The path of Bhakti fulfils the innermost needs and desires of one’s heart. Uniquely within the tradition of Sri Caitanya, one’s desire for contribution, revolution, and impact are particularly met with the bold vision set by the great, historic saints. A global ascendency of the Holy Name is an ensuing reality. And the followers of Mahaprabhu have a most essential part to play. What fun! What excitement!

This initial passion for a global change may become both enlivened and dampened as we put on the hat of a strategist. Organisation and intelligence, right? However, the strategist can often become paralysed, or worse, critical of the variety in which Bhakti can be, or is being, shared. Where can there be the most impact, one may ponder? Where are there the biggest opportunities? Where’s the biggest need? And eventually one begins to question: what’s not needed…?

This latter mindset, born out of a heightened sense of intellectual purity, is treacherous. At best, it causes indifference in dealings with those who we feel are doing our outreach a disservice. At worst, we act as suicide bombers in detonating the weapon of aparadha.

My dull mind seldom retains knowledge from lectures, so that which sticks means something to me. Bhuta Bhavana Prabhu once said, “Those who appreciate the most do the most for establishing varnasrama in society.” Such profundity in that statement! But how does this work?

Well, individuals all seek appreciation, validation and encouragement. In its essence, these are longings of the soul to fulfil its fundamental need of being accepted, of being loved. Now, when only certain moods or services are appreciated, one naturally will perform those, despite it perhaps being against one’s nature and inclinations. Thus, although validated, one doesn’t feel valued. Although glorified, one doesn’t feel gratified. Although praised, one isn’t internally pleased.

Now let’s imagine the reverse: where someone is appreciated and loved regardless of how big or small their contribution, that person will automatically defer serving in a way that gives their heart the most contentment. Being hearty in our approbation and lavish in our praise means that others are no longer competing for rationed handouts of recognition. If I’m valued for who I am, I will strive to be the best version of myself, regardless of what others are doing. Isn’t that, in essence, what varnasrama is all about?

“It’s not about doing great things, it’s about doing things with great love.”

HH Radhanath Swami

The beauty of Bhakti is in its variety amidst personality. Oneness exists in our desire to transform our hearts and the hearts of others. Variety exists in the method by which we choose to do so.

My reflection of late has been this: everything is needed! Our Lord Himself, Sriman Mahaprabhu, did it all! He expounded Bhakti within the highest echelons of society. The Bhattacarya, Rupa and Santana, Prataparudra, Ramananda Raya. They were the leaders, politicians and kings of the time; Mahaprabhu strategically brought them into his inner circle and made them into revolutionaries within their respective field of influence. All the while, Mahaprabhu also expressed his utmost compassion to Sridhara, a poor, humble seller of banana bark. I’ve noticed how easy it is to pass the poverty lying on the streets of London. Were Sridhara to attempt to sell to me as I passed through Cheapside, I’d barely bat an eyelid. But not our Lord. Despite his utter dire condition, Mahaprabhu called for Sridhara during the epitome of his Navadwipa pastimes: the maha-prakasa lila! Imagine this! He offered this poor, supposedly inconsequential man a level of intimacy never given to the Kings of Puri.

This is our Lord, our hero. Mahaprabhu saw the quality of Sridhara’s heart. Our gurus see the quality of our hearts. It’s never about the externals. The Goswamis reestablishment of Vrindavan and Sridhara’s humble service of the Lord were different in their impact but identical in their devotion. Both were important. Both were appreciated.

Who can recognize all these servants of the Lord who want neither wealth, nor followers, nor even scholarship. Of what use are learning, wealth, beauty, fame or high birth? All of these things simply increase one’s pride and are ultimately valueless. A millionaire may try for millions of years to achieve what Shridhara did, simply by selling bananas and banana products, and still not be able to do so.

Chaitanya Bhagavat 2.9.233-5

We have to learn to accept, love and appreciate whatever someone does with devotion for our Lord. For he is that: OUR Lord. Scale is secondary to Bhakti. Those who can do great things should, of course, try their very best! Let’s go out, change the world, have an impact and fulfil the desires of the saints. All the while, let’s appreciate all for who they are and what they do, for regardless of impact, everyone is trying and serving to the best of their capacity. Sriman Mahaprabhu has His plan. He’s already inundated the hearts of the world with pure love. He doesn’t need us! He doesn’t need our service. We need Him. We need it.