Attaining Success as a Devotee of God

In the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the definition of success differs vastly from the mundane calculations of the material world. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that true success is not dependent on material acquisition, intellectual prowess, or mystic perfection, but is solely determined by the devotee's sincere attitude of service and surrender. By placing full faith in the spiritual master and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee achieves the perfection of life, which is the revival of their eternal loving relationship with the Lord.

Prime Factor of Success

Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly reminds us that spiritual advancement does not rely on academic qualifications or personal aptitude, but rather on the mercy of the guru. The secret to success lies in obeying the orders of the spiritual master with full faith, understanding that his satisfaction is the gateway to the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa.

• Full faith in guru, that is the prime factor of success. Not any other things, no qualification, no education, only staunch faith in guru. Yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah. This is the secret.
• The secret of success is that one should be eager to serve the Spiritual Master and Krsna simultaneously with the same regard and things will become automatically revealed in the heart of the devotee.
• The mercy of the spiritual master and Krsna combine to grant success to a devotee engaged in Krsna consciousness.

Unconditional Service and Equanimity

A pure devotee acts as a dutiful soldier for the Lord, remaining undisturbed by the dualities of victory or defeat. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that because the devotee is always under the protection of Kṛṣṇa, even apparent frustrations are accepted as blessings that help deepen one's attachment to the Lord, making the service itself the ultimate success.

• Success or failure has no meaning for a pure devotee because he is a soldier in the field.
• The devotees of the Lord are always under the protection of the Lord, and in any condition, frustration or success, the Lord is the supreme guide for the devotees. The pure devotees accept all conditions of frustration as blessings from the Lord.
• Sometimes He (Krsna) puts His pure devotees in dangers because in that condition of helplessness the devotee becomes more attached to the Lord. The more the attachment is there for the Lord, the more success is there for the devotee.

Path of Purity and Preaching

To achieve success in spreading the mission of Lord Caitanya, a devotee must strictly adhere to the regulative principles and maintain a spotless character. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that purity is the force that empowers preaching; when a devotee follows the prescribed duties and avoids offenses, their efforts to enlighten others are naturally successful.

• If you remain pure, then your preaching will be successful and you'll get encouragement. That is the instruction of all Vaisnavas.
• All six of these items (full energy, endurance, confidence, scheduled duties, pure in heart, and serving in association with devotees) will lead the devotee to the path of success.
• Every devotee who claims to be a Vaisnava must guard against these offenses in order to quickly achieve the desired success.

Devotional Service vs. Other Paths

The success of a devotee is unique because it does not require the arduous practices of karma, jñāna, or yoga. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that devotional service is complete in itself; simply by reviving the spirit of service to Kṛṣṇa, a devotee attains a level of perfection that materialists and impersonalists cannot comprehend.

• A devotee need not practice yoga, karma or jnana to achieve a successful result. Devotional service alone is competent to award a devotee all material power.
• The secret of success for the devotee is not understood by the karmis and jnanis. Karmis therefore try to be happy by material adjustment, and jnanis want to be happy by becoming one with the Supreme. The devotee has no such interest.
• When a devotee revives his loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it should be understood that he has been successful in achieving the desired goal of his life. At that time everything is automatically done by the mercy of the holy name.

Conclusion

Ultimately, attaining success as a devotee of God is open to everyone, regardless of their social position or stage of life. Whether one is a renunciant or a householder, the key lies in remaining a spotless servant of the Lord and His representative. As Śrīla Prabhupāda assures, by maintaining enthusiasm, purity, and faith, the devotee's life becomes glorious, and they are sure to achieve the highest goal: satisfying Kṛṣṇa and returning to His eternal abode.

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