees. By rendering a little service, even by eating prasādam, what to speak of chanting and dancing, everyone can be promoted to Vaikuṇṭhaloka. It is therefore requested that all our devotees in the ISKCON community become pure Vaiṣṇavas, so that by their mercy all the people of the world will be transferred to Vaikuṇṭhaloka, even without their knowledge. Everyone should be given a chance to take prasādam and thus be induced to chant the holy names Hare Kṛiṣhṇa and dance in ecstasy. Through these three processes, although performed without knowledge or education, even an animal went back to Godhead.

All glories to Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar.

All glories to ISKCON Maharashtra Padayatra.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117851

By Bhakta Pagehyasa

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/hari.sukrawan/posts/4425438854583? comment_id=4128435&offset=0& total_comments=1&notif_t=feed_comment

Srila Prabhupada frequently impressed upon the devotees that ‘prasadam’ is meant for all, there is no distinction of high or low position and rich or poor. Actually everyone is poor because they are bereft of Krishna consciousness and everyone should get the opportunity to hear the names of Krishna and taste mahaprasad thereby they can very quickly revive their lost Krishna consciousness.

“….Temple means festivals and festivals mean chanting and distribution of prasadam.”

(letter to Tamala Krsna,1973)

It may be difficult to invite people for coming to ISCKON temple. They may reject our books or may not be able to appreciate harinam sankirtan. But generally we find that they do not refuse to accept good quality food given freely. The food we mention here is Krsna prasadam. One who distribute the message of Lord Krishna becomes very dear to Him; and Krishna prasadam is non different from Krishna himself therefore devotees who distribute prasadam also becomes very dear to lord Krishna. By the inspiration of HH. Subhag Swami Maharaj, the devotees in Bandung (West Java) and Jakarta had their first Food for Life program.

On Saturday, July 20, 2013 Jakarta food for life team lead by Sudha Bhajan Das and In Bandung, Lokanatha Acarya Das did prasadam distribution to the public. Vaisnavas are by nature compasionate to other living entities therefore devotees follow in their foot steps and distribute prasadam and harinam for the welfare of others.

In Jakarta, the location of food for life was at the gate of Pasar Baru, Jakarta Pusat. Pasar Baru is a shopping complex made by the Dutch colonisers For business purpose and now it serves as a market hub where many people from different backgrounds come to interact. This being the month of Ramadan, the food for life program was very special as to the surprise of the devotees many people of other faiths besides the hindus very warmly appreciated the devotees’ efforts and happily accepted the mahaprasad. Most of the people were very excited to spontaneously asked for prasadam and within 20 minutes almost 300 glasses of prasadam were distributed.

This gave so much happiness and joy to the devotees because it was the first food for life in Jakarta and it ran very smoothly and was highly succesful. Along food distribution, the devotees continously sang Hare Krsna Maha Mantra. The public could feel the joys listening to the kirtan that lasted for 2 hours. This food for life was supported by Bhakta Arya, Bhakta Pusarkaya, Ramagopal Das, Bhakta Chesta Wibisana, and many others.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=11784

Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Devotee Care Office (DCO) has been recognised for its outstanding community service, receiving a Civic Award in the Community Care category at Hertsmere’s annual ceremony held at the Hilton DoubleTree in Borehamwood.

Krishna Purna Dasi, Dr Diviash Thakrar, Hemangi Radha Dasi, and Saraswati attended the event to accept the award on behalf of the DCO, highlighting a year of impactful and compassionate service to vulnerable individuals.

In front of local leaders, charity workers and community representatives, the Awards were handed out by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Alpha Bird Collins.

A core part of the DCO’s work is its weekly meal initiative. Every Thursday, volunteers prepare around 70 meals for elderly and unwell individuals, distributed via a local charity. This forms part of the wider Meals on Wheels – Prasadam Seva programme, which has delivered over 5,000 meals in the past year across Bushey, Watford, Radlett, Borehamwood, and Stanmore. In partnership with local charities, the DCO has expanded its reach, providing an additional 3,000 meals annually to those unable to cook for themselves.

