The real loving nature of God is that He gives us all an opportunity to understand Him and return to Him. Furthermore, God, as He has given numerous instructions in His Supreme form as Lord Krishna, has deliberately shown that there are so many ways by which we can develop our attraction and devotion to Him. Naturally, we all have individual characteristics and temperaments, as well as different inclinations and abilities. So, why would an all-loving God not provide the facility for each one of us to be able to engage our natural tendencies in a devotional activity?
The great devotee Prahlada Maharaja explained to his school friends that, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original Supersoul, the father of all living entities. Consequently there are no impediments to pleasing Him, or worshiping Him under any conditions, whether one be a child or an old man, a young girl or an old woman, rich or poor, simpleton or educated.
The relationship between the living entities and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is always a fact, and therefore there is no difficulty in pleasing the Lord.
If a demigod, demon, human being or anyone within this universe renders service to the lotus feet of the Lord, who can deliver and give liberation, he is actually situated in the most auspicious condition of life. So, this is not some form of exclusive process that is meant for only one class of people, or a certain nation, or those who accept a certain scripture or path. It is meant for everyone regardless of background, age, class, or even species, and everyone can benefit.
This devotional service to the Lord is broken down into nine categories. The major types of service to the Supreme Being include hearing and chanting about the transcendental name, form, qualities, paraphernalia, and pastimes of the Lord, remembering Him, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering respectful worship, offering prayers, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering unto Him.
Still, even among these categories, Lord Krishna provides the means for people of different inclinations to start the path of spirituality from different angles. He explains what the essential point is for those who can follow it, or how to work toward that epitome of spirituality. We must just fix our mind upon Him, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage all our intelligence in Him. Thus we will live in Him always, without a doubt. If we cannot fix our mind upon Him without deviation, then we should follow the regulated principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way, we will develop a desire to attain the Lord. If we cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Him, because by working for Him we will come to the perfect stage. If, however, we are unable to work in this consciousness, then we must try to act giving up all results of our work and try to be self-situated (free from attachments for the results). If we cannot take to this practice too, then we must engage ourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action, for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind.
In this way, the Lord gives us so many ways of beginning the path of spiritual development. And once begun, having sincerely served the Lord in any of these ways, one's life is forever changed, and he or she has acquired spiritual merit that will never fade. As Lord Krishna Himself has spoken, in this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from being entangled in the repeated cycle of birth and death.
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