Divine Qualities: Service Attitude

Q. How can a common person without any religious background understand that tribulations are due to karma or time?

Q. I read in digest 189 that "who does not follow the regulative principles is not fit for chanting (kirtana)". I am struggling with my attachments and find it difficult and sometimes or most times not motivated to chant. I feel very bad and sometimes dejected due to my own way of life of not watering the seed of devotion I received due to the mercy of devotees and especially one devotee.

Q. 1. Time-management is a big issue for students. While it is important to be responsible in our studies, there is also a desire to spend more time in spiritual activities. How can a neophyte with a very biased priority learn to balance time between sadhana, other spiritual activities and day-to-day work?

Q. I have so much contamination and materialism in my heart that it is disturbing my consciousness when I am associating with devotees. Greed and envy for spiritual gain is coming to my mind sometimes.

By the mercy of Krishna and Prabhupada, I have got this wonderful association. I don't know how long will I have such good fortune and mercy. What should I be meditating on and what should be my consciousness when I associate with devotees, such that I don't keep thinking of just gaining or gaining more out of it.

Service is what I look for but it's not all the time. Please guide me in this.