Process of Becoming Spiritualized

We often think of the material and spiritual worlds as two separate, unbridgeable realms. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the material world can be transformed into the spiritual world through the medium of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This article explores the practical science of spiritualization, detailing how our activities, our senses, and even our surroundings can be changed from matter to spirit.

Iron Rod Analogy

Matter is inert, but it can be energized by a superior force. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently uses the example of an iron rod placed in a fire. The rod is material, but when it becomes red-hot, it acts exactly like fire. Similarly, when the material body is fully engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord, it ceases to act materially and becomes spiritualized.

• If you engage this body for the service of the Lord, it becomes spiritualized. As I have already explained, the iron rod, constantly in touch with fire, it becomes, at end, it becomes red hot.
• If you always keep yourself in Krsna consciousness then you become spiritualized. You'll act spiritually. No more material demands.
• When one is freed from material connections in this way, his body immediately becomes spiritual, and Krsna accepts his service.

Remembrance is the Key

The fundamental difference between matter and spirit is the presence of Kṛṣṇa. Forgetfulness of God constitutes material existence, while remembrance of God constitutes spiritual existence. Therefore, one can live in the spiritual world at every moment simply by keeping Kṛṣṇa in the center of their thoughts and activities.

• This world is material because God is forgotten here, but once He is remembered the world immediately becomes spiritual. In other words, the spiritual world is that place where Krsna is not forgotten.
• On account of presence and absence of Krsna things become material and spiritual. If you keep yourself always in Krsna consciousness then you are spiritual, and if you forget Krsna, material.
• So if this world become full in Krsna consciousness, nobody is working for sense gratification, only for satisfaction of Krsna, this world becomes spiritual world immediately.

Spiritualizing the Senses

The process of spiritualization is not theoretical; it requires the active engagement of the senses. Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies the tongue as the most important sense to control. By vibrating the holy name and tasting spiritual food, the tongue leads the other senses out of material contamination.

• Of all the senses, the tongue is considered to be the principal sense. So tongue, if the tongue is trained, or the tongue is spiritualized, then naturally all the senses become spiritualized.
• We are taking the conclusion of the sastra: in this age, if one chants Hare Krsna, he becomes spiritualized. That is becoming, practically. It is not theory.
• If we vibrate sound Krsna, then I am immediately in contact with Krsna, and if Krsna is whole spirit, then immediately I become spiritualized.

Freedom from Material Symptoms

As one becomes spiritualized, the symptoms of material life—specifically hankering (ākāṅkṣā) and lamentation (śocana)—disappear. A spiritualized person is satisfied and steady. They are no longer heavy with the burden of material desires but feel the lightness of spiritual life.

• Two business: socana and akanksa. Everyone is trying to be very big man. That is called akanksa. And if he is lost of his possession, then he cries. So these two things will be finished if you become spiritually situated.
• The more you become spiritualized, so the material heaviness is diminished.

Conclusion

To become spiritual is not to negate our existence but to purify it. By connecting our consciousness to the Supreme Spirit, we can transform our mundane lives into a divine experience. Whether through chanting, working, or managing, every activity has the potential to become spiritual if it is done for the pleasure of Kṛṣṇa.

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 Becoming Spiritual. 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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