Loving the Lord
In bhakti yoga there are nine loving ways to remain continuously connected with the Lord.
1. Associate with Lord Krishna by hearing about Him every day from authorized sources. Learn about Him, what He likes and dislikes, and how to please Him.
2. Call upon Him every day by chanting His holy names with love and devotion. Tell others about Him. Bring Him up in every conversation. Speak about His transcendental service, instructions and pastimes.
3. Remember Him day and night, His holy name, form, qualities, pastimes, devotees, paraphernalia... Remember special realizations of His presence and protection. Even better, write them down. Surround yourself with people and things that remind you of Him. Keep pictures of Him where you'll see them. Celebrate the days that are dear to Him. Wear the Vaisnava clothing and tilak that He likes and wears. Eat only what has been offered to Him for eating first.
4. Like iron drawn to a powerful magnet, visit your local Radha Krishna murtis and Their associates every day. Drink the holy water that has washed Their lotus feet. Carefully assist and take shelter of Their pure servants. Visit the holy places marked by Their lotus feet. Worship and serve Tulsi devi who adorns Krishna's lotus feet.
5. Whatever you do, do it for Krishna with love. Prepare special little things for His comfort such as offerings of food, water, incense, and so on. Give gifts and offerings of food to Him that you know He will enjoy. Pay attention to details. Keep yourself and everything used in His service very pure and orderly.
6. Bow down to His lotus feet, surrendering your heart and soul. Talk to Him in prayer every chance you get. Whenever in doubt, ask Him what to do. Listen carefully to the things He says to you as Supersoul, in dreams, in the sastras, as well as through the sadhu and trusted sources. With great feeling, sing to Him loving prayers each morning and evening.
7. Be available, always prepared to render Him service. Give your full attention. Think of how to serve Him better each new day. Look for His presence everywhere and in every heart.
8. Treasure the things He gives to you - whether it be prasadam, a scripture verse or some gift or necessity He has sent through another person- treasure it! Depend on His provision, protection and direction.
9. Offer to Him your mind, body, words, family and household affairs, heart and soul- everything you possess- for His service. Affirm your unconditional loyalty to Him. Acknowledge Him in all your ways.
In bhakti yoga there are nine loving ways to remain continuously connected with the Lord.
1. Associate with Lord Krishna by hearing about Him every day from authorized sources. Learn about Him, what He likes and dislikes, and how to please Him.
2. Call upon Him every day by chanting His holy names with love and devotion. Tell others about Him. Bring Him up in every conversation. Speak about His transcendental service, instructions and pastimes.
3. Remember Him day and night, His holy name, form, qualities, pastimes, devotees, paraphernalia... Remember special realizations of His presence and protection. Even better, write them down. Surround yourself with people and things that remind you of Him. Keep pictures of Him where you'll see them. Celebrate the days that are dear to Him. Wear the Vaisnava clothing and tilak that He likes and wears. Eat only what has been offered to Him for eating first.
4. Like iron drawn to a powerful magnet, visit your local Radha Krishna murtis and Their associates every day. Drink the holy water that has washed Their lotus feet. Carefully assist and take shelter of Their pure servants. Visit the holy places marked by Their lotus feet. Worship and serve Tulsi devi who adorns Krishna's lotus feet.
5. Whatever you do, do it for Krishna with love. Prepare special little things for His comfort such as offerings of food, water, incense, and so on. Give gifts and offerings of food to Him that you know He will enjoy. Pay attention to details. Keep yourself and everything used in His service very pure and orderly.
6. Bow down to His lotus feet, surrendering your heart and soul. Talk to Him in prayer every chance you get. Whenever in doubt, ask Him what to do. Listen carefully to the things He says to you as Supersoul, in dreams, in the sastras, as well as through the sadhu and trusted sources. With great feeling, sing to Him loving prayers each morning and evening.
7. Be available, always prepared to render Him service. Give your full attention. Think of how to serve Him better each new day. Look for His presence everywhere and in every heart.
8. Treasure the things He gives to you - whether it be prasadam, a scripture verse or some gift or necessity He has sent through another person- treasure it! Depend on His provision, protection and direction.
9. Offer to Him your mind, body, words, family and household affairs, heart and soul- everything you possess- for His service. Affirm your unconditional loyalty to Him. Acknowledge Him in all your ways.
“You are Krsna's. You become Krsna's servant.”-- A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, SB lecture 3.25.43 Bombay 12/11/74