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Principles of Pure Devotional Service

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
55 views4 pages

Principles of Pure Devotional Service

Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
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Available Formats
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Following are the Principles of Pure Devotional Service –

1. Qualification for Pure Devotional Service it to be Non-Envious and Faith:

Krishna says that Bhakti is the king of all knowledge, most confidential and joyfully
performed but one must be non-envious to realize Krishna, he also says that Faithless cannot
attain him.

SP also mentions that Lord understands the mentality and sincerity of a particular living
entity who is engaged in Krishna consciousness and gives him the intelligence to understand
the science of Krishna in the association of devotees. So, Bhakti cannot be attained, it can
only be revealed.

2. Understanding that Krishna is the Supreme Controller:


Krishna clearly says in 9.10 that he is the Supreme Director of this entire Cosmic
Manifestation, everything works under his Direction, but he remains aloof from all these
activities. So, whatever happens in our life if we can understand that it is the will of Krishna
and completely depending on Krishna and loving Krishna that is Pure Devotional Service.
3. Worshipping Krishna constantly with Devotion:
Krishna gives examples of Mahatmas who are engaged in Pure Devotional Service, he says
that Mahatmas are always chanting the glories of the Lord and are engaged in different
activities of Devotional Service with full determination and devotion.
SP mentions in the purport of 9.14 that, Pure Devotional Service is very easy and can be
performed in happy mood, one need not undergo any penances and austerities, one can live
this life in Devotional Service in any position.
4. Krishna accepts anything offered with Devotion:
Krishna tells if an unmotivated Devotee offers me with Love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a
fruit or water he accepts it. Krishna is self sufficient and not in need of anything from
anyone, yet He accepts the offering from a devotee in an exchange of love and affection.
This verse indicates Bhakti is very Simple and no one is barred from Bhakti.
5. All acts are meant for Satisfying Krishna:
Pure Devotional Service one must work only for satisfying Krishna. One understands I am
Krishna is the Supreme Enjoyer so whatever sacrifices we are doing is simply to satisfy
Krishna.
6. Whatever is done do as an offering to Krishna:
Pure Devotion is unmotivated, whatever prescribed duties one is doing one has to think that
I am doing this for the pleasure of Krishna. One must put all the efforts, but results have to
be offered to Krishna, that is Bhakti. One knows what actions pleases Krishna and devotee
performs them with only that motive.
7. Krishna is specially inclined to those who are engaged in Pure Devotional Service:
Krishna says that he is equal to everyone, but at the same time he shows some special
interest to those who are surrendered unto him. SP says that Krishna is just like a cloud
which pours rain all over, regardless of whether it falls on rock or land or water. But for His
devotees, He gives specific attention.
Krishna also tells ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham: “Whoever
surrenders unto Me, proportionately I take care of him.”
8. Krishna forgives and purifies an imperfect Devotee:
Krishna says that even if one commits an abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional
Service he is to be considered as saintly. This does not mean just by chanting all my sinful
actions are nullified.
If a devotee justifies his mistake, then Lord will not forgive him, instead if one repents and
ask for forgiveness, then Lord will forgive him. One takes the responsibility for even going to
Hell for his sinful actions, but he does not give up Devotional Service.
In the Nṛsiṁha Purāṇa the following statement is given:
bhagavati ca harāv ananya-cetā
bhṛśa-malino ’pi virājate manuṣyaḥ
na hi śaśa-kaluṣa-cchabiḥ kadācit
timira-parābhavatām upaiti candraḥ
The meaning is that even if one fully engaged in the devotional service of the Lord is
sometimes found engaged in abominable activities, these activities should be considered to
be like the spots that resemble the mark of a rabbit on the moon. Such spots do not become
an impediment to the diffusion of moonlight. Similarly, the accidental falldown of a devotee
from the path of saintly character does not make him abominable.
9. Even the sinful can attain Krishna by Pure Devotional Service:
Lord clearly declares that in devotional service there is no distinction between the lower and
higher classes of people. Everyone is eligible for the supreme destination. Bhakti and the
association of Krishna’s devotees is so powerful that it can purify any impure person coming
even from sinful backgrounds. This is possible only when one takes shelter of Kṛṣṇa.
10. Pure Devotion is Worshipping Krishna Directly:
Krishna tells one must engage one’s mind always thinking of him, become his devotee, offer
obeisance and worship him that ways one will be completely purified and will surely attain
him. Just like River Ganga does not consider who is suitable or unsuitable, simple destroys all
sins by its very touch Bhakti can purify one even if one has many conditionings while
performing Bhakti. Having conditionings is not bad but taking other Shelters for overcoming
the conditionings should not be done, one must simply take shelter of Krishna.

