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We may make a show of religion or claim to be advanced, but the reality of our spiritual standing is revealed at the end of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us that "whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death." To prepare for this final exam, the human form of life must be utilized for consistent, disciplined cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness under the guidance of a bona fide authority. 

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=== Ultimate Examination ===

In the material world, we prepare for various examinations to gain credentials, but Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the most critical test comes when the soul leaves the body. If one has practiced ''tapasya'' and purified their consciousness, they will be able to remember the Supreme Lord. If not, they will be forced to accept another material body based on their remaining desires.

* [[Vaniquotes:Whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death|Whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to a Bengali proverb, whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death|According to a Bengali proverb, whatever spiritual progress one makes in life will be tested at the time of death.]]

=== Necessity of a Captain ===

To navigate the ocean of material existence and make tangible progress, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that one needs a captain—the spiritual master. ''Ācāryopāsanā'', or worship of the ''ācārya'', is recommended in the ''Bhagavad-gītā'' as an essential means of advancement. By serving the ''guru'' and inquiring from him submissively, the disciple receives the strength to overcome material impediments. 

* [[Vaniquotes:Acaryopasana. We have to worship the acaryas. That is recommended in the Bhagavad-gita for making progress in spiritual life|Acaryopasana. We have to worship the acaryas. That is recommended in the Bhagavad-gita for making progress in spiritual life.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By serving a bona fide spiritual master, gradually a conditioned soul becomes detached from material enjoyment and invariably makes progress in spiritual realization under the direction of the spiritual master|By serving a bona fide spiritual master, gradually a conditioned soul becomes detached from material enjoyment and invariably makes progress in spiritual realization under the direction of the spiritual master.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:As confirmed in the Vedic injunctions, yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau (SU 6.23). One should have complete faith in the guru, who helps the disciple make progress in spiritual life|As confirmed in the Vedic injunctions, yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau (SU 6.23). One should have complete faith in the guru, who helps the disciple make progress in spiritual life.]]

=== Symptoms of Transformation ===

Spiritual progress is not a mental adjustment; it is a transformation of taste. Just as a hungry man feels satisfaction and strength while eating, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a devotee making spiritual progress feels a proportionate increase in spiritual bliss and a decrease in material hankering. 

* [[Vaniquotes:As we begin to relish spiritual happiness, we proportionately abandon material happiness. As we make progress in understanding the Absolute Truth, we naturally become detached from this false happiness|As we begin to relish spiritual happiness, we proportionately abandon material happiness. As we make progress in understanding the Absolute Truth, we naturally become detached from this false happiness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:As we make progress and get taste of spiritual happiness, so proportionately we give up the taste of this material happiness|As we make progress and get taste of spiritual happiness, so proportionately we give up the taste of this material happiness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Actually situated in renunciation, such (yukta-vairagya) activities clear the mirror of the mind, and as the actor gradually makes progress in spiritual realization he becomes completely surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. BG 1972 purports|Actually situated in renunciation, such (yukta-vairagya) activities clear the mirror of the mind, and as the actor gradually makes progress in spiritual realization he becomes completely surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]

=== Unimpeded by Suffering ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes one more point regarding a unique feature of devotional service: it is ''apratihatā''—it cannot be checked by any material condition. Even when facing severe difficulties, such as those endured by Prahlāda Mahārāja, a sincere devotee continues to advance. In fact, suffering often serves to make the devotee more determined and strong on the path. 

* [[Vaniquotes:Apratihata means in spite of your so-called suffering, the suffering will be reduced or there will be no suffering. But in spite of suffering, you can make progress in spiritual life|Apratihata means in spite of your so-called suffering, the suffering will be reduced or there will be no suffering. But in spite of suffering, you can make progress in spiritual life.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:An ascetic is never disturbed by all kinds of sufferings, and that makes him strong and determined on the path of spiritual progress|An ascetic is never disturbed by all kinds of sufferings, and that makes him strong and determined on the path of spiritual progress.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In spite of any suffering, you can make progress in spiritual life. Just like Prahlada Maharaja himself. His father put him into so many suffering conditions, but he was not impeded - he made spiritual progress|In spite of any suffering, you can make progress in spiritual life. Just like Prahlada Maharaja himself. His father put him into so many suffering conditions, but he was not impeded - he made spiritual progress.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that to make spiritual progress is the only worthy goal of civilization. Whether one is a ''sannyāsī'' or a householder, the process remains the same: follow the instructions of the spiritual master, chant the holy names, and remain detached from the flickering happiness of this world. By doing so, one prepares perfectly for the final test of death and ensures a return to the eternal spiritual sky.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Making_Spiritual_Progress|Making Spiritual Progress]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
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[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Understanding What Is Spiritualism]] 
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Understanding Death]]

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