Today, I’m eager to unveil a simple yet profound trick that can lead us all to a state of fearlessness. Have you ever wondered what this trick might be? It’s a practice deeply rooted in Bhakti—the worship of Sri Nandanandan Abhaya Charana Ravinda, or in other words, the fearless lotus feet of Lord Krishna.
Discovering Our Ally and Adversary: Our Own Mind
Imagine the charming Bal Gopal Krishna, whose divine feet are the ultimate sanctuary of fearlessness. It’s this very depiction we should meditate upon, the one who can grant us eternal fearlessness.
To navigate life’s unpredictable seas with a sense of peace, one must anchor the mind to the spirit of Krishna, the divine source of fearlessness. The key to a fearless existence comes not from without but from within, through the steadfast worship of Krishna. Together we are not just learning this; we are becoming it. Let us stride forward, our hearts basked in Krishna’s fearless radiance.
The Unwavering Faith of Prahlad Maharaj
Let’s reflect on the tale of Sri Prahlad Maharaj, a striking embodiment of spiritual bravery. As a mere child, he faced attempts on his life by his father, the demon Hiranyakashipu, solely because Prahlad exuded devotion to Vishnu—uttering the sacred mantra, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” and spreading the essence of Krishna consciousness.
Amidst trials that involved a room swarming with venomous snakes and the threat of being cast off a cliff, Prahlad was serene. When his captors confronted him, he responded with disarming simplicity. “How can I fear when I am to fall into the lap of Mother Earth, the consort of Vishnu, my protector?” Such was his unshakable faith that no harm came to him—only the echo of his devoted chants.
“Trust in the protection of Lord Krishna is the source of ultimate fearlessness.”
- Prahlad Maharaj
As this story illustrates, with deep faith and surrender to Krishna, we too can face life’s trials with courage and tranquility. Prahlad teaches us that danger is an illusion – the eternal shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet transcends all.
Surrender: The Path Paved by Srila Prabhupada
Our venerable Srila Prabhupada, at the ripe age of 70, exhibited this same indomitable spirit. Ambitious to embark on a voyage to America, he patiently sat outside the office of Sumati Morarji, beseeching for passage aboard her cargo ship. Despite her concerns for his age and health, Prabhupada’s reply resonated with resilience, “I am very bold.”
Prabhupada suffered two heart attacks while aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta on his passage to America. But his faith in Krishna remained unshaken. Through divine grace, he survived to carry out his mission. Prabhupada’s example gives us courage – if we fully surrender to Krishna, no obstacle can halt our service.
Three Hard Realities of Life from a Krishna Conscious Perspective
1. Acceptance of Divine Control
In a world where control seems to define our existence, let’s introspect—if controlling something as simple as the alarm clock’s snooze eludes us, can we genuinely claim dominion over life’s complexities? Acknowledge this: Krishna is the ultimate controller.
2. The Purpose Behind Our Gifts
Each talent we possess is imbued with intentionality. Like a child offering a piece of chocolate back to the gifting parent, so too should we offer our abilities back to Krishna. In this exchange lies the secret to our boundless joy.
3. The Impermanence of Possessions
Krishn can retract everything we cherish at any moment, which is hard to swallow yet universally true. Such sobering realizations remind us of the transient nature of our earthly attachments.
By keeping these hard realities close to our hearts, we remain conscious that all we have is a gift from Krishna. This grants us equanimity amidst life’s fluctuations.
Shattering the Ego: The Veil Over Reality
Our deepest struggle stems from an inflated sense of self—the ego. It convinces us of our sovereignty, blinding us to the grand design. Surrendering this fallacy clears the mirror of our hearts, allowing us to perceive the world in its true light.
Ego breeds agitation and insecurity. By nullifying it through humble submission to the divine, we rediscover our natural state of serenity.
The Mind’s Declaration of Fearlessness
Bhajahur Sri Nandanandana Abhaya Charanari – O mind, worship the fearless lotus feet of Krishna. This is the simple trick that unlocks fearlessness.
To navigate life’s unpredictable seas with a sense of peace, one must anchor the mind to the spirit of Krishna, the divine source of fearlessness. Together we are not just learning this; we are becoming it. Let us stride forward, our hearts basked in Krishna’s fearless radiance.
In conclusion, the key to a fearless existence comes not from without but from within, through the steadfast worship of Krishna.
Hare Krishna!
