To complete our spiritual journey we need strength – much spiritual strength – so that we can act upon our higher convictions. But how and where do we find this strength?
The answer is we need to go to the Lord Himself! He is the reservoir of everything, including infallible spiritual strength, the “acyuta balah”. The aspect of Lord Krishna who is particularly responsible in granting spiritual strength is Lord Balarama, who acts in the pastime of Lord Krishna as His beautiful older brother.
Lord Balarama has a brilliant complexion, like a mountain of crystal with camphor, and wears ocean-blue garments. A stunning contrast! His voice is very grave and His powerful arms reach down to His thighs. He is not only Krishna’s elder brother but also His dearest friend who ‘comes to life’ fully and only in Lord Krishna’s association.
When Lord Krishna steps to His right side He is Balarama – the same Personality but with a slightly other role. He acts differently; amongst others, He gives His devotees the required strength to attain His brother Krishna (Himself). Srila Prabhupada wrote,
“One cannot attain the goal of life without the mercy of Balarama…When one receives the mercy of Lord Balarama, Nityananda, one can attain the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna very easily.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.15.45, purport).
The easiest way to get in contact with the Lord is to get in contact with someone who is very dear to Him, i.e. a pure devotee who acts as the spiritual master. When one serves the spiritual guru, Balarama gives one strength – an experience all faithful disciples everywhere and at all times have made.
Today at Balarama’s Appearance Day, let us pray to Lord Balarama:
“The splendor of Your transcendental form eclipses many millions of glistening rising moons. The slightest scent of Your boundless strength is sufficient to destroy many armies of demons. I offer my prayers to You, O Balarama.” (Sri Vraja-vilasa-stava)
Following the mood and footsteps of Srila Raghunatha Gosvami, I offer my personal prayer to Lord Balarama:
“O Lord Balarama, please if You so desire, give me strength to conquer my restless mind with its armies of useless thoughts which sometimes run away and get lost in the labyrinth of this world.”
May Lord Balarama shower you all with His mercy of spiritual strength so that you can act on your deepest spiritual desires, convictions, and understandings.
Lord Balarama ki jaya!
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