Characteristics and Vision of Actually Self-realized Soul
Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently emphasizes that self-realization is not an abstract concept but a tangible state of consciousness with observable characteristics. An actually self-realized soul is distinguished by their detachment from material designations, their equal vision toward all living beings, and their unwavering engagement in the service of the Lord. This article explores the specific symptoms and the profound vision that define one who has truly transcended the bodily conception of life.
Symptoms of Sense Control and Satisfaction
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the first evidence of self-realization is the ability to control the urges of the senses and the mind. An actually self-realized person is not agitated by material desires; rather, they are content with whatever is necessary to keep the body and soul together, without endeavoring for superfluous sense gratification.
- A person who is actually advanced in self-realization protects his energy by controlling the senses.
- A person who is actually self-realized and who has controlled his mind is perfectly satisfied with the bare necessities of life. He does not try to gratify his senses.
- My dear King, you have said, "You rascal, you dull, crazy fellow! I am going to chastise you, and then you will come to your senses." In this regard, let me say that although I live like a dull, deaf and dumb man, I am actually a self-realized person.
Transcendental Vision and Equality
The vision of a self-realized soul penetrates the external covering of the material body. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that such a person sees the spiritual equality of all beings, recognizing that the bodily distinctions of race, gender, or species are merely temporary coverings, and they perceive the presence of the Supreme Lord as Paramātmā within everyone.
- When one is actually self-realized, brahma-bhutah, na socati na kanksati. This is the symptom. Then samah sarvesu bhutesu. Then it is possible to see equally everyone.
- If you are actually self-realized soul, in the light of God, then your treatment will be equal to all living entities. Not that "He is animal, he is man, he is black, he is white, he's this, he's Indian, he's American, he's Chinese." No.
- Those who are actually self-realized see every individual body as a temple of the Supreme Personality of Godhead because the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His Paramatma feature, is residing in everyone's body.
Foundation for Pure Devotional Service
A crucial point in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings is that actual devotional service, or bhakti, begins on the platform of self-realization. While one may perform rituals in the neophyte stage, pure service is the activity of the liberated soul who has understood their identity separate from the body and is fully engaged in working for the Lord.
- Bhakti, devotional service, begins when one is actually self-realized. Before that, sa bhaktah prakrtah smrtah (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.47). Anyone who has got the identification of this body, he is engaged in Deity worship, but he does not actually realize his self.
- The conclusion is that one can begin the process of devotional service, or bhakti, when one is actually self-realized. One who is in the bodily concept of existence cannot understand the process of devotional service.
- Actually he's self-realized who is working for the Lord, from satam.
Freedom from Lamentation and Fear
The state of self-realization is characterized by prasannātmā, or joyfulness. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes that when one is actually self-realized, they are free from the duality of hankering and lamenting, and they are no longer disturbed by fear or the struggle for bodily maintenance.
- Self-realization, liberation, the sign is that he becomes joyful, prasannatma, immediately. If you have actually realized yourself, simply by bluffing that "I am God, I am this, I am..." No. There are signs.
- Actually, if one is self-realized, he is no more fearful or concerned with the bodily necessities of life. That is liberation.
- When one actually is self-realized, that "I am not American, not Indian, not Hindu, not Muslim, not man, not woman. I am spirit soul. Aham brahmasmi," at that time, he does not lament.
Conclusion
To be actually self-realized is a dynamic spiritual attainment that transforms one's entire existence. It is not a matter of mere intellectual adjustment but involves a complete shift in identity from the body to the spirit soul. As Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates, the symptoms are clear: a self-realized person is peaceful, self-controlled, equal in vision, and free from material anxiety. Most importantly, this realized state is the launchpad for pure bhakti, enabling the soul to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead without the impediments of material designation.
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 Actually Self-realized. 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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