Develop Love for Krishna

by Hearing about Him

Dhruva taking instructions from Sage Narada

Srila Prabhupada explains in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 4.12.42 that the first principle of devotional service is adau gurv-asrayam, to take shelter of a spiritual master. He states, "In the beginning one must accept a bona fide spiritual master, and if a devotee follows strictly the direction of the spiritual master, as Dhruva Maharaja followed the instruction of Narada Muni, then it is not difficult for him to achieve the favor of the Lord.

The sum total of devotional qualities is development of unalloyed love for Krishna. This unalloyed love for Krishna can be achieved simply by hearing about Krishna. Lord Caitanya accepted this principle -- that if one in any position submissively hears the transcendental message spoken by Krishna or about Krishna, then gradually he develops the quality of unalloyed love, and by that love only he can conquer the unconquerable."

This concept is unique to Vaisnava theology, that one can conquer the Supreme by love. And this process of conquering the Supreme begins by taking shelter of the bona fide spiritual master.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Shriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari can be reached at: sda@backtohome.com. Enrol with Him for an ecstatic e-course in self-realization through pure Krishna Bhakti at: www.ultimateselfrealization.com