The willingness to change

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 April 2014, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.34)

It is interesting that in the purports of the Bhagavad-gita when Srila Prabhuapda describes the mode of goodness then Srila Prabhupada does not say that you have to be in the mode of goodness, which is impossible. How can we be in the mode of goodness? He says that you have to associate with the mode of goodness! So, that we can do!

And by associating in the mode of goodness, we cultivate the mode of goodness. Of course, there are so many rules – sit properly, eat properly, chant properly… everything properly, properly, properly – but this willingness to change must be there. The sense of rebelliousness, “I want to do it my way,” is a sign of passion and ignorance.

We see that the demigods are situated in the mode of goodness; they are always trying to do things properly. We read in scriptures that the willingness to change must be there:

We must approach a bonafide spiritual master in a humble and submissive mood. A mood willing to hear and willing to change!