62
The Nectar of Devotion
In the  Brahma Purāṇa  it is said: “The transcendental significance of  Puruṣottama-kṣetra , which is the 80-square-mile field of Lord Jagannātha, cannot be properly described. Even the demigods from higher planetary systems see the inhabitants of this Jagannātha Pūri as having exactly the same features of body as are possessed by one in Vaikuṇṭha. That is, the demigods see the inhabitants of Jagannātha Pūri as being four-handed.”
When there was a meeting of great sages at Naimiṣāraṇya, Sūta Gosvāmī was reciting  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam , and the importance of the Ganges was stated as follows: “The waters of the Ganges are always carrying the flavor of  tulasī  offered at the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and as such the waters of the Ganges are ever flowing, spreading the glories of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Wherever the waters of the Ganges are flowing, all will be sanctified, both externally and internally.”
To Accept Only What is Necessary
In the  Nāradīya Purāṇa  it is directed: “One should not accept more than necessary if he is serious about discharging devotional service.” The purport is that one should not neglect following the principles of devotional service, nor should one accept the rulings of devotional service which are more than what he can easily perform. For example, it may be said that one should chant the  Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra  at least 100,000 times daily on his beads. But if this is not possible, then one must minimize his chanting according to his own capacity. Generally, we recommend our disciples to chant at least 16 rounds on their  japa  beads daily, and this should be completed. But if one is not even able to chant 16 rounds, then he must make it up the next day. He must be sure to keep his vow. If he does not strictly follow this out, then he is sure to be negligent. That is offensive in the service of the Lord. If we encourage offenses, we shall not be able to make progress in devotional service. It is better if one fixes up a regulative principle according to his own ability and then follows that vow without fail. That will make him advanced in spiritual life.