By Bhakta Srinivas Kumar

It should be seriously noted that most of the problems (discussed in the earlier part) arise due to slackness in Sadhana.  Most of the factors discussed are still in the gross level control of our senses.  Subtle impediments have not yet been discussed.  We need to know that the root cause of all these problems are a perfect mixture of previous guna, karma and the current seriousness of the practitioner.  The karmic influences of the previous lives have their clear and significant impact on our current situations. Each of us are placed in a different spiritual, economic, educational strata of life. We have different challenges, goals and expectations.  But the whole beauty of Krishna Consciousness is that there is Only One Goal and standard methodology to achieve it, despite our huge differences in material conditions. Whether we are rich or poor, foolish or very intelligent, ugly or beautiful, humble or proud, villager or cosmopolitan, our goal should be to go back home, back to Godhead, to Goloka Vrindavana, the Abode of Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna.

If we follow properly, the prescribed method given so elaborately and perfectly by Srila Prabhupada, the grace and mercy of Krishna will help us in overcoming our problems, very quickly.

Just like we have success formula, we have a surefire way to fail also.  Each devotee who is serious about progressing, should keep these points in mind:

 THE FAILURE FORMULA

Srila Prabhupada says:

• “But if our regular Krishna consciousness program is allowed to slacken, then everything else we try will fail.” (February 5, 1972)
• “If we neglect even for a moment our routine work, if we allow the regular program to become slack, then everything else we may try will fail.” (February 20, 1970)
• “The smallest neglect or inattention to these matters of routine practices will cause our other programs to fail.” (January 10, 1970)
• “Regarding your last question about the ecstatic symptoms of chanting Hare Krishna, you should know that the Hare Krishna Mantra has an equal effect upon all devotees. Just like the sunshine has an equal effect on everyone, but when it is covered, the sunshine has a different effect. Similarly, the influence of the Hare Krishna Mantra becomes manifest when one is no longer covered by the ten offenses to chanting. The more we become free from the ten offenses, the more the effect of chanting becomes manifested through us. Everyone can become a great devotee, being freed from the offenses 100%, simply by one’s determination and effort.

So, paying utmost attention to the instructions of Srila Prabhupada as mentioned above and putting this to practice is the key medicine to correct our diseased life.

[to be continued]