Practical Engagement in Lord Krishna's Service

Everyone must do some kind of work, but if you work only for yourself you must accept the karmic reactions of that work. As Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita (3.9), "Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu [Krishna] has to be performed. Otherwise work binds one to the material world."

You needn't change your occupation, except if you're now engaged in a sinful job such as working as a butcher or bartender. If you're a writer, write for Krishna; if you're an artist, create for Krishna; if you're a secretary, type for Krishna. You may also directly help the temple in your spare time, and you should sacrifice some of the fruits of your work by contributing a portion of your earnings to help maintain the temple and propagate Krishna consciousness. Some devotees living outside the temple buy Hare Krishna literature and distribute it to their friends and associates, or they engage in a variety of services at the temple. There is also a wide network of devotees who gather in each other's homes for chanting, worship, and study.

Additional Devotional Principles
There are many more practices that will help you become Krishna conscious. Here are two vital ones:

Studying Hare Krishna literature. Srila Prabhupada , the founder-acarya of Krishna consciousness movement, dedicated much of his time to writing books such as the Srimad-Bhagavatam, an encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. Hearing the words and reading the writings of a bonafide spiritual master is an essential spiritual practice. So try to set aside some time every day to read Srila Prabhupada's books. If you have no books, email us and we can point you in the right direction to get one or we can send one to you. Books are available on Ebay and Amazon.com

Associating with devotees. Srila Prabhupada established the Hare Krishna movement to give people in general the chance to associate with devotees of the Lord. This is the best way to gain faith in the process of Krishna consciousness and become enthusiastic in devotional service. Conversely, maintaining intimate connections with non-devotees slows one's spiritual progress. So try to visit the Hare Krishna center nearest you as often as possible. Wherever you are, you can always associate with Srila Prabhupada via his books.

Here at the Online Hare Krishna Temple we are always happy to answer your questions. Email us: Sudama das
Bhaktin Cristina

The beauty of Krishna consciousness is that you can take as much as you're ready for. Krishna Himself promises in the Bhagavad-gita (2.40), "In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution , and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear." So bring Krishna into your daily life, and we guarantee you'll feel the benefit.

On Chanting Hare Krishna - essay by Srila Prabhupada

Setting up your altar - How to worship Krishna in your home

Eating Spiritually: Prasadam - the Karma Free Diet

Preparing and Offering Prasadam - How to Offer Vegetarian Food to God

Everyday Living: The Regulative Principles - Moral Principles to Live By

Practical engagement in Devotional Service - Doing Everything for Krishna