Ingenuity of Surrender to Kṛṣṇa
The word Ingenuity is used very rarely by Śrīla Prabhupāda—only eight times across his vast teachings—making its definition particularly precise and important. Far from meaning simple material cleverness or inventiveness, Ingenuity is defined as a necessary transcendental quality that resides in the Supreme Lord Himself and is required by great personalities.
Ingenuity as a Transcendental Quality
Ingenuity is listed alongside qualities like dexterity, serenity, kindheartedness, and determination as a perfectional quality. It is a necessary decoration for those who are desirous of becoming great personalities. In its highest expression, the only ingenuity required is the spiritual cleverness to utilize one's existence entirely for the Lord.
- In Krsna reside: the discharge of proper duty, complete independence, dexterity, fullness of all beauty, serenity, kindheartedness, ingenuity, gentility, magnanimity and determination.
- Persons who are desirous of becoming great personalities must be decorated with the following qualities: strength, memory, independence, tactfulness, luster, patience, kind-heartedness, ingenuity, gentility, mannerliness and determination.
Perfectional Use of Ingenuity
The ultimate purpose of ingenuity is achieved through submission and spiritual execution. The highest perfectional ingenuity is the personal perception of the Lord's abodes, which is achieved only through a submissive attitude in the performance of severe penance according to the Lord's order. Even material ingenuity, such as that exhibited by Viśvakarmā, the engineer of the demigods, is ultimately a talent employed within the Lord's creation.
Necessity of Submission
Even a person of great ingenuity must submit to higher authority for general education, setting an example for the world. This principle was demonstrated by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, who, despite being the source of all wisdom and ingenuity, accepted Śāndīpani Muni as His teacher. Furthermore, all creative or poetic ingenuity, while appreciated, is always subject to scrutiny and criticism if not well-reviewed and fully dedicated to the Supreme Lord.
Conclusion
The ingenuity described by Śrīla Prabhupāda is the spiritual dexterity and tactfulness that leads one to surrender to Kṛṣṇa and pursue the highest perfection: attaining the Lord's personal abode. This rare quality is achieved not through material invention, but through profound submission and adherence to the path of devotional service.
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 Ingenuity. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.