The word, responsibility, derives from Old French, respondre, “to answer.”
In other words, responsibility, can be literally taken as, “one’s ability to respond.”
The way we respond to what happens to us in life directly indicates the degree to which we have developed our consciousness.
As one practices devotional service, beginning with hearing and chanting about Krishna, one develops the ability to respond mindfully to the events and circumstances in one’s life.
For example, Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to Bhagavad-gita 12.15 about the way in which a Krishna conscious person interacts with others:
“Since a devotee is kind to everyone, he does not act in such a way as to put others into anxiety. At the same time, if others try to put a devotee into anxiety, he is not disturbed. It is by the grace of the Lord that he is so practiced that he is not disturbed by any outward disturbance.”
Those who wish to increase their ability to respond thoughtfully to the anxieties, changes, and provocations in their lives can daily practice chanting the maha-mantra with care and attention.
Vaisesika Dasa
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