Let’s begin by sharing a striking example of what appears to be a huge “risk.” On August 13, 1965, Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta Cargo Steamship from Kolkata on to New York City with 200 Rupees (about US$7) in his pocket, a trunk full of books, and puffed rice, since he didn’t know if America even had vegetables! Would any of us take this risk? A “normal” person seeking material security would never have gotten on that steam ship. Srila Prabhupada, on the other hand, had an army to protect him, empowering his every step. Who was the commander of this army? None other than the Supreme Person, Lord Krishna. That was then, and the lesson is paramount to our spiritual growth, that we depend on the Lord, not the other way around, “God, grant me this. God, grant me that.” You get the idea.
BALANCING RISK AND REWARD
The next time you walk down a flight of stairs (or observe someone else), look closely to see that every step we take down the stairs requires us to literally let ourselves fall to the next step. As dangerous as this sounds, it becomes so automatic after so many years of experience, we don’t give it a second thought.
Now, picture an infant taking his or her first step down just one step. The hesitancy for most infants takes a painstakingly long time. For days, that first step may not even take place. Too big a risk, better be careful, thinks the infant.
Read More https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-29-balancing-faith-and-risk-management/
Comments