Personal applications from chatu shloka Gita :

1. Krishna tells he is the source of all spiritual and material worlds, and everything emanates
from him. We can actually contemplate on this verse and try to relate whatever we see
around to Krishna. For e.g., if we see a nice scenery, we can think how Krishna’s creation is so
wonderful, if I have a car or bike I can engage them in the service of the Lord, knowing that it
does not belong to me, I am just a caretaker of Krishna’s property.
2. Krishna says that his devotees take pleasure in conversing about him, we can actually
contemplate on our day to day activities, how many times are we conversing about Krishna.
Many a times we take pleasure in doing Prajalpa, as much as possible we should avoid it.
Whenever we meet Devotees, we should discuss more and more on spiritual Topics rather
then on any mundane things that is happening around the world.
3. We can read Krishna Books evening after coming from Office, so that whole day we would
have been in office talking only on work related things, so night before sleeping if we can
read Krishna Book or SB where we can here the glories of the Lord, then in the sleep also we
can remember Krishna this way we can progress in the Path of Bhakti.
4. Any spiritual activity we do, our consciousness can be like I am doing this for Pleasing
Krishna, that way we can get Great Satisfaction, if we do any activity because I like it then we
may not get that satisfaction. For e.g., if I am cooking some special item, if my consciousness
is to enjoy it only myself the satisfaction is very minimal but if I am thinking that I am cooking
this for Lord then we get more satisfaction.

Points related to SP and Guru Maharaj rendering Service only to Please Hari Guru and Vaishnavas:

1. SP took a risk of going to west and preach the message of Krishna Consciousness on the
instruction of his Guru, where Bhakti Siddantha Saraswathi Thankur told that since u are
educated person you should preach this message in English.
2. Srila Prabhupada’s complete surrender to Lord Krsna was demonstrated by his constant
engagement in devotional service with body, mind and words. At the advanced age of
seventy, and in the face of several heart attacks Srila Prabhupada single-handedly planted
the seed of devotional service in the hearts of millions of fallen souls, with the intention of
only to Please Krishna.
3. When Srila Prabhupada originally started ISKCON, he was very willing to undertake his
mission in co-operation with his godbrothers. However, they were all envious of his success,
and neglected all of his requests for help. As if that were not enough, they also did their
utmost to disrupt his efforts in whatever way they could, despite this SP on numerous
occasions he was praising his God Brothers and considered them his siksa Gurus. SP also said
that If somebody worships a devotee, that worshipment is more valuable than worshiping
Krishna, and he did showed this by serving his disciples by correcting them, giving
instructions and making them more and more advanced in spiritual life.

Points related to devotee who is rendering devotional service to please Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas

There are many devotees who are actually doing devotional service only to please Hari, Guru
and Vaishnavas, but I would like to take name of one such person that is Rajshekar Prabhu,
since I have observed him closely.
4 advice I would take from his life to improve my life to please Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas are

1. Prabhu always follows the instructions of his superiors, even though sometimes he feels
like it would be difficult, I remember him saying that it’s okay to follow their instruction
because they always think for our benefit. So superiors instructions are there for our
upliftment only, if we take the opportunity to follow it then we will only Grow.
2. Since Prabhu is the overall manager of Gita Saar Programs, he always says that if we can
make atleast one devotee to come to 16 rounds then we are successful. This clearly
shows that any efforts we are making in preaching, the motive should not be only on the
results rather Pleasing superiors, Srila Prabhupad and Krishna.
3. Prabhu is always there to help any devotee in any kind of problems, even though he
would be busy rendering services, if he sees any devotee he talks to them nicely asks if
everything going fine in their life, if they need any help in any aspects. This shows how
we should help other devotee in whatever way possible to make them be happy in
spiritual life, and if devotees are pleased then Lord is pleased.
4. Prabhu is also very sincere in morning Programs, despite sometimes he would have calls
late night he still comes for Morning Program, since this pleases the Lord. I feel like I
should also become sincere like Prabhuji to become more regular in attending Morning
Programs, we take this trouble only to please Lord and if Lord is pleased we can always
be happy.

Common questions

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Continuous remembrance of Krishna plays a pivotal role in achieving spiritual purification and the ultimate goal of Bhakti. According to Krishna's teachings, engaging the mind in constant devotional thought enables a devotee to remain focused on divine consciousness while detaching from material distractions. This persistent meditation purifies the heart and invigorates spiritual growth, akin to the Ganges purifying all that it touches. Devotees are encouraged to think of Krishna, become his devotee, offer obeisance, and worship him directly as a pathway leading to complete purification and eventual attainment of Krishna himself .

