1.2 Let me behold you above and the path to you below

ki lāgiyānile hethā 

koro ebe gati

Why have you brought me to this place?

Now do with me as suits your grace.

My dear Lord, please bless me to entrust myself into your hands, just as Srila Prabhupada did when he arrived in America—uncertain of what exactly he would do but certain that you were guiding him. Grant me the conviction that you are always orchestrating my circumstances from above and guiding my steps on the path below.

O omnipresent Lord, let my consciousness of you become an empowering blend of practical consciousness and transcendental consciousness. Practical consciousness will keep me aware of my immediate situation—its challenges and opportunities. Transcendental consciousness will keep me aware that you are always in charge.

If I have only practical consciousness without transcendental consciousness, I will be consumed by anxiety and paralyzed by panic. If I have neither practical nor transcendental consciousness, I will be lost in my head, unable to do anything worthwhile. If I have only transcendental consciousness without practical consciousness, I will become unrealistic—over-dependent on your intervention without doing my part.

Bless me, O almighty Lord, to cultivate both. Let transcendental consciousness keep me faithful and calm, and let practical consciousness keep me resourceful and alert. Thus, like Srila Prabhupada, may my head remain in the sky while my feet stay firmly on the ground, as I walk the path of your service.