Some of you may have noticed that I don't update this blog very often anymore. For those who may not know, it's because I'm fully occupied in my humble endeavour of trying to write on a Gita verse everyday! If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, please feel free to: http://www.gita-asitis.blogspot.ca/Today, however, I write because I am perturbed. I am perturbed by the "news-worthy" events that are constantly unfolding and that are almost always steeped in negativity. At the moment, the one that is fresh in my mind is the tragedy that unfolded in Boston yesterday. What a waste of energy and time to cause such disruptions and spread so much pain.
The predictions of the Bhagavatam are unfolding in front of our eyes. At such a time, the two words HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami coined keep ringing through my ears "Spiritual Warriors." If there was any time or any push we needed to truly invest and take our spiritual lives seriously - it's now.
However, it doesn't come cheap. We only have to look at the lives of incredible role models such as Srila Prabhupada and Bhakti Tirtha Swami to know that to become a spiritual warrior isn't something that can just be bought. It takes an investment of time, commitment and spiritual practice (sadhana).
Those sixteen rounds of the Hare Krsna mantra we chant are our shield. In the battlefield, weapons and strategies are important, but if we do not have a shield to protect us from any weapons that are sent our way, what is the use? The Hare Krsna mantra is our shield in this battlefield of maya where corruption, negativity and hurt are the weapons of choice that are being hurtled at us. Therefore, it is so important to make chanting our utmost priority. Through chanting, we can take shelter and genuinely pray for the welfare of one other.
Our weapons to combat this battle are those that come from purification of the heart. Those intangibles such as kindness, compassion and realized knowledge come by putting in the time to work on ourselves and cultivating genuine, loving relationships with one another.
It's time...are you ready to step up to become a spiritual warrior?
1 comment:
What happened yesterday was so tragic and sometimes it seems that this life is so full of suffering, of spontaneous outbursts of pain and chaos that leaves the world walking around stunned and dazed and feeling hollow. I guess that really is the nature of the material world.
Your message was positive one, especially that it is practical-how we, ourselves, can help protect ourselves from the hurt and pain so that we can be of better service to others.
I definitely believe in the power of the Holy Names to provide protection and shelter. I believe, firsthand, that I have experienced their benefit as in times of chaos in my own life I have turned to them. I always likened the effects of chanting them in times of distress to that of a bubble forming around my soul..all hurtful words like arrows thrown intentionally at it bouncing off. But, I like the analogy of a shield I think better! I admit, though, I need to get more disciplined at chanting them more regularly.
Great post. :)
Post a Comment