Kṛṣṇa Reciprocates with Sincere and Serious Soul
The interaction between the finite living entity and the infinite Lord is established through the medium of service attitude. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is not in need of anything, but He is hungry for the devotee's love. When the Lord observes a soul endeavoring with sincerity and seriousness, He takes personal charge of their life, offering guidance, intelligence, and protection that far exceeds the devotee's own capacity.
Lord Grants Intelligence (Buddhi-yoga)
A devotee may feel incompetent or lacking in ability, but Kṛṣṇa supplies the necessary strength and intelligence to those who are serious. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the Bhagavad-gītā to confirm that when one dedicates themselves to the mission, the Lord gives them the direction known as buddhi-yoga.
- By the grace of Krsna, if we are sincere and serious, then Krsna becomes kind upon us and gives direction: buddhi-yogam dadami tam. "I give them buddhi-yogam." Buddhi means intelligence.
- As you do it (verbatim the purports in SB & chant Hare Krsna) seriously and sincerely, Krishna gives you more and more strength for this noble missionary work.
- Think seriously of Krishna Consciousness, be sincere, and Krishna will give you all necessary instruction. I have every hope that in the future you can be a good preacher for Krishna Consciousness in the Western World.
Kṛṣṇa Accepts Essence of Service
Perfect execution is not as important as the perfect mood. Kṛṣṇa is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana, meaning He accepts the essence of the devotee's mentality. If the internal purpose is sincere, the Lord welcomes the service even if there are external discrepancies.
- Even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhava-grahi janardana because He takes the essence of one's devotional mentality.
- If He sees His devotee sincerely and seriously trying to serve Him, He is prepared to give His devotee anything and everything to mitigate any suffering conditions. That is mature understanding and realization of Krsna Consciousness.
- Sincerely, seriously, they (young princesses) offered their hearts to Krsna's lotus feet with unalloyed devotional attitude. As the Supersoul in everyone's heart, Krsna could understand their uncontaminated desire, He agreed to accept them as His wives.
Divine Protection and Guidance
When one takes up the study of Bhagavad-gītā or engages in service with seriousness, Kṛṣṇa reciprocates by nullifying the reactions of past misdeeds and guiding the soul toward a bona fide spiritual master.
- If one reads Bhagavad-gita sincerely and seriously, then all of the reactions of his past misdeeds will not react upon him. BG 1972 Introduction.
- If one becomes a sincere devotee and seriously engages in devotional service, Lord Krsna sends an instructing spiritual master to show him favor and invoke his dormant propensity for serving the Supreme.
- In the beginning, when a devotee is serious and sincere, the Lord gives him directions from within to approach a bona fide spiritual master.
Conclusion
The relationship between the devotee and the Lord is one of mutual exchange, initiated by the devotee's surrender. As confirmed by Śrīla Prabhupāda, if a soul is sincere and serious, Kṛṣṇa is prepared to give anything and everything to help them, proving that He is the ever-well-wisher of those who seek His shelter.
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 Sincere and Serious. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.