When the Lord gives benedictions, He is giving benedictions for the ultimate interest of His devotee. He is thinking how to bring His devotee closer to His lotus feet.
So to get the attention of the Lord we have to have that unflinching faith and devotion. Otherwise if we perform severe austerities, but if there is any pride or any desire of prestige or recognition from these austerities, it is simply a show. Somebody else may look, but Krishna, His attention will never go there.
January 17, 2008, Budapest