Humility and Submission
In a world that often valorizes independence and assertion, the qualities of humility and submission are frequently misunderstood. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda presents these traits not as signs of weakness, but as the essential keys to unlocking spiritual realization. Whether in the relationship between disciple and guru, wife and husband, or the soul and God, a submissive attitude is the conduit for receiving grace and knowledge. This article explores the transformative power of submission in the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Gateway to Knowledge
The Vedic process of learning is fundamentally different from modern academic research. It is not an "ascending" process of experimental discovery but a "descending" process of receiving knowledge from authority. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that one cannot understand the Bhagavad-gītā or the nature of God by mental speculation or scholarship. The secret lies in "submissive aural reception." By meekly hearing from a realized soul, even the most difficult spiritual truths become revealed.
- Ascending process is not recommended in the Vedic process of knowledge. Vedic way of receiving knowledge - by aural reception, by submissive aural reception from the spiritual master to the student. This is the way.
- Unless one receives this Bhagavad-gita in a submissive spirit and aural reception, it is very difficult to understand Bhagavad-gita because it is a great mystery.
- Submissive hearing is so powerful that simply by hearing from authoritative sources we can become completely perfect. In becoming submissive, we become aware of our own imperfections.
Qualification of a Disciple
The relationship between a guru and a disciple is built on submission. A student cannot approach a spiritual master with a challenging attitude and expect to learn anything. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against keeping a guru as a "show bottle" or a "pet dog." A true disciple must be ready to surrender their false ego and serve the spiritual master for the guru's benefit, not their own. This humility allows the guru to impart knowledge freely.
- A student should practice completely controlling his senses. He should be submissive and should have an attitude of firm friendship for the spiritual master. With a great vow, the brahmacari should live at the guru-kula, only for the benefit of the guru.
- Because he (a disciple) is not submissive, it is useless waste of time. Guru should not speak to anyone.
- It is essential, therefore, that a disciple be very much obedient and submissive to the bona fide spiritual master.
Domestic Harmony
Śrīla Prabhupāda also applies the principle of submission to family life, noting that in traditional Vedic culture, a wife's submissiveness to her husband was the foundation of domestic peace. He argues that this is not "slave mentality" but a sophisticated tactic to conquer the husband's heart. In modern times, the lack of this quality—and the spirit of independence—often leads to broken homes and divorce.
- A wife is always supposed to be submissive to her husband. Submission, mild behavior and subservience are qualities in a wife which make a husband very thoughtful of her.
- Westerners contend that this (woman being trained to be submissive to her husband) is a slave mentality for the wife, but factually it is not; it is the tactic by which a woman can conquer the heart of her husband, however irritable or cruel he may be.
- In the modern day, the wife is never submissive, and therefore home life is broken even by slight incidents. Either the wife or the husband may take advantage of the divorce laws.
Devotee vs. Demon
The ultimate distinction between a divine and a demoniac nature is humility. A demon is "puffed up," thinking themselves independent and powerful. A devotee, however, realizes their insignificance in the face of the cosmic creation and the Supreme Lord. This submissive attitude attracts Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while we cannot force God to appear before us, we can oblige Him to reveal Himself through our submissive service.
- What is the difference between a demon and devotee? A demon is puffed up. That's all. Falsely. That is demon. And a devotee is submissive, meek and mild. This is the difference.
- Just be submissive. Don't be puffed up artificially. You are being slapped always by the laws of material nature. Don't think that you are independent.
- This is the process: if one works for Krsna twenty-four hours a day, Krsna cannot forget him. By becoming submissive, he can attract the attention of God.
Conclusion
Submission is the voluntary offering of oneself to a higher truth. It is the death of false ego and the birth of real spiritual life. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by becoming submissive—to the guru, to the scripture, and to the Lord—we do not lose our dignity; rather, we gain the highest perfection of life. As he beautifully puts it, "The development of submissiveness is the cause of proportionate spiritual realization."
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 Submissive. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.