depend on

In the Srimad Bhagwatam, Second Canto, Second Chapter [5], there is a very nice verse in which it is said that a devotee should always remain dependent on the mercy of the Supreme Lord. As far as his material necessities are concerned, he should be satisfied with whatever is obtained without any endeavor. Sukdeva Goswami advised in that connection: that a devotee should never approach a materialistic person for any kind of help. So far as his bodily necessities are concerned, he may pick up a torn cloth thrown in the street, he can take fruits offered by the tree, he can drink water which is flowing in the river, and he can live in the cave constructed by Nature herself, in the hill and mountain regions. Above all, if he is unable to do all these things, he should completely depend on the Supreme Lord, understanding that the Supreme Lord provides everyone with food and shelter, and therefore He will never fail to care for His devotees who have fully surrendered unto Him. In both ways the devotee is always protected, and therefore he should not be at all anxious for his maintenance of life. Sanatan Goswami thus inquired into all phases of devotional service, and Lord Chaitanya taught him most confidentially from authoritative Scriptures like Srimad Bhagwatam in the matter of devotional service and Krishna Consciousness. (More...)

So if I give up everything, that I may be doubtful, "Then how things will go on? How I shall live if I give it...?" No, you shall live if you believe in Krsna. Raksisyati iti visvasa palanam. If Krsna says that "I shall give you protection," so why shall I not believe it? This is called surrender, full surrender, that Krsna..., "Let me engage myself in Krsna's service as Krsna orders." (More...)

If we take this, I mean to say, assurance from Krsna, then there is santi. Otherwise there is no santi. That is called sattva-gunam svaccham. "So I am taking to this worship of Deity, but at the same time let me have something privately so that in case of my distress, if Krsna fails to help me, this money will help me." That is not svaccham. Svaccham means clear. That is not... Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises, (More...)

So we, of course, we are not so advanced, but we have got many examples of advanced devotees. Still there are in India; you will find in Vrndavana and other places. Actually, they have no means-simply depending. They take their bath in the Yamuna and sit down and chant Hare Krsna. There are still such devotees. But everything is going on. So that is santa, completely depending on God. That is the highest stage of devotional life. Vasudevah sarvam iti sa mahatma sudurlabhah [Bg 7.19]. There are many stories and many incidences. And that's a fact, that, as it is said by Bhagavan, (More...)