A withered soul searching for happiness

“In this world there will always be problems. Sometimes there is war, sometimes famine, sometimes so many dangers. Even you may hear that bombs are falling here and there, but a devotee should not be afraid. Why? Because this body will one day have to be given up. If not by bombs, then by disease; if not by disease, then by old age. Death is certain. So why should we fear?

A devotee knows, ‘Kṛṣṇa is my protector.’ If Kṛṣṇa wants to protect you, then even if bombs are falling all around, you will not be harmed. And if He does not want to protect, then even sitting safely in your home you may die. So what is the use of fear? Fear comes only when we forget Kṛṣṇa. When we remember Him and take shelter of Him, then there is no fear at all.

Prahlāda Mahārāja was not afraid, though his father tried to kill him in so many ways. He was thrown into fire, given poison, and put before elephants and snakes, but he always remembered Kṛṣṇa. So we should follow Prahlāda Mahārāja. Whether there is war or peace, whether there is happiness or distress, always chant and remember. Then your life will be successful.

Especially in this age of Kali, so many fearful things will come. But if you chant the holy name—Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare, Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare—and have strong faith in guru and Kṛṣṇa, then no fear can touch you. Even at the time of death, you will be fearless and happy, because you know you are going to serve Kṛṣṇa.

So do not be worried about war, bombs, or any worldly situation. Try to make your bhajana strong. This is the only solution. Always remember that Kṛṣṇa is your real friend, your real guardian, and your real protector. If you take shelter of Him, then you will be fearless in all circumstances.”

— Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja, lecture, Germany, 2001