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Learning determination from a bird

Krishna consciousness gives one the best possible experience of spiritual happiness. However it’s naive to assume that there would be no challenges or struggles on the way. If you seek admission into the premier IIT or the IIM’s in India, you’ve got to really study hard and pass the gruelling test. It’s not going to be a cakewalk. In spiritual life too, there would be tests, and since we are attempting to enter the most desirable of all abodes, the kingdom of God, it’s not going to be without our own individual share of trials and tribulations.

When doubts strike
As we steadily practise Krishna conscious principles, the distractions and temptations of this world strike at the practitioner. Doubts plague the mind, “Have I made the right choice after all?” and as you wonder like this, the illusions of this world place themselves before you, seeking your service. The heart could tear at this choice; the mind would protest, and while the best of seekers face these attacks, many do succumb to these temptations, and slip away.
If we are keen to pass through these tormenting ordeals, what’s the hope; who’s our inspiration?

A bird, called the chataka is our hero!
The Vedic scriptures implore a serious practitioner to emulate the example of the chataka bird that seeks water only from the fresh monsoon cloud. He’s known in modern times as Jacobin cuckoo, and was recently spotted in the Lankamalla forest in the Kadappa district.
The chataka, also known as the rain bird looks up, and waits patiently for the rain drop to fall into his mouth. Meanwhile there are clear crystal lakes, rivers, springs, and waterfalls of this world that the chataka bird sees as he flies regally in this world. However he doesn’t look down on these water bodies to quench his thirst; he’s only focussed above. Analogously a devotee of Krishna, seeking Krishna’s love, also looks upward at Krishna. Krishna is known as Shaymsundar, beautiful like the dark monsoon cloud! He alone satisfies the devotee completely. The devotee on his or her part refuses to look down at the river and lake like fleeting pleasures that this world promises.

Facing tests bravely
No, he isn’t tempted or allured even as the monsoon cloud of Krishna appears nowhere at sight. A devotee may struggle to chant his rounds, could also feel sleepy in the classes and occasionally even uninspired in his services. He feels it’s a drag, and reflects, “Oh I heard there is ecstasy in Krishna consciousness, but why am I not experiencing it?” some practitioners unfortunately allow these disappointments to further discourage them.

Before the cloud showers rain, the chataka is severely tested. There is thunder and lightning. His other bird friends discourage him, “C’mon give up your foolish pursuit. You are only getting pain. Seek water where we are seeking”, urge the others. Braving all setbacks, chataka perseveres and eventually one day it rains, and then he’s completely satisfied. In the same way before Krishna gives us His love, He tests us with the thunder and lightning like disappointments, and failures. A devotee nonetheless remains faithful, and doesn’t give up on the cloud of Krishna, even as his friends and relatives mock at his decision to serve the Lord. “You have given up the pleasures of this world, you are crazy!” declare the people of this world. During such times, seeing no support or encouragement, a devotee cries alone, and to rub salt on his wounds are his own repeated failures or struggles. Still, crying, and fuming, tired and hurt, he marches on loyal and dedicated to Krishna’s service.

At last, Krishna does reciprocate
When Krishna sees that the devotee is sincere, and hasn’t given up on Him despite all the rumbling and faith shaking incidents, He at last rewards the devotee with the soothing shower of His love. And the day we bathe in that nectarine mercy shower and experience Krishna’s loving reciprocation, all temptations and distractions, and all our slips and falls appear trivial.

Until then, let’s wait patiently and determinedly like the chataka bird. We express our faith, patience and determination by chanting our fixed rounds daily; we also study Srimad Bhagavatam and hear discourses and render menial services to other devotees despite being misunderstood, prejudiced or not loved by others. These are the thunder and lightning tests of Krishna.

During these tests, a devotee doesn’t ignore his duties. He does the needful to ensure there is proper communication and healthy relationships with all, still he knows internally that there’s a limitation to how much these problems could be solved; after all these are Krishna’s tests before He rewards us with the rain of His mercy. Therefore a devotee knows Krishna is waiting and watching our determination.
And when He is pleased, everything else of this world pales into insignificance.

2 Comments

  • B.K.Mehta
    Posted December 19, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Hari Bol ! Perseverance is the key word. Prabhuji, that is why I’ve subscribed to Your blog, because Y.G. has the expertise of an efficient surgeon to remove such lethargy, procrastination etc. from our heart and mind. Thank You.
    Your servant,
    bkmehta

  • vraja bihari dasa
    Posted December 27, 2014 at 2:40 am

    thanks prabhu for your encouraging words
    ys
    vraja bihari dasa

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