The DCO has also supported 23 Hindu patients in local hospitals, including end-of-life care. In September 2025, 20 volunteers completed chaplaincy training, enabling them to serve as qualified Hindu chaplains.

Women’s wellbeing has been another key focus. Since last year, 110 women have attended health and wellbeing sessions, while the first International Women’s Day event brought together 70 participants. Weekly fitness sessions at the Haveli have also been fully subscribed, encouraging both health and community connection.

The DCO has also provided essential legal and social support. Workshops on Lasting Power of Attorney helped 17 individuals complete legal arrangements, while others received assistance with care plans, housing, and relocation to care homes. A weekly Friendship Group has further supported those experiencing isolation.

Ongoing community development includes monthly kirtan visits to care homes, the establishment of new care programmes in Soho and Scotland, and the development of an Adult Safeguarding Policy. The DCO also secured £5,000 in funding from Hertfordshire County Council to strengthen partnerships with local organisations.

This award recognises not just a list of admiral achievements, but the DCO’s continued commitment to compassionate, community-led care.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117847

The spiritual necessity of cultivating deep connections with fellow practitioners to better understand divine messages. By building a meaningful bond with advanced and pure devotees, an individual creates a channel through which spiritual wisdom can be clearly communicated. Rather than focusing on superficial social interactions, the source defines a true relationship as a profound heart-to-heart alignment with another person. This internal intimacy allows a devotee to act as a transparent medium for higher truths to reach the seeker. Ultimately, investing in these sacred friendships is presented as a vital method for receiving guidance and staying connected to a higher power.

Building Divine Connections: The Power of Devotee Association

In the journey of spiritual life, the association of like-minded souls is not merely a social convenience but a fundamental necessity. Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, often emphasized that “sadhu-sanga,” or the association of devotees, is the most important factor in spiritual advancement. Drawing from the teachings of the Vaishnava tradition and the insights of contemporary practitioners, we can understand why building deep relationships with devotees is essential for hearing the voice of God.

The Devotee as a Transparent Via Medium

One of the most profound reasons to cultivate relationships with devotees is that Krishna speaks through His devotees
. According to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, the spiritual master and advanced devotees act as the “transparent via medium.” Just as a clear pane of glass allows sunlight to pass through without distortion, a devotee who possesses spiritual advancement and purity can transmit the messages of Krishna directly to our hearts
.
When a devotee knows you and loves you, their guidance becomes a powerful vehicle for divine instruction
. This echoes the Vedic principle that Krishna guides the sincere soul both from within as the Paramatma and from without through the Vani (instructions) of the Vaishnavas.
Redefining Relationship: Beyond the Superficial

In the modern age, we often mistake frequent communication for closeness. However, a true spiritual relationship is defined by internal connection rather than external proximity
. It is not simply a matter of messaging someone frequently or “hanging out” in a social sense
.
Instead, a real relationship means deeply understanding the heart of another devotee and being connected to their spiritual essence

. Srila Prabhupada often spoke of the six symptoms of love shared between devotees (dadati pratigrhnati…):
Giving charity.
Accepting charity.
Revealing one’s mind in confidence.
Inquiring confidentially.
Accepting prasadam.
Offering prasadam.
By engaging in these internal exchanges, we move beyond superficiality and create a space where all the messages of the Lord can be received through the Vaishnavas
.
Investing in the Heart
To hear Krishna’s voice, one must invest in having a relationship with those who are already connected to Him
. When we serve and love the devotees, Krishna is more pleased than when we attempt to approach Him directly. By anchoring ourselves in a community of devotees who understand our hearts, we ensure that we are never alone on the path back to Godhead. Through their love and purity, the path becomes clear, and the voice of the Divine becomes a constant guide in our lives.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117840

Websites like Google, Facebook and Twitter have become a part of the evolving world. Now people don’t talk… they google. As the holiday frenzy builds up consumers are scrambling to stretch their budgets to find the best bargains on things few people need for people they may not even know.

