Becoming Lusty for Kṛṣṇa vs. Material Sense Gratification
The word "lust" typically connotes a selfish, degrading desire for material sense gratification. However, in the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, even this powerful emotion has a spiritual counterpart. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while becoming lusty for the body is a disease of the heart, becoming "lusty" or intensely eager for Kṛṣṇa is the perfection of existence. This article explores the vital distinction between these two forms of desire and how the crude energy of lust can be purified and utilized in the service of the Lord.
Material Disease
Material lust is identified as the root cause of suffering. It arises from the mode of passion and drives people to become greedy and mad after temporary gains. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this condition as hṛd-rogam, a heart disease. When a person becomes lusty for material things, they are never satisfied; their desires are duṣpūram, or insatiable. Furthermore, when these lusty desires are inevitably frustrated, they transform into anger, further entangling the living entity.
- Because modern economic development is going on with no religious background, people have become lusty, greedy and mad after money.
- When you are too much influenced with the modes of passion, you become lusty. And when your lust is not fulfilled, then you are angry.
- Hrd-rogam kamam, this is a heart disease, to be lusty. But if anyone hears about the pastimes of Krsna and the gopis, through right source, then this hrd-rogam, this lusty desire in the heart, is suppressed and he will develop devotional service.
Spiritual Reality
Paradoxically, the cure for material lust is hearing about the "lusty" pastimes of Kṛṣṇa and the gopīs. To the uninformed, these dealings may appear mundane, but Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that they are completely spiritual. Kṛṣṇa is āpta-kāma—He is self-satisfied and has no need for exploitation. The "lust" of the gopīs is actually pure love, a burning desire to satisfy Kṛṣṇa's senses rather than their own.
- Although the attraction of the gopis for Krsna appears to be lusty, it is not in the least bit material.
- Another word used here is apta-kama. Some may take it for granted that Krsna was very lusty among young girls, but Pariksit Maharaja said that this was not possible. He could not be lusty.
- Another gopi said, "He (Krsna) walks in a stride which is so attractive, and He carries His flute. Just by looking at Him we become lusty to enjoy His company."
Dovetailing the Propensity
A unique feature of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the art of dovetailing. One does not necessarily have to kill the propensity to be lusty; rather, one must change the object of the lust. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that if one possesses the intense eagerness found in a thief or a lusty person, and directs that intensity toward seeing Kṛṣṇa, they can attain perfection. The energy remains, but the focus shifts from self-gratification to God-realization.
- This eagerness is wanted. Then you can see God. Either you become lusty or a thief or a murderer or whatever it may be. Some way or other, if you develop this eagerness, that "I must see Krsna," then Krsna will be seen.
- We don't say that you should not be lusty. If you have got capacity to earn money, earn money, as much as you can, but utilize it for Krsna. If I am very angry, yes, you remain angry, but utilize it for Krsna.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not dry renunciation, but the transformation of energy. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, simply by looking at the beautiful form of Kṛṣṇa, the devotee becomes "lusty" to associate with Him. This spiritual lust is the antidote to material existence. By engaging our intense desires in the service of the Lord, the heart disease of material lust is vanquished, replaced by the eternal, satisfying love of 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 Lusty. 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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