The Transcendental Bhakti Tripod

The tripod is a solid stand. With its three legs it remains solidly in place. A two-legged stand and a one-legged stand are not solid. They will fall over immediately. In Krishna consciousness we have a tripod, the three basic legs of bhakti that will solidly situate you on the spiritual platform. They are described as follow by Srila Prabhupada in Chapter Six of the Nectar of Devotion:

(1) Accepting the shelter of the lotus feet of a bona fide spiritual master.
(2) Becoming initiated by the spiritual master and learning how to discharge devotional service from him.
(3) Obeying the orders of the spiritual master with faith and devotion.

All the other items of bhakti are automatically included in these three principles. So if you will simply take shelter of the spiritual master, get initiated by him and always obey him, you will quickly and easily be elevated to the transcendental platform of pure devotional service. In other words, Lord Sri Krishna will become your personal property.

Srila Prabhupada Teaches Pure Krishna Bhakti

Srila Prabhupada Teaches Pure Krishna Bhakti

Answers by Citing the Vedic Version:

Question: What is the Meaning of Renunciation?

Gurudeva, what is the meaning or significance of renunciation in the life of a sadhaka (a practitioner of the science of bhakti) like me? I am practicing Krishna consciousness as an initiated devotee. So how important is renunciation in my life? How may I understand its right meaning? And how can I practice it?

Please enlighten me.
Thank you.

Your unworthy servant,
N.D.

Answer: Engage Everything in the Service of Krishna

Renunciation is of the utmost importance for anyone who wants to achieve the ultimate perfection of going back to home, back to Godhead. Unfortunately most people, even the seekers of self-realization, do not understand it properly. It is usually thought that renunciation means giving up everything and going to live in the forest. But this is a gross misunderstanding. What does one actually possess to begin with that he has to renounce? Nothing. The reality is that none of us possess anything because everything is the property of Krishna. Therefore real renunciation simply means to acknowledge that it is only Krishna who is the owner and to then engage everything in His service.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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