In this present life, due to the influence of the age of
Kali,
we encounter dangers at every step and the modes of material nature toss us between bouts of happiness and distress. As a result, beyond a point, man thinks that this is life so why not accept life the way it is. However, the scriptures emphasize that our true nature is eternal life of bliss and joy.While explaining the atmarama verse to
Sanatana Gosvami,
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
states, “O great learned devotee, although there are many faults in this material world, there is one good opportunity—the association with devotees. Such association brings about great happiness.” Even a moment's association with a pure devotee cannot be compared to being transferred to heavenly planets or even merging into the
Brahman
effulgence in complete liberation. For living entities who are destined to give up the body and die, association with pure devotees is the highest benediction. For example, a train proceeding from destination A to B can change course if in a second the lineman changes its course to destination C by the press of a button. In the same way, a bonafied spiritual master can by just a moment’s association change the fate of a sincere seeker from seeking material pursuits to our actual destination, back home, back to Godhead.In this section, we shall associate with His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
a pure devotee of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya line of spiritual preceptors, through his books, lectures and songs.
