Transcendental Hankering of a Devotee of God
In the material world, every conditioned soul is driven by a constant hankering for wealth, sensory pleasure, and temporary prosperity. However, as explained in scriptures like Bhagavad-gītā 2.71, true peace is only achieved when one becomes completely free from such worldly dictates. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that this does not mean the soul becomes devoid of all desire; rather, the material desire is perfectly transformed into a transcendental hankering. A pure devotee develops an insatiable, joyful desire to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, elevate their own spiritual consciousness, and distribute this divine knowledge to others.
Teachings Overview
This article explores the dual nature of a pure devotee's desires. It details how devotees become entirely free from material hankerings and the demands of the senses, while simultaneously developing an ever-increasing, ecstatic spiritual hankering to serve Lord Kṛṣṇa and distribute His message.
Key Teachings
- Pure devotees are completely free from the desire for material prosperity.
- A Vaiṣṇava is satisfied with whatever automatically comes by the Lord's grace.
- Transcendental hankering involves a constant desire to improve one's devotional service.
- Advanced devotees possess a deep hankering to distribute spiritual knowledge to humanity.
Freedom from Material Desires
While ordinary people are constantly disturbed by unmet demands, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a true Vaiṣṇava is characterized by complete satisfaction, remaining entirely aloof from the pursuit of temporary worldly opulence.
The Absence of Worldly Hankering
"The pure devotee never hankers after any kind of material prosperity."
"A devotee should not hanker after anything, but he should be satisfied with things that may automatically come to him by the will of the Lord. That should be the principle of a devotional life."
Śrīla Prabhupāda outlines the fundamental principle of satisfaction.
"While the devotees enjoy spiritual bliss, the nondevotees are surprised that the devotees have forgotten material hankerings."
Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts the spiritual and material perspectives.
"These qualities of a devotee, twenty-six in number, are listed as follows: (10) benevolent, (11) peaceful, (12) completely attached to Krsna, (13) has no material hankering, (14) meek, (15) steady, (16) self-controlled."
Śrīla Prabhupāda lists the transcendental qualities of a Vaiṣṇava.
Regulating the Senses
The practical application of desirelessness begins with sense control. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a devotee specifically masters the demands of the tongue, accepting only what is mercifully provided by the Lord.
Mastery Over Sense Demands
"The devotee should be regulated; that is one of the good qualifications of a devotee. He should not hanker to satisfy the tongue with a particular kind of foodstuff. He should be satisfied to eat whatever prasada is available by the grace of the Lord."
Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs on regulating the urges of the tongue.
"The sound incarnation of Lord Krsna, the Supreme Soul, enters into the heart of a self-realized devotee, sits on the lotus flower of his loving relationship, and thus cleanses the dust of material association, such as lust, anger and hankering."
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how the heart is completely cleansed.
The Spiritual Hankering for Perfection
While material desires bind the soul, spiritual desires liberate it. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that the most advanced souls are characterized not by apathy, but by a profound, ever-increasing eagerness to please Kṛṣṇa and distribute His mercy.
The Ecstasy of Spiritual Desire
"The pure devotees are always hankering after the lotus feet of the Lord. The lotus has a kind of honey which is transcendentally relished by the devotees. They are like the bees who are always after the honey."
Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates the profound attraction to the Lord.
"The more you think as imperfect, the more you make actual progress in Krishna Consciousness. This hankering after perfection is seen in even the most perfect devotees. So we should never think of being perfect at any stage."
Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages the continuous desire for spiritual improvement.
"We are so foolish that we do not take advantage of them (devotees of God and Bhagavad-gita). We do not take advantage of His devotee, who hankers to give this knowledge, sacrificing everything."
Śrīla Prabhupāda points out the immense compassion of advanced souls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do devotees desire liberation or oneness with God?
Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that pure devotees reject the desire for merging, seeking only to be free from material entanglement to serve the Lord.
Why do devotees worship the Supreme Person instead of demigods?
Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that demigod worship yields only temporary benefits, whereas serving the Supreme Lord perfectly fulfills all genuine desires.
Can someone with material desires still approach Kṛṣṇa?
Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages everyone to worship the Lord, as this very practice will gradually purify the heart of all mundane hankerings.
Do pure devotees accept different kinds of liberation if offered?
Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that a pure devotee rejects all forms of liberation and material benefits, viewing them as insignificant compared to pure devotional service.
Conclusion
The teachings within this category beautifully illustrate the profound transformation that occurs in the heart of a sincere practitioner of bhakti. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that by giving up the futile hankering for temporary material opulence and sensual satisfaction, one makes room for the ultimate spiritual desire. By developing a deep, transcendental hankering to serve the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord and to distribute His mercy, a pure devotee achieves the highest platform of eternal satisfaction and spiritual perfection.
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 Hankering of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.