Achieving Perfection through Constant Remembrance of Lord Kṛṣṇa
The ultimate goal of human life, as taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda, is to achieve the perfection of establishing an eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While the material world offers various forms of temporary success—ranging from economic development to the acquisition of mystic yoga powers—these are ultimately fleeting. True perfection culminates in nārāyaṇa-smṛti, or the state of constantly remembering Lord Kṛṣṇa. This article explores the nature of this perfection, the rarity of its attainment, and the practical methods of devotional service by which any living entity, regardless of their social position, can return home, back to Godhead.
True Meaning of Perfection
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the highest perfection is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or material opulence, but the specific state of consciousness where one constantly remembers the Supreme Lord. All Vedic instructions and occupational duties are ultimately meant to lead the soul to this point of pleasing the Personality of Godhead.
- Everyone is anxious to achieve the highest perfection of his particular activity, and it is indicated herein (SB 2.1.1) that such perfection is narayana-smrti, for which everyone must endeavor his best.
- Simply by accepting the Lord as the supreme proprietor of everything, since He is actually so, one can achieve the highest perfection of life.
- The whole Vedic literature is meant for achieving the highest perfection of life. Vedic literature, you will get all kinds of knowledge. Veda means knowledge, and the Vedic literature is full of knowledge.
- In every department of material science, there is a perfection to be achieved, and to achieve it one must consult the Vedic literature. The highest perfection is to become a devotee of the Lord.
Rarity of Spiritual Success
The path to absolute perfection is not ordinary; it is stated in the scriptures that out of millions of human beings, very few even inquire about the ultimate goal of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites the Bhagavad-gītā to illustrate how rare it is for a soul to not only endeavor for perfection but to actually know Kṛṣṇa in truth.
- According to Bhagavad-gita: Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth - BG 7.3.
- Interest in Krsna consciousness is not commonplace. In Bhagavad-gita it is said that out of many millions and billions of persons, only one is interested in achieving perfection.
- A man who obtains birth in such a convenient position but does not understand his self is unable to achieve the highest perfection, even if he is exalted to life in the higher planetary systems.
Path of Devotional Service
To attain this rare perfection, one must engage in the process of bhakti-yoga, specifically through hearing, chanting, and serving. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that processes like chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra allow the mind to become fixed on the lotus feet of the Lord, which is the essence of yoga and the means to transcend the cycle of birth and death.
- By chanting the Hare Krsna mantra constantly, one can fix the mind on the lotus feet of Krsna (sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayoh (SB 9.4.18)) and in this way achieve the perfection of yoga.
- There are concrete examples of how a devotee discharged one of these services and achieved perfection. King Pariksit achieved the desired goal of life simply by hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- One can achieve the highest perfection of life simply by meditating upon the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- For achieving perfection in Krsna consciousness, no qualification is required other than to be constantly engaged in the loving service of Krsna, the supreme nectar, the reservoir of all pleasure.
Necessity of a Spiritual Master
Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against the arrogance of thinking one can achieve spiritual success through independent study or personal effort alone. The guidance of a pure devotee is essential, as the mercy of the guru is the medium through which the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa is received.
- It is not possible to achieve the stage of perfection without the favor of a pure devotee, or a mahatma, a great soul.
- He (Caitanya Mahaprabhu) said that even by a moments association with a pure devotee, one can achieve all perfection. We are not ashamed to admit that this fact was experienced in our practical life.
- A person who is puffed up by education has no humility and therefore does not seek the protection of a bona fide spiritual master. He thinks that he does not require a spiritual master and that he can achieve the perfection by his own efforts.
Perfection in Any Condition of Life
A profound aspect of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is that it is open to everyone, regardless of their social or professional status. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that one need not abandon their duties but must dovetail them in the service of the Lord; whether one is a householder or a professional, perfection is achieved by satisfying Kṛṣṇa through one's work.
- In whatever occupation one may be engaged, if he serves the Supreme Lord, he will achieve the highest perfection.
- You may be industrial administrator or engineer you make your profession perfect. And that perfection is achieved by satisfying the Supreme Personality Godhead by your profession. Just like Arjuna: He was a soldier. He knew how to fight. So by his profession he satisfied Krsna.
- A householder, a gentleman or a person living with family, wife and children, his real aim is how to achieve the relationship, lost relationship, with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His only aim is how to achieve that perfection.
- If they (all living beings) act accordingly, then simply by discharging their respective occupational duties they can achieve the highest perfection of life, namely eternal life, complete knowledge and inexhaustible blessings.
Conclusion
In summary, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the perfection of human life is not found in the temporary adjustments of the material world or the acquisition of mystic powers, but in the eternal activity of loving service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. This state of constant remembrance, or nārāyaṇa-smṛti, purifies the existence of the living entity and qualifies them to return to the spiritual world. By following the instructions of the spiritual master and engaging in the chanting of the holy names, anyone—regardless of their position in society—can attain this supreme destination, which brings an end to the cycle of birth and death.
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 Achieving Perfection. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.