Page 14 - Powerful Feminine Qualities

Santanu had a twenty-year-old son. The king refused the condition of the fisherman and left. However, he was sad
because the girl was very beautiful. His son noticed the sadness of his father and inquired the reason. Santanu
described the fisherman’s demand that his daughter’s son should become the next king. Santanu’s son, Bhisma,
approached the fisherman and vowed that Satyavati’s son would become the king because he would remain celibate
for the rest of his life. Bhisma vowed to respect the king on the throne as if he were his own father. When he made
the vow, the demigods showered flowers from heaven and declared that he would be named Bhisma, which means
one who makes a stern and unbreakable vow. He remained a brahmacari the rest of his life so that his father could
marry the young girl. This is an example of a steadfast vow that remained unbreakable.
Another example is of a mother sparrow who laid her eggs on the shore of the ocean. The eggs were carried away by
the big waves of the ocean. The mother sparrow became distraught and asked the ocean to return her eggs. The
ocean ignored her appeal. She became determined to dry up the ocean by taking drops away with her small beak.
Everyone laughed at her hopeless endeavor. The news of the bird’s activity spread, and at last Garuda, the giant bird
carrier of Lord Vishnu heard it. He came to the aid of the little bird and quickly the ocean returned the eggs.
Determination for a noble cause is a praiseworthy quality. The sparrow’s courageous determination finally succeeded
because God helps those who help themselves.
Srila Prabhupada also describes the history of Gandhi who opposed the British Empire occupation of India. He
inaugurated the non-violent and noncooperation movement. He was determined to drive out the British from India.
He was eventually successful by the dint of his unwavering determination. People laughed at Gandhi for opposing the
all-powerful British Empire. However, Gandhi finally prevailed and caused the eventual dismantling of the entire
British Empire. India was the crown jewel of the empire. With its loss, the rest of the empire fell like dominos: the Far
East, Egypt with the Suez Canal, everything was lost. Determination is essential to achieve a goal. In Krishna
Consciousness, success is sure for the strict practitioner who continues with determination in spite of many obstacles.

Ksama - Patience
No situation is permanent in this world. Everything is fluctuating. One must learn to keep his or her balance in both
happiness and sorrow, and maintain faith that Lord Krishna and His devotee’s mercy are the ultimate redeeming
quality in this world. A person of faith can be patient because he knows that in every situation Lord Krishna is the
ultimate controller. He remains humble and gentle. Nothing happens without the will of the Lord. Therefore, the
devotee waits patiently to understand Krishna’s desire. This is the virtue of patience.
In all circumstances, the devotee continues with patience and determination. He does not think, “I’m not getting the
result I want. Oh, what is this Krishna consciousness? I give up.” A true devotee can execute the process of bhakti-yoga
successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance and determination by following the prescribed duties in the
association of devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness.
For example, a girl is married. She hankers to have a child. If she thinks, “I must immediately have a child,” it is not
possible. She must be patient, remain a faithful wife, serve her husband, and let the mutual love of husband and wife
grow. Then they will be graced with a child. She should be patient. Similarly, in Krishna consciousness, perfection is
guaranteed. However, one needs to be patient and determined, and think, “I must continue regulated devotional
service with patience, faith and determination. Impatience is caused by loss of determination, which is due to
frustration.”
The devotee should be sure of success by passing one’s life in devotional service. One must stay the course with great
determination and not become discouraged if there is a delay in the attainment of success. Service with patience and
tolerance is the sign of a Krishna conscious person because he stays on the path of devotion in spite of all suffering,
rebukes, blasphemies, and unfavorable situations. One is never disheartened by defeat because no one and nothing
can deter a devotee from continuing to serve Krishna as devotion to the Lord does not depend on any material
condition.

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