10: Fellowship and Association
The importance of proper association in spiritual life
Srila Prabhupada says that to think you can practice Krishna Consciousness on your own is a big illusion
Transcendental devotional service cannot be complete and cannot be relishable without the association of devotees. We have therefore established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Anyone who is trying to be aloof from this Krishna Consciousness Society and yet engage in Krishna consciousness is living in a great hallucination, for this is not possible. From this statement by Dhruva Maharaja it is clear that unless one is associated with devotees, his devotional service does not mature; it does not become distinct from material activities. The Lord says, satam prasangan mama virya-samvido bhavanti hrt-karna-rasayanah. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.25).
Only in the association of pure devotees can the words of Lord Krishna be fully potent and relishable to the heart and ear. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.9.11 purport)
Associating with devotees is necessary to develop the culture of devotees.
We need each other for support and strength; United we stand…
When the father asked his children to break the bundle of sticks wrapped in a bag, none of them could do it. But, when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is the strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily. (Letter to Kirtanananda, 18 October 1973)
How long could we go on alone?
Imagine you are in the temple all alone. Everything you need is provided, but you don't have the association of any devotees. You don't know any devotees anywhere. You are all alone. And you have to practice devotional service. How long could you go on like that?
Sadhu-sanga… (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya 22.54) It is by association of the great souls that one gets all perfection.
Devotee friends will provide important feedback that we wouldn't normally get without close association.
Sankirtana means together. This movement is meant to be carried out together, in association with each other.
Having the association of devotees is more fun. This is not a paltry point. Having fun in devotional service is necessary. Otherwise we will look for fun elsewhere.
In Bhagavad-gita (2.62) it is stated, sangat sanjayate kamah: one's desires and ambitions develop according to the company one keeps.
Think about how the company you have kept during your life has influenced you.
What actions demonstrate affection and goodwill to you?
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