We are living in the modern age of connection. We love to connect with things and with people. We identify ourselves as part of a community, and we become deeply engrossed in situations.
But many times, the very connections we make in life, instead of helping us connect with our own self, actually disconnect us from our true self, and from Krishna.
In this age of social media, where connection is glorified, spiritual practitioners need something deeper. They need a sacred space where they can disconnect from the world, in order to truly connect – with themselves, with the world in a meaningful way, and ultimately with Krishna.
And when that connection becomes profound, one can contribute positively to the world.
Disconnect to Connect
When unhealthy situations come into our life, we often think more connection is the solution.
When despondency comes, we feel:
“Let me scroll Instagram….that will help.”
“Let me talk to more people…..that will solve the problem.”
But does it really help?
We try to connect outwardly, while inwardly becoming more empty.
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam gives us powerful examples of personalities who chose disconnection from the wrong things, in order to connect with Krishna.
Parīkṣit Mahārāj, who was unfairly cursed to die in seven days, could have reacted aggressively. He could have filed a lawsuit, fought back, and engaged in arguments.
Instead, he chose to disconnect from everything worldly and take full shelter of Krishna. Because he disconnected from the world, he became connected to Śukadeva Gosvāmī, who normally would not stay in one place even for the time it takes to milk a cow, yet stayed for seven full days. Śukadeva enabled Parīkṣit to get connected with Krishna. Pariksit’s one disconnection resulted in the ultimate connection.
At the beginning of creation, Brahmā was perplexed. Instead of panicking, he chose to disconnect. That disconnection enabled him to hear the divine instruction and connect with Krishna.
Ambarīṣa Mahārāja, when attacked by Durvāsa Muni, did not react impulsively. He remained fixed, disconnected from the agitation, and connected to Krishna. On the other hand, Durvāsā Muni, by connecting with anger, disconnected from Krishna and landed in distress.
The Illusion of Modern Connection
Today, we may have 50 conversations a day on WhatsApp. We may send hundreds of messages. Yet, despite so much “connection,” the heart often feels empty. Because in the name of connection, we disconnect from our own self.
Bharata Mahārāja, by connecting with a deer, became disconnected from Krishna. In the human body, he got connected with the deer. But, when he landed in deer’s body, he disconnected from the other deers !! Even in his later life as Jada Bharata, he disconnected from material things in order to not get disconnected from his own self and from Krishna.
Connect to Contribute
The true result of connection with Krishna is a positive contribution, in our lives and in the lives of others. Śrīla Prabhupāda was a perfect example. He disconnected from everything material. That deep connection empowered him to contribute to the whole world.
On the other hand, if we disconnect from Krishna and His devotees, any connections we make in our lives won’t lead to any contribution, but only to confusion and a consequent catastrophe.
Viśvāmitra Muni disconnected from the world, but because of not developing a higher taste, he got connected to Menakā.
Saubhari Muni tried to artificially disconnect, but got connected to 50 women and married them instead of getting connected to Krishna !!
Daksha was totally disconnected from Krishna and His devotees, and as a result, his wrong connections didn’t lead to any tangible contributions. Rather, his “connection” (or disconnection) resulted in confusion and catastrophe.
Ravana wanted to get connected not to Lord Rama, but to Mother Sita in an inappropriate manner. His wrong connection again didn’t lead to any contribution, but only resulted in cataclysm.
Hanuman, on the other hand, connected with Lord Rama, disconnecting from everything else, and that resulted in such a magnificent contribution to the whole world !!
We need to assess in our lives – Am i disconnecting from things not related to Krishna, in that disconnection, am I trying to connect with Krishna, and with that Krishna connection, am i trying to contribute positively to the whole world? If that happens, life is a success.
