Final Conclusions of Devotional Service

The path of devotional service is not based on sentimentality but on rigorous philosophical conclusions known as bhakti-siddhānta. Understanding these conclusions, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes, is essential for steady progress in spiritual life. Derived from the verdict of the revealed scriptures and established by the great ācāryas, these truths declare that devotional service is the supreme, independent, and only means to attain the favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Verdict of Scripture

The central conclusion of all Vedic literatures is that bhakti (devotional service) is the only process capable of saving the living entity from the clutches of māyā. Unlike other paths that may depend on knowledge or renunciation, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that devotional service is self-sufficient. It is technically called abhidheya, the prescribed method for re-establishing one's lost relationship with God.

• The conclusion is that devotional service is the only means for approaching the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This system is therefore called abhidheya. This is the verdict of all revealed scriptures.
• The only process for keeping yourself aloof from the touch of maya is bhakti. Is bhakti. That is the conclusion of all sastras. Without taking to the process of bhakti, you cannot get out of the influence of maya.
• The Lord's conclusion is that devotional service is independent of any other process. The cultivation of knowledge, renunciation or meditation may be a little helpful in the beginning, but they cannot be considered necessary for devotional service.

Role of Ācāryas

The conclusions of devotional service were systematically codified by the followers of Lord Caitanya, particularly the Six Gosvāmīs. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Lord Caitanya personally instructed Sanātana Gosvāmī for two months, empowering him to define the relationship between the soul and God. Similarly, Svarūpa Dāmodara acted as the gatekeeper of these conclusions, strictly rejecting any literature that contained rasābhāsa (conflicting mellows) or philosophical deviations.

• Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed Sri Sanatana Gosvami in all the conclusions of devotional service for two consecutive months.
• Svarupa Damodara pointed out the drama’s (written by Bhagavan Acarya's friend) many mistakes and its disagreements with the conclusion of devotional service, and the author became aware of the faults in his writing & then surrendered to Svarupa Damodara, begging his mercy.
• By the mercy of Sanatana Gosvami I have learned the final conclusions of devotional service, and by the grace of Sri Rupa Gosvami I have tasted the highest nectar of devotional service.

Ultimate Perfection

The progression of these conclusions leads to the highest perfection of life. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, in his Upadeśāmṛta, concludes that living on the banks of Rādhā-kuṇḍa and serving under the direction of the gopīs is the summit of devotional service. As Śrīla Prabhupāda points out, this level of understanding is not accessible to ordinary poets or fruitive workers but is reserved for those who have taken complete shelter of the Lord.

• Everyone interested in Krsna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha-kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one's life. This is the conclusion of Rupa Gosvami in the tenth verse of Upadesamrta.
• A materialistic poet who describes in his poetry the material activities of men and women cannot describe the transcendental pastimes of the Lord or the transcendental conclusions of devotional service.

Conclusion

The conclusions of devotional service are open to everyone, regardless of background, yet Śrīla Prabhupāda observes that they remain a mystery to the non-devotee. By hearing from authoritative sources and associating with pure devotees, one can grasp the essence of these truths: that unalloyed service to Kṛṣṇa is the beginning and the end of all spiritual knowledge.

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 Conclusion of Devotional Service to God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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