Be Successful, Be Happy
Every individual soul in the universe naturally desires unlimited happiness because of being an eternal part of the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, who is the very embodiment of existence, knowledge, and divine bliss.
There are numerous controversies prevalent in the world regarding the means to attain this infinite bliss; however, all of them can be classified irrefutably into two categories: spirituality and materialism. The science behind this is that one who identifies the self with the soul is called a spiritualist, and the one who identifies the self with the body is called a materialist. Though both condemn each other, in my opinion, the truth is that both are ignorant. Just as the body and the soul have an eternal harmonious relationship, in the very same way, spirituality and materialism are equally indispensable. You can practice spiritual discipline only by keeping your body healthy, and in turn, the very existence of your body depends entirely on the soul.
The infinite bliss that the individual soul incessantly desires can only be attained through the grace of Shri Krishna, and He showers His grace only upon completely surrendered souls. Therefore, the first step to receive His grace is to acquire true spiritual knowledge from a Guru who is well-versed in scriptural wisdom and possesses practical realisation of God. By sincerely following the spiritual discipline specified by such a Guru, your heart will begin to purify. It is only when your heart becomes completely purified that you will attain divine bliss, through the grace of your Guru.
The only spiritual discipline that will completely purify your heart is performance of the nine devotional processes to Shri Krishna known as navadha bhakti. Chant the glories of His divine names, forms, qualities, pastimes, abodes and saints. Shed tears of love continuously and increase your longing to see your beloved Shri Krishna. Abandon all desires, including the desire for the five kinds of liberation (sarupya, salokya, samipya, sarshti and sayujya).
It is the mind alone that has to surrender and practice devotion to Shri Krishna, and therefore, your mind must always be engaged in the constant loving remembrance of Shri Krishna, and His names, forms, qualities, pastimes, abodes and saints. While doing this, perform all your necessary duties pertaining to the maintenance of your physical body. In this way, live in the world with your mind absorbed in the loving thoughts of God and your body performing all your essential duties. This alone is the essence of the entire Gita known as karmayoga and the quintessence of the philosophy of the Vedanta known as jnanayoga.
Originally entitled Kripalu Panchamrit and written in Hindi by:
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Jagadguruttam — His Biography, p.65
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