The clouds of anarthas and the fog of ignorance are obstructing our experience of the Holy Name of the Lord. The process for clearing away these clouds is to chant the Holy Name and hear the pastimes of the Lord in the association of devotees. By hearing such narrations, we awaken our faith in the Lord. The whole purpose of maintaining this body, and the goal of everything that we do, should be to awaken this faith.
June 6, 2001, Ekaterinburg
When somebody is under the influence of maya, they think “this person is my friend, because he satisfies my lust and this person is my enemy, because he interferes with my lust.” Lust is the enemy, not the living entity.
June 4, 1997, Tiraspol
The spirit of renunciation means give up the enjoying spirit. Without giving up this enjoying spirit it is not actually possible to be renounced. One may actually renounce family life, but if he renounces without understanding the real spirit of renunciation, his renunciation will be incomplete.
June 3, 1994, St.Petersburg
For those who are too much attached, they lack that determination which is required to stick to serving. Whatever service one may have, they must think “this is for the Lords pleasure, not mine.” There may be so many impediments, but the devotee is determined to serve despite these impediments. How can the devotee continue to serve despite impediments? When his mind finds shelter in Krsna consciousness.
June 2, 2003, Moscow
Full consciousness means to actually know Krsna as He is. To get this moment of full consciousness, one has to come in the association of a pure devotee of the Lord. A pure devotee of the Lord is one who knows Krsna.
June 1, 1995, St. Petersburg
When you want to buy something, you have to give something in return. So if you want buy pure devotional service, you have to purchase it with your faith. To that degree that you place your faith, to that degree you will get return for your faith. Advancement in devotional service is simply advancement in the degree of our faith. And this faith will be tested everywhere along the way.
May 31, 2009, Kiev
Prabhupad said that nondevotees cannot distribute our books. That only the devotees can distribute our books, because only they can invoke the Lord's presence to inspire somebody who would, otherwise, have no inclination towards spiritual life.
May 30, 1996, Moscow
The Lord is so merciful, that He tests His devotees simply to bring them closer to Him.
May 29, 2003, Kiev
There are no enemies in Vaikuntha mentality. Everybody is seen as a servant of the Supreme Lord and everybody’s service is recognized and appreciated. The best way to help someone in their service is to remind them Who they are serving, This way they can render service in the proper consciousness rather than have their service obstructed.
May 24, 2009, Kiev
If a person can not control his mind and the senses, why he should try to conquer everybody simply by criticism? First conquer the mind and senses and actually help others to become Krsna conscious. This is the real solution.
May 23, 1998, Novorossyisk