“O conquerer of wealth [Arjuna], there is no Truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.7)

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मत्तः परतरं नान्यत्
किञ्चिद् अस्ति धनञ्जय
मयि सर्वम् इदं प्रोतं
सूत्रे मणि-गणा इव

mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat
kiñcid asti dhanañjaya
mayi sarvam idaṁ protaṁ
sūtre maṇi-gaṇā iva

Given the strict requirements in the beginning stages of a formal acceptance into the timeless science of self-realization, there is a concern that other, supporting issues will be forgotten. There are the stories of saintly people abruptly leaving home to live in a holy place. Everyone else is left behind; there is no turning back.

The simple explanation in support of the decision for full surrender is that worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead is like watering the roots of a tree. This is the proper way to ensure every connected piece receives vital nourishment. Though the action gets concentrated to a single place, the mechanism is there for proper and timely delivery.

In the same way, through following bhakti to the Supreme Lord, not only is the rest of society served through the example of a saintly person, leading the way towards transcendence, but the individual itself gradually has an awakening in terms of appreciation. As all truths rest in Bhagavan, nothing gets missed in the process.

The focus of the saintly person is not limited to God and those serving Him. Rather, they lose the distinction between friend and enemy. They see the connection that every individual has to transcendence and how no one is actually ever disconnected from serving the all-attractive one.

1. The service of the parents

“I can’t believe how lucky I am, to be born into the circumstances I was. It is not that there was necessarily an abundance of wealth. Through a financial analysis, you could say there was poverty. At the same time, there was no issue in getting food. There was a roof over the head. There were plenty of family members around for support.

“During those early years, they did everything for me. I would not be where I am today without them. Many people gave assistance who are now forgotten. I will not forget. The more I understand the grace and kindness of the husband of the goddess of fortune, the more I realize that the good people in this world represent extensions of Her support.”

2. The wise instruction of teachers

“They don’t have to do what they do. They could find another job that requires little human interaction. They could keep all of the information to themselves. They are under no obligation to instruct others.

“Instead, they take the risk. The remuneration is paltry by comparison. They teach driven by a higher calling. I learned so much through them. They were patient with me. Sometimes they were firm. They might have embarrassed me on occasion, in order to get the seriousness of the lesson across.”

3. The support of friends

“They can ask anything of me and I will do it. I have learned the three sources of misery in this material world. This place is temporary and miserable. It is a miracle anyone can survive one hundred years. There is danger at every step.

“I need all the help I can get. While my friends might not be fully supportive of my choice to renounce interest in the temporary, they at least were there for me prior. I try not to be a miser. I try to remember even a single good deed done in my favor.”

4. The strong admonishment from the significant other

“You could say marriage is like enlisting in the military. The training never stops. At the foundation is the need for discipline, to the highest level. It is like you remain on constant alert. War can break out at any moment.

“I still appreciate the difficulties. The harsh words thrown my way help to curb the false ego. I have become a better person for it. We are individuals, after all. God is an individual. When individuals come together, there are bound to be disagreements.”

5. The derisive words from enemies

“I am thankful for my enemies. Though I do not consider any to be within that category, there are certainly those who are not fond of me. It is nice to get a different perspective on my activities, my character, and my influence in the world.

“My enemies remind me of my flaws. They show that no one can achieve perfection in terms of reputation. People accused Shri Krishna of stealing a jewel in Dvaraka. A citizen in Ayodhya cast aspersions on the character of the flawless and blameless Sita Devi. Who am I to think I should be spared, when I am full of faults?”

In Closing:

No one from defamation spared,
Experience by everyone shared.

Lucky for parents and friends too,
Supporting in many ways who.

To every teacher to extend,
Appreciation their way to send.

Because all to Krishna connected,
Wisdom through yoga collected.

Categories: the five

Tags: bhakti, god, hare krishna, hinduism, poem, poems, poetry, religion