The Sense of Hopelessness is the Cause of Downfall

Sometimes it is very hard to follow, but try to overcome all the senses. Try to keep your heart and mind empty so that it may be filled by Guru and Kṛṣṇa. There should be no hopelessness. This sense of hopelessness is the cause of downfall. If Gurudeva chastises us, we should simply think how to please him more—not that we become hopeless. For some period of time my Gurudeva appeared to be not satisfied with anything. What did I do? I always engaged in doing a great deal of service so that he would become happy. So, don’t be hopeless. Think, “It is for my betterment.” Gurudeva has no self-interest. You should think, “My Gurudeva is so much more intelligent than me. He is most intelligent. He is my well-wisher and friend.” If a bona fide guru chastises a disciple, it is for the betterment of that disciple—for the development of his bhakti.

Always engage your mind in bhakti. It will help you. If we have another motive than kṛṣṇa-prema, if we commit vaiṣṇava-aparādha and nāma-aparādha, we will be in confusion. Even if you are very busy at that time, always try to engage your mind in Kṛṣṇa. Try to have a śikṣā-guru, keep your heart with that śikṣā-guru, and ask him questions. I will also help, but sometimes I may not be physically available. There are many qualified devotees here who can help you.

September 24, 2000 Vṛndāvana