Devotional Service is whose Business? - Part 2

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev!

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Devotional Service is Whose Business" wherein we were trying to learn the important lesson from the pastime of Parikshit Maharaj as to  how to be responsible devotees. We were sharing some of the points from the class given by our Godbrother HG Devakinandana Prabhuji on verse 1.19.2 of Srimad Bhagavatam. Now we shall see further.

"In the same purport Srila Prabhupada also says: The family members of a devotee also share the effects of a devotee’s service unto the Lord. Mahārāja Prahlāda saved his demon father by his personal devotional service. A devotee son in the family is the greatest boon or blessing of the Lord.

A man’s misconduct affects his family members. Then a man’s devotional service can also benefit his family members. This is not just a man. It also refers to a woman. Also to a child. Prahlad Maharaj’s devotional service saved generations of his family. Think about it. It's not only the mothers and fathers who must be responsible for devotional service. Even the children, young teenagers, even their devotional service can save their parents because Prahlad Maharaj was very young. His father was supposed to teach him devotional service. But in the end Prahlad Maharaj’s prayers saved his father. Not only that. His prayers saved Bali Maharaj his grandson, years later when he was caught up by his pride and when Vamana deva came to check his pride. It was only because Prahlad Maharaj prayed and asked for compassion that Vamana dev relented in his heart and allowed Bali Maharaj not to be stepped into the ground.

So you see even a child can change the lives of his parents. So we are all children of our parents also. We are all sons and daughters. It becomes our responsibility whenever something is happening, that we review our spiritual life, improve our spiritual life so that our conduct will benefit all those who depend on us. As leaders and preachers our devotional service affects those who depend on us. That is why each one of us is interconnected to the other. No one really can say that how I do my devotional service is my business. No. It is everybody’s business. Your devotional service is my business and my devotional service is your business. That’s how we help each other to grow in devotional service."

Our heartfelt thanks to HG Devakinandan prabhu for highlighting this most valuable point making us realize our responsibility as aspiring devotees.

Thank you very much
Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudev
Vaijayantimala devi dasi
Chennai