(HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, Durban South Africa, 4th April 2012) Lecture: Cc Madhya-lila 12-133
Fake it until you make it. So in sādhana-bhakti (devotional service in practise) we are trying to act according to devotional qualities, which we may not have! We try to act humble although we are not yet humble! We try to act enthusiastic although we are not always enthusiastic, and yes, this helps us to develop such qualities, but it is not enough.
The other aspect is the mercy. We need mercy to get these qualities, to actually realise these qualities. So to get real lasting enthusiasm is not only about endeavouring very hard but we also need mercy! And then we may get that lasting enthusiasm! So we must endeavour very enthusiastically and be very eager for the mercy of the vaisnavas and the mercy of the Lord, and in various ways through serving and so on, for any type of mercy. When mercy and endeavour are combined, then we get that realization!