a dark storm pt. 2

In the same way, we should have full conviction and faith in Lord Krishna. No matter what misfortune or hardships we may experience, we should never let our faith dwindle and our devotion fade. We shouldn't let our love be a one way transaction.

We shouldn't let our love be a one way transaction. What does that mean?

A relationship in which one person constantly asks the other party for materialistic things without doing anything for them in return isn't a wholesome relationship.

Krishna gives us everything. He owns everything in this material world and yet we are free to use it. If we claim to love Krishna but exploit everything in this world without offering anything, especially our devotion to Him, is that really love?

Moreover, is love a smooth flowing journey? Absolutely not. Movies and books tend to glamorize love but in reality, it's not all rainbows and sunshine. Love has its hurdles, its difficulties, and its sacrifices. If we love someone wholeheartedly and unconditionally, we should be prepared to make sacrifices and weather any obstacles that come our way.

Srila Prabhupada is an example of an exalted devotee who loved unconditionally. While travelling to the U.S. on the Jaladuta, he suffered seasickness and two heart attacks. He could've easily turned back to India instead of continuing the arduous journey to America. But his love for Krishna and his guru maharaj was stronger than his material afflictions. He was prepared to make sacrifices and encounter hurdles because he loved so strongly and so wholeheartedly.

When he arrived to the U.S. he was alone. He didn't know anyone. Not to mention, he only carried seven dollars, some cereal, a couple boxes of books, an umbrella, and a suitcase.

He had nothing and no one and yet at the same time, he had everything and everyone. He was virtually a stranger in an even stranger land with a few possessions. But he had Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the instructions of his guru maharaj. And for him, that was all he would ever need to spread the chanting of the holy name to the west. He wore his love and devotion as his armor and eventually, he went on to establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Today, there are more than 600 ISKCON centers all over the globe! That's a crazy number! And all of this was only possible due to the pure unconditional love Srila Prabhupada had for Lord Krishna and his guru.

So, yes, we will have our rough times. We'll encounter innumerable hurdles and experience hardships. But the important thing, is that our faith remains strong, just like Srila Prabhupada. Krishna has a plan. We just need to have conviction in His love for us.

Radhanath Swami states in "The Journey Within",

"When we embrace it (self-awareness), we learn that every moment in life is perfect and sacred, and that a divine power has engineered it in some imperceptible way and woven it into the intricate tapestry of our life for our spiritual progress. We learn to trust God with humility, patience, and courage."

I won't lie, it's definitely hard to believe that every bad moment or event in our life occurs for a specific reason. That's why, like Radhanath Swami says, we learn to trust God and put our full faith in him. He will give us what we deserve. We do our best to fulfill our duties and then we leave the rest in Krishna's hands.

It's definitely hard but it's a journey. And although journeys are never easy, they are absolutely worth it.

Srila Prabhupada boards the Jaladuta to embark on a journey that would transform the lives of millions all over the world.