Search for the Self
I am a man on the path looking for my spiritual self. I’ve been reading a lot about spirituality and metaphysics (the sciences of the spirit), and many of your teachings and writings match up with my instincts, which come from the scientific mind and the spiritual heart. But I still feel lost as to where to begin my journey, as I am still young. Can you offer any guidance to someone willing to open their mind and heart to finding themselves and the absolute?
– Salem Shand
Via the Internet
Our reply: We are happy to hear that you are looking for your spiritual self. We suggest you read Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The information in that book is life changing.
You are correct in your understanding that the process of devotional service and self-realization is a scientific and spiritual quest. We are all spiritual beings in a temporary material situation. With proper direction and following various practices – especially chanting Hare Krishna , Hare Krishna , Krishna Krishna , Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare and reading Bhagavad-gita – you will find that your path becomes much clearer and your realization of your spiritual nature more focused.
If you have any specific questions, we will be happy to answer.
Encouraging Words
Hi. I just need to hear some words of motivation.
– Dave
Via the Internet
Our reply: Close your eyes and do a meditation: Think how many things in this world will make you permanently happy and cost nothing. Now open your eyes and chant Hare Krishna . The Hare Krishna mantra can open the door to eternal, spiritual happiness, which is not available anywhere else, never needs an upgrade, and is always available just by opening your mouth. To keep this thought fresh, however, you need to associate with Krishna ’s devotees. Reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and associating with persons aware of this wonderful treasure keeps us fresh and enlivened. Going to websites like ISKCONdesiretree.com and Krishna.com can help, and going to a temple is even better. But chanting and reading on your own are also a good use of your time.
Try to keep your mind and senses free from clutter. Don’t fill your mind and heart with silly desires. With the pervasiveness of advertising, it is easy to be bombarded with things to want, things that promise to give us pleasure. Just remember that there is only one thing that will give eternal pleasure and costs nothing: Hare Krishna , Hare Krishna , Krishna Krishna , Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
One-on-One Spiritual Master
I am a devotee starting off with ISKCON and would like to know from an experienced devotee of Sri Krishna how to obtain a special oneon- one Hare Krishna master, since His Divine A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has passed on.
– Gurumataji
Via the Internet
Our reply: When beginning Krishna consciousness within ISKCON, it is best to develop a relationship with Srila Prabhupada. Although he is not physically present, he is available in his teachings, books, recorded classes, videos, etc. He is also present in his temples and through his devotees.
Try to get as much association as possible via websites such as Krishna.com and ISKCONdesiretree. com, as well as by going to a temple when possible. Ask questions and listen to classes and discussions. Begin to practice Krishna consciousness according to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions by chanting daily on beads, eating only food offered to Krishna , and following the four regulations: no meat-eating, no illicit sexual connection, no gambling, and no intoxication. By reading, hearing, associating, and following his instructions, you will develop a relationship with Srila Prabhupada.
Once that is clear and strong, then you can consider who you will have as a personal master. There are many qualified devotees who can assist in this way. You can begin by hearing their classes on ISKCONdesiretree. com and whenever possible meeting them in person. Eventually you will find someone whose words and example enliven you and strengthen you in your spiritual practices. It is best to be patient and take time to carefully search for this person.
Worried Victim
I am victim of domestic violence by my wife. She filed a false dowry allegation against my family. I am very tensed and worried about how I can win the court case. I am a devotee of Lord Sri Krishna .
– Nirmal
Via the Internet
Our reply: Being a devotee of Lord Krishna means seeing everything that happens in life as His arrangement and His mercy for our purification. The Pandavas had to overcome many reverses, but they never lost faith in the Lord. If you can maintain your devotion and yet see Krishna ’s hand in this difficult time, your strength in Krishna ’s service will increase.
Life in the material world is always filled with problems, but rest assured that these problems are temporary and as they come they will also go. Whatever happens, try to see the lesson to be learned and remain peaceful and fixed in the understanding that whatever the Lord does is designed to bring us to Him on a deeper level.
Replies were written by Krishna. com’s Live Help volunteers. Please write to us at: BTG, 3rd Floor, 302, Amrut Industrial Estate, Western Highway, Mira Road (E) 401104. E-mail: btgindia@pamho.net.