"Lump of Flesh" or Lotus Feet? – The Choice of Becoming Attracted
The nature of the eyes is to see beauty, and the nature of the mind is to be captivated by it. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we cannot stop becoming attracted; we can only choose the object of our attraction. At every moment, the living entity stands at a crossroads: to be captivated by the temporary, flickering beauty of the material world, or to be drawn to the eternal, all-attractive beauty of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This choice determines whether we remain bound in the material world or return to our original home.
Illusion of Material Beauty
In the material world, attraction is often based on illusion. A man sees a woman, or a woman sees a man, and they become captivated by the external features. Śrīla Prabhupāda ruthlessly analyzes this attraction, pointing out that what we are actually worshipping is a "lump of flesh, blood, stool, and urine" covered by a thin layer of skin. This attraction is compared to the fatal attraction of an insect flying into a blazing fire—it looks beautiful, but it leads to death.
- Beautiful woman is simply a lump of matter composed of blood, stool, urine and similar other disgusting ingredients. This is the actual fact, but in a state of illusion, man becomes attracted by illusory beauty and becomes a victim of maya.
- The two eyes of the living entity are attracted by bright and beautiful forms. They are entangled in these forms, exactly as the insect becomes attracted to fire.
- An effeminate husband, simply being attracted by the external beauty of his wife, tries to become her most obedient servant. Sripada Sankaracarya has therefore advised that we not become attracted by a lump of flesh and blood.
Kṛṣṇa: The All-Attractive
In contrast to the limited and deceptive beauty of matter, Kṛṣṇa is the source of all beauty. His very name means "All-Attractive." His beauty is so potent that it attracts not only the conditioned souls but even the liberated souls who have transcended all material desires. Even Cupid, who attracts the whole world, is attracted by Kṛṣṇa. This proves that Kṛṣṇa's form is not material but transcendental.
- Even Cupid becomes attracted by Krsna. We are attracted by Cupid, but Cupid is attracted by Krsna. Therefore His name is Madana-mohana. That is the only remedy.
- The word atmarama indicates that even birds, beasts and fools - in short, everyone - can become attracted by the transcendental qualities of Krsna, engage in His service and become liberated.
- Krsna is so wonderful and attractive that He Himself becomes attracted by His own beauty, and this is proof that He is full of all inconceivable potencies.
Process of Shifting Attraction
How do we shift our attraction from the "lump of flesh" to the Lotus Feet? Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that attraction comes from hearing. Just as a girl becomes attracted to a boy by hearing about his qualifications, the soul becomes attracted to Kṛṣṇa by hearing about His pastimes and qualities from the Vedic literatures. This process cleanses the heart and automatically diminishes the attraction for material rubbish.
- How we can increase our attachment for Krsna unless we know Krsna, at least something about Him? Just like a girl becomes attached to a young boy when she knows about something about that boy. The more she knows, she becomes attracted.
- After hearing about the many transcendental qualities of Krsna, if we somehow or other become attracted to Krsna consciousness, our lives will be successful.
- By the association of pure devotees like Vyasadeva, even the liberated soul becomes attracted to the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not about forcing the mind to be empty; it is about giving the mind a superior engagement. We are currently captivated by the reflection of beauty in this world. But if we turn our face toward the original substance, Kṛṣṇa, we will find an ocean of bliss that makes all material attractions seem like broken glass. As Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages, "If you somehow or other become attracted to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then your life is successful."
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 Attracted. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.