Hearing and chanting of the mahamantra waters the seed and creeper of devotional service. Lord Caitanya likens transcendental devotional service to the sowing of the seed in the heart of the living entity.

There are innumerable living entities traveling throughout the different planets of the universe. Out of them, there are few fortunate enough to come in contact with Srila Prabhupada’s movement and get the chance to understand the process of rendering devotional service.

This devotional service is just like a seed, and, if it is sown in the heart of the living entity, and when he goes on hearing and chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra, then the seed fructifies just as the seed of a tree fructifies with regular watering.

I have been explaining to the disciples that they must try to complete their 16 rounds of chanting in the morning hours. Those of you who work outside should endeavor to chant 16 rounds attentively and finish it at your earliest. Avoid chanting your prescribed rounds late in the evening when you are tired and half-asleep.

Krishna wants us to surrender to Him through the medium of bonafide spiritual master. In the Nectar of Devotion, Srila Rupa Goswami has suggested the following:

1) accepting the shelter of the lotus feet of the bonafide spiritual master.

2) becoming initiated by the spiritual master and learning how to discharge devotional service from him.

3) obeying the order of the spiritual master with faith and devotion.

4) following in the footsteps of great acharyas (teachers) under the direction of the spiritual master.

5) inquiring from the spiritual master how to advance in Krishna consciousness.

As disciples, your constant inquiry is to help make spiritual advancement. Surrender is the ultimate instruction of the Bhagavad Gita. Although Krishna wants everyone to surrender to His lotus feet, because of our sinful activities we are unable to do so.

By attentive chanting, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, associating with devotees and rendering practical service, we can make spiritual advancement. In the Caitanya Caritamrta it is stated that, "A devotee engaged in chanting the holy name of the Lord should practice forbearance like that of the tree. Even if rebuked or chastised, he should not say anything to others or retaliate. For even if one cuts a tree, it never protests, nor even if it is drying up and dying does it ask anyone for water."

Srila Prabhupada states in the purport, "attentive chanting of the holy name will help you develop tolerance and humility, the two essential ingredients of advancement in spiritual life."

Please take advantage of every opportunity to preach.