Testing Pure Devotion

When observing our own life, there are key questions which can help us determine the level of our devotional purity.

Selfless – how selfless are we? Do we still have desires for personal gain, in a gross or subtle way? How much do we forget ourselves while being absorbed in devotional service? Do we make decisions based on what will benefit Krishna and His devotees, or what will please us?

Steady – how steady are we in our practice? When there are obstacles and difficulties do we lose our drive and energy? How much of our desire to serve is based upon favourable results, and how much of it is based on the happiness of having the opportunity to serve?

Serious – how serious are we about our devotional service? How much attention do we pay to increasing the quality and quantity of devotional service? How attentive are we to the details and finer subtleties of devotional service?

Sensitive – how open are we to receiving feedback and improving our devotional service? How much are we conscious of how Krishna and the Vaisnavas may be feeling about our devotional service?

Simple – how simple are we? Do we remain in the mood of being a humble servant and instrument? How much duplicity or hypocrisy manifests during our devotional service? How flexible are we to adapt to the needs of the day, ready and willing to do whatever is required?