I WANT TO LOVE KRISHNA. DO I NEED ASSOCIATION TO LOVE HIM?

I WANT TO LOVE KRISHNA. DO I NEED ASSOCIATION TO LOVE HIM?

Just because we are unable to see Krishna in person, do we liquidate our devotional practices?  No.  We believe that our devotion and love is being received by Krishna though He is in Goloka.  

Sudama (Kuchela) was thinking of his childhood friend Krishna and met Him with the same un-liquidated love.  He got everything he lacked.

Radharani loved Krishna in separation;  Gopis loved Him in separation.  Devaki, Vasudeva, etc, loved Krishna though He left them.

To love a person, he need not be personally present always.  

Every devotee in this world is loving Krishna in separation only.  They feel as if Krishna is there with them.  This spirit alone gives them sufficient support to always keep Krishna with them.

Association (Group of devotees), reading, chanting, etc, are sadhanas/ practices that help us to keep in touch with Krishna.  How sincere he is in his love is very important.

For example,  if a husband is always telling to his wife “I love you”, but, is not fulfilling all her needs, that is not a true love.

At the same time, though a real loving husband does not have the nature of praising his wife, he may be fulfilling all her needs as he is loving her genuinely and hence he tries to make her happy.  He may be lacking in oral praises.  However, he shows in action.

So, Oral practices alone are not sufficient.  Gopis, though did not chant Krishna's names as ritual were thinking of Krishna all the time within heart.

Similarly, we are advised to chant, offer worships, etc, just to bring out the naturally hidden love on Krishna within us.

We should chant from our heart and mind that will bring our love on Krishna out. The love will be flourishing all the time.

Love with Krishna is our private affair with Krishna.  Between an Athma and Paramathma.  

Will you take your friend with you when you go to meet your lover?  No.  Why?  Your love with her is your private affair.  No need for any other persons in between.

Similarly, to love Krishna, you alone should take steps. 

If only the association of devotees should increase your devotion and chanting, that means, your love with Krishna is conditional. Instead, the love with Krishna should be spontaneous.

Then, why are we advised to get association of other devotees?  Since we again and again fall in the hands of attractive material glairs, to prevent our mind from falling, we are advised to get association of devotees.

Association is needed,  if you lack in love and consider maya is strong.

Therefore, my advice is that develop firm love on Krishna and believe that Krishna exists and hears your voice.  Chant with this mindset.  ALWAYS KEEP YOU CONNECTED TO KRISHNA.