Remaining Always Enthusiastic in Devotional Service: Difference between revisions
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=== Conclusion === | === Conclusion === | ||
Being always enthusiastic is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual necessity. It is the first principle mentioned by Rūpa Gosvāmī in his ''Upadeśāmṛta'' for achieving success in yoga. Whether one is describing the glories of the Lord like Maitreya Ṛṣi or opening centers like Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, the common thread is an unflagging zeal to please Kṛṣṇa. By remaining enthusiastic in all circumstances, a devotee guarantees their eventual return back to home, back to Godhead. | Being always enthusiastic is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual necessity. It is the first principle mentioned by Rūpa Gosvāmī in his ''Upadeśāmṛta'' for achieving success in ''yoga''. Whether one is describing the glories of the Lord like Maitreya Ṛṣi or opening centers like Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, the common thread is an unflagging zeal to please Kṛṣṇa. By remaining enthusiastic in all circumstances, a devotee guarantees their eventual return back to home, back to Godhead. | ||
=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani === | === Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani === | ||
Latest revision as of 13:47, 2 February 2026
Enthusiasm, or utsāha, is the driving force behind spiritual advancement. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that without enthusiasm, one cannot make progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This enthusiasm must be constant and independent of material results, distinguishing the pure devotee from the mundane worker who is motivated only by the fruits of labor.
Unconditional Service in the Mode of Goodness
The Bhagavad-gītā describes the worker in the mode of goodness as one who is free from attachment and false ego. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that such a devotee remains always enthusiastic to serve Kṛṣṇa, regardless of whether the immediate outcome is success or failure, distress or happiness.
- He (a person in Krsna consciousness) does not worry about the distress undertaken; he is always enthusiastic. He does not care for success or failure; he is equal both in distress or happiness. Such a worker is situated in the mode of goodness.
- He (a person in Krsna consciousness) has no expectations for the result of the work entrusted to him because he is above false ego and pride. Still, he is always enthusiastic till the completion of such work.
Responsibility of Leadership
In a spiritual movement, the leader's primary qualification is their ability to maintain their own enthusiasm and thereby inspire others. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that a leader must be like a fire that ignites those around him, following the example of the great ācāryas.
- That is the business of leader: He must be himself always enthusiastic and inspire others to be always enthusiastic. Then he is real leader.
- You are leader, so if you are enthusiastic then all of the others will remain always enthusiastic, that is your greatest qualification.
- My Guru Maharaja, Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaj, was always enthusiastic in opening the centers in busy cities.
Shooting the Rhinoceros
Devotees are encouraged to take up great challenges for the service of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the Bengali proverb of "shooting the rhinoceros" to illustrate that one should be always enthusiastic to attempt the impossible for Kṛṣṇa. In such an endeavor, failure is not a disgrace, but success is a miracle.
- We should always be enthusiastic to try for shooting the rhinoceros. That way, if we fail, everybody will say Never mind, nobody can shoot a rhinoceros anyway, and if we succeed, then everyone will say, Just see, what a wonderful thing they have done.
- I am always very much enthusiastic to open branches, so if another branch can be opened for propagating Krishna Consciousness, it is always welcome. If we have got opportunity to open such branch, we must take advantage.
Maintaining the Fire of Devotion
To remain always enthusiastic, one must strictly follow the regulative principles and the footsteps of the previous ācāryas. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures that by sticking tightly to the path of Rūpa Gosvāmī and not neglecting one's duty, a devotee will remain spiritually fresh and eager to serve.
- If you simply do as I am doing, not avoiding anything which may have to be done for pushing on Krsna's movement, remaining always stuck up very tightly to the footsteps of Rupa Gosvami, then without any doubt you will remain always fresh and enthusiastic.
- If we strictly observe these principles, we shall remain always enthusiastic. These are the sources and the maintainers of our enthusiasm to serve Krsna.
Conclusion
Being always enthusiastic is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual necessity. It is the first principle mentioned by Rūpa Gosvāmī in his Upadeśāmṛta for achieving success in yoga. Whether one is describing the glories of the Lord like Maitreya Ṛṣi or opening centers like Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, the common thread is an unflagging zeal to please Kṛṣṇa. By remaining enthusiastic in all circumstances, a devotee guarantees their eventual return back to home, back to Godhead.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Always Enthusiastic. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.