I wish all the devotees a happy, Krishna conscious Janmastami. We naturally celebrate the day that Lord Krishna came to our planet. We know that only advanced devotees can steadily fix their minds on Krishna’s pastimes. Such strong meditation requires real attachment to Lord Krishna.

Until we reach that stage, we should diligently dedicate ourselves to the process of sadhana-bhakti, as taught by Rupa Goswami, Srila Prabhupada, and other great Acaryas. Sincere practice will bring us to the platform of ecstatic Krishna consciousness.

Rupa Goswami explains in the Upadesamrta (The Nectar of Instruction) text 2 that we must not neglect the regulative practice of Krishna consciousness, nor should we think that the mere mechanics of sadhana-bhakti will give us perfection. We should practice bhakti-yoga and serve Krishna with a spirit of devotion, always depending on Krishna, as He taught Arjuna in Bhagavad-gita 8.7.

One of the most powerful devotional processes is the regular hearing and reciting of Srimad-bhagavatam. Personally, on Janmastami I want to absorb myself in the first few chapters of the 10th canto, and thus fix my mind on Lord Krishna.

May Lord Krishna bless all of us on His divine Appearance Day.

With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
August 25, 2016