An Open Invitation - Why Everyone Should Join the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement extends an open invitation to the entire human race to reclaim their spiritual heritage. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the movement not as a sectarian religious group, but as a scientific process for the "intelligent class" of men and women. Whether one is an American youth, a Christian priest, a wealthy Indian merchant, or a person from a humble background, the door to Kṛṣṇa consciousness is open. This article examines the universal eligibility for joining, the specific appeal to the intelligent, the spiritual safety of the process, and the social dynamics that arise when one decides to join.
A Universal Platform
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is "not a sectarian religious movement" but a cultural revolution meant for the welfare of the world. Consequently, anyone can join without prejudice. The movement has seen people from diverse backgrounds—Jews, Christians, Europeans, and Americans—abandoning their previous habits to take up the strict life of a devotee. Even those born in "low-grade families" have the facility to join and elevate themselves to a position higher than a brāhmaṇa.
- Krsna consciousness is not a sectarian religious movement. Rather, it is meant for all-embracing welfare activities for the world. One can enter this movement without discrimination in terms of caste, creed, religion or nationality.
- Common people have joined. Everyone. We are opening centers so that any common man from any caste, any creed, any nation, they can come and join.
- Even Christian priests are greatly surprised that all these boys from Jewish and Christian families have joined this Krsna consciousness movement; before joining, they never regarded any principles of religion seriously, but now they have become sincere devotees of God.
Search for the "Perfect Thing"
Why are people, particularly the educated youth of the West, joining this movement? Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that they are "fed up with the materialistic way of life." Having experienced the best of material intoxication and finding it hollow, they are now searching for something substantial. Joining the movement is described as an act of intelligence—giving up stereotyped ideas for factual liberation.
- They are joining Krsna consciousness movement because they are in search of such thing, perfect thing. They are fed up with materialistic way of life. It is not that I am playing something magic. It is the need of the present-day situation, that people want Krsna consciousness.
- The Americans who have joined the Krsna consciousness movement were materially intoxicated before they became devotees, but now that their intoxication is over, their material assets have become spiritual assets that may be helpful in furthering the service of Krsna.
Permanent Credit and Safety
One of the most encouraging aspects of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is that there is no loss. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures that even if one joins the movement and later falls down due to immaturity, whatever service they have rendered is a "permanent credit." Unlike material careers, where a failure can ruin one's prospects, spiritual activity is never lost. However, for those who remain steady, the movement offers the highest success in life: freedom from birth and death.
- A man comes and joins this Krsna consciousness movement, and in the middle he falls down, he does not make further progress because he falls down. But whatever he has done, that is permanent credit.
- Even if you give up whole career and simply join Krsna consciousness movement, then your life is success. That is being stressed. Svalpam apy asya dharmasya.
Obstacles: The "Dakṣa" Mentality
Joining the movement often provokes opposition from family members. Śrīla Prabhupāda compares this reaction to the behavior of Prajāpati Dakṣa, who was angry with Nārada Muni for instructing his sons to renounce the world. Parents often lament when their children join the movement, thinking their lives are "spoiled," yet they remain unconcerned if their children become useless citizens or drug addicts. This highlights the clash between spiritual aspiration and material attachment.
- This mentality of Prajapati Daksa still continues even today. When young boys join the Krsna consciousness movement, their fathers and so-called guardians are very angry at the propounder of the Krsna consciousness movement.
- Parents are not unhappy when their children become spoiled, useless citizens, but they lament when they join the Krsna consciousness movement to achieve the ultimate goal of life.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not merely an organization; it is a rescue mission for the fallen souls. Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically calls upon the intelligent, the wealthy, and the leaders of society—especially in India—to shed their hesitation and join this global revolution. As he simply states: "You must join this Krsna consciousness movement. That is my request."
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 Joining the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.