“Krishna empowers his devotees to do wonderful
things.” This statement is frequently heard in devotional circles.
What does empowerment mean? Is it a
miraculous disappearance of all obstacles on the path of self-effulgent
devotees? Krishna can do that, but that is not the essence of empowerment. And
expecting that can cause us to miss actual empowerment.
Essentially, empowerment is not external
but internal – it is not the disappearance of obstacles, but the persistence
amidst obstacles. What defines embowered devotees is their determination to persevere
in their devotion, no matter what. Gita wisdom points to this through two
important verses (09.13 - 09.14) that delineate the inner realizations and
outer actions of serious devotees.
The Bhagavad-gita (09.13) states that such
devotees are undistractedly fixed on Krishna and have taken shelter of his
divine energy, which is the source of all empowerment. Yet despite their being
sheltered in the empowering divine energy, the next verse (09.14) states that
they endeavor with resolute vows. That they need to endeavor thus indicates
that they face obstacles like all of us. In fact their obstacles are far bigger
than ours, because they take up far bigger challenges in Krishna’s service. But
by meditating on Krishna’s unfailing and unflinching love, they get the
inspiration to reciprocate, come what may.
Empowerment thus understood is universally
accessible. It’s not some mystical illumination or surreal electrification, but
a practical connection with Krishna. We all can connect with him by
contemplating his love through scriptural study and devotional meditation, and
reciprocating through tangible, manageable service. By thus showing Krishna our
intention to love him, we open our heart for him to mercifully fill with
realizations of the supreme reality of his love. Those realizations help us see
inimical outer realities as inconsequential, and persevere, undaunted, in our
march towards him.
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