On Love of Guru and Krishna 

I recently had a conversation with a friend who claimed that theoreticians estimate that the average person accomplishes only 10% of his promises, is open to only 10% of his emotions, and his heart is only 10% alive with love.  If there is any truth in that, it isfrightening to consider that I will miss out on so much in life.  I have the greatest fortune to be linked to the Supreme Lord and to his best devotees, but if I give only 10% of my love, that is the greatest misfortune. 

Krishna consciousness is about love.  It is the art and science of love, not just ordinary love, but Supreme love – love of God.  Krishna loves us and He wants us to serve Him.  “Offer me with devotion, a leaf, a flower, a fruit …”  But I am not immersed in love.  Therefore my relationship with Krishna takes place through my connection with my spiritual master.  I need to learn how to love Srila Prabhupada.  I still haven’t learned this lesson, but it is meant to help me learn the secrets of loving exchange with Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna. 

Prabhupada acknowledged self-esteem as an important element of this relationship.  We cannot become a surrendered servant by pounding ourselves into the ground like a wooden peg.  And neither can another person pound us into loving surrender.  I have to meet my needs.  I need to serve my spiritual master.  And I need to do it with self-knowledge.  When I know how to love him, then he will teach me how to love Krishna.  I am groping toward this end.