How can we become a responsible child of Krishna?
he asat has no enduring existence. We are like children—we often don’t realize all that our parents are doing for us.
Similarly, in our bhakti practices too, we may get caught up in our own small world. So how do we grow up and become responsible children in Krishna consciousness? I believe there are three ways.
First and foremost, we need the association of responsible children.
I have observed that some devotees are filled with such vibrant devotional energy that just being around them inspires me to also want to do something for Krishna.
We all serve according to our capacities, but the association of such devotees often energizes us. Think of a child who spends time only playing with peers. While play is natural and even necessary, it shouldn’t consume the child’s life entirely.
If a child has an elder sibling—or even slightly older friends in the neighborhood—who act more responsibly, it can have a positive impact. Often, parents seem distant because of the generational gap, but elder siblings or neighbors can become accessible role models.
A friend of mine, a devotee who is also a child psychologist, mentioned that for the first time in human history, many children are growing up without siblings. Due to rising economic demands, many families have only one child. With increasing social isolation, children have fewer natural associations that encourage responsibility. This way of growing up is very different from how humanity has lived for most of history.
So, associating with those who have taken up responsibility for Krishna’s mission fills us with strength and determination. This, I feel, is the single most important factor.
Second, we should have something personal that we offer to Krishna—something that connects us individually with Him.
Of course, we all do japa, worship our deities, and follow our sadhana. But beyond that, having some personal offering to Krishna—something we feel deeply connected with—helps a lot.
This could be a project or a service, something we cherish as our personal offering. Not in an egoistic way, but in a heartfelt way—like saying, “This is my baby, Krishna; please accept it.”
Srila Prabhupada once said that in Vrindavan, there were widows who, even during cold mornings, would wake up early, bathe, and open the doors of the temple before the pujari came. They would pluck flowers and offer them to the deities—such simple services. Prabhupada said that because they were doing their service with such sincerity, they would surely go back to Godhead.
So even a small, sincere service can connect us with Krishna personally. Prabhupada once described Krishna consciousness as this: when we stand before the deities, we don’t just ask, “Krishna, what are You doing for me?” Rather, we ask, “Krishna, what am I doing for You?”
Of course, it’s natural to approach Krishna with our problems, and even that is good—Krishna is suhridam sarva-bhutanam—the well-wisher of all beings. But cultivating a service attitude takes us to a deeper connection. So, find something that may not be big in the world’s eyes, but which you can do wholeheartedly for Krishna.
Third, we can try to gradually increase our responsibility in Krishna’s service.
Whatever we are already doing, we can ask, “Can I do a little more?” If we take small steps in expanding our service, our personal connection with Krishna will also deepen. That’s how we grow—not suddenly, but steadily.
So in summary, if we want to grow up spiritually and become more responsible children of Krishna:
- Associate with responsible devotees.
- Take up a service that feels personally meaningful, even if it’s small.
- Try to gradually increase that service.
In this way, we mature in our devotional life—responsible not out of burden, but out of love.