Our frustration in this world mainly comes due to unfulfilled desires or that we did not get as much happiness as we expected. We all know there is a factor of “Karma” which determines whether our desires will be fulfilled and Lord Krsna in Bhagavad Gita clearly tells this material happiness is temporary and not truly satisfying as we are actually not these bodies.
Therefore, what hope do we have then, while we are in these bodies and in this world? Fortunately, there a solution to this puzzle, which I heard during my early days in Krsna consciousness (in 2005). The speaker said, “If we desire for Krsna or service of Krsna, Krsna will always fulfill our desires”. Suddenly this realization struck me, “That’s it. All I have to do is change my desires and I will never be frustrated”. I sincerely tried to change my desires and along with it my goal in life, and I could see it working – not only was I “not frustrated”, but I was becoming more blissful in Krsna consciousness.
Along the way, one important factor is “patience”. As we were entering Grhastha ashrama, our Guru Maharaja, H.H Indradyumna Swami maharaja gave very important instructions, which laid a spiritual foundation for our later life together. One of which is, “Learn to be patient. Krsna will not give you what you want, when you want, but He will give when HE wants”. With this principle in mind, we should put our aspirations in Krsna consciousness whether it be our own spiritual advancement or in pushing Srila Prabhupada’s mission, in the core of our hearts and pray.
Krsna is waiting to see if the flame of this desire gets stronger with time or shuts off. Krsna is waiting to see are there other bigger burning selfish desires consuming this small flame. Sometimes even if we forget our desires due to situations in life and leave it to the hands of Krsna, mystically when we are “ready”, Krsna will fulfill them in the most unexpected/wonderful way.
Allow me to share a few incidents from my life, which illustrate the above principles. Since the time our twin boys were born, I had this desire to share “Srimad Bhagavatam” with our boys. In addition, I had the desire to give discourses in Srimad Bhagavatam so I can whole-heartedly glorify our beloved Lord, the process of devotional service and the Guru parampara. Years later, as you all know, when the boys turned five (2018), we started “Kids Bhagavatam” to teach Srimad Bhagavatam in a systematic way. Now a year later, devotees are getting to know about this project and joining the team to learn how to teach the same to their kids. I am so elated to see how Krsna fulfilled both of my desires in the most mystical way.
So to move our lives from frustration to fulfillment, the key principles are – 1) Desire for Krsna or for the service of Krsna 2) Keep the desire in the core of the heart and pray. Let this desire become big and replace all other selfish desires. 3) Be patient – when Krsna sees the desire is strong and pure He will award it.
I pray and hope this will encourage all of you in desiring wonderful things in service to Krsna and the mission of Krsna consciousness.
Article entitled “Frustration or fulfillment” by Syamala dasi (FB – @syamala.ids, @lightofgodhead)
