Controlling Lusty Desires through Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
The battle against the senses is the most difficult struggle in material existence. While mechanical repression often fails against the overwhelming force of lust, Śrīla Prabhupāda offers a practical solution for the modern age. This article explains how the positive engagement of Kṛṣṇa consciousness provides the higher taste necessary to conquer the lower nature and achieve lasting peace.
The Formidable Force of Lust
Lust is described as the all-devouring enemy of the living entity. Its power is so overwhelming that it can bypass one's intelligence, learning, and social standing. As illustrated by the life of Ajāmila, even a person trained in brahminical culture can fall victim to the "force of Cupid" if they rely solely on their own intellectual strength or mechanical restraint.
- Unless one is very strong in knowledge, patience and proper bodily, mental and intellectual behavior, controlling one's lusty desires is extremely difficult.
- After seeing a man embracing a young woman and practically doing everything required for sex life, even a fully qualified brahmana, as described above (Ajamila), could not control his lusty desires and restrain himself from pursuing them.
- With the help of this (sastras) knowledge and his intellect, he tried to control his lusty desires, but because of the force of Cupid within his heart, he failed to control his mind.
The Illusion of Material Satisfaction
A common misconception is that fulfilling material desires or achieving economic security will bring peace. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that lust does not die with age or affluence. Without spiritual control, an elderly person may still be tormented by desires they cannot fulfill, and a wealthy person remains perpetually dissatisfied.
- The first business is how to control the mind so that it may not be influenced by the base quality, lusty desires and greediness. We have seen in Paris old man, seventy-five years old, he is going to the night club, because the lusty desire is there.
- Improvement of one's economic condition is the aim and object of a materialist, but there is no end to this material advancement, for if one cannot control his lusty desires, he will never be pleased, even if he gets all the material wealth of the world.
The Process for the Modern Age
In previous ages, strict vows of lifelong celibacy were more feasible. In the current age, however, such rigid austerities are rarely successful. The practical method given by the ācāryas is to control lust through the positive process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By replacing the lower taste with the higher taste of devotional service, one naturally gains the strength to subdue the senses.
- Naisthika-brahmacari - throughout the life, celibacy. But that is not possible in this age, neither it is possible to become a brahmacari. The time is changed, this age. Therefore you can control your lusty desire by Krsna consciousness.
- One is always a servant of lusty desires, anger, greed, illusion, envy and so forth, but if one obtains sufficient strength in spiritual advancement, one can control them.
Regulation through Varṇāśrama
The Vedic social system of varṇāśrama is designed to help the living entity gradually control lust. Unlike the animalistic life of unrestricted sense enjoyment, civilized human life requires restriction. Those who follow these regulations are considered "godly," while those uncontrolled by regulative principles are compared to deer captured by the hunter's illusion (māyā-mṛga).
- Those who are devas, godly, their lusty desire is controlled, restricted. Therefore this varnasrama, four varnas and four asramas, this is education how to control this lusty desire. That is required.
- He considered everything material to be useless, and therefore he was completely devoid of material desires. He always controlled his senses and life air, and being of steady intelligence and determination, he subdued all lusty desires.
Conclusion
Controlling lusty desires is the prerequisite for peace and spiritual advancement. While the force of these desires is formidable, often overpowering even the wise, the devotee is not helpless. Through the scientific process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness—which includes the regulation of varṇāśrama and the cultivation of a higher spiritual taste—one can conquer the "force of Cupid" and utilize this human form of life for its ultimate purpose: liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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 Controlling Lusty Desires. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.