Relishing the Sweet Nectar of Devotee Association

Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that the devotees of the Lord derive great bliss and satisfaction by gathering together to hear about, discuss, and glorify Him. We have practical experience of this on a regular daily basis. There is truly nothing more ecstatic than to be in the association of the Lord's devotees engaged in devotional activities. In the photo below we have just arrived on the Fijian Island of Viti Levu after flying over from several nectarean days of sharing Krishna consciousness with the wonderful devotees of Taveuni. While driving through the mountains from the airport at Savusavu on the way to Labasa (pronounced Lambasa) we stopped by the side of the road to share a wonderful picnic of Krishna prasadam together. The spiritual master is very pleased when he sees that the devotees are gathering together to take Krishna prasadam.

Sankarshan Das and Devotees share a picnic of Krishna Prasadam

Answers According to the Vedic Version

Question: Is Obedience to Guru Predestined?...

Is whether or not I put sincere effort in following the instructions of the spiritual master predestined by my past karma, or is it according to my free choice? I mean sometimes I am able to put sincere effort and sometimes I am not.

your servant

Rama Rupa Chaitanya das

Answer: Obedience to Guru Transforms Destiny...

To what extent one is obedient to one's spiritual master is not predetermined by one's karma. It is totally up to you right now how much you will be surrendered to following the instructions of your spiritual master.

You can be neglectful and suffer the consequences, or you can be fully obedient and reap the supreme reward of going back to home, back to Godhead at the end of this lifetime. The choice is fully yours, no matter what your past karma may be. The spiritual master is giving you the opportunity to become liberated from the predestining influence of the laws of karma. This is his special mercy upon the disciple. It is fully up to the disciple whether or not he will take complete advantage of the guru's mercy. The choice is fully yours. Now what will you do?

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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