Krishna teaches that non-enviousness and faith are essential qualifications for engaging in pure devotional service. He states that Bhakti, or devotion, is the king of knowledge, most confidential, and joyfully performed. However, to realize Krishna, one must be non-envious, as envy acts as a barrier to understanding and developing a sincere relationship with Krishna. Additionally, those who lack faith cannot attain him. The sincerity and mentality of a devotee in Krishna consciousness are crucial, as Krishna gives intelligence to those who are truly engaged in devotion, allowing Bhakti to be revealed rather than mechanically attained .

Srila Prabhupada’s actions embody the ideals of pure devotional service through his unwavering dedication to spread Krishna consciousness globally. Despite facing numerous challenges, including physical ailments and lack of initial support, he remained committed to his guru's instructions, emphasizing pure devotion by living and preaching for the pleasure of Krishna alone. His willingness to cooperate with others despite their envy, his personal sacrifices, and his humility in the face of adversity highlight pure Bhakti’s traits—dedication, fortitude, and selflessness. Srila Prabhupada’s life serves as a practical illustration of Bhakti’s principles, showing devotion as a sincere and unwavering service to Krishna, the guru, and fellow devotees .

The inclusivity of Bhakti, as inferred from its broad acceptance of people from diverse backgrounds, underscores its egalitarian nature, removing barriers based on social or economic status. Krishna declares that devotional service welcomes all, transcending distinctions typically drawn between societal classes. This inclusivity indicates that Bhakti is accessible to anyone willing to sincerely engage in devotion, offering equal opportunity for spiritual attainment and purification. The power of Bhakti and the association with Krishna’s devotees is emphasized, as it can sanctify individuals of any background, highlighting that devotion’s transformative ability is universal and unstinting .

Krishna’s statement that he shows special interest to the devoted, despite his inherent equality and impartiality to all, reflects the dynamic reciprocity in devotional relationships. Krishna is compared to a cloud that indiscriminately rains upon various terrains, yet for devotees who fully surrender to him, he provides tailored attention. This suggests that while Krishna's nature is to treat all beings with equality, he reciprocates the intensity and sincerity of a devotee's surrender and effort in his service, aligning with the principle expressed by the verse ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham, which means, 'As one surrenders unto me, I reward them accordingly' .

The analogy of Bhakti and the River Ganga illustrates the transformative power of devotional service by comparing Bhakti's ability to purify practitioners to the Ganga’s capacity to purify through its touch. Just as the Ganga does not discriminate in its cleansing action, Bhakti purifies all who sincerely engage in it, regardless of their past actions or current conditionings. This signifies that devotional service, focused on Krishna with sincere intent, has the inherent power to cleanse the practitioner of impurities and lead them towards spiritual upliftment and transcendence, reflecting the non-judgmental, transformative essence of true Bhakti .

Krishna being the 'Supreme Director' of the cosmic manifestation signifies his role as the ultimate controller and the orchestrator of all activities within the universe. Despite controlling cosmic activities, Krishna remains aloof from them. Understanding this position involves recognizing that all happenings in life occur by Krishna's will, and realizing this leads to the core of pure devotional service by depending solely on and loving Krishna .

The principle that all acts should be meant for satisfying Krishna can significantly influence a practitioner's daily life and decision-making by shifting focus from self-centered goals to ones that aim to please Krishna. This mindset encourages practitioners to view every action as a form of offering and service to Krishna, thereby transforming mundane duties into spiritual acts. It fosters a sense of purpose and mindfulness, as activities are performed with the awareness that the results should be offered to Krishna. This aligns with the idea of performing one's prescribed duties with the understanding that pleasing Krishna is the ultimate goal, guiding personal and ethical choices .

Krishna’s acceptance of devotees who may commit abominable actions highlights a critical aspect of Bhakti: the continual transformation and purification of the devotee through sincere devotional engagement. Despite imperfections, a devotee devotedly engaged in Bhakti is regarded as saintly due to the ultimate purity and sanctity of their intentions and commitments to devotion. This perspective emphasizes that the accidental falldown is akin to spots on the moon that do not obstruct its radiance, implying that devotion leads to forgiveness and purification, provided the devotee sincerely repents and continues their devotional service with earnestness .

In Bhakti, the relationship between Krishna and his devotees is demonstrated through Krishna's acceptance of offerings made with love and devotion. Krishna indicates that even simple offerings such as a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, if presented with devotion, are accepted by him. This is significant because Krishna, being self-sufficient, desires nothing material from anyone. Hence, his acceptance is a reciprocal act of love and affection, demonstrating the simplicity and accessibility of Bhakti, which is open to all without discrimination .

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