In an era when every news seems dominated by attacks, crashes, sirens, blackouts, and grisly footage, it’s only natural for our hearts to quake with fear. No matter who we are or how secure we think our surroundings may be, such headlines can make anyone feel unsafe. Yet even in the most challenging situations, one person remains steadfast and unshaken: the devotee. What is it that keeps a devotee’s mind anchored when everyone else is gripped by panic?
1. Anchoring the Mind Beyond Headlines
When danger looms—whether a missile threat or a sudden blackout—most of us instinctively turn to the news, to politics, or to whatever technology promises safety. But the true refuge of a devotee is not the latest update or any human-made security protocol; it is the Lord Himself.
“nārāyaṇa-parāḥ sarve / na kutaścana bibhyati”
“Devotees solely engaged in the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, never fear any condition of life.”
2. A Lesson from November 1971
During the Indo-Pak war of November 1971, Delhi was plunged into darkness and air-raid sirens wailed through the night. Bombs and missiles felt imminent. Among those present in the capital was Srila Prabhupad, the great spiritual master. A reporter asked him, “What would you do if a bomb were to fall on us right now?”
With a serene smile, Srila Prabhupad raised his hands and replied,
“We will accept the bomb as Krishna!”
His answer captures the essence of divine surrender: seeing God in all circumstances, even the most frightening ones.
3. Ultimate Dependence on the Lord
Of course, we must follow all safety protocols—seek shelter, keep our lights off during a blackout, and stay alert. But our ultimate fate rests in the Lord’s hands. When we become fully dependent on Him, our anxieties dissolve:
“kaunteya pratijānīhi / na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati”
“O son of Kuntī, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.”
(Bhagavad-Gita 9.31)
4. The Power of Mantra & Prayer
In times of war or crisis, the most potent protection is spiritual practice. Chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. Recite the Narasimha Kavacha mantra. Offer prayers for yourself, your family, your nation, and for the welfare of all beings.
5. Wisdom from the Battlefield of Kurukshetra
Let us not forget that the Bhagavad-Gita itself was spoken in the midst of a looming war. Its teachings are profoundly relevant today, starting with the reminder that we are souls, not bodies:
“nainaṁ chindanti śastrāṇi / nainaṁ dahati pāvakaḥ”
“The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water.”
(Bhagavad-Gita 2.23)
6. Cultivating Peace Through Compassion
Scriptures warn that when we senselessly slaughter innocent animals to satisfy our taste buds, nature responds with chaos and calamity. World peace begins from our own plates. Why not become vegetarian—or even better, “Krishna-eaterian”? Offer your food lovingly to the Lord, then partake of it as prasadam (sanctified offering).
7. Balancing Awareness with Inner Calm
Staying informed is important, but obsessing over every breaking alert or war-zone video will only breed fear and panic. Whether you’re working, resting, or even dreaming, constant exposure to grim news loops your mind in anxiety. Remember: you have no control over bombs or blackouts—only the Lord does.
8. Preparing for Life’s Ultimate Reality
War is a painful reminder that this world is temporary. As the Bhagavata describes it:
“duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam”
“this temporary world, which is full of miseries.”
No matter how strongly we cling, death is inevitable. Rather than cower from this truth, let’s prepare for it by cultivating our relationship with Krishna. At the moment of death, He promises:
“anta-kāle ca mām eva / smaran muktvā kalevaram”
“And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me alone at once attains My nature.”
9. Turning Crisis into Opportunity
Instead of wasting precious moments in fear or distraction, devote your time to spiritual growth. Chant, read, meditate, and serve. If you’d like to connect with our temple, attend free online Gita classes, or simply learn more about our community, click on the link below:
https://harekrishnamandir.org/get-connected
Stay safe, keep chanting, and let every challenge draw you closer to Krishna.
Hare Krishna!
