(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 April 2010, Radhadesh, Belgium, Lecture)
Another quality that I would like to see in individuals is kindness. Kindness is so important! We want to be on the receiving end of kindness but to be kind is so difficult however this is something that I see as being part of a strong individual. It is something that we all should try to cultivate. I would be so pleased if my disciples would be known for their extraordinary kindness. I think that it would be a real victory because kindness is what really conquers; it is what will truly make a difference.
It is one quality that I really appreciated in Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada as the most exalted but you also see him as a very kind, wise human being. This is what I wish to become. I know and I’ll say it here that I have a sharp side in my nature. I can be quite cutting and it is not my favourite quality in myself. I’m trying to grow out of it and I guess it’s getting a little better. But those who get close to me, they get the brunt of it! It is something to work on. May we all be challenged to grow; this is what is required.
It is not enough just to be a member of ISKCON, just to be here, just to be initiated. It is nice and it is meaningful but I like to compare the vows of initiation to pearls and then tell the story about Krsna who planted pearls and many bushes of pearls grew. I really feel that these vows of initiations should be taken like that, like pearls that must be planted and developed. I’m looking for growth, I’m looking for compassion and kindness in strong individuals.