From Abominable to Saintly - Power of Devotion
In the material world, the conditioned soul is often driven by the dictates of the senses to perform "abominable actions." Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly warns against these activities—chiefly illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication, and gambling—because they entangle the living entity in the cycle of birth and death. However, the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is one of hope and rectification. Through the mercy of the spiritual master and the process of devotional service, even a person accustomed to the most abominable habits can be purified and situated in the highest stage of saintliness.
Four Pillars of Abominable Life
Śrīla Prabhupāda classifies the primary abominable activities into four categories, often referred to as the four pillars of sinful life. These are illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating, and gambling. Engaging in these activities pushes one into the mode of ignorance (tamas). Among these, illicit sex is particularly condemned as it destroys one's character and spiritual standing. For example, "prostitute hunting" is described as so abominable that it plunders all one's money and ruins their exalted position.
- The abominable character is described in the sastra, sinful life: illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating and gambling. These are the four pillars of abominable life. Tamasi
- Prostitute hunting is so abominable that the desire for sex with a prostitute can ruin one's character, destroy one's exalted position and plunder all one's money. Therefore illicit sex is strictly prohibited
- In this age of Kali, abortion - killing of the child within the womb - has become very common, and sometimes a child is even killed after birth. If a woman performs such an abominable act, she gradually loses all her bodily luster
Redemption Through Devotional Service
The most encouraging aspect of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings is the power of bhakti-yoga to rectify even the most fallen souls. He frequently cites Bhagavad-gītā (9.30), which states that even if one commits the most abominable actions, if they are engaged in devotional service, they are to be considered saintly. This is not a license to sin, but a testament to the power of the holy name and the devotee's fixed determination. The scriptures aim to put an end to abominable activities by imparting regulative principles that gradually rectify the conditioned soul.
- The Lord says: Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination. He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace - BG 9.30-31
- Actually the sastras aim at putting an end to these abominable activities, but they impart some regulative principles so that gradually meat-eaters and sex hunters will be rectified
- As stated in (BG 4.36), it does not matter what we were in our past lives. Because we were in ignorance, we may have committed so many abominable actions
While devotional service can discard the reactions of ordinary sins, Śrīla Prabhupāda warns of a specific danger: offending a Vaiṣṇava. He compares this offense to a "mad elephant" (hātī mātā). Just as a mad elephant wreaks havoc in a garden, offending a devotee can cause a person to lose their spiritual bearing and perform any kind of abominable action. Therefore, guarding against such offenses is crucial for one's spiritual safety.
- Lord Caitanya compared offenses toward a Vaisnava to a mad elephant. As a mad elephant can do anything horrible, so when a person offends a Vaisnava he can perform any abominable action
- Ajamila was a brahmana who because of bad association had given up all brahminical culture and religious principles. Becoming most fallen, he stole, drank and performed other abominable acts. He even kept a prostitute
Responsibility in Society and Family
Abominable actions are not just personal failings but have social consequences. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that family life becomes abominable if it is based solely on sex enjoyment. Furthermore, leaders and teachers held in high esteem must maintain strict standards. A teacher who engages in abominable actions and loses their sense of discrimination is described as "fit to be abandoned." Similarly, "materialistic scientists" who use their brain power to invent lethal weapons are using their merit for abominable ends.
- A woman should have a few children and in this way not be disturbing to the man. Unfortunately, if the man becomes attracted to the woman simply for sex enjoyment, then family life becomes abominable
- According to scriptural codes, a teacher who engages in an abominable action and has lost his sense of discrimination is fit to be abandoned.
- Although the duskrtis have brain power and merit, their merit and brain power are used for abominable activities. Sometimes, for example, materialistic scientists invent a lethal weapon
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a journey from the abominable to the transcendental. We may be "foolish rascals" prepared to serve the abominable dictates of our senses, but by surrendering to Kṛṣṇa, we can break these chains. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that no matter how degraded our position, the mercy of the Lord is available. By giving up these abominable habits and taking shelter of the Holy Name, we can reclaim our original, pure identity.
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 Abominable Actions. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.