Obstacles Bhakti - Kunjeshwari Home

Obstacles in Bhakti
Sri Bhagavân said in Gitâ – “The one who does not envy any body, is friendly
towards all, compassionate, impartial, rid of false ego, is balanced in
happiness and sorrow, always satisfied, has self-control, extremely faithful,
his mind and intellect are surrendered to me, he does not cause anxiety to
any being and neither gets troubled by others, is free from joy, misery, fear,
anxiety – he is dear to me. He is detached from material attractions, pure,
enthusiastic in executing his duties, impartial, nothing can cause him sorrow,
does not expect anything in return for his duties, such a devotee is dear to
me. He is not pleased with material gain neither expects what he does not
have, he does not care for good or bad result – he is dear to me. He is
impartial to friends and foes, is balanced in respect and disrespect, cold and
heat, joy and sorrow, is mentally balanced, is detached from every material
object, is balanced in praise and criticism, is satisfied with he gets, does not
consider his home and wealth his own, is of steadfast nature – such a
devotee is dear to me. He is faithful, devout and follows the abovementioned
path – such devotees are extremely dear to me.”
– (Bhagavad Gitâ.12.13-20)
So we understand that if we have these qualities Sri Govinda will be pleased
with us. Therefore when we practice devotion and conduct ourselves in this
manner it is favorable for bhakti. If we behave in the opposite manner it is
unfavorable.
We should have firm faith that Sri Krishna will protect us. If we do not
believe this strongly it means we don’t have sharanâgati. Then we do not feel
enthusiastic in bhajan. If a student feels that in spite of studying he will not
pass in the examination, then he will become slack in his studies. And if he
knows for sure that if he studies he will definitely pass then he will study with
renewed vigor. Therefore if we want bhakti it is necessary to have this firm
belief – “I may be a great sinner, yet I have taken His shelter, then He will
most certainly purify me and will place me at His feet.”
It is possible that a father throws his son out of the house due to misconduct.
However when the son realizes his folly and comes to his father saying- “I
will not misbehave again” – how can the father shut the door on his face?
Similarly since eternity, we, who have been steeped in materialism, take His
shelter and beg – “My dear Lord, I have indulged in many bad activities, but
I promise not to repeat them; please protect me, I take Your refuge” then
how can Sri Bhagavân reject His refugees? After all He is the soul of souls.
When we take His shelter truly we shall have no fear, for it is His nature to
dispel fear.
“sakrideva prapanno yastavâsmiti cha vâchate,
abhayam sarvadâ tasmai dadâmyetad-vratam mâm”
Meaning - "When we take His shelter and pray even once – ‘I am Yours’ – I
always grant him protection; this is my pledge.” – (Râmâyan)
Putanâ offered Sri Krishna her breast smeared with poison and He gave her
the status of His mother in turn. When I take the shelter of such
compassionate Sri Krishna why do I fear? Fear is afraid of Him. I have
nothing to worry once I accept His shelter.
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