Devotional Service - The Antiseptic Method to Become Free from Material Contamination
The living entity is originally pure, eternal, and full of bliss. However, due to contact with the three modes of material nature, this original consciousness is covered, much like a mirror covered by dust. Śrīla Prabhupāda refers to this covering as "material contamination." This contamination drives the soul to identify with the temporary body and engage in sinful activities. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement offers a scientific process to remove this dirt. By engaging the senses in the service of the proprietor of the senses, Hṛṣīkeśa, one can be washed clean of lifetimes of accumulated impurities.
Antiseptic Power of Devotional Service
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently uses the analogy of a vaccine or an antiseptic to describe the potency of devotional service. Just as a person vaccinated against an epidemic can move freely without fear of infection, a devotee situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness can live in the material world without being contaminated by it. This protection is available to anyone who takes up the process seriously.
- Suppose there is some epidemic in the city, and one has taken the antiseptic vaccine of measure. He's not affected. Similarly this Krsna consciousness is the antiseptic method to become free from the contamination of this material world.
- Taking shelter of devotional service to the Lord in full Krsna consciousness is therefore the only way to become free from the contamination of material, conditioned life, especially in this age.
- If one somehow or other becomes Krsna conscious by applying his senses in the service of the Lord, one is immediately freed from material contamination. Such are the effects of Krsna consciousness.
- If our desires are applied to the service of the Lord, they become purified, and thus we become immediately freed from material contamination.
Surrender: The Immediate Cure
Many people believe that purification takes many lifetimes of severe austerity. While it can be a long process, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that surrender to Kṛṣṇa yields immediate results. The moment a soul sincerely submits to the Lord, the heavy burden of material contamination is lifted. This is because Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Pure, instantly cleanses the heart of His surrendered devotee.
- As soon as the devotees surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord sincerely, the Lord accepts them, and thus the devotees at once become free from all material contaminations. Such devotees are above the three modes of material nature.
- As soon as one seriously engages himself in devotional service to the Lord in full Krsna consciousness, at once he becomes freed from all contamination of material nature.
- As soon as one is very intimately connected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one surely becomes free from all material contamination. Ya nirvrtis tanu-bhrtam. This cessation of all material happiness is called nirvrti or nirvana.
Necessity of Association
Contamination is often acquired through bad association. Conversely, purification is achieved through good association. Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that to become free, one must seek the company of those who are already free. By associating with pure devotees and hearing from them, one's attraction to material things—like money and social prestige—diminishes, and spiritual love awakens.
- If anyone has reached the stage where he must become free from this material contamination, then he has to seek the association of devotees, wherein Krsna consciousness is exclusively cultured. One can thereby become freed from all material association.
- By cooperating with such persons (devotees), the prospective candidate will gradually learn the techniques of devotional service, and with the progress of such learning one becomes proportionately free from the contamination of material association.
- Rukmini continued, "Great saintly persons like Narada Muni are always engaged simply in glorifying Your transcendental characteristics. Someone who simply takes shelter of such a saintly person immediately becomes freed from all material contamination."
Knowledge of Creation
For those who are intellectually inclined, the scriptures recommend an analytical method called "inverse meditation." By understanding the process of creation—how the gross elements evolve from the subtle elements and false ego—one can meditate on the reverse process, tracing the elements back to their source. This philosophical approach helps the living entity realize their separation from the material machinery.
- One should know the process of creation and should meditate upon the creative process inversely and thus become free from material contamination.
- The words yatha-sthanam vibhagasah indicate that one should know the process of creation and should meditate upon the creative process inversely and thus become free from material contamination.
- It is also possible for the living entity to be liberated again when by cultivation of real knowledge he becomes completely freed from the contamination of the material world.
Conclusion
Material contamination is the root cause of all suffering, binding the eternal soul to the temporary cycle of birth and death. While this condition may seem hopeless, Śrīla Prabhupāda reassures us that the cure is readily available. We do not need to retreat to the Himalayas or perform impossible austerities. By the simple, joyful process of chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and engaging our senses in the service of the Lord, we can wash away the dirt of ages. He invites everyone to take this "antiseptic vaccine" of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By doing so, we not only become free from the miseries of material life but also regain our original, blissful identity as eternal servants of the Supreme Lord, fit to enter the kingdom of God.
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 Free From Material Contamination. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.