When I say there is no failure in spiritual life, I mean that no one who is sincere in the genuinely trying to serve God will fail. I dont mean ordinary religious life in which one engages in occasional acts of faith or piety, but in authentic activities of surrender and devotion to God.
When I say there is no failure in spiritual life, I mean that no one who is sincere in the genuinely trying to serve God will fail. I dont mean ordinary religious life in which one engages in occasional acts of faith or piety, but in authentic activities of surrender and devotion to God.
Naturally, for some of us this may sound like a bold and somewhat revolutionary statement, that no one fails in spiritual life. After all, how many times have we heard, especially from the fundamental monotheistic religions, that aside from there being one God, which of course is true, that there is only one sacred book, one savior, one way to live, and only one path to God or heaven, and all others are but deceptions that will take you to hell? We can presently see that idea in most of the religions today. Many of them say they are the only true religion and the only way to God. Not only that, but in each religion there are branches or divisions, sects and sub-sects that say the same thing about themselves, that they are the only ones who follow the true path to God and all others are misleading or worse, or will take you to hell. Thus, even though they may be of the same faith, they become at odds with each other, or even at war.
Let me say that this idea that there is only one savior or messenger, one sacred scripture, one way to God, and one group of "saved" people who must convince and convert all others from going to hell, is perhaps the most successful campaign of brainwashing that has ever circled the planet. The fact of the matter is that this is not the way God operates, and it is not the purpose of the world. God allows for much more latitude in our approach to Him, and for our understanding of who we are.
GOD GIVES US ALL A CHANCE
The real loving nature of God is that He gives us all a chance to understand Him and return to Him. Furthermore, God, as He has given numerous instructions in His form as Sri Krishna, has deliberately shown that there are so many ways by which we can develop our attraction and devotion to Him. Naturally, we all have individual characteristics and temperaments, as well as different inclinations and abilities. So why would an all-loving God not provide the facility for each one of us to be able to engage our natural tendencies in a devotional activity?
The great devotee Prahlada Maharaja explained to his school friends, "The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Narayana, is the original Supersoul, the father of all living entities. Consequently there are no impediments to pleasing Him, or worshiping Him under any conditions, whether one be a child or an old man [or young girl or old woman, rich or poor, dumb or educated]. The relationship between the living entities and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is always a fact, and therefore there is no difficulty in pleasing the Lord." (Bhag.7.6.19) "If a demigod, demon, human being, Yaksha, Gandharva or anyone within this universe renders service to the lotus feet of Mukunda, Lord Krishna, who can deliver liberation, he is actually situated in the most auspicious condition of life." (Bhag.7.7.50) So this is not some sort of exclusive process that is meant for only one class of people, or a certain nation, or those who accept a certain scripture or path. It is meant for everyone regardless of background, age, class or even species.
This devotional service to the Lord is broken down into nine categories. The major types of service to the Supreme Being include hearing and chanting about the transcendental name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of the Lord Vishnu, remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering respectful worship, offering prayers, becoming His servant, considering the Lord ones best friend, and surrendering unto Him. (Bhag.7.5.23-24)
Still, even among these categories, Lord Krishna provides the means for people of different inclinations to start the path of spirituality. He explains what the essential point is for those who can follow it, or how to work toward that epitome of spirituality, which is, "Just fix your mind upon Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage all your intelligence in Me. Thus you will live in Me always, without a doubt. . . if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulated principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way you will develop a desire to attain Me. If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage. If, however, you are unable to work in this consciousness, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be self-situated. If you cannot take to this practice, then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action, for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind." (Bg.12.8-12)
In this way, the Lord gives us so many ways of beginning the path of spiritual development. And once begun, having sincerely served the Lord in any of these ways, ones life is forever changed, and he or she has acquired spiritual merit that will never fade. As Lord Krishna Himself has spoken, "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." (Bg. 2.40)
