Kṛṣṇa's Reciprocation with Sincere Effort
In the practice of devotional service, the devotee is not expected to be perfect from the very beginning, nor are they expected to possess unlimited strength. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, is observing the sincere effort of the individual soul. When He sees a devotee struggling to serve Him with seriousness and honesty, He personally intervenes to supply the necessary ability, intelligence, and protection to ensure their success.
Gift of Divine Intelligence
The primary reciprocation from the Lord comes in the form of buddhi-yoga, or divine intelligence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that even if a task seems impossible, a sincere devotee receives the direction from within to make it possible. It is not by one's own brain substance, but by Kṛṣṇa's mercy that one understands how to execute the mission.
- 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.
- Impossible thing can be made possible by the grace of Krsna. That is possible - Krsna is all powerful - provided we are serious and sincere. That is the main business. We must be very serious and sincere. Then Krsna will give you intelligence.
- 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.
Acceptance of Inner Purpose
Kṛṣṇa is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana, meaning He accepts the essence of the devotee's mood. While materialists judge by external results, the Lord looks at the sincerity of the endeavor. Even if there are flaws in the execution, Kṛṣṇa accepts the service if the heart is dedicated to Him without ulterior motives.
- 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.
- This (Krsna does not very readily grant perfection in devotional service) means that Krsna wants to see that a devotee is actually sincere and serious and that he does not have ulterior motives.
- 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.
Protection and Direction
A sincere effort in devotional service guarantees the Lord's protection. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that Kṛṣṇa mitigates the suffering conditions of His devotees and, most importantly, guides them toward a bona fide spiritual master to revive their dormant propensity for service.
- 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.
- 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.
- If one reads Bhagavad-gita very sincerely and with all seriousness, then by the grace of the Lord the reactions of his past misdeeds will not act upon him.
Conclusion
The perfection of spiritual life does not rely on human capability but on divine mercy. By making a sincere and serious effort to serve, the devotee attracts the attention of Kṛṣṇa, who then compensates for all deficiencies. Whether through granting intelligence, accepting the essence of service, or providing protection, the Lord unfailingly reciprocates with the sincere soul.
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 Effort. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.