Ever Increasing Enthusiasm for Kṛṣṇa
Enthusiasm for Kṛṣṇa is the dynamic life force of the devotee. Unlike material enthusiasm, which inevitably wanes when the novelty of an object fades, spiritual enthusiasm increases the more one engages with the Absolute Truth. This article explores the nature of this ever-expanding fervor, its necessity for overcoming illusion, and how it manifests in the activities of hearing, chanting, and serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Price of Spiritual Perfection
Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies enthusiasm as the requisite price for entering the spiritual world. It is the protective shield against māyā, who constantly attempts to dampen the devotee's spirit. To be successful, one must maintain this eagerness under all circumstances, viewing the destination—going back home, back to Godhead—with intense anticipation.
- Enthusiasm must be maintained under all circumstance. That is our price for entering into Krsna's kingdom. And maya is always trying to take away our enthusiasm to serve Krsna, because without enthusiasm everything else is finished.
- One should be very much enthused, "Oh, I am going to Krsna, in the spiritual world." How much enthusiasm you should feel. So that is utsahat.
- If we strictly observe these principles, we shall remain always enthusiastic. These are the sources and the maintainers of our enthusiasm to serve Krsna.
Ever-Fresh Nature of Kṛṣṇa
The reason enthusiasm for Kṛṣṇa never stagnates is that Kṛṣṇa Himself is inexhaustible and ever-fresh. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that if Kṛṣṇa were material, one would eventually tire of glorifying Him. However, because His form, qualities, and words are absolute, the devotee finds new inspiration at every moment, avoiding the feeling that service is a hackneyed chore.
- Krsna's words are absolute, as well as His form, qualities and activities. They are always fresh and new. If they were not, how could the devotees glorify them day after day with greater enthusiasm.
- The more one glorifies Krsna, the more enthusiastic one becomes in glorifying, glorifying, glorifying. This is the meaning of spiritual.
- When you work for Krsna with love and enthusiasm, that is your Krsna conscious life. If you think that "It is hackneyed, it is troublesome, but what can I do? These people ask me to do it. I have to do it," that is not Krsna consciousness.
Eagerness to Hear and Speak
Enthusiasm is visibly demonstrated in the activities of śravaṇaṁ and kīrtanam—hearing and chanting. Just as Mahārāja Parīkṣit became more and more eager to hear the pastimes of the Lord as his death approached, a sincere devotee utilizes their speech and hearing solely for Kṛṣṇa, rejecting nonsense talk.
- Actually, Maharaja Pariksit was becoming more and more enthusiastic to hear the transcendental pastimes of Krsna, and his inquiry was made with great interest.
- While Sukadeva Gosvami continued to speak on the transcendental pastimes and characteristics of Lord Krsna, King Pariksit, upon hearing him, became more and more enthusiastic and wanted to hear further.
- Mauna means "silence." Silence does not mean that one should not speak at all, but that he should not speak of nonsense. He should be very enthusiastic in speaking about Krsna.
Determination in Surrender
Even when the mind wanders or obstacles arise, enthusiasm manifests as the determination to surrender. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we must be enthusiastic to capture Kṛṣṇa through service, regardless of our internal or external struggles. This determined enthusiasm assures the devotee of success.
- We must be very enthusiastic, that "I must surrender to Krsna. Although my mind is going outside, but I must be determined that I must surrender." This is called utsaha, enthusiasm.
- When one engages enthusiastically in the Lord's service, it is to be understood that he is reaping the results of chanting the names of Krsna and Hari.
- If we have the same relationship with Krsna, we will never be cheated or disappointed. Our enthusiasm will increase more and more. Therefore Krsna encourages us to accept Him as our son, as our friend and as our master. Then we will be happy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enthusiasm for Kṛṣṇa is the barometer of one's spiritual health. It is not a static quality but one that expands as the devotee dives deeper into the ocean of Kṛṣṇa's unlimited glories. By maintaining this enthusiasm through hearing, chanting, and determined service, the devotee transcends the influence of māyā and secures their return to the eternal spiritual abode.
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 Enthusiasm for Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.