How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of the Senses and Māyā
The material world is often compared to a vast ocean of danger where the waves of māyā (illusion) are constantly trying to drag the living entity down. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently reminds his students that the material energy is extremely strong and difficult to overcome. Even great personalities who are well-versed in Vedic knowledge or established in asceticism can suddenly become victims of their own senses. This article explores the nature of these pitfalls and the specific methods Śrīla Prabhupāda prescribes to remain safe in a dangerous world.
Pervasive Danger
History records many instances where highly advanced spiritualists fell from their positions due to a moment's weakness. Śrīla Prabhupāda points to the examples of great sages like Viśvāmitra and Saubhari Muni. Although they performed severe penances for thousands of years, they were unable to conquer the urge for sense gratification when the opportunity arose. These examples serve as a warning: if even such exalted souls can be victimized, an ordinary person stands no chance without the mercy of the Lord.
- Visvamitra Muni became a victim of Menaka and fathered a child named Sakuntala. The conclusion is that no one can save himself from the attraction of woman, even though he be an exalted demigod or an inhabitant of the higher planets.
- We can see that such a great mystic yogi as Saubhari became a victim of sense gratification, and such great sages as Vasistha and Visvamitra became birds. This is the material world.
- We should take this instruction, that if Lord Brahma, Lord Siva becomes victim of maya sometimes, what to speak of us? Therefore we shall be very, very careful.
Trap of Sex Life
The central feature of material entanglement, according to Śrīla Prabhupāda, is the attraction between male and female. He explains that the entire world is moving under this spell. When a person allows their eyes to roam or their mind to dwell on sense objects, they become vulnerable. Just as a moth is irresistibly drawn to a fire only to be destroyed, a person devoid of self-control is drawn to the illusory beauty of the body and becomes a victim of repeated birth and death.
- The whole world is moving under the spell of womanly attraction, and as soon as a man becomes united with a woman, he at once becomes a victim of material bondage under a tight knot.
- As moths at night surround a fire and are killed, so the demons become victims of the movements of the ball-like breasts of a beautiful woman.
- We know from Srimad-Bhagavatam that Ajamila, an innocent son of a brahmana, was walking down a road and saw a sudra pair sexually embracing. This attracted the boy, and later on the boy became a victim of all debaucheries.
Shield of Strict Practice
Since we are inherently weak, how can we survive? The solution Śrīla Prabhupāda offers is not independent strength, but strict adherence to the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By following the regulative principles, chanting the holy names, and engaging in temple worship, one remains protected. He warns that the moment one relaxes these spiritual disciplines or thinks oneself independent, māyā strikes immediately.
- That is Jiva Gosvami's, recommended that as soon as we give up this temple worship method, regulative principles, then we become, in the dress of so-called, we become victim of maya. Vesopajivaka.
- This (chanting, reading my books, going on sankirtana, following the regulative principles and worshiping the deity) is the simple process and if we follow it we will become ideal. Otherwise, they will become victims of women and wealth.
- A person in Krsna consciousness knows how to use everything in the service of the Lord; therefore he does not become a victim of material consciousness.
Conclusion
One who thinks they are safe from māyā is already in danger. The only way to avoid becoming a victim is to remain constantly vigilant and humble. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we must recognize our fragility and take shelter of the strong process of devotional service. By engaging the senses in the service of the Master of the senses, Kṛṣṇa, we are saved from the otherwise inevitable slide into material degradation.
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 a Victim. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.