Srila Prabhupada speaks about our individuality and independence:
“Kṛṣṇa does not force; Kṛṣṇa desires, He orders, that ‘You do this.’ Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (BG 18.66). But He does not interfere with the little independence. That is Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, how He can do that. Kṛṣṇa is not like us, that I give you something and again I ask you to return it. No. Whatever Kṛṣṇa has given to us, that is permanent.”
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Bombay, January 16, 1975)
“In the Bhagavad-gītā you’ll find, after instructing Bhagavad-gītā to Arjuna, Kṛṣṇa is asking, ‘Now I have instructed you everything. Now whatever you like, you can do.’ Yathechasi tathā kuru. That independence you have got. Kṛṣṇa, or God, does not interfere with the little independence He has given to us. And because we are part and parcel of God, God is fully independent, so we have got little portion of independence.”
(Srila Prabhupada Conversation, Los Angeles, June 9, 1976)
“So this opportunity is offered. Take Kṛṣṇa consciousness. There is no tax, there is no loss, but everything is gained. Try it. At least, make an experiment for week or for fortnight and see. It is not difficult. Simply we must be willing. That’s all. Because every one of us are independent. Not fully; little. So we can use our independence, we can misuse our independence. So here is the offering: take Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Now it is your choice.”
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Seattle, October 11, 1968)
“So the choice is yours. In all the case, the choice is yours. If you know the value, instantly you accept it. If you do not know the value, then it will take time. But after all, the choice is depending on you to accept it or not accept it. It is your choice. Kṛṣṇa also says in the Bhagavad-gītā. After instructing him (Arjuna), He inquires, ‘Whether your illusion is now over? What you decide to do now?’ He said, ‘Yes, my illusion is over. I will act what You say.’ That’s all. The choice is mine.”
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Hamburg, September 8, 1969)
Radhe Radhe ❣️
Meerakebol 