This life is miserable, full of sufferings. There is no happiness or tranquility. By impressions from past association, one realizes these things, approaches a qualified guru and asks, “How can I be eternally happy?” This is the qualification of a disciple. Symptoms of a pure disciple have been given in sastra. He will be very humble. He must be tolerant. A disciple should not be perplexed in worldly sufferings, nor be concerned whether he is defeated or victorious. He should not care if he is respected or insulted—never should he be concerned with these things. A disciple should know the heart’s desire of the holy master and he should try to fulfill it.
If you are trying to do bhajana, and sometimes you are happy and sometimes sorry, how can you do bhajana? Try to give up worldly things. Do not think: “This is my duty.” Know the original transcendental duty: “Oh, I am a servant of Krsna.” We are not qualified to think that way now, however.
April 07, 2000 Mathurā