"Only by Association" – The Secret to Becoming a Pure Devotee
How does an ordinary person, filled with material desires and habits, transform into a pure devotee of God? Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this transformation is not a result of personal ability or intellectual prowess. It is a result of infection. Just as one catches a disease by associating with an infected person, one "catches" the quality of pure devotion by associating with a pure devotee. This article explores the essential role of association (sat-saṅga) and strict discipline in the process of becoming a pure devotee.
Necessity of Association
Śrīla Prabhupāda is emphatic that there is no alternative to the association of a pure devotee. One cannot become a pure devotee in isolation. The fire of devotion must be ignited by someone who is already burning with love for Kṛṣṇa. This association serves as the catalyst for all spiritual advancement.
- One needs the association of a pure devotee, for only by a pure devotee’s association can one become a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna.
- Fortunate beginners can develop only in the association of pure devotees of Lord Krsna. When one associates with pure devotees, he becomes a pure devotee himself.
Guided by the Spiritual Master
Association manifests practically through the guidance of the spiritual master. A neophyte cannot navigate the path of surrender alone; they require direction. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that one cannot become a perfect devotee unless directed by another "pure, unadulterated devotee." The blessings of the guru are as essential as the mercy of the Lord Himself.
- You cannot become a pure, perfect devotee unless you are directed by another pure, unadulterated devotee.
- One cannot become a pure devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead unless he is favored by another pure devotee of the Lord.
Discipline of Purity
While association provides the seed, the devotee must cultivate it through strict discipline. Śrīla Prabhupāda outlines a clear regimen for becoming pure: following the four regulative principles (no meat-eating, illicit sex, intoxication, or gambling) and chanting sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra daily. Purity is not a theoretical concept; it is the result of a lifestyle free from sinful contamination.
- One must first become a pure devotee by following the strict regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds daily, and when one thinks that he is actually on the Vaisnava platform, he must then take permission from the spiritual master.
- Unless one follows the spiritual master's instructions concerning the regulative principles and chanting and hearing the holy name of the Lord, one cannot become a pure devotee.
Power of Deity Worship
In addition to chanting, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights strict Deity worship as a powerful method for purification. By engaging the senses in the service of the Lord's form (arcā-vigraha), the aspiring devotee naturally cleanses the heart of material dirt.
Conclusion
Becoming a pure devotee is the highest goal, but the process is scientific. It requires the contagious association of a saintly person and the discipline to follow their instructions. As Śrīla Prabhupāda assures, if once one has sincerely become the pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa, that will never go in vain.
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 a Pure 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.