The "highest independence" is "choosing" to be fully dependent on Krishna.

The fact is God is more inclined to help those who FIRST do everything they can to help themselves. Only then will Krishna help you when He sees you trying your best to help yourself to remember Krishna. This is because each jiva has their own independent individual personality and sense of self that allows them to ''choose'' to help themselves first. Otherwise if Krishna does everything for you, how can there be genuine love? Real love is reciprocal, it is NEVER a one way street where surrender to Krishna takes away one's sense of self and individuality. The "highest independence" is "choosing" to be fully dependent on Krishna. The freedom to EVEN stay in Vaikuntha MUST be the jivas choice in reciprocation with Krishna because without free will there can be no real love. Srila Prabhupada has said not even Krishna can force you to love Him, LOVE or service is based on free will and then reciprocation. Srila Prabhupada told his disciples, if you love me then naturally I will love you.