chap30 A Higher Taste

A Higher Taste


People often wonder how a devotee can execute the process of
devotional service so faithfully while still being surrounded by so
many attractive material features. When Srila Prabhupada's Godbrother
was preaching in England to a member of the nobility, he requested the
nobleman to follow the four regulative principles: no meat, fish or
eggs; no gambling; no illicit sex; and no intoxication. The gentleman
replied, "Impossible!"


But a devotee is experiencing such pleasure from the Lord's service,
that he considers such material affairs as insignificant. This is
called a "higher taste". This material world is a perverted reflection
of the spiritual realm. So, when we experience the real thing, there
is no more attraction to the reflection.


One, for example, may be attracted to dancing for one's own pleasure,
which is certainly material. But, when one experiences dancing for
Krishna, he forgets such paltry, dry affairs as material dancing. A
devotee chants the holy names of God: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, and
dances in ecstasy.


Once can eat for Krishna, speak for Krishna, act for Krishna, or
practically anything one would do for himself, can be done for
Krishna. All the senses can be thus engaged in serving Krishna.


1. Bhagavad-gita 2.59
http://www.bkgoswami.com/
http://www.krishna.com/