Ahaituky Apratihatā - Unmotivated and Uninterrupted Devotion
The standard of first-class religion is defined in the Vedic scriptures as ahaituky apratihatā—devotional service that is unmotivated and uninterrupted. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this is the only process that can fully satisfy the self. Unlike material activities which depend on favorable conditions and specific causes, pure devotional service is transcendental and can be executed in any condition of life.
Without Material Motive
The word ahaitukī means "without cause." Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that pure love for God is not a business transaction. It is not performed for the sake of money, material benefit, or even liberation (mukti). The only reason for such service is the love itself.
- In the material world one serves another for matter of money exchange, reward. But serving God is not that. Here it is stated, ahaituky apratihata. Service of God is without motive.
- Sridhara Swami has said that mukti is also another cheating. Why mukti? Krsna does not demand that "Unless you are mukta, liberated, you cannot serve." No. You can serve in any condition. Ahaituky apratihata.
- There are two kinds of religious engagements: one is called inferior and the other is called superior. The superior religious system is that which teaches the followers how to love God. Now, what kind of love? That is also expressed there: ahaituki.
Unchecked by Material Conditions
The word apratihatā means "without impediment." Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently asserts that no material condition can check the progress of a sincere devotee. Because bhakti is spiritual, it does not depend on material assets, nor can it be permanently curtailed by any external interruption.
- Ahaituky apratihata: unconditional devotional service cannot be checked by any material condition. This means that one does not have to be very rich to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Devotional service is ahaituky apratihata; it is not the effect of any mundane cause, nor can it be terminated by any mundane cause or permanently curtailed by any material interruption.
- Apratihata means without being checked. No impediment. If you want to love God, there is nothing throughout the whole world which can check you. Simply you have to develop your eagerness: "Krsna, I want You." That's all.
Universal Eligibility
Because devotional service is ahaituky apratihatā, it is universally accessible. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that one’s social standing, education, or wealth are irrelevant to the performance of bhakti. Whether one is the poorest of the poor or even socially degraded, the path to God remains open and unobstructed.
- Educated or not educated, it doesn't matter. Rich or poor, it doesn't matter. Ahaituky apratihata. The devotional service, bhakti-yoga, is without any cause and without impediment.
- Even she is prostitute - striya. Te 'pi yanti param gatim: "They can also go back to home, back to Godhead." Mam hi partha . . . If he takes Krsna very seriously, then everything is possible. No impediment. Ahaituky apratihata.
- Mad-bhakta, if you are poorest of the poor you can become a devotee. Ahaituky apratihata yenatma samprasidati (SB 1.2.6). If you want to become a devotee of Krsna, there is no impediment throughout the three worlds within the universe.
Examples of Unstoppable Devotion
The principle of ahaituky apratihatā is demonstrated in the lives of great devotees and the practical application of the saṅkīrtana movement. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites Prahlāda Mahārāja, who continued his service despite torture, and even the possibility of teaching a child within the womb, as proofs that devotion cannot be stalled by external circumstances.
- He (Prahlada Maharaj) didn't care about his father's attempts to make him suffer. That state of existence is called apratihata: if you want to execute Krsna consciousness, your material condition of life cannot check it. That is the real platform of progress.
- In any condition we can execute this yajna, sankirtana-yajna. There is no need of money. Ahaituky apratihata. This sankirtana-yajna is so nice that it cannot be checked by any material condition.
- We can teach even in the womb of the mother because it is spiritual, it is not material. No material condition can check this teaching. Ahaituky apratihata - SB 1.2.6.
Conclusion
The definition of devotional service as ahaituky apratihatā offers hope and direction to every living entity. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we need not wait for a change in our material situation to begin loving God. By developing eagerness for Kṛṣṇa, we can engage in a process that is beyond the checks and balances of the material world, leading ultimately to the complete satisfaction of the soul.
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 Ahaituky Apratihata. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.