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A true leader takes all harsh comments, open criticism and cynicism as the crushing of the puss by the expert surgeon, God, who through his representatives purifies us of our diseased false ego. Thus a strong leader doesn't allow potentially distressful experiences and emotional setbacks to dissuade him or her from the goal; rather such a leader marches on against all obstacles.

This is your section. Answer case studies and share your solutions with other thoughtful people. The struggles and joys of a Bhakti Yogi are explored here with real life situations. What would you do if you were placed in the same situation as the character revealed in the case study. Radhanath Swami has presented mantra yoga as a practical path that any sincere practitioner can pursue. Some of the characters in these exercises may echo your own troubled emotions and struggles. Knowing that you are not alone, and you too could make a positive difference to the lives of other spiritual seekers, will empower you to practise spiritual principles with enthusiasm and determination.

Dealing with negativity in a positive way is called tolerance. - Radhanath Swami

Bhakti Yoga is a gradual and steady process of transformation and cultivation of positive desirable habits. One could begin waking up at 8.30 in the morning. After a week of strict adherence to this half hour improvement, one could then begin to rise at 8.00 am. This way slowly by half hour progression one can eventually rise just before sunrise. Try this programme of early morning spiritual practises for three months and see the difference it makes to your consciousness. The proof of the pudding is in eating…

Seated in an auto-rickshaw that had found the red light at a busy city intersection, what else could I expect but black smoke? Destiny, however, surprised me with a little sweet encounter. I spotted a street urchin who darted from vehicle to vehicle, begging. Moments later she reached me, her expression pleading for charity. I deftly reached my handbag's front pocket to pull out the box in which I always carry cookies for such occasions. The little angel was quick to translate my body language and expectation twinkled in her innocent eyes. Suddenly I realized the box wasn't to be found. Not wanting to disappoint her I reached my pockets for coins. All I found was a five hundred rupee note; if I gave that to her, we had to exchange positions! Mortified at the thought of breaking her heart, I settled the matter with a sorry smile, but made sure to add extra affection into that. She left. I felt good about what I had done and fixed my vision on the traffic light. It turned green and all vehicles honked in unison, impatient to race ahead. As my driver waited for the line of vehicles in front to start moving, suddenly the urchin reappeared. This time she didn't hold out her open palms; our eyes met and through her eyes I could hear a faint voice of gratitude that rose above the noise of traffic all around. I found in her expression an element of surprise; perhaps she had received many things from many, but hadn't received affection from any. Our exchange happened in a flash, before my vehicle sped ahead, and I never saw her again. Soon, I knew, I would forget about this brief incident, but I prayed never to forget the lesson I had learnt: affection touches the heart, and if we see closely within, we are all desperate for that touch. Years later, while learning the mysteries of Bhakti yoga from Radhanath Swami, I came to know how Bhakti is all about affection-affection exchanged between the Supreme Lord and we spirit souls. If two tiny spiritual beings can exper