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 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 at us, but Krishna, His attention will never go there.
January 17, 2008, Budapest