62 The Nectar of Devotion

In the Brahma Purana it is said: “The transcendental significance
of Purusottama-ksetra, which is the 80-square-mile field of Lord
Jagannatha, cannot be properly described. Even the demigods from
higher planetary systems see the inhabitants of this Jagannatha Puri
as having exactly the same features of body as are possessed by one
in Vaikuntha. That is, the demigods see the inhabitants of Jagannatha
Puri as being four-handed.”

When there was a meeting of great sages at Naimisaranya, Sita
Gosvami was reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the importance of the
Ganges was stated as follows: “The waters of the Ganges are always
carrying the flavor of tulasi offered at the lotus feet of Sri Krsna, and
as such the waters of the Ganges are ever flowing, spreading the
glories of Lord Krsna. Wherever the waters of the Ganges are flowing,
all will be sanctified, both externally and internally.”

To Accept Only What is Necessary

In the Ndaradiya Purana it is directed: “One should not accept
more than necessary if he is serious about discharging devotional ser-
vice.” The purport is that one should not neglect following the prin-
ciples 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 Krsna
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.
