Encouragement of a Devotee of God - The Divine Support System
The journey back to Godhead is not meant to be walked alone or without inspiration. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Supreme Lord, the pure Vaiṣṇavas, and the transcendental vibration of kṛṣṇa-kathā constantly provide the encouragement necessary to sustain and accelerate a devotee's spiritual progress.
The Lord Encourages His Devotees
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is never indifferent to the struggles of His surrendered servants. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights how the Lord personally intervenes to provide fearlessness and encouragement, ensuring that His devotees are never disheartened by material impediments.
- By appearing from the pillar, the Lord encouraged His devotee (Prahlada Maharaja), saying in effect, "Don't worry. I am present here."
- When Hiranyakasipu was threatening to kill Prahlada, he certainly saw the column standing before him and his father, and he saw that the Lord was present in the pillar to encourage him not to fear his demoniac father's words. God was present to protect him.
- To encourage Arjuna, Krsna said that "Don't be discouraged because you cannot practice this yoga system. Here is the best process." What is that? Yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantar-atmana (BG 6.47): If you simply think of Me, then you are the best yogi.
- The more a devotee engages himself in the devotional service of the Lord, the more encouragement is supplied by the energy of the Lord.
Vaiṣṇavas Encouraging One Another
Spiritual association provides a vital network of upliftment and strength. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that advanced devotees, demigods, and transcendental personalities are always eager to understand the minds of others and offer heartfelt encouragement to keep them fixed on the path.
- Narada Muni could understand Maharaja Yudhisthira's mind, and therefore he immediately encouraged him.
- Narada Muni encouraged Maharaja Yudhisthira by saying, "You are already on the safe side because you, along with your entire family, have become a pure devotee of Krsna."
- Upon hearing this, we each (Rupa and Sanatana) embraced him (Anupama) and encouraged him by saying, 'You are a great saintly devotee, for your determination in devotional service is fixed.' In this way we praised him.
- The demigods encouraged Devaki not to fear Kamsa, but to think of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Krsna), who was already within her womb.
Encouragement in Spiritual Discourse
Unlike mundane conversations that quickly drain one's energy, discussing the Absolute Truth is inherently revitalizing. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that in the presence of an eager and appreciative listener, the speaker feels an immense surge of spiritual encouragement to reveal even deeper transcendental subject matters.
- A symptom of spiritual talks is that no one feels tired. Thus upon hearing the questions of Vidura, the great sage Maitreya did not feel disgusted but rather felt encouraged to speak at greater length.
- To encourage Sukadeva Gosvami to continue speaking about Krsna and give further details, he (Pariksit Maharaja) thanked Sukadeva Gosvami for having described the activities of Krsna in brief.
- The unworthy sons of the royal orders are called ksatra-bandhavas, as the unworthy sons of the brahmanas are called dvija-bandhus or brahma-bandhus. Maharaja Pariksit was greatly encouraged by the presence of Sukadeva Gosvami.
- Being so encouraged, the devotee can never forget, at any moment, the Personality of Godhead. He always feels obliged to Him for having achieved increased power in devotional service by His grace.
Fostering Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
The expansion of the spiritual movement relies heavily on practical, joyful encouragement. Whether raising children to be pure devotees or going out to preach to the public, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that purity and enthusiastic support are the keys to long-term success.
- If one can beget children who will be devotees and be taught to turn aside from the path of birth and death (mrtyu-samsara-vartmani (BG 9.3)), there is no need of birth control. Rather, one should be encouraged to beget children.
- Our father encouraged us in all respects to observe all functions such as the Ratha-yatra and Dola-yatra ceremonies, and he used to spend money liberally for distributing prasada to us children and our friends.
- Nanda-gokula, the residence of King Nanda, was itself very beautiful, and when Yogamaya was ordered to go there and encourage the devotees with fearlessness, it became even more beautiful and safe.
- If you remain pure, then your preaching will be successful and you'll get encouragement. That is the instruction of all Vaisnavas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that encouragement is the lifeblood of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. The material world is a place of constant anxiety and discouragement, but when a soul takes shelter of the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa personally reciprocates by infusing the devotee's heart with fearlessness and transcendental strength. This divine encouragement is further distributed through the loving association of pure Vaiṣṇavas, who expertly uplift one another and praise sincere determination. The very act of speaking and hearing about Kṛṣṇa is self-illuminating, generating endless enthusiasm that conquers material fatigue. By establishing a culture of positive spiritual encouragement—whether by organizing joyful festivals for children, speaking the truth with purity, or simply offering a supportive word to a fellow devotee—the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement provides the ultimate support system, ensuring that every sincere soul is fully empowered to return back home, back to Godhead.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Encouragement of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.