Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 05.01.2020 morning, Sofia)

(continues from the previous Monday)

Question of Manjari: How to reach this stage where God proposes and God disposes, without messing the thing up? 

Swami Tirtha: You know the answer to all the ‘how-to’ questions is always the same. Chant more! And I am serious. Because this is one way to demolish our false concepts. We try to protect our own interests so strongly. Because in this material life we need a certain self-protection, we need a certain self-esteem – it is necessary to survive. There is a fight for life in general, in nature. Sometimes we think that the animals have this fight. But I’ve noticed even the plants are fighting. So, a certain self-esteem, a certain courage you need to survive, to protect yourself. But if it is out of proportion, it is like a material disease. 

Yet if we take your example directly, God had a proposal for you – three kids. Do you have any freedom to choose? This situation, your position in this lifetime – that you are a happy mother of three kids – will not change. This is a service given to you for this lifetime – you are a mother. So He has His proposals. For a certain time you have to dispose accordingly. But I am sure that ultimately you will understand, you will perceive deeply, profoundly, that He had accomplished everything. As we discussed yesterday: “If I try, even with God I cannot succeed; but He can accomplish even with me.” 

So, no fancy thinking; practical service, down to earth. This was verified by Gurudev as well. In one family of ours, the first baby came. Then the mother asked Gurudev, “Gurudev, and what about my service now?” And he said “What? Are you stupid? It is so obvious, your service is to raise the kid, to be a good mother.” So, don’t think there is something else, there is some other way to express your willingness to serve. No. If we are invited in one way for a service, better to offer that service. Because we should be able to see the spiritual spark in our kids. And to raise the future preachers and the saviors of the Balkan Peninsula – it is a great job. 

And to help a jiva soul to start a journey and also to accomplish a journey – I think it is a great job. So, don’t forget about this – concerning your children and concerning yourself. Our duty is to find a way out from samsara and to help others accomplish their journey. 

And sometimes we do mess up the things. Because we do make mistakes. But our intention is very clear. And you remember that very beautiful story, when a devotee was so absorbed in the service of Krishna, in her full dedication, that when peeling the banana she threw away the flesh and offered the peel. And Krishna was very satisfied. Because He needs neither the inside, nor the outside of the banana. He doesn’t depend on that; but the mood of how we offer – this is the subtle quality. 

But please, don’t quote me on this when you create a scandal in the kitchen. “Well… this is half done, a little burnt, a little second-class or third-class. But Krishna takes only the subtle quality of my negligent service.” He is satisfied with only the most delicate offerings. It’s this subtle quality that we have to add. And that is the ultimate spice. You know, you go to a shop and you buy an all-season spice, universal – but it will never bring that very delicate, very fine taste. 

So, we need to understand what His invitation for this lifetime is. And try to accomplish it to the best of our capacities.