Blog

[republished from 08-15-2009]

When the student is ready
the guru is sent to help--
by the grace of Shri Krishna
our spiritual life revived.

Wandering by karma
throughout the vast Universe
sometimes as a great demigod
down to a lowly bug.

Out of thousands and millions
of lost souls transversing bodies
one is especially blessed
to receive the seed of Bhakti.

Then life after life
spiritual progress is made
until one loves Krishna completely
having no need for the world.

Everything begins by a saint's blessing
sometimes unknowingly given--
when good company is kept
one's nature and interest is changed.

Like a cold iron rod
placed in roaring fire
gradually heating to red-hot
non-different from fire.

That fire continues to blaze
consuming all fuel
until all karma is finished
& one offers one's entire self.

How long the process takes
depends on how urgent our necessity,
whether one is detoured by offenses
becoming cold, or making the fire blaze.

This fire is kept alive
by offenseless hearing and chanting
of the holy name and scriptures,
humbly serving Guru and Krishna.

Both grace and effort are required
as we endeavor our best
yet we humbly acknowledge
that mercy is always essential.

Our spiritual life began by grace:
sustained by our spiritual practice (a blessing)
our ability to stay the course (effect of grace),
& finally, we move to Krishna, by grace.