EXAMINATIONS IN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Hare Krishna!!
We all have faced examinations in our lives. School exams, entrance exams, competitive exams, national level exams and so on!! Obviously, most of us get a face-to-face meeting with exam-phobia ghost. This we cannot deny.
Let’s discuss onto this topic with a few basic queries….
We all say, “O!! I’m dull headed. How to pass this and that exam!!” But, do we not worry about our last exam of this life? The next life changing exam- DEATH!
How to pass this exam?? What ought to be done to crack this exam?? Isn’t there one shot solution?? Is there any coaching institution which ensure classes for this exam?
Wait, Wait!! You all need not to worry…
We are discussing onto these topics sitting altogether with Vedic solutions…
For qualifying any exam, we must have the knowledge of the subject matter. Without knowledge, even an intelligent person fails to pass the exam. He feels regret and endeavor with enthusiasm the very next time. One must also be determined to perform austerity. The significant tool in this procedure is knowledge.
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But do we know what knowledge means?
In purport to BG(10.4), Srila Prabhupada says, “Knowledge means knowing the distinction between spirit and matter. In modern education there is no knowledge about spirit; they are simply taking care of the material elements and bodily needs. Therefore academic knowledge is not complete.”
Without perfect knowledge and perfect source and perfect institution, how could we pass this exam of death?? And we don’t see- the hurdles we are often facing are more easier exams that death.
Examinations like as, to control mind, to fight rigorously with our six enemies leaded by lust, to serve The Supreme Lord cooperatively with devotees, to wake up early, to follow the regulative principles, to seek association of devotees, to fulfil our occupational duty and so on, are very common in spiritual journey. Materialists even endeavor thousand times in their business- seeking profit, fame and followers. So, why not we endeavor to gain the eternal profit and eternal fame. Profits are always there, if we try to endeavor. In BG(6.40-45), The Supreme Personality of Godhead describes about the profits that one gains, if he get deviated from his path. What to speak of those who pass this exam.
But, the question is- how will we know that one has passed this exam???
In SB(2.1.6), Sukadeva Goswami says that the highest perfection of human life is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.
If one is able to remember the Supreme Lord at the time of exam, then he is passed. But, for achieving this goal, we must be eager to pass the easy
exams. Then only, we could pass this toughest exam. In difficult situations, we should think, that “This is the time…. which decide whether I will pass or lose.” We should remember, “This is the time to progress!!!”
We should not search our bed, saying “Let’s sleep. Lord will see… All happens for good.” No!! We should perform austerity. Austerity in the mode of goodness!!!
We should perform penance and austerity to get the blissful results. We should try, try and try our best in each and every hurdle in our spiritual journey!!
Hare Krishna!!
