The most powerful thing we have

I just got off of the phone with Anuttama Prabhu, ISKCON's International Director of Communications (i.e. - my boss) and a dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada. It was an "ordinary" call -- the sort we have all the time -- where we touch base about ongoing projects and check in on tasks completed or those that need to be followed-up on. As we said our goodbyes, promising to talk again "sometime next year" (somehow, as corny as that is to say, we couldn't resist), Anuttama Prabhu spotaneously added some thoughts. I'm paraphrasing here from memory:

Remember, the most important thing is that we are chanting nicely. There's nothing else that is as important in doing this service. Our sadhana [devotional practice] is the most powerful thing we have. The goals that we have are so high. We may see those goasl, see where we want the Society to be in terms of communications and management and marketing... and get discouraged. Don't get discouraged. Use how high those goals are to stay committed and driven. But the main thing that we have is our spiritual life. Next to that anything else is so small, so insignificant. It is eternity, our eternal destiny. That is what it is really about. So we have to chant nicely, hear nicely, read nicely. Krishna has given you a great opportunity to be an independent grhasta [householder] but it is also a challenge because you have that freedom. Always remember that we get our strength from chanting and our sadhana. That is our secret weapon.

I could hardly respond, except to thank him. As I sit and quickly type this (my bright red counter beads tell me that I have 14 rounds to go, so I will be signing offline soon) I am still amazed at this unexpected but badly needed guidance. I pray that I don't take it -- or Anuttama Prabhu -- for granted.

.vbd.