Question: Is there any way in which I can convince my parents to let me become a devotee?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Actions speak louder than words. When your parents, or any one for that matter, see the positive impact that Krishna consciousness has on your general behavior & attitude and in your day-to-day interactions with others, then any misgivings they may have about the process of Krishna consciousness or about your becoming a devotee will be dispelled from their minds.
In other words, when your parents see that by becoming a devotee you are becoming happier, increasingly respectful and considerate of others, responsible in your activities etc, then they will feel most convinced about the merits of devotional service. Please note that these above-mentioned symptoms are not the primary benefits of taking up devotional life. Our real goal in practicing devotion is to develop love of God, not as a means to improve our personality or fix our attitude/relationship problems etc. But anyone who sincerely tries to become a devotee of Krishna naturally develops all good qualities as a secondary benefit. For those who have not yet learned to appreciate devotional life, this is often the most attractive and powerful testimony that they can relate to and begin to appreciate.
By Krishna’s grace, if there is an opportunity for your parents to meet with some mature and qualified devotees, seeing their character and hearing their convictions could help greatly in alleviating your parent’s doubts or hesitations. Even then, your own good behavior and happiness will have a major impact in solidifying those favorable impressions. It might take some time and your parents may not be able to perceive immediately how you are transforming, but this alone will prove most effective and enduring in the long run than your beginning expressions of the teachings you have learned in Krishna consciousness. If you strive by the right means, your parents will begin to see that devotion to Krishna is not a fanatic or sentimental fad, but a very scientific and wholesome way of life. Not only will they then support your devotion, but they may themselves be inspired to become devotees of Krishna.
So, I would like to recommend you to continue your devotional practices as best as you can with internal determination, without getting into uneasy arguments or volatile head-on situations with your parents. Treat them very respectfully and considerately – not as a manipulative technique but in a sincere effort knowing that this is pleasing to Krishna. Krishna is present as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart and He is inspiring and sanctioning everyone’s activities. When Krishna sees your sincere efforts to come to Him, He will surely arrange for your parents’ change of heart. You can pray everyday for your parents – prayers are very powerful and Krishna will hear and respond to your sincere prayers.
Lastly, I would like to mention that it is not out of place to offer cogent and persuasive reasons to establish the merits and importance of Krishna consciousness. The Vedic scriptures are supported by the most sound logic and reason, and a highly consistent philosophy and way of life. When properly presented in a loving atmosphere, no reasonable person would be able to refuse this process. But mere logic and reason alone are insufficient to touch the heart of others. When you present them appropriately, within the fabric of due respect and affection, then you are sure to win your parent’s heart and their support – it would only be a matter of time.
