Becoming One with Kṛṣṇa - Oneness of Interest vs. Merging
In the study of Vedic liberation, the concept of "becoming one" with the Supreme is often misunderstood as the total loss of individual identity. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while there is a type of oneness that involves merging into the Lord’s body, this is not the objective of the devotee. For a Vaiṣṇava, becoming one with Kṛṣṇa refers to a state of absolute harmony where the devotee’s desires are perfectly aligned with the Lord's will. This article explores the distinction between the merging of enemies and the loving dependence of devotees.
Merging of Enemies
The Supreme Lord is so merciful that even those who approach Him with enmity receive a form of liberation. Characters such as Śiśupāla and Kaṁsa, who constantly thought of Kṛṣṇa unfavorably, were purified upon being killed by the Lord. They attained sāyujya-mukti, or the liberation of becoming one with the body of Kṛṣṇa. This demonstrates that any contact with the Lord’s transcendental form results in salvation, yet this merging is considered an inferior destination compared to the personal association granted to the devotees.
- When Sisupala was killed by the Sudarsana cakra of Krsna as an enemy, his constant remembrance of Krsna dissolved the reactions of his vices, and he attained salvation by becoming one with the body of the Lord.
- Lord Krsna is the bestower of five kinds of liberation, of which sayujya-mukti, or the liberation of becoming one with the Supreme, was given to demons like Kamsa, whereas the gopis were given the chance to associate with Him personally.
- Even a person who thinks of Krsna as an enemy and is killed by Him may be liberated by becoming one with the body of Krsna. What then must be the destination of devotees who always think favorably of Krsna as their master or friend?
Actual Oneness: Unity of Interest
For the devotee, "becoming one" does not mean losing one's identity or becoming equal to God in quantity. Instead, it is a qualitative oneness of purpose. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a person agrees to abide entirely by the orders of Kṛṣṇa without any disagreement, that is actual oneness. In this state, Kṛṣṇa becomes everything for the devotee, and the devotee becomes full in their love for Kṛṣṇa. This dependence is the highest expression of spiritual freedom.
- Our philosophy of Krsna consciousness is the same, but instead of becoming one with Krsna, we depend on Krsna. That is actual oneness.
- Our philosophy is also the same, kaivalya. But we depend on Krsna. We do not become one with, one with Krsna. That is oneness. If we simply agree to abide by the order of Krsna, there is no disagreement, that is oneness.
- It (Krsna consciousness) is the stage beyond self-realization at which the devotee becomes one with Krsna in the sense that Krsna becomes everything for the devotee, and the devotee becomes full in loving Krsna.
Delusion of Encroachment
Attempts to artificially become one with Kṛṣṇa in the sense of occupying His position are described as a delusion. Those who claim to be one with God but remain under the laws of material nature are referred to as durātmā, or hard-hearted. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that even Arjuna, after receiving the complete knowledge of the Bhagavad-gītā, became liberated but never became one with Kṛṣṇa in existence. The desire to encroach upon the Lord's rightful position is a sinful propensity that keeps the soul in bondage.
- Arjuna became liberated by the knowledge received from Krsna, but he never became one with Krsna.
- Attempt to become one with Krsna will be baffled because of delusion.
- Rather, they (so-called mahatmas (great souls) with long beards and mustaches who tell everyone that they are one with God) are duratma, hard-hearted, because they want to encroach on the rightful position of Krsna and become one with Him.
Conclusion
The perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is to realize that we are eternally fragmental parts of the Lord, meant for His enjoyment. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, becoming one with Kṛṣṇa is not the highest priority for a devotee, as the joy of service far surpasses the bliss of merging. By surrendering one's will to the Supersoul and finding welfare in Kṛṣṇa's desires, the living entity attains the true, eternal oneness of a loving relationship that is never terminated by time or liberation.
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 One with 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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