Achieving Perfection of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

Śrīla Prabhupāda presents the achievement of perfection in Kṛṣṇa consciousness as the supreme goal of human life, surpassing all material accomplishments. This perfection is characterized by an unshakeable connection with the Supreme Lord, freedom from the anxieties of material duality, and the attainment of eternal spiritual happiness. The following sections explore the qualifications, methods, and profound benefits of attaining this state as taught by His Divine Grace.

Highest Achievement of Life

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that while humanity strives for various temporary material successes, the only achievement that offers a permanent solution to the problems of existence is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Once this stage is reached, the devotee realizes that no other gain is superior.

• So many things we are trying, achievement. But as soon as you become properly situated in Krsna consciousness achievement, then you will think, - Oh, no achievement is better than this achievement.
• The highest kind of happiness that a man can achieve is to be promoted to the spiritual planets by practice of Krsna consciousness. A life of Krsna consciousness is therefore the solution to all the problems of material existence.
• Parents are not unhappy when their children become spoiled, useless citizens, but they lament when they join the Krsna consciousness movement to achieve the ultimate goal of life.
• There is a higher principle. In the Bhagavad-gita also the Lord says that one has to give up all other principles of elevation and take simply to the method of Krsna consciousness. That will help him in achieving the highest perfection of life.

Eagerness and Sincerity

Contrary to worldly expectations, academic degrees and intellectual prowess are not the qualifications for understanding God. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the price for this perfection is samutkaṇṭhā, or intense eagerness, coupled with a sincere desire to render service.

• Krishna Consciousness is a transcendental science which can be revealed to a sincere devotee who is prepared to render service to the Lord. Krishna Consciousness is not achieved by dry arguments or by academic qualifications.
• It is stated in the Vedic literature that to purchase the most valuable thing, Krsna consciousness, one has to develop intense eagerness for achieving success. This intense eagerness is very nicely expressed by Bilvamangala Thakura.
• When one is sufficiently eager to achieve success in devotional service, that eagerness is called samutkantha. This means "complete eagerness." Actually this eagerness is the price for achieving success in Krsna consciousness.
• For achieving perfection in Krsna consciousness, no qualification is required other than to be constantly engaged in the loving service of Krsna, the supreme nectar, the reservoir of all pleasure.

Necessity of Mercy

One cannot storm the gates of the spiritual kingdom through personal strength alone; it requires the descending mercy of the Lord and His devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that approaching a spiritual master and receiving the mercy of Lord Caitanya are indispensable for success.

• This Krsna consciousness must be achieved through the mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One cannot be complete in Krsna consciousness unless he accepts Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates as the only means for success.
• To attain such an end (Krsna Consciousness), one must touch the lotus feet of the spiritual master. Krsna consciousness cannot be achieved by self-endeavor. One must therefore approach a self-realized, Krsna conscious person and touch his lotus feet.
• Krsna consciousness is easily achieved by the mercy of Lord Caitanya, but only some are fortunate enough to have the mercy of Lord Caitanya and His disciplic succession.

Urgency in Spiritual Practice

Recognizing the fleeting nature of the material body, Śrīla Prabhupāda instills a sense of urgency in his followers. We are advised to complete our spiritual business in this very lifetime to avoid the risk of future birth and death.

• There is no guarantee that we will live one hundred years. There is no guarantee. Anyone, at any moment, can pass away. Therefore, before the next death comes, one must be fully Krsna conscious. That is the highest achievement of life.
• Just utilize the opportunity to finish the business of Krishna Consciousness, without waiting for further incarnation. Srimad-Bhagavatam says that we should try for the highest achievement, and complete it before the next death comes.
• Although life in Bharata-varsa, in a lower planetary system, is very short, one who lives there can elevate himself to full Krsna consciousness and achieve the highest perfection, even in this short life.

Protection and Transcendental Bliss

The perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings immediate relief from material distress and establishes the devotee in a state of protection and joy. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord personally maintains those who are fully absorbed in His service, granting them freedom from anxiety.

• The Bhagavad-gita confirms that the devotee always absorbed in Krsna consciousness has no anxieties for his maintenance or protection. Being constantly absorbed in Krsna consciousness, he ultimately achieves the highest perfection.
• Real Krsna consciousness, when one achieves, he becomes prasannatma, joyful. That is the first symptom of becoming full, Krsna conscious. Prasannatma . . . brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati na kanksati - BG 18.54.
• Ksema refers to the merciful protection of the Lord. The Lord helps the devotee to achieve Krsna consciousness by yoga, and when he becomes fully Krsna conscious the Lord protects him from falling down to a miserable conditioned life.
• Because this transcendental position (automatically following the Paramatma) is at once achieved by one who is in KC, the devotee of God is unaffected by the dualities of material existence, namely distress & happiness, cold & heat, etc.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the restoration of the living entity's eternal constitutional position. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that this state is not a dry void, but a dynamic existence of loving service that fulfills the deepest yearnings of the soul. Whether achieved through the chanting of the holy names or the honoring of kṛṣṇa-prasāda, this consciousness cleanses the heart of sinful desires and re-establishes the lost link with the Supreme. It is the only achievement that transcends death and offers a permanent sanctuary in the spiritual world.

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 Achieving Krsna Consciousness. 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)