"Like Water in Autumn" – Becoming Clear through Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
In our material condition, our consciousness is often described as "hazy" or "muddy." We are confused about our identity, our duty, and the ultimate goal of life. This confusion arises from the pollution of material desires. Śrīla Prabhupāda offers a beautiful natural metaphor to explain how this confusion is removed. He compares the process of becoming clear to the arrival of the autumn season. During the monsoon rains, the rivers become muddy and agitated, resembling the disturbed mind of a materialist. But when autumn arrives, the waters naturally settle and become crystal clear. Similarly, when a soul takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the agitation of the mind subsides, and the truth becomes transparent.
Autumn Metaphor
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently draws a parallel between nature and spiritual life. He observes that in the rainy season, reservoirs of water become dirty and muddy. This represents the life of a conditioned soul, agitated by the constant downpour of material hankerings. However, the process of devotional service acts like the autumn season. It naturally filters the consciousness. When one engages in the service of the Lord, the "mud" of lust and greed settles, and one's original, clear consciousness is revealed without separate endeavor.
- In the rainy season, the reservoirs of water become dirty and muddy, but as soon as the autumn rain comes, all the water immediately becomes clear and transparent.
- Everything becomes naturally beautiful with the appearance of the autumn season. Similarly, when a materialistic person takes to Krsna consciousness and spiritual life, he also becomes as clear as the sky and water in autumn.
- We should not be disappointed in our muddy life of material existence, for as soon as we voluntarily take to the devotional service of the Lord our whole life becomes clear, like water in autumn.
Chanting: Clearing the Mirror
The primary method for clearing the consciousness is the chanting of the holy names. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra vibrates on the tongue and is heard attentively, the consciousness is scrubbed clean. This is the practical application of Lord Caitanya's instruction, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (cleansing the mirror of the heart). When the dust of material contamination is removed, the living entity can clearly see their relationship with God and the path becomes illuminated.
- When Hare Krishna Mantra is vibrating on your tongue and you are hearing attentively, then your consciousness becomes clear or Krishna Consciousness, and there is no question of maya or hazy consciousness.
- One has to be qualified. If you chant and hear, for no payment, you will approach God. All things will become clear and illuminated.
- In the offensive stage (of chanting the holy name) one may desire all kinds of material happiness, but in the second stage one becomes clear of all material contamination.
Clarity of Direction
Clarity also refers to direction. In a confused state, one does not know which path leads to freedom and which leads to bondage. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that association is the deciding factor. By associating with saintly persons and serving the spiritual master, the path of liberation becomes distinct. Conversely, associating with those addicted to sense gratification makes the path to hell equally clear. Furthermore, through service, the complex import of the Vedic scriptures becomes revealed to the vision of the devotee.
- If one associates with a saintly person, a devotee, one's path of liberation becomes clear. But if one associates with a woman or with a person who is too much addicted to a woman, his path of bondage becomes completely clear.
- There is no gain in hearing the Vedic hymns from some mental speculator. When the same is heard from an actual self-realized soul and is properly understood by service and submission, everything becomes transparently clear.
- Through association of devotees, one is placed in devotional service, and by this service Krsna's activities, form, pastimes, name, etc., become clear, and all misgivings are dispelled.
Conclusion
There is no need to remain in the hazy darkness of ignorance. Just as the sun dissipates darkness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness dissipates illusion. By following the simple process of hearing, chanting, and associating with devotees, our muddy existence is purified. We simply have to wait for the "autumn season" of bhakti to take effect, and gradually, everything—our identity, our purpose, and God Himself—will become perfectly clear.
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 Clear. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.