Question: I have had one question which often bothers my mind, about right attitude.
We hear that everthing is Krishna’s property. I can think of Krishna’s great powers by recalling His pastimes and His creation. But I am unsure what is meant by serving Krishna and what should be our thought while taking up any duties. Does that mean that we have to value everything and everyone as Krishna’s?
a) If yes, then is it our duty to hear from everyone and share whatever we are practicing?
I am currently working as an Assistant professor in Ethiopia. I try to share my subject knowledge thinking it is Krishna’s property that I am dealing with. Sometimes I feel very joyful with such RESPECTFUL work.
But sometimes I get a kind of fear and lose balance in doing day-to-day responsibilities; in that condition, I tend to avoid hearing and facing students/staff. Why am I suffering like that? What steps should I take when this occurs?
b) If not, what is the ultimate attitude and what should be the steps to reach there?
I will be thankful for throwing light on the the right attitude while interacting with any person, so that I can stay confident.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Thank you for the question. Inquiry is considered to be the first step in spiritual progress (athatho brahma-jijnasa). Your questions and a desire to do the right thing are certainly a step in the right direction.
You have asked good questions, philosophical and practical. I will attempt to address them succinctly. I would also encourage you to use this as a basis of your personal research on this topic, to the point where you successfully clarify both these aspects of spirituality.
In the Isopanisad (Mantra 1), it is said:
“Isha vasyam idam sarvam yat kim cha jagatyam jagat / tena tyaktena bhunjitha ma gridhah kasyasid dhanam.”
“Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One should therefore accept things necessary for him as it is set aside as his quota and must not accept otherwise knowing it well as to whom does it belong.”
This verse verifies your premise that Krsna indeed owns everything. Matter is inanimate and spirit soul is animate. Therefore everything, including us, belongs to Krsna.
The second part of your question is answered in the later part of the verse. After having acknowledged the proprietorship of Krsna, we should only use that which is set aside for us. This means that one is enjoined to lead a simple life, without excessive endeavor for material gain, thus with sufficient time to pursue our spiritual endeavors.
How does one practically acknowledge Krsna’s universal ownership? If you go as a guest into someone else’s house, the first thing you will find out is how the host would like you to conduct yourself; and then strive to act accordingly. Similarly, integral to our effort to acknowledge Krsna’s proprietorship is to understand and follow His instructions.
In the present age, Krsna’s clear instruction is to chant His names; the prescribed method is to chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. I see that you have already commenced on this path and would encourage you to become steady in your chanting. You may also find the following audio discussion by me “Increasing quality and quantity of chanting” helpful.
You have mentioned about the joy you experience in sharing your understanding of Krsna consciousness. That is understandable. When one gets this great treasure of love for Krsna, it is natural to want to share. However, just like a tree needs to grow strong before it can shelter others, I would recommend that you first focus on your personal growth and during that time share your realizations only with like-minded souls.
As your personal faith and conviction grows, your ability to confidently interact with those around you will automatically manifest.
Transcendental knowledge is an iterative process of understanding, application and realizations. I would encourage you meditate on these points, translate them to appropriate action, and then follow through consistently.
