WE CAN ELEVATE OR DEGRADE OURSELVES - Shridhara Maharaja

Śrīla Bhakti Rakṣhaka Śrīdhara Deva Goswāmī Mahārāja

"Bhakti [devotion to God] does not depend on the environment or on the dealings of others. Nothing can obscure that flow except our own ego. I am my own greatest enemy.

We can elevate ourselves or degrade ourselves. We are our own best friend or worst enemy. No force outside can check [stop] us if we are sincere. Of course for beginners there is some concern about a proper environment for spiritual cultivation, but even that is also dependent on the nature of their sincerity.

[God] says, 'I'll be there to look after you in any unfavorable circumstance. I am omniscient. And I am omnipotent also. So if anyone is directed towards Me, I'll look after him.'

Sincerity is invincible. Even obstacles may improve our position if we can take them in the right way."

(excerpt from the book 'The Loving Search For The Lost Servant')