Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 03.01.2018 evening, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Friday)

Just imagine yourself knocking on the door of Goloka Vrindavana and the gatekeeper, Gopeshvara Mahadeva, will say: “Oh, it’s very nice that you came, but please answer my three questions. How many verses from the Gita you have learned?”

“None. I’ve learned some, but I forgot them.”

“All right, you fail. My second question: How much time of your life have you spent in devotional service?”

Well, if we join the mission when we are 20 years old, that means we have missed 20 years from devotional service. It will take another 20 years to achieve a 50:50 balance. Just imagine what happens if you join the devotees when you are 50! It will take a long time to achieve this 50:50 balance. What to speak of those days when you are in maya, although you have joined the mission.

And the third question of Gopeshvara Mahadeva: “Who is your ideal in spiritual life? Whom do you follow?”

“My mind!”

“All right. Then go back.”

Only three questions. So, please learn something. At least something we should study. And this can convert our consciousness, this can purify our consciousness.

Of course, pure faith doesn’t depend on the information. It’s not a question of information. Our salvation depends on our pure heart. Because Krishna can enlighten even the most stupid ones, inject them with full and perfect knowledge. It is possible; nevertheless this is good to follow the practice, good to follow the instructions. This should be a natural inclination for us – to learn and also to put it into practice. To learn, to hear about Krishna’s qualities; and how can we put this into practice – by appreciating them.

So, this “To be prominent in exhibiting knowledge”[1] means that we are prominent in performing our service. We have to be deeply convinced that by performing our little-little service we can accomplish all the spiritual goals and ambitions.

The next feature is “To associate always with learned devotees; and to discuss the conclusion of the Vedas with elevated persons”. You see, these are the qualities of elevated persons, who rise to the status of shanta-rasa.

(to be continued)

[1] The Nectar of Devotion, Ch. 35