Surrender - Natural but Gradual

Such surrender is actually the easiest and most natural thing in creation. Since the essence of our being, as eternal servants of Krishna, lies in being completely aligned to the will of God, when we try to avoid it we inevitably struggle in problems and pain. Although completely natural, the reality is that the process must be gradual. In the journey of Krishna consciousness there is an external and internal surrender. We begin with the most tangible and measurable things, the external aspects of the process. Once we have embraced that, we progressively try to deepen our internal mood and consciousness. Indeed, this aligning of the activities and mind brings one to a liberated platform: “One who engages in the transcendental service of the Lord in body, mind and word is to be considered liberated in all conditions of material existence.” (BRS 1.2.187)

We begin with the externals. Following scriptural injunctions, the acaryas have prescribed a set of devotional practices which include reading, chanting, worshipping and finding practical ways to serve Krishna. These items of bhakti allow us to live and function with Krishna in the centre. Along with such devotional practices, we embrace a certain lifestyle. There are certain yamas (don’ts) and niyamas (dos) and we adopt those habits knowing that they aid the spiritual practices we are performing. Along with the personal practices and lifestyle, the practitioner also assumes a spiritual identity. They surround themselves with spiritual people, conducting their social life with spiritual elements incorporated, re-aligning their life goals and aspirations, and identifying themselves with a particular spiritual group or movement. This external surrender is indeed a seismic shift in someone’s life.

Yet Krishna goes further. Surrender cannot be reduced to external adjustments. In essence, surrender means a change of consciousness and a change of heart. When defining surrender, Bhaktivinoda Thakura outlines six cardinal principles: “The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favourable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavourable things, the conviction that Krishna will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one’s guardian or master, full self-surrender and humility.” (CC Madhya 22.100)

The first two items relate to the mind, which is always accepting and rejecting. For the surrendered soul, the activities of the mind are aligned with pleasing Krishna. Indeed, Krishna explains that one should purify the mind and use it as a means for elevation. The second two items refer to our intelligence. Material intelligence is based around the consciousness of being the controller and enjoyer, calculating and concluding on immediate action and reaction, without seeing the bigger picture. For the surrendered soul, one’s intelligence is founded upon the scriptural understanding that Krishna is the controller, enjoyer and ultimate object of service. The final two items deal with the ego. Pride and selfishness haunt those who are rooted in the bodily concept of life and plagued by false ego. When one surrenders, the real ego of being a menial servant and simple instrument, brings with it a profound depth of humility and selflessness.

As we live a life of surrender, our vision evolves. Instead of seeing the world and everything within it from our point of view, we’ll begin seeing it from Krishna’s point of view. He will receive the first communication in the day, the first consideration in any decision, the first show of gratitude in success or failure, and the first place in our hearts.