Hare Krsna,
So far, we have learned that all the material elements have originated from the Lord’s external energy and entangle the soul (jiva) who wishes to enjoy independent of the Lord. Lord Kapiladev explained the manifestation and the characteristics of the material elements such as earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, ego, senses, sense objects and so on. By knowing these, one is freed from the influence of material modes, cut the knot of temporary attachments, and attain to self-realization.
SB 3.26.72: Therefore, through devotion, detachment and advancement in spiritual knowledge acquired through concentrated devotional service, one should contemplate that Supersoul as present in this very body although simultaneously apart from it.
The jiva is spiritual in nature, yet he experiences material conditions due to his association with sense objects for material enjoyment. Thinking himself to be the doer in false ego the spiritual jiva binds himself to existence in the material world. The solution to this incompatible predicament of the spiritual soul is to gradually control the material mind though bhakti.
This means that we have to get out of our consciousness in false ego that we are the enjoyer which is a result of contemplation on sense enjoyment. This state of consciousness (that we are the enjoyer) is so ingrained within us since time immemorial that it needs a major ‘transcendental surgery’ to get out of this state. Bhakti-yoga (devotional service) is that transcendental surgery. The gravity of the situation does not become apparent until we engage in devotional service to the Supreme Lord.
“It is therefore recommended in this verse that one engage very seriously in the devotional service of the Lord. This means that one should not think that he is the proprietor, benefactor, friend, or enjoyer. He should always be cognizant that the real enjoyer is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead; that is the basic principle of bhakti-yoga. One must be firmly convinced of these three principles: one should always think that Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor, Kṛṣṇa is the enjoyer and Kṛṣṇa is the friend. Not only should he understand these principles himself, but he should try to convince others and propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness.” (SB 3.17.5 Purport)
Therefore, Lord Kapiladeva recommends that one has to become faithful by practicing the controlling process of the yoga system and must elevate himself to the platform of unalloyed devotional service by chanting and hearing about Him. (SB 3.17.6)
I have been engaged in this chanting and hearing process for quite a few years now. The transformation I see in myself is that my faith in the power of devotional service to get me out of material consciousness gets stronger day by day. I realize that I have been given the various gross and subtle senses not for my enjoyment but for the enjoyment of the Supreme Lord. In this material world, we live under a big illusion that enjoyment means happiness. Quite to the contrary, material enjoyment actually brings misery even though we do not realize it at first. On the other hand, in bhakti we are taught that service to the Lord with devotion, detachment and transcendental knowledge is the key to real and eternal happiness. Of course it is still not very easy to engage my mind to the Lord 100%. My mind is very turbulent and restless. Therefore, I have been trying to chant the Holy Name by fixing my mind on each mantra to bring my mind under control. Even when I hear any lectures, I try to hear attentively. I am trying to build up my attention span gradually from 5 mins to 10 mins, and up. I do not have to perform strict yoga asanas like yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, etc., which are beyond my capability. I am taking shelter of the Holy Name to achieve the same.
“The practice of yoga by physical exercise is not the ultimate goal; the real end is to concentrate and to control the mind and train oneself to be situated in faithful devotional service.” (SB 3.27.6 Purport)
Thus, we can remain undisturbed by material elements even though living in this material world by the process of devotional service. Unless one is completely faithful to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and engages himself in the process of hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord, there is no possibility for liberation. (SB 3.27.6 Purport)
By intense bhakti, the influence of maya over the jiva can be removed. Maya cannot bewilder an enlightened soul who has fixed one’s mind in Lord Krsna.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 