Highest Yogi Abides by Kṛṣṇa
In the concluding verses of the Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad-gītā, the Supreme Personality of Godhead delivers the final verdict on the perfection of yoga. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites this verse to demonstrate that the true yogī is not one who merely controls the breath or sits in a specific posture, but one who abides in Kṛṣṇa. This state of abiding is characterized by great faith and constant engagement in transcendental loving service, making the devotee the most intimately united with the Lord.
Topmost Yogī
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that of all the different types of yogīs, the bhakti-yogī is the highest because they abide in Kṛṣṇa. This abiding is not a theoretical state but a practical engagement in worship and service. According to the direct statement of the Lord, this faithful abiding results in the supreme peace and nirvāṇa which exists within Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is dedicated to teaching this highest form of yoga.
- As Lord Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita (BG 6.47): Of all yogis, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.
- Krsna tells Arjuna, one enters into the supreme abode. "By meditating in this manner, always controlling the body, mind and activities, the mystic transcendentalist attains to peace, the supreme nirvana which abides in Me." - Bg. 6.15
- As Krsna confirms in Bhagavad-gita (BG 6.47): "Of all yogis, he who abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all."
True Morality and Dharma
The concept of morality is often debated, but Śrīla Prabhupāda provides a definitive answer: morality means to abide by the orders of Kṛṣṇa. He illustrates this with the example of Arjuna. Superficially, Arjuna's refusal to fight seemed moral and non-violent. However, because Kṛṣṇa ordered the fight, abiding by that order became the real dharma. Thus, a devotee understands that religion is not about personal sentiment but about strict obedience to the Supreme Authority.
- Morality means to abide by the orders of Krsna, or God.
- Arjuna, for example, thinking that violence was adharma, was declining to fight, but Krsna urged him to fight. Arjuna abided by the orders of Krsna, and therefore he is actually a dharmi because the order of Krsna is dharma.
- Spiritual morality means to abide by the order of Krsna. That is morality. Whatever Krsna says, if we accept.
From Sense Dictation to Kṛṣṇa's Order
The conditioned soul is constantly harassed by the dictation of the senses. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the secret to success in life is to switch one's allegiance. Instead of abiding by the demands of the senses, one must learn to abide by the orders of Kṛṣṇa or His representative. This shift in loyalty is the essence of first-class devotional service and the qualification for returning back to Godhead.
- Our pravrtti is to abide by the dictation of the senses, and when we learn not to abide by the dictation of the senses but to abide by the orders of Krsna or His representative, then your life are successful.
- One must execute his duty as ordered by Krsna or His representative, the spiritual master. Anukulyena krsnanusilanam bhaktir uttama (CC Madhya 19.167). In first-class devotional service, one always abides by the orders and will of Krsna.
- One who understands Krsna and abides by His order is a candidate for returning home, back to Godhead.
Universal Mission
The mission of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to bring everyone to this platform of abiding by Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that he is not asking people to follow him personally, but to abide by the order of Kṛṣṇa. By accepting Kṛṣṇa as the supreme guru and abiding by His instructions, all humanity can come together on a single religious platform, free from sectarian conflict.
- We don't say, "I am Krsna; follow my order." We never say that. We simply ask people, - Please abide by the order of Krsna.
- If we take instruction from Krsna and abide by that instruction, then our life is successful. Conveying that fact is our mission. This Krsna consciousness movement teaches, - Accept Krsna as your guru. Don't divert your attention.
- Krsna is God, undoubtedly. So take to Krsna consciousness and abide by the order of Krsna. Then everyone can come together on the same religious platform. One religion, Krsna consciousness.
Conclusion
To abide by Kṛṣṇa is the highest state of existence. It is the conclusion of yoga, the definition of morality, and the path to eternal peace. Śrīla Prabhupāda invites all living entities to give up the miserable service of the senses and accept the blissful order of the Supreme Lord. By abiding in Kṛṣṇa with faith and devotion, one achieves the highest perfection of life and becomes intimately united with the Absolute Truth.
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 Abiding by Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.