Before coming to the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we might have taken pleasure in describing our anarthas and glorifying our anarthas, our material accomplishments and indulgences. The material world is all about showcasing one’s vices to others. The more one displays such vices, the more one is seen “great” in society.

In this age of Kali, those who are big womanizers, hard sense gratifiers, proud and rich spoiled brats — all gain a massive following. But when we come to the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we begin to understand that what we were considering valuable had no value in the real sense.

When Anarthas Torment a Sādhaka

To the degree we advance in Krishna Consciousness, we give lesser value to anarthas. As we walk this journey of purification, sometimes one of these anarthas may torment us very badly. We may feel overwhelmed by lust, anger, greed, pride, envy, or even all of them together.

Can such a situation ever be good for a sādhaka? Yes, in one particular way, it can.

When everything seems smooth in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we often become cozy, lax, or complacent. Such an attitude toward the practices of bhakti-yoga — like chanting and hearing — can never yield deep realization.

But when an anartha overpowers us and we realize our pitiable condition, we naturally feel the utmost necessity to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. In that helpless state, our call to Kṛṣṇa’s holy names becomes sincere and desperate.

Just like fever is not good, but the symptoms of fever are good because then only we feel the need to approach a doctor, similarly, anarthas are not good, but when we realize our pathetic situation, we turn toward Krishna.

Anarthas Bringing Closer to Krishna

Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura was enlightened by the grace of his spiritual master, and even by the prostitute Cintāmaṇi, who helped awaken his devotion. Later, while on his way to Vṛndāvana, he again faced an attack of lust.
But instead of succumbing, he plucked out his eyes with great determination so that he could remain totally fixed on the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. His awareness of his anartha made him more serious in bhakti.

Similarly, His Holiness Bhakti Tīrtha Swami Mahārāja used to chant 42 rounds daily. He would humbly say that because he came from an apparently difficult background, he needed that much more chanting to make spiritual progress.

Ultimately, Krishna’s goal is to bring us closer to Him. He may do it through our anarthas, or through some challenging situations, or by bringing us in a highly powerful association.

When Anarthas Are Not Handled Properly

However, when anarthas overwhelm us and we carelessly yield to them, we can waste our lives in the pursuit of sense gratification.

King Purūravā wasted his entire life chasing after Urvāśī. Similarly, Yayāti spent thousands of years lost in romantic adventures with Devayānī.

The Purpose Behind the Storms

Ultimately, Kṛṣṇa wants us to become completely absorbed in Him and take full shelter of His lotus feet. If we remain deeply sincere and intense even during calm times, Kṛṣṇa may not need to send storms to awaken us.

And even if storms come, a devotee who has taken wholehearted shelter of Kṛṣṇa remains steady — calmly holding on to His feet.

When a devotee surrenders fully and selflessly, Kṛṣṇa may not even present anarthas anymore, for the devotee already realizes how helpless he is before māyā.

Taking Shelter Every Moment

Actually, every day we are being tested and humiliated by Māyā Devī in subtle ways. Every moment, we are challenged by the agents of Kali. When we truly realize this, we won’t take shelter of Kṛṣṇa once a month or only in difficult times — we will take shelter every day, every moment.

And when Kṛṣṇa sees such a surrendered mood, He becomes immensely pleased and bestows His causeless mercy upon the devotee.