A Pure Devotee's Distress Does Not Check His Devotional Service
The defining quality of pure devotional service is that it is apratihatā, or unchecked by any material impediment. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while ordinary activities depend on favorable circumstances, the service of a pure soul is unconditional. The distress of a devotee of God, therefore, is never a valid reason to stop serving; rather, it serves as a test of their sincerity and fixed determination to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead under all conditions.
Unconditional Execution of Duty
A materialist works only when they are happy or comfortable, but a devotee works for Kṛṣṇa simply because it is their nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that a true Vaiṣṇava is not concerned with the external dualities of the world. Whether the environment offers pleasure or pain, the devotee’s only desire is to execute their service, remaining unaffected by the temporary arrangement of material nature.
- A devotee is not concerned with enjoyment or distress; he simply desires to execute devotional service. It is said in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that devotional service should be apratihata, unchecked by the material conditions of happiness or distress.
- A devotee of the Lord does not forget his devotional service and other favorable activities, even when he is in a most distressful condition.
Steadiness in Worship
The scriptures describe the pure devotee as sama-mati, or having steady intelligence. This means their worship is not seasonal or conditional. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that it is not that a devotee worships the Lord only when things are going well; they worship Him with equal fervor even when the distress of a devotee becomes intense. This steadiness proves that their love is not a barter for material benefits.
- Pure devotees are described as sama-mati, which means that they never deviate from devotional service under any circumstances. It is not that devotees worship the Supreme Lord only when happy; they worship Him even when in distress.
- Those who are distressed and those who desire wealth are called devotees with desires, whereas the other two, the inquisitive and the searcher for wisdom, are seekers of liberation. Because they worship Krsna, they are all considered to be very fortunate.
Dependence Without Demand
Even when facing danger or difficulty, a pure devotee does not pray for the removal of their distress. They know that Kṛṣṇa is the supreme protector and will do what is best. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of the demigods who, when attacked by Vṛtrāsura, actually apologized to the Lord for asking for safety, realizing that a pure devotee should not trouble the Absolute Truth for the maintenance of the temporary body.
- A pure devotee knows that there is no need to ask the Absolute Truth for any material necessities. Therefore, while informing the Lord about their distress in being attacked by Vrtrasura, the demigods apologized for offering prayers for their safety.
- Without becoming a brahmana, one cannot approach the Supreme Brahman, Lord Krsna. Krsna is especially concerned with vanquishing the distress of His devotees, and He is the only shelter of pure devotees.
Conclusion
The presence of difficulty in the life of a spiritual practitioner is not a sign of the Lord's neglect but a confirmation of the devotee's transcendental position. By continuing their service despite the distress of a devotee of God, the practitioner demonstrates that their love is pure and unmotivated. As Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms, this unwavering dedication, which asks for nothing material in return, is the standard of perfection in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 Distress of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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