The Association of Sādhus

The most important ingredient in the self-realization recipe is the association of sādhus, the saintly devotees of the Lord. By their association we can see that the process of Krishna consciousness works, that it is real, not imaginary. The sādhus are very merciful. In fact they are veritable oceans of mercy. By their auspicious blessings we can achieve the perfection of human life, going back to home, back to Godhead. We can regain our original identities in the amazing pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The wonderful qualities of the sādhus are described as follows in the Srimad Bhagavatam:

titikṣavaḥ kāruṇikāḥ
suhṛdaḥ sarva-dehinām
ajāta-śatravaḥ śāntāḥ
sādhavaḥ sādhu-bhūṣaṇāḥ

"The symptoms of a sādhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime."
--Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.21

We should mould our daily and weekly activities in such a way as to get the association of sādhus, the Krishna conscious people, as much as possible.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Srila Prabhupada, the Topmost Sādhu

Srila Prabhupada, the Topmost Sādhu

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Can't Chant

I have been your disciple since last one year. You have advised me that chanting is the best way to worship Lord Krishna. But I am finding myself a complete failure for taking this commitment. I am not not finding the slightest interest in chanting. Please guide me is there any other way.

Thanking you,

Amit Gupta

Answer: Disciple Means 16 Rounds...

Discipline means discipline, disciplined by the order of the spiritual master. Therefore, since you have not yet surrendered to chanting, you are not yet my disciple. If you were my disciple, you would follow my instructions to chant 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna japa daily around the beads and to strictly follow the four regulative principles:

1. No illicit sex
2. No intoxication
3. No meat eating
4. No gambling

Chanting is the only way in this age as confirmed in the Brihad Naradiya Purana:

harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā

"In this Age of Kali there is no other means, no other means, no other means for self-realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of Lord Hari."

I hope this meets you in the best of health and in an ecstatic mood.

Always your well-wisher,

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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