God helps those who help themselves, says Lord Krishna

Krishna says that He provides for His devotees by giving them what they lack and preserving what they have. People are very fond of saying that God helps those who help themselves, but they do not understand that helping yourself means putting yourself under Krishna’s protection.

If one thinks, “Oh, I can help myself. I can protect myself,” one is thinking foolishly. As long as my finger is attached to my body, it is useful, and I may spend thousands of dollars to preserve it. But if this finger is cut off, it is useless and is thrown away.

Similarly, we are part and parcel of Krishna, and helping ourselves means putting ourselves in our proper position as His parts and parcels. Otherwise we are only fit to be cast away. The finger can help itself only when situated properly on the hand and working on behalf of the entire body. If the finger thinks, “I will separate myself from this body and simply help myself,” that finger will be cast away and will die. As soon as we think, “I shall live independently of Krishna,” that is our spiritual death, and as soon as we engage in Krishna’s service, as His part and parcel, that is our spiritual life.

Therefore, helping oneself means knowing one’s actual position and working accordingly. It is not possible to help oneself without knowing one’s position. The practice of yoga, especially bhakti-yoga in Krishna consciousness, may appear to be a very difficult job. If you are serious about understanding the goal of life, spiritual knowledge, then Krishna will help you. If anyone follows the principles with great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those who help themselves.

Ref: Path of Perfection authored by Srila Prabhupada (Founder – Acharya, ISKCON)