Maya's Test

Devotee: When we start chanting japa, the maha-mantra Hare Krishna, by the order of our spiritual master, it seems that in the beginning we get more realisation, more of the mantra, whereas as time goes it seems more and more difficult. Many devotees have mentioned that they have this feeling that it becomes more difficult. Why does this happen?

[His Divine Grace chuckles]

That is a test of Maya presenting itself.

When you begin a religious life, in the beginning you are neglected: 'Let us see how long he can stick to it.' But when Maya finds, 'Yes, it is not flickering, he really wants to leave my jurisdiction,' then she starts her real attack. It comes as a test for the beginner, and if you can stand it, then, of course, you will come out. It is a test (pariksa, পরীক্ষা).

It happens like this everywhere. In the beginning, if a neighbouring country comes to disturb a big power, they are neglected, 'Oh, this is just a boyish attempt,' but when the big power finds that it is serious, they also become serious and then the fight comes and one of the sides must survive.

So, sadhana means a fight, a battle against adverse circumstances.

Once, when our this boy, Srila Govinda Maharaj, went to Kolkata to collect funds and also to preach side by side, one merchant asked him, 'Why is it that sadhus have got diseases? Sadhus have accepted the path to God, so why should they suffer from any disease?' This boy answered, 'Of course, it is the sadhus who should be attacked with disease! Why would you be attacked? You a faithful, submissive subject of Maya, and Maya can get her rent from you at any time, so you can live at ease. But when one tries their utmost to come out of her jurisdiction, then she comes to them with all her dues, "Pay off my dues, then you will get out!"'

Devotee: Very good answer!

Yes, natural, common sense. A notable answer. [His Divine Grace chuckles] So also when a fight begins seriously, it is a serious stage, and then the test from Maya comes, 'So, you want to come out of my clutches? Let us try and see.'

Hare Krishna.

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Read more:

• The All-Auspicious Name of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math

• A Fugitive's Plea

• Service to Gaura-Gadadhar

• Soul's Svakiya and Parakiya

• Overthrowing Anarthas

• Self-Purification

• Srila Svarup Damodar Goswami: Master Acharya

• Exclusive Conception of Srila Prabhupad's Line

• Life beyond Renunciation

• Scope of Sacrifice

• Journey from Misguidance to Absolute Guidance

• Renunciation of Renunciation

• Maya's Test

• 'You Are Mine'