Becoming a Gosvāmī - Master of the Senses
The term gosvāmī is often misunderstood as a hereditary title or a designation for a temple proprietor. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates the true, spiritual significance of the word. Derived from the Sanskrit roots go (senses) and svāmī (master), a gosvāmī is a person who has attained complete mastery over their senses. In the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, the goal is to elevate the devotee from the platform of a servant of the senses to that of a master, following in the footsteps of the six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana.
The Meaning of Gosvāmī
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently contrasts the term gosvāmī with go-dāsa, which means "servant of the senses." He explains that unless one can control the mind and senses, one cannot claim this title. To be a master means to resist the urges of the senses; if one succumbs to them, one remains a servant, regardless of one's external dress or social position.
- Go means "the senses," and svami means "the master." Unless one controls his senses and mind, one cannot become a gosvami.
- If I am servant of the senses, how I can become gosvami, how I can become svami? That is false, hypocrisy.
- Unfortunately the go-dasas are claiming to be gosvamis. That is the cause of falldown of Indian Vedic civilization. One has to become gosvami. Gosvami means refuse to follow the dictation of the senses.
The Transformation of Rūpa and Sanātana
To illustrate that gosvāmī is a spiritual qualification rather than a birthright, Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the history of Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī. Originally holding high posts as government ministers and living as householders, they were elevated to the status of gosvāmī through the instructions and mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that their transformation serves as the model for all devotees.
- Rupa and Sanatana were made the prime ministers of spreading sankirtana movement, the Caitanya cult. We are sitting in Rupa Gosvami's place. Officially, they become Muhammadan, but by the grace of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, they became Gosvami.
- One must be master of the senses. That is defined by Rupa Gosvami, Rupa Gosvami. When they were ministers they were not gosvami. But when they become disciples of Lord Caitanya, Sanatana Gosvami and Rupa Gosvami, and was trained by Him, they became gosvami.
- Sri Rupa Gosvami presented himself as an ordinary grhastha and minister in government service but became a gosvami when he was actually elevated by the instruction of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Qualification over Birthright
A common misconception addressed by Śrīla Prabhupāda is that one must be born into a specific family lineage to be a gosvāmī. He clarifies that while there are respectable hereditary families, the actual qualification is devotional service. Anyone who becomes a perfect devotee of Kṛṣṇa can attain this status, but one should not become artificially puffed up without the requisite qualities.
- A devotee who has attained the title of gosvami but is not born of a brahmana father or of a gosvami in the family of Nityananda or Advaita Prabhu should not be artificially puffed up by thinking that he has become a gosvami.
- Vaisnavas are generally known as gosvamis. In Vrndavana, this is the title by which the director of each temple is known. One who wants to become a perfect devotee of Krsna must become a gosvami.
The Necessity of Sense Control
Practically speaking, becoming a gosvāmī requires a change in attitude towards the senses. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that instead of being dictated to by the senses, the devotee must dictate to them. This involves using the senses only as required for maintaining the body and soul for Kṛṣṇa's service, rather than for personal gratification. This steadiness is the mark of a spiritual hero.
- Go means senses. So unless you become gosvami, your life is spoiled. Gosvami. You cannot be dictated by the senses. You have to dictate to the senses.
- One who can keep himself steady and resist the attraction of material nature is certainly a hero and deserves to be called a gosvami. Unless one is master of the senses, he cannot become a gosvami.
- One has to become a gosvami and control his senses. One should not simply use his senses for sense gratification; rather, the senses should be employed just as much as required for maintaining body and soul together.
Conclusion
Becoming a gosvāmī is not an external change of dress but an internal revolution of consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by following the instructions of the Lord and strictly controlling the senses, any sincere follower can attain this exalted platform. It is the prerequisite for fully understanding and relishing the pastimes of Vṛndāvana.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming a Gosvami. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.