Invigoration at the Vanguard

The Krishna consciousness movement is the global awakening inaugurated 500 years ago by Lord Sri Krishna Himself appearing in the form of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. After remaining in a seed-like state for many centuries this movement has now burst out of its covering and is spreading like anything all over the world in the form of ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna consciousness. To be part of this movement is the most stimulating and invigorating experience because such a life puts one at the vanguard, the forefront, of the most astounding paradigm shift the world has ever seen. The entire world civilization will be gradually transformed, uplifted, and enlightened by this Krishna consciousness movement.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Service Futile Without Guru?

Dear Guru Maharaja,

I read in one of the verses in the Gita that : "Out of the millions of people endeavoring for Krishna Consciousness only a few actually make it".

But then, in the today's "Thought for the Day" you have written: "If one is strictly following the rules and regulations of his order of life and is chanting Hare Krishna and strictly following the four regulative principles, he is fully qualified for going back to home, back to Godhead upon leaving his present material body".

Also, I've read that if one doesn't have a spiritual master all his devotional service is futile. Is this true ?

Thank you!
Looking forward to you're reply.
Hare Krishna!

Shweta

Answer: Service is Qualification for Finding Guru

You have slightly misunderstood the Bhagavad-gita. This is why you are confused. The verse reads:

"Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth." Bhagavad-gita 7.3

Achieving perfection refers to the preliminary stage of impersonal liberation. Those who take seriously to the bhakti path are those rare souls who know Krishna in truth. These souls will all surely be delivered back to home, back to Godhead.

It's not true that one's service is futile if he does not have a guru. The service one renders before he takes shelter of a spiritual master is very valuable because it qualifies one to find his guru, surrender at his lotus feet, and learn how to serve him purely for becoming delivered from the vicious cycle of birth and death.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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