A Devotee is Always Vigilant, Vamana-dvadasi

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam2.7.17 on the occasion of Vamana-dvadasi.

“In the beginning stage we sort of surrender but then we go back on our surrender. As Bhurijana Prabhu said, ‘They surrender, but then they take it back.’ This is common in Kali-yuga, because the atmosphere is so polluted and so surcharged with nescience that it is easy to be affected. The illusory energy will wear away one’s determination to surrender to Krishna. It is hard to withstand the assaults of Maya. Devotees who work in the material world, especially if they have to work in the association of nondevotees, face a constant barrage from the material nature. It is hard to maintain one’s determination. We can do so only if we have very strong spiritual association, with pure devotees, and strong spiritual practices to counteract the pernicious influence of materialistic people within a materialistic culture that is constantly bombarding us with messages that we should act independently, enjoy our senses to the hilt, and progress materially at all costs.

“We know that there are different stages in devotional service, and we should assess where we are. We should evaluate ourselves at every moment: Are we surrendering more to Krishna or to Maya - to the unsteady mind?”

Source: http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=13450

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