Practical Engagement in Lord Krishna's Service
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Everyone must do some kind of work, but if you work only for yourself you must accept the karmic reactions
of that work. As Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita (3.9), "Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu [Krishna]
has to be performed. Otherwise work binds one to the material world."
You needn't change your occupation, except if you're now engaged in a sinful job such as working as a butcher
or bartender. If you're a writer, write for Krishna; if you're an artist, create for Krishna; if you're a secretary,
type for Krishna. You may also directly help the temple in your spare time, and you should sacrifice some of
the fruits of your work by contributing a portion of your earnings to help maintain the temple and propagate
Krishna consciousness. Some devotees living outside the temple buy Hare Krishna literature and distribute it
to their friends and associates, or they engage in a variety of services at the temple. There is also a wide
network of devotees who gather in each other's homes for chanting, worship, and study.
Additional Devotional Principles
There are many more practices that will help you become Krishna conscious. Here are two vital ones:
Studying Hare Krishna literature.
Srila Prabhupada , the founder-acarya of Krishna consciousness
movement, dedicated much of his time to writing books such as the Srimad-Bhagavatam, an encyclopedia of
Vedic knowledge about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. Hearing the words and reading
the writings of a bonafide spiritual master is an essential spiritual practice. So try to set aside some time every
day to read Srila Prabhupada's books. You can download any of Srila Prabhupada's books online for free here.
Associating with devotees.
Srila Prabhupada established the Hare Krishna movement to give people in
general the chance to associate with devotees of the Lord. This is the best way to gain faith in the process of
Krishna consciousness and become enthusiastic in devotional service. Conversely, maintaining intimate
connections with non-devotees slows one's spiritual progress. So try to visit the Hare Krishna center nearest
you as often as possible.
The beauty of Krishna consciousness is that you can take as much as you're ready for. Krishna Himself
promises in the Bhagavad-gita (2.40), "In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution , and a little
advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear." So bring Krishna into your
daily life, and we guarantee you'll feel the benefit.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
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