Becoming Like a Perfect Devotee - Following vs. Imitating
In the spiritual journey, the ambition to "become like" a great soul is a powerful driving force. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda carefully distinguishes between the authorized process of following in the footsteps of the great devotees and the unauthorized attempt to imitate them. The former leads to the perfection of rāgānugā-bhakti, while the latter leads to degradation. This article explores the delicate balance of aspiring to become like the Lord's associates while avoiding the trap of artificial imitation.
Impossibility of Becoming Like God
The root disease of the material world is the envy of the Supreme Lord. The living entity, forgetting their constitutional position as a servant, tries to compete with Kṛṣṇa and attain His status. Śrīla Prabhupāda forcefully condemns this mentality, noting that there are many "competitors" trying to become the Lord, but such an achievement is eternally impossible. The "rascals" who claim to have become God are simply kicked by the illusory energy, māyā.
- The living entity, part and parcel of Krsna, starts his own business to compete with the Lord. There are many competitors out to attain the Lord's position, but to become like the Lord is not at all possible.
- These rascals becomes God, and the maya kicks on the face, and they think that they have become God. Don't become like that. Always remain humble servant, and you will be happy.
- The living entities are illusioned by the will of the Lord because they wanted to become like Him.
Following the Residents of Vṛndāvana
The perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is to revive one's specific relationship with the Lord, whether in servitude, friendship, or parental affection. This is cultivated by desiring to serve Kṛṣṇa in the mood of His eternal associates in Vṛndāvana. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda makes a vital distinction: we must follow in their footsteps (adopt their intense service attitude) but not presumptuously try to "become like them" in the sense of equating ourselves with their exalted status.
- Either in parental affection or conjugal love, friendship or servitorship (to krsna) - in any way - we must follow in the footsteps of the inhabitants of Vrndavana, not try to become like them. Therefore this description is provided here - in SB 10.9.3.
- There is a gradual development of the ambition to become like a particular devotee, and this activity is called raganuga.
Safety of Servitude
To avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and false prestige, the safest path is to adopt a mood of extreme humility. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, who prayed to become "like a dog" of the Vaiṣṇava. A dog is the emblem of loyalty and strict following. By maintaining this submissive attitude and strictly adhering to the spiritual master's instructions, one is protected from "becoming like a materialistic man" despite being in the material world.
- Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has recommended: vaisnava thakura tomara kukkura bhuliya janaha more, krsna se tomara krsna dite para. One should desire to become like a dog in strictly following a devotee.
- So-called Vaisnavas who take everything very casually, are both visayis, or materialists. Eating food offered by them causes contamination, and as a result of such contamination, even a serious devotee becomes like a materialistic man.
Conclusion
The process of "becoming like" a devotee is a nuanced path that requires intelligence and humility. It is not a cheap imitation of external dress or behavior, but a deep internal alignment with the desire of the pure devotees. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, the goal is not to become God, but to become a transparent servant of God. By keeping oneself always above suspicion and strictly following the ācāryas, one can safely navigate the path back to home, back to Godhead.
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 Becoming Like. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
(See our Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles)