Hare Krishna Prabhus and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I just came across a beautiful sloka from the Srimad Bhagavatam and would like to share it with you, as it reveals the secret to attaining true peace in life.
tato ’nyathā kiñcana yad vivakṣataḥ
pṛthag dṛśas tat-kṛta-rūpa-nāmabhiḥ
na karhicit kvāpi ca duḥsthitā matir
labheta vātāhata-naur ivāspadam
Whatever you desire to describe that is separate in vision from the Lord simply reacts, with different forms, names, and results, to agitate the mind as the wind agitates a boat which has no resting place. [SB 1.5.14]
This verse beautifully illustrates the instability of a mind detached from Krishna, comparing it to a boat without an anchor, tossed helplessly by the wind. The key take away is that any endeavor or description that is perceived as separate from the Supreme Lord inevitably leads to agitation and instability of the mind.
The lesson we can learn is that true steadiness in life comes only when we anchor ourselves in devotional service, especially through the chanting of the Holy Name. Rituals and material perfection, when devoid of devotion, lead to disturbance. But even if we are imperfect in our external practices, if our heart is fixed on serving the Lord, all imperfections and disturbances are eventually corrected and removed.
A classic example of this principle is demonstrated in the lives of the Vrajabasis of Vrindavan. Whenever the gopas and gopis faced any difficulties, they sought refuge in Krishna alone. Be it a danger from devata like Indra or Kaliya snake in the Yamuna river – all they knew was “Krishna! Krishna!” . This one-pointed devotion to Supreme Lord helped them to lead a peaceful life. They never relied on their own strength, intelligence, or external arrangements—Krishna was their only shelter.
This one-pointed devotion is the secret to a truly peaceful life. Even though the Vrajabasis faced many difficulties, their hearts and minds were always at peace because they knew Krishna would protect them. In the same way, when we surrender fully to Krishna and take shelter of Guru, Sadhu, and Sastra, we are no longer disturbed by material ups and downs. Instead of being like a boat tossed by the wind, we become steady in the ocean of life, anchored in the Lord’s mercy.
Your servant,
Satya Sara das