Acknowledging Supremacy of Lord Kṛṣṇa
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the turning point in the life of a living entity is the moment they voluntarily acknowledge the supremacy of Lord Kṛṣṇa. While the material world is populated by those wishing to imitate the Lord or deny His existence, the path of perfection begins with the realization that Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate source of all benedictions. This article explores how great souls, from Arjuna to Lord Brahmā, have exemplified this mood of submission, and conversely, how the refusal to acknowledge the Lord binds one to material existence.
Exemplary Attitude of Arjuna
Śrīla Prabhupāda often highlights Arjuna as the ideal devotee because he does not rely on his own prowess but fully depends on the Lord. Although Arjuna was a mighty warrior, he understood that his abilities and victories were orchestrated by the will of the Supreme, and he humbly admitted his limitations before Kṛṣṇa's infinite opulence.
- Arjuna agrees to what Krsna says several times. Krsna is speaking to him just for his benefit, and Arjuna acknowledges that all this is happening to him by Krsna's grace.
- Arjuna did not know how many times he may have dishonored Him by addressing Him as "O my friend, O Krsna, O Yadava," etc., without acknowledging His opulence.
- Arjuna, as a devotee, does not depend on his speculative strength; rather, he admits his limitations as a living entity and acknowledges Krsna's inestimable position.
Recognition by Authorities
The Vedic tradition is upheld by great authorities, or mahājanas, who confirm the Absolute Truth through their realized knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that exalted personalities like Lord Brahmā, Dakṣa, and the great sages do not claim independence but explicitly acknowledge that their power and position are benedictions offered by Lord Kṛṣṇa.
- Acknowledging the benediction offered to him by Krsna, he (Brahma) became the original spiritual master of all living entities.
- He (Daksa) acknowledged the great mercy of Lord Krsna and Lord Siva towards the fallen brahmanas, including even himself.
- Sri Yamunacarya said: O my Lord! You are unknowable to persons involved with atheistic principles despite Your being acknowledged by the famous authorities renowned for their depth of knowledge in the transcendental science.
- Devala: A great authority like Narada Muni and Vyasadeva. His good name is on the list of authorities mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita when Arjuna acknowledged Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Ungrateful and the Demoniac
There is a stark contrast between a devotee and a materialist; while the devotee is grateful, the materialist is a thief. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that those who utilize the resources of nature—which belong to God—without acknowledging the Proprietor are essentially rogues who entangle themselves further in the prison house of the material world.
- Those who are actually thieves and rogues do not recognize or acknowledge the benedictions offered to them by the Supreme Lord, and they cannot render Him devotional service.
- Those who do not acknowledge Him (Krsna) and attempt to rival Him are placed into the material universe, which is just like a prison house.
- Unfortunately, the demons do not even acknowledge the gifts from Krishna, and they talk nonsense that there is no God, God is dead, I am God, and similar things.
Mission of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
The entire Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is designed to rectify the forgetful state of the living entity. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by acknowledging Kṛṣṇa as the supreme authority and accepting everything as His mercy, one can break free from the modes of material nature and attain the perfection of life.
- In the modern age the mission of Krsna consciousness is for everyone to acknowledge the supremacy of Lord Krsna; whatever one has in his possession must be considered a gift by the grace of the Lord.
- Because we are covered by the material modes of nature, He (Krsna) is very difficult for us to understand unless He reveals Himself to us. Therefore it is better for us to acknowledge that He is everything and offer obeisances unto His lotus feet.
- If we have faith in banks and airlines, why not have faith in Sri Krsna who is acknowledged by so many Vedic literatures and by so many sages to be the supreme authority.
- Your acknowledgement, Krishna has been very merciful to me, is remarkable. You are realizing the fruit of chanting.
Conclusion
Ultimately, acknowledging the supremacy of Lord Kṛṣṇa is not a sign of weakness, but of the highest intelligence. As Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates through these teachings, the refusal to accept God's authority leads to a thieving mentality and suffering within the material prison. Conversely, the humble admission that Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor of all opulence opens the door to divine revelation. Whether one is a great sage like Nārada or a conditioned soul seeking redemption, the process remains the same: one must bow down to the Supreme Lord, recognizing Him as the source of all gifts and the ultimate object of devotion.
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 Acknowledging Krsna. 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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