Kṛṣṇa Consciousness's Basic Principles
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is not a sectarian movement but a scientific process based on the eternal truths of the Bhagavad-gītā. Śrīla Prabhupāda defines the basic principle of Kṛṣṇa consciousness as the constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord. Whether one is a renunciate or a householder, the goal is the same: to shift the focus of one's life from material sense gratification to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This transformation is achieved through specific practices and a fundamental shift in consciousness from the body to the soul.
The Central Point: Always Thinking of Kṛṣṇa
The essence of all Vedic instructions is to always remember Kṛṣṇa and never forget Him. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this is the basic principle underlying all other rules and regulations. By concentrating the mind on the lotus feet of the Lord, a devotee remains undisturbed by the inevitable dualities of material existence. Real peace is found only when one understands that Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor of everything and the ultimate object of love.
- As we have already explained, the basic principle of Krsna consciousness is to always think of Krsna. One should not be disturbed in material loss, but, rather, should concentrate his mind upon the lotus feet of the Lord.
- If we want real transcendental love, we have to transfer our love to the supreme lovable object - the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the basic principle of Krsna consciousness.
- When we thoroughly understand what is the basic principle of Krsna consciousness, and we understand, "Vasudeva, Krsna, is the central point of attraction," then our life is successful.
Standards of Practice
To maintain this consciousness, strict spiritual practices are required. Śrīla Prabhupāda outlines the non-negotiable standards for his disciples: chanting sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra daily, following the four regulative principles (no meat-eating, no intoxication, no illicit sex, and no gambling), rising early for maṅgala-ārati, and attending classes. These activities keep the devotee pure and fixed in the Absolute Truth.
- Keep yourselves strong in Krsna Consciousness by following all of my basic principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily, rise early, come to mangala arati, come to classes and follow the 4 regulative principles.
- A brahmacari hears only words concerning Krsna consciousness; hearing is the basic principle for understanding, and therefore the pure brahmacari engages fully in harer namanukirtanam-chanting and hearing the glories of the Lord. BG 1972 purports.
- Practically, we have tried to explain in this book all of the basic principles of Krishna Consciousness. If you can simply cram Bhagavad-gita then you will surely become a very good preacher.
Principles in Social Life
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is practical and extends to family life and education. In a Kṛṣṇa conscious marriage, the husband and wife are partners in spiritual progress, not merely companions for sense gratification. The basic principle of gṛhastha life is to utilize sex life only for begetting Kṛṣṇa conscious children. Similarly, education must be based on training children from the very beginning to become leaders of human society who understand the science of God.
- In a Krishna Conscious marriage the basic principle is for both husband and wife to serve Krishna nicely and to help the partner advance in spiritual life.
- The basic principle is that in executing Krishna Consciousness sex life should be avoided as far as possible, and it may be utilized only for begetting Krishna Consciousness children. This is the basic principle that should be followed as far as possible.
- Child is the father of man, so the basic principle of any type of life is to instruct to the children from the very beginning. Krishna Consciousness. Children grow to be the topmost leaders of the human society.
The Universal Mission
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a rescue mission for the entire world. Its basic principle is to cure the materially diseased condition of the soul by administering the medicine of kīrtana and the diet of prasādam. It is not based on bodily designations like "Hindu" or "Christian" but on the eternal nature of the soul. By understanding the difference between the body and the self, and by serving Kṛṣṇa, human society can achieve real peace and happiness.
- The basic principle of Krishna Consciousness is to receive one and all as our Master, and serve them with prasadam as diet and Krishna Kirtana as medicine for being free from materially diseased condition.
- This is the basic principle of our movement, Krsna consciousness movement. You try to understand whether you are this body or something beyond this body. This is to be understood.
- Our Krsna consciousness movement is not on the bodily concept of life. It is the movement on the basic principle of the soul - what is the soul, what is the soul's necessity, how the soul will be peaceful, happy.
Conclusion
The basic principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness are the bedrock upon which a transcendental life is built. By adhering to these simple yet powerful truths—always remembering Kṛṣṇa, following the regulative principles, and engaging in the service of the Lord and His devotees—one can easily cross over the ocean of material existence. As Śrīla Prabhupāda assures, if we follow these principles, Kṛṣṇa will help us on our onward march back to home, back to Godhead.
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 Basic Principle of Krsna Consciousness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.