11 Feb 2025 – Balancing work life and Krishna Consciousness
In today’s busy world, balancing work and spiritual life can seem like a challenge. Many people search for time management techniques to fit Krishna consciousness into their schedules. While these techniques can help, the most profound way to balance work-life and Krishna consciousness is simple—fall in love with Krishna.
Krishna consciousness is about love—falling in love with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, the sweetheart of the damsels of Vrindavan. When you truly love someone, you do everything for them effortlessly. For example, parents are ready to take up austere conditions for their children. A husband accepts to continue unpleasant job for the sake of love for the family. Similarly, when you love Krishna, making time for Him becomes natural. It is not about squeezing Krishna into your life; it is about making Him the center of your life.
The second key principle is having full faith in the instructions of the spiritual master. The spiritual master, or mentor, gives instructions that are already simplified for us. There may be many things we can do, but what is given to us is the bare minimum necessary for our spiritual progress. When the spiritual master tells us to chant a certain number of rounds, follow certain practices, we must take it seriously—without questioning or delaying. These instructions are for our ultimate benefit. We must not doubt these instructions as they are all good and all auspicious for us.
When we follow these instructions sincerely, bliss naturally follows. There is no need to overanalyze whether we can do it or not. The spiritual master knows what is best for us and gives us something that we can certainly accomplish. Instead of thinking, ‘Can I do this?’, we must simply do it. When we follow with faith and sincerity, Krishna reciprocates and helps us balance everything beautifully.
I had a personal realization about this during a recent visit to Mumbai, where I took my son to the beach. We tried the banana boat ride, where at one point, the lifeguard told us to let go and fall into the water. At first, it seemed scary. But he assured us, ‘Don’t worry, your life jacket will keep you afloat.’ Trusting him, we let go—and it was blissful! We floated effortlessly, laughed, and enjoyed the experience.
This is exactly how Krishna consciousness works. The spiritual master’s instructions are like that instructions of the life guard. We may feel hesitant, but if we simply trust and surrender, Krishna takes care of us. Nothing bad will happen; only the best will happen. We just need to let go of our doubts and immerse ourselves fully in Krishna’s mercy.
So, the real secret to balancing work-life and Krishna consciousness is:
- Fall in love with Krishna—when you love Krishna, you will naturally make time for Him.
- Have unshakable faith in the instructions of your spiritual master—follow sincerely, without doubt or procrastination.
Do not postpone your Krishna consciousness. The more you delay, the more you delay your own spiritual bliss. Just start. Surrender. Let go. Krishna is waiting to embrace you, and when you truly surrender, you will find joy beyond your imagination.