32 The Nectar of Instruction

on My energy.” Thus the devotee can understand that since
nothing is independent of Krsna’s energy, everything should
be dovetailed in His service.

Endeavor executed with intelligence in Krsna conscious-
ness is called utsaha, or enthusiasm. The devotees find the
correct means by which everything can be utilized in the
service of the Lord (nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe yuktarn
vairdgyam ucyate). The execution of devotional service is
not a matter of idle meditation but practical action in the
foreground of spiritual life.

These activities must be executed with patience. One
should not be impatient in Krsna consciousness. Indeed, this
Krsna consciousness movement was started single-handedly,
and in the beginning there was no response, but because we
continued to execute our devotional activities with patience,
people gradually began to understand the importance of this
movement, and now they are eagerly participating. One
should not be impatient in discharging devotional service,
but should take instructions from the spiritual master and
execute them with patience, depending on the mercy of guru
and Krsna. The successful execution of Krsna conscious ac-
tivities requires both patience and confidence. A newly mar-
ried girl naturally expects offspring from her husband, but
she cannot expect to have them immediately after marriage.
Of course, as soon as she is married she can attempt to get a
child, but she must surrender to her husband, confident that
her child will develop and be born in due time. Similarly, in
devotional service surrender means that one has to become
confident. The devotee thinks, avasya raksibe krsna: “Krsna
will surely protect me and give me help for the successful
execution of devotional service.” This is called confidence.
