April 1, 2025
THE MONTH OF APRIL
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s searchlight illuminates the inside of man! Religion gets a revolutionary meaning. Life glows with a divine purpose. Man’s puny individuality receives a fatal blow, only to be resurrected in and as God. Step by step we are led into the heart of the reality where nothing but God exists and where even the visible universe is but the body of God.
The little ego asserts itself. It has its own petty desires and cravings, attachments and aversions, dogmas and doctrines. Kṛṣṇa warns us: “These must go”. That is the meaning of ‘saṁnyᾱsa’ (renunciation).
We should practise true saṁnyᾱsa without advertising it. It is not for others’ but for our own sake. Advertisement might provoke some to antagonism and prompt others to hero-worship, thus the purpose will be defeated. Incidentally, the following is a wise rule if you value your peace of mind: never let anyone know the innermost secrets of your life, what you value most and wish to achieve – or else, you will be exposing your vulnerable points.
Kṛṣṇa advocates gradual growth or evolution, not over-night transformation or revolution. You might be tempted to swear: “I will be totally selfless from this moment.” Avoid that temptation. Prayerfully hold the ideal in front of the mind’s eye every day. If you take a vow, you will only be provoking all the latent inner enemies (and external forces) which will compel you to break the vow the very next day. Have you not noticed that on the day you resolve to fast, you feel hungry earlier than usual? When the vow is broken you will waste further time and energy in useless remorse.
By God’s grace, we shall come out victorious, in due time!