Answer
When a specific desire arises from the order of the spiritual master, it is no longer merely your personal desire. It becomes an expression of the desire of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara.
However, one must also understand what kind of specific service is actually appropriate for one’s nature and qualification.
For example, Srila Prabhupada gave a general instruction that beautiful paintings of Krishna should be made. A devotee may then think, “Let me pray to the Lord that I may become a great artist.” But if that person has no artistic ability, no taste for painting, and no natural inclination in that direction, then such a prayer may be unnecessary. Appreciating beautiful paintings and being able to create them are two different things—just as watching a cricket match and playing cricket are different.
Similarly, someone may recognize that management and organization are important for spreading Krishna consciousness and conclude that he must become a great organizer. But if that is not aligned with his nature and abilities, he may engage in unnecessary over-endeavor.
The principle is simple: engage in devotional service according to what the Lord has already given you. Develop your natural abilities and gradually expand your service, but do not artificially create ambitions that are not in harmony with your nature.
Even in the material world, people are advised to identify their core strengths, tastes, and competencies and develop them deeply rather than trying to do everything. The same principle applies in devotional service.
Therefore, the detailed manifestation of one’s service should ultimately be left to the Lord. We should not burden ourselves with the anxiety of discovering a grand personal mission. Paramatma, the Supersoul, is within the heart. He can reveal the appropriate service, place us in suitable circumstances, and awaken the desires that genuinely facilitate our devotional advancement.
Especially in the beginning stages of devotional life, one should avoid becoming overburdened. Excessive material or practical burden becomes prayasa (unnecessary over-endeavor).
We should certainly make effort in chanting Hare Krishna, studying the scriptures, and following the principles of devotional life. But we should not force ourselves into practical services that are completely unnatural and burdensome for us.
In the Krishna consciousness movement, new devotees are often trained in various services, including tasks they may not naturally enjoy. This is not prayasa; it is tapasya (voluntary austerity).
For example, a brahmachari may be asked to go out and collect donations or beg on behalf of the Guru and the temple. Even Lord Krishna Himself, while living in His guru’s ashrama, went to the forest with Sudama to collect firewood. Such service is honorable because it is performed for the pleasure of the Guru and Krishna, not for one’s own prestige.
Therefore, devotees should not think, “I dislike this service, so it must not be my nature.” Some services are meant to purify false ego and cultivate surrender.
Temple authorities also gradually learn the different natures and abilities of devotees. After teaching the basic principles of surrender and devotional service, they may engage different devotees in different services according to their tendencies.
If every devotee were to insist on pursuing his own specific inspiration independently, the movement could not function harmoniously.
The proper prayer is: “My Lord, please reveal the specific service You wish me to perform according to Your desire and Srila Prabhupada’s desire, so that I may become purified.”
For this reason, new devotees are often encouraged to set aside many of their personal ambitions for a few years and focus primarily on purification and foundational training.
One may think, “I joined because I want to do great things for Prabhupada.” But first one must become prepared. By purifying oneself and understanding the principles of devotional service under the guidance of Vaishnavas, one becomes a suitable instrument.
When that purification takes place, the Lord naturally manifests the appropriate service. The devotee does not have to struggle to create a position or force a particular opportunity. If the Lord desires it, He will place the devotee in the right situation at the right time.
That is the mood of surrender and faith in devotional service.
