By Vibhu Chaitanya Das
We usually feel that there will be another day but what if there is no other day? What if this is our last day on this planet, the last day in this body? Did we accumulate sufficient blessings in this life to make it our last? Spiritual life is about accruing blessings throughout one’s devotional life; blessings from the Supreme Lord and His devotees. These blessings are the building blocks in our spiritual life, through them we develop saintly qualities.
Blessings help us become humble, tolerant, to feel compassion and to act on it and ultimately teaches us to surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Srila Prabhupada explains that these qualities in their full potential, are not gained through academic education but through the process of devotional service.
The gift of devotional service is the life and the ultimate blessing of a devotee. A sincere devotee is praying at every moment for and is happy to perform any service to please the Supreme Lord and His devotees.
Enthusiasm is needed to perform devotional service. Why is it that enthusiasm in spiritual life sometimes diminishes? Why is it that spiritual life sometimes becomes challenging? When these doubts arise they leave us with choices. Do I really want spiritual life? There are numerous other things I could do. Our minds may take us far away from devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But when we lack enthusiasm, we should simply fake it. Fake it? Yes! Others will see this and think, “Oh! He is so enthusiastic, let me also try to serve in a more pleasing and inspired way.” And in this way, observing how someone becomes enthused by our own “fake” enthusiasm, our real enthusiasm returns. Enthusiasm is infectious.
With the association of the Lord’s devotees we can help each other reach our ultimate destination. It is not possible to walk on this path alone. The great poet, Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Gosvami once said, “My path is very difficult. I am blind, and my feet are slipping again and again. Therefore, may the saints help me by granting me the stick of their mercy as my support.” Caitanya-caritamrita Antya-lila 1.2
We need to develop stronger spiritual relationships with each other. ISKCON is not a corporate society. We are a spiritual society and we need learn to appreciate each other’s devotional successes. This mood will bring real satisfaction and enthusiasm into our lives and is also most pleasing to Krishna.
In the infant stage of ISKCON, a family spirit prevailed. It is my hope that we can rekindle and nurture this family spirit. With the teachings and example of the Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and by all of us coming together, we can help each other remain enthusiastic.
Praying for your blessings,
Vibhu Chaitanya Das
Comments