Bhakti Tirtha Swami
In the commercial airlines, at takeoff the flight attendants instruct passengers in the use of oxygen masks, reminding them to secure their own masks before assisting others. In the same way, to be effective spiritual warriors we must protect ourselves first. Otherwise we are of no use to anyone. The greatest protection of all comes from our unconditional, unmotivated, uninterrupted devotional service. Such service opens us up to a flow of divine love and protection in all circumstances.
Reference: Spiritual Warrior III: Solace for the Heart in Difficult Times, Chapter 8 – How To Strengthen Ourselves
Bhakti Vikas Swami
When our hearts are softened by being purified by devotional service, we will be naturally attracted to Krishna.
Lecture on "Great devotees exhibited ecstasy but we shouldn't" – Salem – Nov'06
Bhakti Vikas Swami
The first effect of pure devotional service is that a person becomes free from klesa, suffering.
Lecture on Real Success Stories Are in Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 8.4.15; Ljubljana, Slovenia, 26 Dec 1998)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
It is not possible for a conditioned soul to directly meet Krishna – the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but if one becomes a sincere devotee and seriously engages in devotional service, Lord Krishna sends an instructing spiritual master to show him favour and invoke his dormant propensity for serving the Supreme. The preceptor appears before the external senses of the fortunate conditioned soul and at the same time the devotee is guided from within by the Caitya-Guru – Krishna who is seated as the spiritual master within the heart of the living entity.
Radhanath Swami
Krishna will take our devotional service seriously when he sees we have gratitude to the great souls who have given their lives to help us.
Srimad Bhagavatam
Devotional service, beginning with the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is the ultimate religious principle for the living entity in human society.