Kids are trained up early to be consumers of sense gratification when the illusion that toys will make them happy is thrust in their face. Some toys can get rather expensive and it seems parents may feel obliged to get a child more of a toy than is even necessary. In India, village children can spend hours playing a simple game with a wooden stick and a small rock. It cost them nothing but gives them tremendous exercise and the opportunity to exchange with other human beings. Many children in the west are glued to one form of electronic device or another isolating them from the world of personal social exchange.

Men often choose golf as a way to relax. At least they are getting out of the house and for the most part they interface with live human golfing partners albeit that may be more for business reasons than anything else. From transcendental point of view golf is also considered quite silly. Men work hard their entire life so they can retire. However, instead of using that precious time at the end to raise their consciousness and prepare their soul for a higher destination, they waste it hitting a little ball around on the grass. Lawn bowling, shuffle boarding and checkers are other popular ways people often get distracted from the higher purpose of human life.

For the most part gardening is an activity in the mode of goodness. It can be a very good meditation if one is growing fruits, vegetables, or flowers to be offered to Krishna exactly how he invites us to do.

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.- – LINK: Bhagavad Gita As It Is Chapter 9. “The King of Education”, Text 26.

However, even gardening can become a serious diversion if it becomes an escape from carrying out ones duties. The satisfaction of a beautiful lawn garden can even become a cunning distraction to our natural Krishna Conscious growth if we start to identify with being the instrument of the results. Ultimately Krishna says, He is the ability in man (Bg.7.8), the doer (3.27), the healing herb (Bg. 9.16) and the seed (Bg. 7.10, 9.18, 10.39. 14.4). If one is not careful, the ever active false ego will cause us to forget this important fact and we will remain entangled in our own illusions of over inflated self importance.

Everyone knows that regardless of what faith one follows, the holiday seasons are meant for gratitude and an opportunity to go deeper into our relationship with God. How are we able to really do that if we are obsessed with a material pursuit of Holiday Fever? Instead of getting caught up in the race of social obligations, maybe it’s time to rethink the best way you can use your time to really become a more mature and informed human being? Maybe it’s time to walk away from traditions you practice, may even resent, and can’t continue to defend?

Ventura county just had a week of what some would call the closest thing to hell anyone could experience. Hundreds of people had their homes burned down while fire raged thru 230,000 acres of land. For many this was a sobering reminder of just how vulnerable we are in a very unpredictable and dangerous world. Some of us made it thru that trial, only to turn around and now face the problems of drought. We have our share of difficulties, but in other places around the world people deal with the daily threat of violent unrest, oppressive laws, rouge leaders, revolution, endless corruption, war, famine, and the lack of medical care. They don’t have the opportunity to slaughter a turkey and cut down a tree as an expression of thanks for God. Their faith must go a lot deeper just for them to cope with the daily trials.

If you are overwhelmed by the ubiquitous commercial hype or the socially mandatory seasonal parties required to avoid being exiled as an antisocial troll, then consider exploring the Vedic alternative to all this madness. The sages never had holiday wreaths, chocolate dipped fruits, or 36 flavors of ice cream. They didn’t keep credit cards and never heard Burl Ives sing over an acoustically poor PA system at the local mall. They had something much greater than that, and we can have it too if we simply take the time to hear from the same sources the sages studied. We hope you will consider doing that at our next AVA program on December 17, 2017.

“Such a liberated person is not attracted to material sense pleasure but is always in trance, enjoying the pleasure within. In this way the self-realized person enjoys unlimited happiness, for he concentrates on the Supreme. A person who neither rejoices upon achieving something pleasant nor laments upon obtaining something unpleasant, who is self-intelligent, who is unbewildered, and who knows the science of God, is already situated in transcendence.”

