Fourfold Process of Becoming a Kṛṣṇa Conscious Devotee
The path to spiritual perfection is often mistaken for something arduous or complicated, involving difficult austerities and vast theoretical knowledge. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the essence of religion is actually very simple. It relies on the direct instruction of the Bhagavad-gītā, where the Lord asks for four specific things. This article explores the teachings on how anyone—regardless of their position—can become a Kṛṣṇa conscious devotee simply by adopting this fourfold process.
Standard of Intelligence
In the material world, intelligence is often equated with academic degrees or business acumen. However, the Vedic conclusion offers a different standard: real intelligence belongs to one who recognizes the supremacy of the Lord and surrenders to Him. Citing the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, it is explained that only the most intelligent persons (su-medhasaḥ) can take to the worship of Kṛṣṇa, while those who remain attached to temporary matter are missing the real point of human life.
- Krsna yei bhaje sei bada catura: without being very, very intelligent, nobody can become Krsna conscious, devotee of Krsna.
- If we become sinful every moment, how we can become happy? It is not possible. If you want to become happy, you have to become pious. And the standard of piety is to become Krsna conscious, devotee of Krsna. That is the highest perfection of life.
- Real knowledge is expounded in Bhagavad-gita: "Just become Krsna conscious. Just worship Krsna and become a devotee of Krsna."
Four Simple Instructions
How does one practically become a devotee? Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently highlights the verse man-manā bhava mad-bhakto, where Kṛṣṇa gives four essential commands: think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and offer obeisances to Me. He reassures us that this process is not difficult; it can be practiced at home, by anyone, without any loss.
- Simply four things: always think of Krsna, become a devotee of Krsna, offer Him respect, obeisances, and worship Him. These four things will help you. If you cannot do these four things even, then you can chant: Hare Krsna.
- Krsna says, "Accept this philosophy." What is that? "Always think of Me, become a devotee of Me." "Worship Me and offer little obeisances unto Me." Four things. It is not difficult.
- Suppose you become a devotee and think of Krsna, what is loss on your part? There is no loss. So without any loss, if you get the greatest benediction of life, why don't you try it? This is our request.
Freedom from Anarthas
A significant result of becoming a devotee is the cessation of suffering. This state is technically called anartha-apagamaḥ, or the disappearance of unwanted things. Material existence is filled with unnecessary miseries due to our identification with the body. However, when one takes to the process of devotional service, the Lord personally takes charge of their protection (kṣema), and the devotee is relieved from the burden of karmic reactions.
- Becoming Krsna conscious brings about anartha-apagamah, the disappearance of all anarthas, the miserable conditions we have unnecessarily accepted. The material body is the basic principle of these unwanted miserable conditions.
- If a conditioned soul becomes Krsna conscious, the karma of his pious and impious activities is completely destroyed.
- Ksema refers to the merciful protection of the Lord. The Lord helps the devotee to achieve Krsna consciousness by yoga, and when he becomes fully Krsna conscious the Lord protects him from falling down to a miserable conditioned life.
Conclusion
Becoming a Kṛṣṇa conscious devotee is the ultimate goal of human existence and the only path to true safety. As Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates, the process is incredibly accommodating—one does not need to change their occupation or social position, but simply change their consciousness by adding Kṛṣṇa to their life. By adopting these four simple principles—thinking, serving, worshiping, and bowing down—a candidate is immediately accepted by the Lord and prepared for their return to the spiritual world.
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 Devotees of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.