BTS: Examining the quality of our Association By Gopisvari Devi Dasi

Posted by dinesh

"Association is the principle impetus in human life to serve Sri
Hari. Due to the association of non- devotees, one gets material
prosperity. Due to the association of devotees, the spirit soul
gradually becomes absorbed in serving Sri Hari. This is the greatest
shelter for a human being. Never become averse to that. We should
always seek out higher association and understand that association
with materialists will lower the consciousness. Whether we work or
simply go out into the public to preach, we will associate with people
carrying all kinds of contamination and anger towards Krishna. We pick
up some of their consciousness just by being around them. We then have
to shed it by strong chanting, hearing of classes and engaging in
kirtan. All of these activities are part of the cleansing process.
Without these spiritual activities, we will get more absorbed in
material culture. We will start losing our desire to engage in the
devotional process, and start becoming more interested in temporary
pleasures. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta tells us to never become averse to
good association, but we also have to be able to recognize good
association. We cannot buy a good quality diamond if we do not know
what a diamond is. In the process of shopping arond, we will
definitely get cheated. But if we know what we want, we will find a
diamond of the highest quality, and after making the purchase, we will
keep it in very secure place. Similarly, we must know what is good
association. It is association that reminds us of our eternal position
as servitors, increases our appreciation of Vaisnavas, enhances our
love and increases our wonderful appreciaton of Krishna's magnanimity.
It will increase our understanding of our own insignificance as we
attach ourselves to the most significant." Bhakti Tirtha Swami,
Reflections on Sacred Teachings, Vol 5, Srila Bhaktisidddhanta's 64
Principles for Community, Principle 44, page 149-150