Burlingame, CA
Because we’re in a serious draught here in California, a few months ago, I adjusted our automatic watering system, reducing the volume and frequency of water going to our backyard garden.
The result of this reduction was that after two and a half months our garden became dry and wilted.
Two weeks ago, I increased the daily watering by five percent. Now the garden is perking up; green tips are appearing, the figs are getting fat, and even some roses are emerging.
Seeing the dramatic difference a five percent increase in water made to our garden reminded me how even small, incremental increases in one’s bhakti practice can revive a practitioner’s taste and enthusiasm for devotional service.
The bhakti scriptures recommend therefore, that bhakti yogis carefully monitor their daily intake of devotional water to remain strong in spiritual life.
This process should not be stopped by the thought that because one is initiated there is no need of hearing and chanting. It should go on continuously. If you stop pouring water on a plant, it will dry up, it will not produce any fruit. Similarly, even if you are highly elevated in Krishna consciousness, you cannot stop this process of hearing and chanting because maya is so strong, so powerful, that as soon as she sees, “Ah, here is an opportunity,” at once you will dry up.[1]
Om Tat Sat
[1] Krishna Consciousness, the Topmost Yoga System; ch. 9
Vaisesika Dasa
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