Identity and Responsibilities of Devotees in the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
The devotees of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement are not ordinary sociologists or religious workers; they are transcendental agents acting under the direct order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Although they live within the material world, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that they remain aloof from it, much like a lotus leaf in water, because their senses are fully engaged in the service of the Lord. Their identity is defined not by their birth or past background, but by their present dedication to becoming pure Vaiṣṇavas and brāhmaṇas.
A Transformation of Status
One of the unique features of this movement is its ability to transform people from any background into first-class spiritualists. While society may judge a person by their nationality or birth, the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness purifies even those from "mleccha" and "yavana" families. Śrīla Prabhupāda insisted that such sincere followers are not to be considered "American Vaiṣṇavas" or "European Vaiṣṇavas" but must be accorded the full respect due to a pure devotee.
- Many devotees join our Krsna consciousness movement from Europe and America, but one should not therefore consider them European Vaisnavas or American Vaisnavas. A Vaisnava is a Vaisnava and should therefore be given all the respect due a Vaisnava.
- This is the success of our movement - that our devotees are becoming brahmanas.
- Just like the policeman, he is differently dressed. One can understand that he is policeman. Similarly, we are also differently dressed so that people may understand we are Hare Krsna people.
Duty to Study and Preach
To maintain this exalted status, a devotee must be armed with knowledge. It is not enough to simply follow rituals; one must deeply study the books to understand the siddhānta (philosophical conclusions). Śrīla Prabhupāda warned that without reading the literature he painstakingly translated, devotees risk falling back into material life. This knowledge is also the weapon used to defeat opposing philosophies, particularly the arguments of the impersonalists (Māyāvādīs).
- All the devotees connected with the Krsna consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (the Caitanya-Caritamrta, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position.
- A preacher of the Krsna consciousness movement generally should not waste his time talking with Mayavadi sannyasis, but when there are arguments on the basis of sastra, a Vaisnava must come forward to talk and defeat them in philosophy.
- All the preachers of Krsna consciousness movement, they are maha-bahu, strongly armed by the weapons of Krsna. They cannot be defeated. They will push on the fight with maya, this illusion.
Character and Strict Discipline
The strength of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement lies in the purity of its members. Devotees are expected to be "ideal characters," distinct from the general population who are driven by the modes of passion and ignorance. This purity is maintained by strict adherence to the four regulative principles and the chanting of sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra daily. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that enthusiasm and strict discipline are the prerequisites for success in this mission.
- I always want that my students should be very ideal in character and not discredit our society.
- We should not imitate him (Rupa Gosvami), but the devotees of the Krsna consciousness movement must at least be very careful to complete their sixteen rounds, their minimum amount of prescribed chanting.
- In our Krsna Consciousness movement the first qualification required by the devotees is enthusiasm. Then work it out patiently and with conviction that it will surely be done.
Conclusion
The identity of a devotee in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is one of immense responsibility. By voluntarily accepting the orders of the spiritual master and the previous ācāryas, they become the true welfare workers of society. Whether they are distributing books, debating philosophers, or maintaining the temple standards, their lives are dedicated to the mission of saving humanity from the darkness of Kali-yuga. As long as they remain sincere and enthusiastic, their success in returning back to Godhead is assured.
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 Devotees in the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.