Q. How can a common person without any religious background understand that tribulations are due to karma or time?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Srila Prabhupada remarks in his purport to SB 2.2.35, that it is not difficult, even for a common man, to realize the presence of the Supersoul in everyone’s heart by reason and perception. He even elaborates a seven-step procedure by which one can do so. This is to say that with a little introspection and truthful reflection, any common man can come to have an intuitive sense of the truths about the presence of a Superior controller, superior intelligence directing us, the effects of one’s action and their reactions (karma) and so forth — provided one possesses a simple heart with humility and service attitude.
On the other hand, one who has an intrinsically competitive and challenging attitude towards God however becomes covered in his intelligence, and cannot possibly understand these things even if they were explained in great detail.
Going further than a vague and intuitive inclination towards these truths, to actually have firm, practical conviction and clear understanding of their application is generally possible only by coming in contact with the descending knowledge coming through the association of realized devotees in disciplic succession, in some form either directly or indirectly. Therefore, the association of devotees is so valuable and Srila Prabhupada was so anxious to make this association widely available to people in general.
