Characteristics of Conditioned Stage
The conditioned stage of existence is defined by a fundamental misidentification of the self with the material body. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this state is not natural but is a "diseased condition" where the pure soul is covered by the modes of material nature, just as fire is covered by smoke. This article explores the limitations, defects, and necessary regulations that characterize the living entity in the conditioned stage.
Imperfect Senses and Knowledge
A primary characteristic of the conditioned stage is the imperfection of the senses. Because the senses are limited, the knowledge acquired through direct perception (inductive logic) is always flawed. Consequently, the conditioned soul requires knowledge from a perfect authority (deductive logic) to understand the Absolute Truth.
- Direct perception is always imperfect, especially in the conditioned stage of life. Just like direct perception - with our eyes we see the sun just like a disc, not more than your plate on which you take your meals.
- We have got our senses with limited power, and there are so many defects in our conditioned stage. Therefore inductive process is not always perfect. The deductive process, from the authority, the knowledge received, is always perfect.
- In the conditioned stage of existence, all living entities have four basic defects, of which one is the cheating propensity. Sankaracarya has carried this cheating propensity to the extreme to mislead the monists.
Bodily Concept and Duality
In the conditioned stage, the living entity is bewildered by duality, categorizing others as "friends" or "enemies" based on bodily relationships. This consciousness is polluted by passion and ignorance, manifesting as envy, false prestige, and fault-finding.
- In the conditioned stage we think that some living beings are our friends whereas others are enemies, and thus we are in duality.
- In the conditioned stage, one's conceptions of life are sometimes polluted by passion and ignorance, which are exhibited by false prestige, insults, fault-finding, deception, envy, intolerance, passion, bewilderment, hunger and sleep.
- We should always know that this bodily conditional stage of the pure soul is a diseased condition. And anyone who does not know that he is suffering from disease is a fool. He is Fool Number One.
Limits on Worship and Realization
Because the conditioned soul is not yet purified, they are advised not to imitate the confidential pastimes of the Lord, such as the rāsa-līlā. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while Vaiṣṇavas worship Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, in the conditioned stage, the realization and mood are effectively that of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa—worship in awe and reverence.
- Radha-Krsna philosophy is not to be understood in the conditioned stage. But when we worship Radha-Krsna in our conditional stage, actually we worship Laksmi-Narayana.
- In the conditioned stage one should not even try to remember such things - rasa-lila.
Helplessness and Bondage
The hallmark of the conditioned stage is helplessness. The living entity is forced by the laws of nature to accept birth, death, and various material bodies, regardless of their desire. This state is compared to smoke covering a fire; the smoke is a conditional manifestation that depends on the fire but suppresses its light.
- The material nature is a conditional manifestation of spiritual nature, just as smoke is a conditional stage of fire. Smoke is dependent on fire, but in a blazing fire there is no place for smoke. Smoke disturbs, but fire serves.
- We do not wish to die, but we have to accept death. This is our conditional stage of life. I do not wish to take birth; still, I am forced to go into the womb of my mother by the laws of nature.
Conclusion
Although the conditioned stage is one of ignorance and suffering, it is not permanent. By the grace of the spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa, the living entity can uncover their original aptitude for service. The process begins with acknowledging one's helplessness and surrendering to the authority of the ācāryas.
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 Conditioned Stage. 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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