By Karnamrita Das
ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER TO STAY THE COURSE OF BHAKTI AND GO THROUGH THE INEVITABLE GROWING PAINS AND AND EVEN DEPRESSION plus A FREE VERSE RAMBLING, "FAILURE IS THE PILLAR OF SUCCESS": As I was waking up I was dreaming of having a conversation to encourage someone who was feeling discouraged and hopeless about their life and their practice of bhakti. I like to think that I write to encourage devotees or in general, the spiritually minded, to have a positive attitude in spite of difficulties, reverses, or just low points in their lives. In the case of clinical depression some people may need professional help, yet many just need friends to confide in or a way to normalize what they are experiencing. Knowing that others have gone through what we have can help us stay the course to the other side of darkness.
Somehow to remember that we are souls in a temporary human situation. The true solution to the uncertainly of life is to work on the ultimate spiritual solution to karma and difficulties/suffering by the long haul of a lifetime of spiritual practice regardless of the upheaval, disappointments, or life reverses we may go through. If you can't chant on your beads, then do kirtan, and read something inspirational. Or find a japa buddy with whom you can share your spiritual practices, or a confidential friend who can listen to you in loving friendship. There is always something you can do if you don't give in to hopelessness.
I remembered this purport by Prabhupada in his Gita translation: "But an ordinary man with firm faith in the eternal injunctions of the Lord, even though unable to execute such orders, becomes liberated from the bondage of the law of karma. In the beginning of Krishna consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord, but because one is not resentful of this principle and works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness, he will surely be promoted to the stage of pure Krishna consciousness." [BG 3.31 purport]
As well as this verse: "Having awakened faith in the narrations of My glories, being disgusted with all material activities, knowing that all sense gratification leads to misery, but still being unable to renounce all sense enjoyment, My devotee should remain happy and worship Me with great faith and conviction. Even though he is sometimes engaged in sense enjoyment, My devotee knows that all sense gratification leads to a miserable result, and he sincerely repents such activities." [SB 11.20.27-28]
So please, let us keep on keeping on, praying for and seeking help when we need it, ideally where we live, but wherever we can find it.
FAILURE IS THE PILLAR OF SUCCESS—GETTING OVER TEMPTATION AND INDIFFERENCE:
As I was about to embrace illusion
yet again, the kind Lord revealed a vision:
On the Road to Me ( Krishna)
failure is the Pillar of Success—
Why?
Because you on are on the Path!
You have once seen
the error/terror of your ways
calling out to Me
for help while drowning.
I heard you, gladly
throwing you a rope—
your acceptance of it
greatly pleased Me!
Once you begin
this spiritual quest
grabbing that rope of Grace
it has become forever yours.
Beginning for whatever reason
you can’t get off
that path back to Me
which is your only hope
as that path is
permanently part of you—
never will you be the same.
Know this as My mercy!
You thought you were fine,
now back on your feet
with your new opportunities.
Nonsense!—that is a lie
as you are meant to be with Me!
Don’t you remember
I am the love of your life
the Soul of your soul?
You thought you could return
to your old life of enjoyment!
Ha! You think I would let you?
That I would allow you to forget Me
yet again in your sensual stupidity
after countless lifetimes of ignorance,
that you are Mine and
I am yours eternally.
After tasting the holy name nectar
with service to my devotees
nothing can ever compare
to this spiritual happiness—
imperfect as you are
I have accepted you
and my will
never goes I vain.
You do know Me ( Krishna) as the Goal!
which you stubbornly try to forget.
Haven’t you learned yet
the senses are paths to death!
Really! Haven’t you had enough?
Do you have to try yet again
down the road of temptation?
Instead take the road of redemption!
Can I tell you honestly?
Would you accept Me fully
as your friend and well-wisher?
I love you, now and always—
forget the past!
I don’t care about it.
Now only look toward your ideal
with Me, eternally.
Remember I am with you
birth after birth
though you ignore me
I never give up on you.
As you try in vain to enjoy
the grossness of matter
by repeatedly chewing the
already chewed stalks of sugarcane
I try to guide you
if you would listen
turning only once toward Me.
How long can we continue
down the path of the senses
of countless varieties of species
only slight differences, the hope against hope—
you obstinately forget that you seek Me!
Pick yourself up sleeping soul!
Rise up to the Light!
I am here to help you!
I have sent you My devotee
to train you to take My shelter
keeping you on the path
finally gaining the strength
with determination to come to Me.
Don’t ever be discouraged
though you stumble and fall
as long as you keep trying
struggling to get up
you will eventually remain
standing up strong, yet humble
since you didn’t accept defeat
not giving up, no matter what!
This time your efforts
will be crowned with success.
Keep chanting and praying.
Study the scriptures
keep company with saints.
This time you will make it
I have faith in you—
My devotee, have faith in Me!
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