Cooperating with the Desires of Kṛṣṇa
This article defines the essence of devotional service as the active cooperation with the Supreme Lord. It contrasts the selfish motivations of fruitive work with the selfless nature of bhakti, using the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā to illustrate how surrendering one's personal ambitions to fulfill Kṛṣṇa's desires leads to the perfection of life.
Definition of Bhakti vs. Karma
The distinction between material life and spiritual life lies in whose desire is being fulfilled. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that karma is the attempt to satisfy one's own senses, whereas bhakti is the exclusive endeavor to satisfy Kṛṣṇa's senses. The choice between these two dictates one's destination.
- Karma means to fulfill my desires, and bhakti means to fulfill Krsna's desires. That is the difference. Now you make your choice, whether you want to make your desires fulfilled or if you want to make Krsna's desire fulfilled.
- When you try to fulfill the desires of Krsna, that is prema. And when you want to fulfill your own desires, that is called kama. There is no other.
- One has to become anyabhilasita-sunyam - any desire, make it zero. Then what to do? I shall become dull and dumb? No. Anukulyena krsnanu-silanam (CC Madhya 19.167), you have to work favorably, as Krsna desires. That's it. That is wanted, that is bhakti.
The Perfection of Arjuna
Arjuna serves as the archetypal example of dovetailing one's will. Although his personal desire was to refrain from fighting to avoid killing his kinsmen, he surrendered that desire to execute the will of Kṛṣṇa. This realignment of desire—from personal sentiment to divine order—constitutes true oneness with God.
- Arjuna's desire was not to fight, but Krsna's desire was to fight - just the opposite. Arjuna ultimately agreed to Krsna's desire: "Yes," karisye vacanam tava (BG 18.73): "Yes, I will act according to Your desire." That is bhakti.
- After hearing Bhagavad-gita from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Arjuna dovetailed his mind with Krsna's desire. This is called oneness. This oneness, however, did not cause Arjuna and Krsna to lose their individualities.
Being an Instrument
Real intelligence is understanding that one is merely an instrument in the hands of the Supreme. Kṛṣṇa is competent to fulfill His own desires without assistance, yet He graciously offers the devotee the opportunity to cooperate and take the credit, just as He allowed Arjuna to be the instrument of victory at Kurukṣetra.
- You are simply instrument in the hands of Krsna. That is intelligence. Therefore you should work as Krsna desires. That is real intelligence. If you work in Krsna consciousness, that is real intelligence.
- Anyone who voluntarily cooperates with Krishna's desire He responds to his call very eagerly. Krishna descends to teach us Bhagavad-gita begging our cooperation and anyone who cooperates with Him becomes blessed.
- Another definition of Krsna is He's full with six kinds of opulences. So He's sufficient to fulfill His desire. He doesn't require anyone's service.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not about stopping activities, but about changing the motive. When a living entity abandons the "demonic" engagement of satisfying their own senses and agrees to act solely for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord, they achieve the highest platform of yoga. This voluntary alignment with Kṛṣṇa's desires is the secret to eternal happiness and the essence of the Bhagavad-gītā.
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 Krsna's Desires. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.