By Giriraj Swami
Yesterday I was so busy readying the revised and enlarged Watering the Seed for the printer–and dealing with other pressing matters–that I scarcely had time to chant sixteen rounds. I was heartened, however, by Srila Prabhupada’s class on Bhagavad-gita 1.15.
He concluded: “In the spiritual world the only enjoyer is Krsna–either in the spiritual or material world. He is the supreme enjoyer. He is also enjoyer of my energy, because my energy is derived from Krsna’s energy. Just like a master and a servant–the master is giving him food, comforts, and the servant is getting energy. So, how should the energy be utilized? For the master, not for sense gratification. And if you want to [use your energy for Krsna], then Krsna, Hrsikesa, the master of the senses, will give you the intelligence.
“So, whatever energy you have got, if you utilize it for Krsna’s sake, hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhakti–that is bhakti. Arjuna was not chanting on the beads; he was fighting. But still, bhakto ‘si me. Krsna says, “Oh, you are My great devotee.” Now, people may question, “He was not chanting; he was fighting. How he became a great devotee?” But Krsna says, bhakto ‘si me sakha ceti–“You are My dear friend, you are My devotee, because you are utilizing your energy for Me.” So bhakti means you utilize your energy for Krsna. Then your life is perfect.”
So I felt encouraged to dedicate my energy fully to the service at hand–whatever was required–for the pleasure of Krsna and His devotees. We have so many tasks that pertain to the material world–caring for devotees on various levels, supporting the mission in different ways, even maintaining our bodies (keeping body and soul together to serve Krsna)–but if we utilize our energy for Krsna, for Krsna’s pleasure, and not for sense gratification, that is bhakti, and that is perfection.
Anyway, by Srila Prabhupada’s grace, I felt, and feel, encouraged to try to do so, whatever it takes. And in this endeavor, I pray for your mercy and blessings.
Hare Krsna