Paramahamsa: Srila Prabhupada, how can one remain humble? How can one remain humble in executing his devotional service?

Prabhupada: Yes. If he thinks himself that “I am non-entity, helpless,” then he can remain. If he thinks, “I can do something. I have got so much intelligence,” then he cannot become humble. Just like… [aside:] Don’t come very near. Just like child is humble always, because he knows that “I am completely helpless. Unless mother helps me, I am complete…” Therefore, whenever he’s in need of something, he cries, “Mother, help me.” This is helplessness. Helplessness. Always. Karpanye. This is one of the item of surrender. Unless you think yourself helpless, you cannot surrender. Surrender is complete when you think yourself that you are helpless. “I am helpless, but because I am surrendered to Krsna, He’ll save me.” This faith also must be there, that “Although I am helpless… Not although I am factually helpless, but because I am surrendered to Krsna, I have no danger. He’ll help me, protect me.”

Morning Walk — June 11, 1974, Paris