Achieving the Result of Yoga and Sacrifice by Chanting
In the modern age, the strict performance of Vedic rituals and mechanical yoga systems is practically impossible, yet the desire for spiritual perfection remains. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the quintessential result of all these ancient practices—connection with the Supreme—is easily and fully achieved through the chanting of the holy names of Kṛṣṇa. This article explores how the simple process of bhakti-yoga encompasses and surpasses the results of all other spiritual endeavors.
Perfection Through the Holy Name
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the results obtained in previous ages through difficult austerities and expensive sacrifices are available in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the holy name. This is not a lesser result, but the highest perfection, making the process of self-realization accessible to everyone regardless of their material qualification.
- In the other three yugas - Satya, Treta and Dvapara - people perform different types of spiritual activities. Whatever results they achieve in that way, they can achieve in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- It is said in the sastras that the same result that was formerly attained by difficult sacrifices or yoga practice is easily achieved in this age simply by chanting the Holy name of God.
- If a person utters the name Rama only once, he gets the result of chanting one thousand names of Visnu. And if somebody once chants the name Krsna, he achieves the results obtained by chanting the name Rama three times.
- By chanting His (Krsna's) holy names, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, one can achieve the highest result of religion.
Surpassing Mechanical Yoga and Knowledge
Many spiritualists struggle with the cultivation of speculative knowledge or the rigid path of aṣṭāṅga-yoga to control the mind. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, these endeavors are like beating empty husks of wheat, whereas a devotee automatically attains the results of yoga, such as detachment and peace, without separate effort.
- A Krsna conscious person easily achieves the result of yoga practice without separate endeavor, but a yoga practitioner cannot achieve success without becoming Krsna conscious.
- A person who beats an empty husk of wheat cannot get grain, and one who engages simply in speculative knowledge cannot achieve the desired result of self realization. The only gain is trouble.
- If you have understood Hari, Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, tapasa tatah kim, then where is the necessity of tapasya? You have achieved the result of tapasya.
Fulfilling All Desires Through Devotion
Materialistic persons often worship various demigods to obtain temporary benefits, but this approach is condemned as less intelligent. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that by worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one not only attains spiritual liberation but can also satisfy all material necessities if they are required, as Kṛṣṇa is the source of all benedictions.
- People are embarrassed by many material desires, they worship Siva, Brahma, the Kali, Durga, Ganesa and Surya to achieve different results. However, one can achieve all these results simultaneously just by worshiping Lord Visnu.
- It is clearly stated in this verse (BG 7.23) that all results achieved by worshiping demigods are perishable, and therefore such worship is performed by the less intelligent living entity.
- Simply by worshiping Krsna one can easily achieve all the results of heavenly opulence, liberation, supremacy over the planetary systems of the universe, all the opulences of this material world, and the mystic power of performing the yoga system.
Ultimate Destination
The ultimate result of human life is not merely temporary happiness or relief from misery, but returning home, back to Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that while other paths may lead to higher planetary systems or impersonal liberation, only devotional service, particularly the chanting of the holy name at the time of death, guarantees the supreme destination.
- If one somehow or other remembers the holy name of Narayana, Krsna or Rama at the end of life, he immediately achieves the transcendental result of going back home, back to Godhead.
- The Vedic wisdom guides us to understanding our relation with the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna and to acting accordingly in order to achieve the desired result of returning home, back to Godhead. But materialistic men do not understand this.
- According to the statement of the Bhagavad-gita, persons trying for the Pitrlokas can go there; similarly, persons trying to improve the conditions on this earth can also do that, and persons who are engaged in going back home, back to Godhead, can achieve that result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that the path of bhakti is inclusive of all other perfections. Whether one seeks the results of severe austerity, mystic yoga, or ritualistic sacrifice, all are attained simply by surrendering to Kṛṣṇa and chanting His holy names. The devotee does not need to endeavor separately for these secondary results; by grasping the root of existence, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one automatically possesses the fruit of all other processes.
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 Result. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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