Character Transformation of One Who Becomes Kṛṣṇa Conscious
The process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not merely a ritualistic practice but a total alchemical change of the human character. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a person becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, they undergo a profound transformation—from fearful to fearless, from envious to broad-minded, and from materially anxious to spiritually poised. This article explores the specific symptoms of this change, illustrating how the awakening of spiritual consciousness naturally imbues a person with all the good qualities of the demigods.
Developing Godly Qualities
The most visible evidence of spiritual advancement is the change in a person's behavior and attributes. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that simply by becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious, one automatically develops all the good qualities found in the demigods. While materialists may try to be moral or ethical through artificial means, a devotee attains these virtues naturally as a byproduct of their devotion.
- Simply by becoming Krsna conscious, all the good qualities of the demigods, or all godly qualities, will manifest. There is no doubt about it.
- If one becomes Krsna conscious, then he becomes qualified with all godly attributes. That I have explained, that if you be in touch with God, then you become godly. That is the test.
- Whatever the case, if one becomes Krsna conscious, he will gradually be purified and will become a sadhu. As one progresses in executing Krsna consciousness, his bad habits diminish, and he attains to saintly perfection.
Fearlessness and Peace
Material existence is characterized by constant fear and anxiety. However, a person who becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious transcends this fearful state. By taking shelter of the Supreme Lord, they become ajāta-śatru—one who has no enemies. Even if placed in difficult situations, such as hellish conditions or poverty, their internal peace remains undisturbed because they know they are under Kṛṣṇa's protection.
- If one becomes Krsna conscious, he is not afraid, any condition of life. Na kutascana bibhyati. Svargapavarga-narakesv api. If he is put into the hell or in heaven or in spiritual world or any world, he is happy.
- As soon as he becomes Krsna conscious, then he becomes joyful, because he has no more enemy. "Everyone is my brother." Therefore he has no fear.
- Don't think that because one has become Krsna conscious there will be no enemy. Of course, Krsna conscious person is always ajata-satru. There cannot be any enemy. There cannot be enemy in this sense - that no enemy can do any harm to them.
Broad-mindedness and Beauty
A materialist is often described as "cripple-minded" because their interests are limited to their own body, family, or nation. In contrast, one who becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious becomes a mahātmā, or great soul. Their vision expands to include all living entities as part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa. This internal purity also manifests externally; Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that devotees often become physically beautiful and effulgent due to their spiritual activities.
- So when one becomes Krsna conscious he feels obligation very extensive, not limited. He is called mahatma, very broad-minded. Not cripple-minded.
- When a person becomes fully Krsna conscious, he does not think, "Here is a man, here is an animal, here is a cat, here is a dog, here is a worm." He sees everyone as part and parcel of Krsna.
- A Krsna conscious person does not have to be qualified or beautiful; after becoming Krsna conscious and rendering service unto Krsna, he becomes very much qualified and beautiful.
- Those who have joined the Krsna consciousness movement were beautiful before they joined, but now that they have become Krsna conscious they look especially beautiful.
Conclusion
The transformation of character in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is absolute and self-evident. It proves that religion is not a matter of rubber-stamping oneself with a designation, but of tangible purification. When one genuinely becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, the rigid knots of material attachment loosen, giving way to a personality that is fearless, benevolent, and naturally attracted to the good of all beings. This character is the true credential of a devotee.
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 Krsna Conscious. 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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