Failure is the Pillar of Success

Srila Prabhupada states in his book, The Perfection of Yoga, as follows:

"There is the famous proverb that 'failure is the pillar of success.' In the spiritual life especially, failure is not discouraging. Krisna very clearly states that even if there is failure, there is no loss either in this world or in the next. One who takes to this auspicious line of spiritual culture is never completely vanquished."

One this pathway of Krishna we sometimes or even often experience failures in our practice of Krishna consciousness, our relationships, and our attempts to preach Krishna consciousness. But we should not become depressed by these failures. If we take each failure as a learning experience instead of as a failure, they will all be stepping stones to our ultimate success.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Stepping Stones to Ultimate Success

Stepping Stones to Ultimate Success

Answers According to the Vedic Wisdom

Question: Duty Towards Spiritual Master?

1) Can we ask mercy from spiritual master without discharging any duty towards him?
2) What is our duty towards spiritual master and towards Srila Prabhupada?

Thanks
Sweta Mayekar

Answer: We Must Surrender to Him

My Dear Sweta,

Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Krishna says in Bhagavad-gita 4.34

tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth."

So if you don't want to obey Krishna's order by rendering service to the spiritual master, the spiritual master's mercy is to chastise you for being a rascal.

The duty given by Srila Prabhupada and the bona fide spiritual master is that you must chant at least 16 rounds daily of Hare Krishna japa mala and strictly avoid illicit sex, meat eating, intoxication, and gambling.

I hope this meets you in the best of health.
 
Your ever well-wisher,
Sankarshan Das Adhikari
Sankarshan Das Adhikari
Sankarshan Das Adhikari is one of the spiritual masters of the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement. He has dedicated the last 50 years of his life for bringing a spiritual revolution to planet earth by spreading the teachings of Lord Sri Krishna all over the world. He is based in Austin, Texas and when there is no pandemic he regularly travels all over the world teaching his audiences how to attain Krishna consciousness, the highest stage of spiritual awakening. He is available for media interviews and to speak to groups and organizations either in person or via the internet.

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