Complete Surrender to Kṛṣṇa
The final instruction of the Bhagavad-gītā is explicit: sarva-dharman parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja—abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this complete surrender to Kṛṣṇa is not merely a religious sentiment but a scientific process that frees the living entity from the complex web of karmic reactions and social obligations. This article explores the transformative power of surrendering to Mukunda, the special relationship established with the Lord, and the necessity of this surrender for global peace.
Freedom from Debts and Obligations
In the material world, every individual is born with debts to the demigods, sages, forefathers, and general society. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that these debts are automatically liquidated for one who surrenders to Kṛṣṇa. By watering the root of the tree, one satisfies all the branches; similarly, by surrendering to the Supreme, all other obligations are fulfilled.
- Anyone who has completely surrendered unto Krsna, Mukunda, giving up all other duties, is no longer a debtor, nor is he obliged to anyone.
- That is the indirect hint given by Krsna to Arjuna (Anyone who has completely surrendered unto Krsna is no longer obliged to anyone) in this verse (BG 2.38), and the matter will be more clearly explained in the following verses.
Lord's Special Inclination
Although the Supreme Lord is equal to all living entities, He reciprocates according to the degree of surrender. For the devotee who has no other shelter, Kṛṣṇa becomes the personal protector. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that even if one has not fully realized Kṛṣṇa, the simple act of sincere surrender frees one from sinful reactions.
- The Supreme Lord, the Absolute Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, although equal to everyone, is still more inclined to His unflinching devotee who is completely surrendered and knows no one else as his protector and master.
- Although not having fully realized Krsna, persons who have even once surrendered completely unto His lotus feet and who have become attracted to His name, form, qualities and pastimes are completely freed of all sinful reactions.
Mark of a Guru and Mahatma
Surrender is the criterion for recognizing a spiritual authority. A bona fide guru is not defined by academic qualifications but by their complete surrender to Kṛṣṇa. Similarly, a mahātmā (great soul) is one who understands that Vāsudeva is everything and surrenders unto Him.
- Guru means one who has taken full shelter, complete surrender to Krsna, he is guru. Or he speaks only what is spoken by Krsna. Just like we are speaking in this Bhagavad-gita, as it is. There is no malinterpretation.
- The Bhagavad-gita directs us (7.19) that after many, many births one fortunate person becomes aware of the fact that Vasudeva is all in all and that the best way of leading one's life is to surrender unto Him completely. That is the sign of a mahatma.
Only Path to Peace
Śrīla Prabhupāda issues a bold challenge to the world: peace is impossible without God consciousness. As long as humanity remains entangled in the modes of material nature, conflict is inevitable. Complete surrender to Kṛṣṇa is the only path to transcend these modes and achieve lasting harmony.
- We must declare boldly to the whole world, that they should not foolishly dream of world peace unless they are prepared to surrender fully to Krishna as Supreme Lord.
- Unless one surrenders completely at the lotus feet of Krsna, he cannot get out of the entanglement of the three modes of material nature.
Conclusion
It is the duty of every spirit soul to surrender to the Supreme Soul. Whether one is a king like Parīkṣit facing death or an ordinary seeker, the instruction remains the same. By surrendering completely to Kṛṣṇa, one attains the highest perfection of life, becoming fearless, debt-free, and eternally happy.
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 Completely Surrendered to Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.