Wednesday 14 March 2012

Investing our Consciousness in Krishna


Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.32
TRANSLATION Bhishmadeva said: Let me now invest my thinking, feeling and willing, which were so long engaged in different subjects and occupational duties, in the all-powerful Lord Sri Krsna. He is always self-satisfied, but sometimes, being the leader of the devotees, He enjoys transcendental pleasure by descending on the material world, although from Him only the material world is created.

Srimad Bhagavatam teaches us that our contemplations should be upon Krishna exclusively, because He alone is the object of meditation which can remove all material affinity (eg. see Srimad Bhagavatam 2.4.15). When we engage in varieties of devotional service, we need to "invest consciousness" within the activities we are performing, contemplating all the while the intended purpose: pleasing guru and Krishna. This kind of investing of consciousness will purify our existence, including our intelligence, mind and senses. As well, our dormant feelings of love for Krishna will awaken with greater and greater strength as we become accomplished in such contemplation. [We cannot make the same statement about contemplation upon any worldly object!]

Bhishmadeva's services as a statesman, ksatriya, grandfather, etc were all rendered with complete focus upon Krishna within his mind. However, when the circumstance was provided, at will he could completely "invest his consciousness" (or, here, his thinking, feeling and willing power) in Krishna alone, minus the extending of consciousness into the field of activity through active service. Such a capacity is something we should also cultivate --- while chanting japa, for example! Srila Prabhupada taught us that we should be fully contented and undisturbed in consciousness regardless of whether we find ourselves in a state of austerity or opulence. Focus of consciousness upon Krishna is the only means of achieving such complete detachment permanently.

- HH Romapada Swami

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