THANKFUL FOR THE LOVE
I have just finished reading the story of my spiritual master, His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami, by Satyaraja Dasa [Nov 2005]. It brought tears to my eyes because I realize I miss him physically. And I also remembered those last days at Gita Nagari. But it also brought up a surge of gratefulness. I am so thankful to have been brought to the knowledge of KLrsna and His Divine Grace Swami Prabhupada by a special soul in this lifetime. I am so thankful for the love, the encouragement, and the instructions he gave that make my life worth living until it is time to leave.
(Indrani Devi Dasi, Alachua, Florida)
PURITY IS THE FORCE
Srila Prabhupada says, "Purity is the force." How can we understand this?
(Tridev Shirodkar, Belgaum.)
Our Reply: Our understanding of force brings images of things that are mighty, huge, or strong. But spiritual strength does not depend upon size. It depends upon purity. Materially speaking Srila Prabhupada's was a simple Indian, but he succeeded where all other swamis, gurus, and babas from India failed, because he presented the pure teachings of Lord as it is, without dilution, deviation, or adulteration. His purity attracted the hearts of conditioned souls, giving them faith and inspiring them to wholeheartedly surrender to Lord Krsna.
When Srila Prabhupada went to America, he found that the very foundation of life was illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling, and intoxication. Still he did not compromise. He gave the process of devotional service hearing and chanting the names and glories of Lord, reading the Holy Scriptures, rendering humble menial service, and following the regulative principles. By following them, he knew that the practitioner could remove the contamination of lust, greed, envy, pride, illusion, and anger from his/her heart. Thus purified one attracts the pure force of the Lord to act through him. Ultimately its only by the mercy of Lord that one can have the force to transform others and it all begins with purity of the heart.
Thus purified one attracts the pure force of the Lord to act through him. Ultimately its only by the mercy of Lord that one can have the force to transform others and it all begins with purity of the heart.