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=54213

ISKCON Tucson has taken a significant step toward its long-term development plans with the purchase of an adjacent property intended to support its future temple construction and community growth.

In February 2026, the community finalized the acquisition of the Many Hands property, a nine-unit residential facility located directly north of the future temple site at 3054 N 1st Ave. The purchase is expected to play a key role in both generating steady income and preparing the infrastructure for a larger temple complex dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

Temple President Sandamini Devi Dasi said, “The additional property provides immediate and long-term benefits for the community, including expanded housing for residents, greater capacity for programs and festivals, and increased flexibility in planning the temple’s next phase of development.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-tucson-expands-future-temple-project-with-new-property-acquisition/

Krishna House in Gainesville shared an inspiring video of their recent Sankirtan Tour to Miami, one of South Florida’s most vibrant urban centers.

The short documentary-style offering follows the realities of sankirtan outreach, from approaching strangers and facing rejection to engaging in thoughtful conversations and witnessing unexpected responses to spiritual knowledge. With the help of Jagadish Das’s narration and interviews, it offers a colorful glimpse into their simple lifestyle, joyful engagements, van travel, public kirtan, and daily devotional practice.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/spiritual-vibes-in-south-beach-the-krishna-house-sankirtan-tour/

ISKCON Temple is more than just a place of worship; it’s a spiritual sanctuary where individuals can explore their inner selves.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117923

In this inspiring episode of the Success Sadhana series, Vaisesika Dasa invites listeners to move beyond illusion, distraction, and surface-level living—and to become real now. Drawing from timeless bhakti wisdom, he explains that true success begins when we honestly examine our life, recognize what truly matters, and align our actions with our higher purpose.

With practical insights and spiritual depth, this talk encourages us to stop postponing growth, awaken inner sincerity, and live with clarity, discipline, and devotion in the present moment. A powerful reminder that transformation does not start someday—it starts now.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117930

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117941

By Atma Tattva Das,

Over the long Easter weekend of 3-6 April 2026, the Durban beachfront was transformed into a tapestry of sacred sound, color, and devotion as the annual Festival of Chariots returned. A longstanding collaborative effort between the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple and New Jagannath Puri in Phoenix, the festival has grown over the years through shared vision and coordinated service. For many locals and tourists alike, the sight of the chariots silhouetted against the Indian Ocean horizon, accompanied by the sound of kirtan, felt like a homecoming that was simultaneously familiar and strikingly renewed.

According to the organizers, this year marked a significant shift not just in the scale of the production but also in the underlying consciousness of the offering itself.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/durban-festival-of-chariots-blends-tradition-with-innovation/

His Grace Agnidev Das a senior disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, a renowned kirtaniya, leader, and recording artist whose devotional music has inspired devotees around the world for decades, passed away on April 28th following hospitalization due to a serious brain stroke.  An accomplished cook, he opened four successful Govinda’s restaurants in California and Oregon.

The stroke occurred following the Memorial Service of His Grace Caru Dasa, held in Spanish Fork on April 26th. Agnidev spoke at the Memorial and sang Je Anilo Prema-Dhana by Narottama Dasa Thakura, one of the most well-known Gaudiya Vaishnava bhajans, expressing deep separation and lament after the disappearance of great Vaishnavas.

According to a post by Anuradha Dasi at the time of his departure, “He was surrounded by a room full of devotees, with 99 devotees joined on Zoom — godbrothers, godsisters, senior devotees, and well-wishers. Kirtan continued throughout, creating a deeply peaceful and sacred atmosphere. The nurses and doctors present were visibly moved, standing in quiet amazement at the beauty of the moment.” A cremation ceremony was held on April 29 in Salt Lake City.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/his-grace-agnidev-dasa-remembered-memorial-planned-for-may-17/

