Hayagriva Das writes that although I have been chanting for long, thecosmos has not unfolded psychedelically before me. What have I donewrong? Why haven't I seen that apocalyptic vision witnessed by Arjunaon the Battlefield of Kurukshetra?According to Prabhupada, Sri Krishna revealed this form to Arjuna as aspecial favour. What Arjuna saw of course is beyond description andhuman imagination. He saw the entire creation conatined in the Lord'sbody. The pure devotees however are not eager to see this form.Devotees prefer the two-armed form of Krishna as a cowherd boy. Thevirat-svarupa is exhibited to materialistic men who can be impressedonly by the might and opulence of the Supreme.So, I finally gather the courage to approach Prabhupada and ask, "Whycan't I see Krishna as Arjuna saw Him on the battlefield"?"You can" Swamiji says. "This is the process, chanting Hare Krishna.""I've been chanting Hare Krishna for more than four months now, butstill I don't see that universal form with all the heads and arms.What am I doing wrong."? I complain.Swamaiji looks for a moment and hands me the manuscripts of his recenttranslations of the elevants chapter verses. I read:"O greatest of all personalities, O supreme form, though I see Youhere before me in Your actual position, as You have describedYourself, I wish to see how You have entered into this cosmicmanifestation. I want to see that form of Yours. If You think that Iam able to behold Your cosmic form, O my Lord, O master of all mysticpower, then kindly show me that unlimited universal Self." (Gita11.3-4)"There" Swamiji says. "If You think I am able to behold Your cosmicform." So what does that mean?I look at the verse and think deeply again and feel stupid again."It means Lord Krishna is the best judge, So Arjuna leaves it to Him." I say."Yes, that is the process. Arjuna was a great warrior and a greatdevotee of Krishna, He didn't want to see that virat-svarupa for hispersonal benefit. He was asking on behalf of the materialists. Yet hesays to Krishna that 'If You think I am able'. This is the attitude weshould have. What do you think?""I don't think I am ready" I say."Yes. my spiritual master used to say, 'Don't work hard to try to seeGod, but work in such a way that God wants to see you.' So we shouldjust go on with our chanting, and see Krishna in our service. Carry onwith devotional service sincerely, and everything will come in time."- Hare Krishna Explosion Ch6: Back to Godhead
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