(Kadamba Kanana Swami, April 2009, Durban, South Africa, Ratha Yatra Lecture)
Sometimes an analogy is used that our consciousness is like a pond. In that pond, we throw different stones and all these stones are impressions. If we fill up the pond with ‘Krsna stones’ more and more, then gradually as it fills up, there is not much space for any other stones, for any other impressions. In fact, when the stones are filling up all the way to the surface of the water, then even if you throw in another stone, it will just bounce out! It won’t go in anymore, it will just go straight out. So it is said, in this way, we must fill our consciousness completely to the top with Krsna. Then there are still small, small spaces between the stones – those you must fill up with little stones, with smaller things – with refined things, with more refined ways of meditating on Krsna, remembering Krsna and appreciating Krsna. Then still finer, in between the big stones and small stones, there is still a little space to be filled up with sand. In this way, fill until there is no space left.
So not only must our Krsna conscious increase but the smaller stones also mean that we must start paying more attention to the detail and do it right!