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,

After more than a decade of effort, grave challenges, and a restoration completed in just thirteen months, ISKCON Kolkata has opened Bhakti Bhavan, the ancestral home of  Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur at 181 Ramesh Dutta Street, Kolkata, as a heritage site and place of pilgrimage for Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata described the significance of Bhakti Bhavan, “Without  Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would have been lost forever,” he said. “This is the place where everything was revived, given oxygen.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-kolkata-restores-srila-bhaktivinod-thakurs-home/

By Yudhistir Govinda Das, 
 

This museum is one of the most unique cultural destinations in India’s capital. It aims to educate members of our society, especially the younger generation, and foreign tourists about Indian philosophy, culture, and traditions, as presented in the Bhagavad-gita, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-inaugurates-rasa-wing-in-its-new-delhi-museum/

For more than twenty years the Manila temple was located in a tiny house in the Makati area, which is a city within it’s own right. Even though crammed, the devotees served Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhava with love and devotion.

Some years back land was bought in Taguig and this year on Lord Nityananda’s appearance day a new grand temple was opened. There are plans to also add a large kitchen and dining hall with accommodation upstairs.

It was wonderful to visit and see the new facilities and happy devotees.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/radha-madhava-temple-philippines/

ON DAYS SET ASIDE FOR SELLING Back to Godhead magazine, he packed copies in a cloth sack and boarded the morning train to Delhi. With nowhere to stay in Delhi he had to return to Vrindavan by evening, which gave him only a few hours of daylight. Sales were minimal and he did not always collect enough to cover costs. Some days, he made appointments with wealthy men to request support. A few responded with token donations for his cause. He befriended an Ayurvedic doctor who promised assistance. One day, Bhakti Dayita Madhav Maharaj from the local Gaudiya Math was bicycling by and saw Abhay standing at the gate of the doctor’s large house.

“What are you waiting for?”

“I am waiting to get a five rupee donation,” Abhay called back.

After some hours, Bhakti Dayita Madhav Maharaj again passed by on his bicycle. Abhay was still standing there. “Did you get the five rupees?”

“No. The gentleman has not yet arrived,” Abhay replied, “but I will wait.”

“Let it go. I will give you five rupees.”

Abhay thought for a moment. “Every month?”

The senior devotee noted Abhay’s torn and weary clothes. “Let’s make it ten,” he said.

LIVING APART FROM HIS FAMILY freed Abhay to pursue support for his mission and the frequency of his letter writing increased. To a prominent Kanpur industrialist he wrote, “The leaders of India in the name of secular government have engaged themselves in everything foreign. They have carefully set aside the treasure house of India’s spiritual assets and are imitating the Western material way of life. So my idea of preaching in the foreign countries means that they are rather fed up with material advancement of knowledge. They are seeking the guidance of the Vedanta Sutra and Bhagavad Gita in an authentic way. And I am sure India will again go back to spiritual life when the principle is accepted by the Europeans and Americans.”

Abhay’s letters demanded much from their readers. What would a businessman in 1950s Calcutta make of such a petition, sent by a stranger, written in awkward English, arguing that Westerners were seeking guidance from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, and concluding that Hindus would revert to their spiritual roots if Westerners did so first? The whole idea was illogical, unreasonable. Then again, so were most revolutionary ideas.

The Kanpur industrialist did not answer.

Source http://www.dandavats.com/?p=65677

According to the shastra, the way to counteract the very deeply strong tendency for possessiveness in the grihastha life is to giving charity to the Vaishnavas and the brahmans, to the mission of the guru. According to the shastra, the first fifty percent you have give it to your guru’s mission. And then whatever else you have, maintain, that is the ideal standard. You never be possessive if you do that, because the first priority with whatever you get goes to Guru and Krishna. You cannot do fifty percent; you should aspire to come as close to that as possible. But that should be the first thing you do with your Laxmi or your wealth or whatever you have. Not that I will take care of my own needs and whatever little is left will see. This is how a grihastha suppose to be trained according to the shastra. Then you will not be possessive, for you should give in charity and you should also always be aspiring to be the humble servant of the servant. And very important that you are always looking of to those who are in a renounced order of life. To the degree the grihasthas have respect for the dignity of the brahmacharis and the sannyasis, to that degree they will advance properly in Krishna consciousness. This is always been the teaching of Srila Prabhupada through his books. But this is very important for the first class brahmacharis and grihasthas. Because although grihasthas might be very very expert in whatever they do, often times they are very very expert. He may be expert managers, expert preachers, expert at giving donations and managing affairs, business, and doctors whatever. They will become proud and they will become possessive and they will become attached. Unless they have a very very deep and high esteem for those in the renounced order of life and they are thinking when will I become like that?

