Everything has a relationship to Krishna. The only way we learn that is by applying it for Krishna; otherwise we cannot purify it, or it cannot be resolved. Prabhupada could see everyone as he was, a part in relation to the whole. We’re like screws to the part, separate from the machine. The self-realized soul can see “This part belongs here.” Apart from that, we’re lost. We must have the guidance of the self-realized soul. (see Without the self-realized soul at the head.)
Now we’re in a time when we’re without Prabhupada and simultaneously without someone of his calibre. We have to adhere strictly to the practices that Srila Prabhupada set for us. Otherwise, institutional allegiance is no use. “I am ISKCON, therefore I’m okay”—that won’t work. We need to learn and understand Srila Prabhupada’s instructions, and to the degree that I follow those instructions I’m protected. There’s no alternative. We have to be serious about Srila Prabhupada. Other things—institution, dogmas and sentiments—cannot help.
Prabhupada gives Krishna. We have to eliminate those things that are doubtings, reservations. “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you and make allowance for others’ doubt in you….” Srila Prabhupada is the point, the central pivot. If we can have that faith that Prabhupada is right, the standard of measure, then whatever is not in accordance with his instructions, we leave aside. This is that time.
