Q. It has always been puzzling for me when, in the heat of life’s struggles, one faces situations of hardship, how does one know if it is, for example, Krishna testing our resolve to serve him, or is it karma because our endeavor is contaminated by material desires or, is it a message meant to make us realize that adjustments need to be made in order to achieve our goals? In other words, how does one know if Krishna’s desire is that we learn from this situation and keep fighting in this direction, or does He want us to change the way we are doing things?
Answer by Romapada Swami: As a practicing devotee in the sadhana stage, in trying to understand the cause of difficulties or struggles, or in testing one’s own motivation and purity of endeavor, we can take it for granted that it is most likely a mix. Even as we are striving to surrender and selflessly serve Krishna, we can safely guess that our own desires may be tinged with some shades of a spirit of enjoyment or independence, and it could also be some residual reactions from the past. But in any case, a sincere devotee who is taking shelter of a bona fide spiritual master can be assured that whatever the reasons, ordeal is being kindly orchestrated by Krishna for our purification.
This is quite different from the difficulties imposed by material nature in the life of one who is not under the shelter of devotional service. Neither is it quite like the tribulations in the lives of pure devotees like the Pandavas or Srila Prabhupada, which Krishna puts before them as a sort of exchange of transcendental bhava, while simultaneously for the purpose of teaching the world through their struggles. In our case, it is neither of these two positions, but likely a third middle-ground — arranged by the Lord Himself, but for our further purification and edification.
As far as understanding Krishna’s indication or what should be our response in the face of such hardships — whether to persist with confidence that we are on the right course or to make adjustments /change track — this is best done in consultation with the spiritual master and other advanced devotees. Grandfather Bhishmadev explains this principle in the Bhagavatam while pacifying Maharaja Yudhisthira who was devastated thinking of the great massacre in the battle fought on his account. (See SB 1.9.12) His assurances were based on the principle that “As long as a person is fully in cooperation with the wishes of the Lord, guided by the bona fide brahmanas and Vaishnavas, and strictly following religious principles, one has no cause for despondency, however trying the circumstances of life.”
When these three checkpoints are satisfied “vipra-dharma-acyuta ashraya”, viz. (1) we are guided by vaishnavas, (2) we are abiding by scriptural directions in conducting our life / a particular service assignment and (3) we are doing so to please Krishna, then we can be utterly confident of our efforts, regardless of what setbacks, trials and tribulations come on the way and whether or not we can perceive tangible success.
This was how Srila Prabhupada was able to persist for more than 30 long years, with apparently no visible success! It would be impossible for any ordinary person to be undeterred year after year, against enormous odds, without seeing any sign of progress. Twice his manuscript on the translation of Bhagavad-Gita was lost, and yet he did it all over again, without feeling discouraged or bewildered. Hardly anyone appreciated his mission and came forward to co-operate or offer solid help to him. But as Srila Prabhupada spoke of himself, “It is not very encouraging, still I’m not a man to be disappointed.” He was unshakeable because he was completely confident and clear about the order of his spiritual master – to preach in the English language in the western parts of the world. And he executed whatever was needed to fulfill that order, with incomparable enthusiasm.
In the beginning stages, we might need closer direction and guidance on how to deal with the different twists and turns of life, to understand Krishna’s desires and how to apply scriptural principles to practical life. So, when faced with uncertainty, take the opportunity to consult and seek the guidance of vaishnavas. Having gotten a clear direction, you can then proceed confidently on that basis with great resolve.
