Don't Let Maya Steal Away Your Mind

The material nature, Maya, is there to test our determination for becoming Krishna conscious. Just as we have to be vigilant to protect our belongings from being stolen by thieves, we must also be very careful to not let Maya steal our minds.

Last Monday when we were passing through the Brussels airport on our way to Bulgaria, a thief made two attempts to steal our luggage. He casually approached our luggage as if it were his own with the intention of walking away with it, if we did not notice him. By Krishna's grace he was unsuccessful in both of his attempts because each time he was noticed.

In this same way we must always be vigilant for the attack of the illusory energy, Maya. We must be aware of when we are being attacked by non-Krishna conscious thoughts so we can take immediate action to protect ourselves by chanting the holy names of the Lord:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Answers According to the Vedic Version

Question: How I Can Do Full Time Devotional Service?..

I am an employee. I have a family and one kid also. The kid is 1 year old. My wife and I are both very keen in preaching. We want to put ourselves in the loving devotional service all the time because the people in general are in such a dull and ignorant condition. I have lost interest in doing a job. Can you suggest me the way?

Your servant

Answer: By Following in the Footsteps of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur...

It is indeed wonderful that you and wife would like to be full time preachers of Krishna consciousness. There is truly no greater need than the spreading of Krishna consciousness all over the world. Indeed, the entire world is suffering because of one problem and one problem only: the lack of Krishna consciousness.

However, since you are married with a one year old child, the best option will be for you to set the ideal example of earning your livelihood as a responsible grihastha (married man), supporting the Krishna consciousness movement financially, and donating your spare time to assist in the preaching work.

This ideal example will qualify you as a powerful preacher and a full time devotee. In this way you will be following in the footsteps of our great acharya, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, who worked a job, raised a family, and powerfully preached the message of Krishna.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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