“The idea of seva, or service, goes far beyond simply performing our duties. Real devotional service means performing our responsibilities in such a way that Krishna is pleased.”
Srila Prabhupada explained that Krishna is pleased not only by what we do, but also by how we do it, and most importantly, by the intention behind it. Bhakti-yoga is the process of harmonizing our intentions, the words we choose to speak, and the actions we choose to perform for Krishna’s pleasure.
My guru Srila Prabhupada would often tell us that skills, philosophy, learning, and knowledge have little real value unless they are built upon the foundation of good character.
sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
[Bhagavad Gita 18.66]
Krishna tells us, “Abandon all varieties of religion and simply surrender unto Me.”
Real surrender means to sincerely say, “Krishna, I am Yours,”
and to truly mean it.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Ṭhakura expressed this beautifully in his prayer:
mānasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor
arpilūṅ tuwā pade, nanda-kiśor
[Śaraṇāgati]
“My mind, my body, my home, and whatever I possess – I offer everything at Your lotus feet, O son of Nanda (Krishna).”
The spirit of devotion is to understand that everything connected to us – our family, abilities, possessions and relationships – ultimately belong to Krishna. He has simply entrusted them into our care so they may be engaged in His service.
This is the principle behind Rupa Goswami’s teaching of yukta-vairāgya:
nothing is rejected,
because everything can be connected
to Krishna with the proper consciousness.
To remember that we belong to Krishna, and that every living being is also Krishna’s child.
– His Holiness Radhanath Swami
Leave a Reply