In this world, trouble is inevitable. Whether we choose a spiritual path or a material one, we cannot escape challenges. However, the nature of the struggle—and its outcome—depends on where we place our consciousness.
A wise person chooses to embrace voluntary struggle in the loving service of Krishna, rather than be forced to suffer under Maya’s grip.
The Sweet Burden of Bhakti
Waking early for Mangala Arati, distributing books under the scorching sun, fasting on Ekadasi, or sacrificing comfort to preach—all these may seem like difficulties. But for a devotee, these are sweet burdens.
They cleanse the heart, purify the consciousness, and attract the mercy of the Lord. These are austerities chosen out of love, not forced by fate.
In fact, the highest and most thrilling difficulty a devotee can embrace is the complete surrender of one’s life for Krishna’s service. To offer one’s very existence for His pleasure is the ultimate adventure, the pinnacle of loving sacrifice. Far from being burdensome, such surrender brings transcendental bliss, knowing that every breath is used for the Supreme.
The Bitter Trap of Maya
When one avoids the discipline of devotional life, Maya offers her own brand of suffering—anxieties, conflicts, illness, and despair. These are the troubles that come uninvited, and often leave one feeling helpless and empty.
Material life offers momentary pleasure but lifelong entanglement.
Janma, Mrityu, Jara, and Vyadhi are the unavoidable and uninvited challenges of life, for which we are often unprepared and unable to escape.
The Example of Great Souls
Srila Prabhupada reminded us repeatedly: no one is free from suffering. But a devotee’s suffering is meaningful—it leads to purification and spiritual advancement. Whereas suffering under Maya is meaningless and binding, suffering for Krishna is liberating and sweet.
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, voluntarily took great hardship for the benefit of others.
The Six Goswamis of Vrindavan gave up all material comfort and lived a life of austerity, yet they were internally joyful, swimming in an ocean of Krishna’s mercy.
No Escape from Trouble—But a Choice in Purpose
In truth, there is no escape from difficulty in this material world. The only question is:
Will we struggle for a higher purpose, or suffer meaninglessly?
Even Krishna acknowledges this reality in the Bhagavad-gita (9.33):
“Anityam asukham lokam imam prapya bhajasva mam”
“Having attained this temporary, miserable world, engage in My devotional service.”Krishna does not sugarcoat the nature of this world—He invites us to transcend it through loving service to Him.
Seeing the Misery of the Material World
The Bhagavad-gita (13.9) advises us to develop duḥkha-doṣānudarśanam—the vision to recognize the suffering inherent in material existence.
This vision gives birth to renunciation, and inspires us to take shelter in Krishna, even if that path involves initial difficulty.
The Devotee’s Prayer
A sincere devotee prays:
“Krishna, let me always serve You, even if it is difficult—because in that struggle lies the only real joy, and the only true peace.”So let us willingly accept the sweet struggle of bhakti, knowing it will lead to eternal bliss, rather than fall into the bitter, endless suffering of Maya.
Hare Krishna!
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