And we find the great kings like Yudhishtra, who was more an expert grihastha than him? When Narada muni or some great soul would come, he will simply bow down and say when will I become like you? You are really great, look at me. Dasharatha maharaja same thing, these are the real great grihasthas. They might even be better than those who are in renounced order of life. Ambarish maharaja was thinking that way towards Durvasa muni. He was far more advanced than Durvasa muni, but his humility was as a grihastha, that when will I become like you? You are so renounced and so great. So that high esteem for those in a renounced order of life is a very very essential ingredient within the heart, necessary within the heart of the grihastha. And therefore that high esteem must manifest in aspiring to be the humble servant of those in the renounced order of life.

And as far as brahamachari counteracting possessiveness, that comes by serving the other Vaishnavas. By keeping nothing for oneself, but being a servant. Whatever we keep we should understand it’s like holding on when we are trying to swim in the ocean, it’s like holding on to some heavy weight. Bhagavatam says, when one is drowning in the ocean and he is attached to beautiful golden crown, it might look nice, it might give him pride and prestige, but it only helps him sink faster and deeper. Nothing is ours, everything is Krishna’s…..voice missing…., dive for ourselves, we should know its bondage, and it’s going to cause us suffering.

A question is asked on how should we deal with our relatives, wife, children.

Possessiveness means that you are meant to protect them on behalf of your guru and Krishna. They are not yours, they are not your slaves, and they are not your servants. You are their servant, you may have to train them, you may have to discipline them but in the mood of being their servant. Because they are Krishna’s children and Krishna has entrusted them and He has entrusted them to you. But they are His sacred property. Therefore you must always be in a mood of being the servant of all Vaishnavas, all family members, everyone. Sometimes we may have to serve them by disobediently following the order, Sometime you may have to serve them by disciplining them, by giving them instructions, But the mood is always service, there is nothing is yours. It is the sacred property of God, every devotee. The temple president is the servant of the people who are under him, he doesn’t think they are mine, they are my servants. He is serving them because they are his guru’s property. He must engage them in guru’s work. The father sees the children and the wife in the same spirit and the wife must see the husband and the children in the same spirit. This is an essential necessity of all our relationships, but nothing is ours. We are the masters over no one; this is ego and the servant. These people are my guru’s property, they are more precious than me. I have a great responsibility in my relationship with them.

We are not takers, we are givers. Even when we receive we are actually giving them the chance to serve, we are not taking something from them. When we expect something for someone, we should not expect it for ourselves; we should expect it for them. It’s like when you are a doctor when he expect someone to take medicines, is it for your good or his good? Devotional service is a medicine, if someone is serving you as the representative of the guru, we should not be expected for our self, and we should be expected for their benefit. It’s a medicine that will heal them. That should be our spirit. Therefore we are not attached, we have no personal attachment. But out of compassion we are diligently trying to engage them in their duty. A wife is meant to serve the husband, but the husband should not be proud thinking that she is serving me. By some inconceivable arrangement, I am supposed to be the representative of guru to this person. Therefore in serving me she is actually purifying her own existence because she is serving a guru. It’s not for me; I am not attached to what she gives me. I am only attached that she makes spiritual advancement. Then you are always in a mood of a servant, not an enjoyer. This we must cultivate, this consciousness being the servant of the servant.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=24199