"First Become Convinced" – The Foundation of Preaching Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
In the mission of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the most potent weapon is not rhetorical skill or organizational ability, but firm conviction. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly exhorted his disciples to study the philosophy deeply and become convinced of the Absolute Truth. He taught that one cannot give what one does not possess. If a devotee is filled with doubts, their preaching will be hollow. However, if a devotee has assimilated the philosophy and is unshakeable in their faith, their words will carry the weight of authority, and they will be able to convince others to take up the path of perfection.
Qualification to Preach
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that the success of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement depends on the sincerity and conviction of its members. He advised leaders to become absorbed in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam until they were free from all doubt. A preacher who is fully convinced of the philosophy acts as a transparent medium for the message. Śrīla Prabhupāda assured his followers that if they remained pure and convinced, any rational person would eventually agree with the logic of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Simply by repeating what I have said; first you must yourself become fully convinced of this philosophy, your preaching will meet with all success.
- If we simply remain pure and become very convinced of this Krishna philosophy, any sane man will agree with us when we speak.
- I request you to seriously become convinced of this Krishna consciousness movement as you are understanding it and by strictly following the rules I have given you, you will get strength to convince others nicely.
Method: Reading, Writing, and Associating
How does one move from blind faith to unshakeable conviction? The process is scientific. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed devotees to read his books daily, not just as a ritual, but to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision. He also encouraged writing as a means of realization; by expressing the philosophy in one's own words, doubts are destroyed, and the truth becomes internalized. Furthermore, associating with advanced devotees helps one realize the futility of material life and the value of spiritual life.
- I advise you to read our books daily as far as possible and try to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision by discussing it frequently with the devotees at the New York temple. In this way you will gradually become convinced.
- By writing according to our realization we become more and more convinced and all doubts are destroyed.
- Has anyone ever become convinced in Krishna Consciousness by listening to this record? No. He will simply think it is nice magical sounds, that's all. But, if he reads one book, he will be convinced about spiritual life. That is our success.
Core Realizations
There are specific truths one must be convinced of to advance. The first step in spiritual education is the conviction that "I am not this body." Without this, one remains on the animal platform. The ultimate conclusion, which can be summed up in five words, is "Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Controller." When a person becomes convinced of the futility of material enjoyment and the supremacy of the Lord, their surrender becomes natural and steady.
- As soon as we understand or become convinced that I am not this body, then spiritual education begins.
- "Who God is" can be summed up in only five words. Krsna is the Supreme controller. If you become convinced of this, and preach it enthusiastically, success is assured, and you will be doing the greatest service for all living entities.
- By the association of devotees, a person may become convinced of the material futility.
Immediate Liberation
In the material world, we are bound by ignorance and doubt. Therefore, the state of being fully convinced of one's spiritual identity is itself liberation. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that liberation is not necessarily a change of location, but a change of consciousness. The moment a soul becomes fully convinced that they are the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa and acts accordingly, they are immediately liberated, even while staying in the material body.
- Spiritually, when you understand that you are eternal servant of God, Krsna, and if you become fully convinced and do the needful, then you are liberated immediately.
- As soon as one becomes free from all sinful activities, he becomes firmly convinced of God consciousness. That is called nistha. Tato nistha tato ruci. Then you taste, - Oh, it is so nice, Krsna consciousness.
- When a person becomes firmly convinced about the importance of devotional service, he surrenders unto the Supreme Lord.
Conclusion
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is not a sentimentalist; they are a philosopher who has understood the Absolute Truth through scrutiny and service. This conviction is the rock upon which the temple of devotion is built. Śrīla Prabhupāda challenges every follower to not merely accept the teachings superficially, but to study, question, and apply them until they are absolutely convinced. Only then can they become "perfect examples" and instruments for delivering the world.
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 Becoming Convinced. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.