Immediate Results of Surrendering to Kṛṣṇa
A common misconception among spiritual seekers is that liberation is a distant goal, attainable only after lifetimes of severe austerity. Śrīla Prabhupāda, however, emphasizes the immediacy of Kṛṣṇa's mercy. He explains that the transaction between the soul and God is instantaneous: as soon as one voluntarily surrenders to Kṛṣṇa, the Lord reciprocates by offering immediate protection and freedom from material contamination.
Freedom from Reaction
The living entity carries a vast burden of karma, accumulated over countless births. Logic suggests that one must suffer the reactions to these sins. However, Kṛṣṇa overrides this law for His surrendered devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa "squares up all accounts" the moment one surrenders, effectively erasing the sinful reactions that bind the soul to birth and death.
- Krsna gives, gives assurance that, as soon as one surrenders to Krsna, He immediately squares up all account. All your sinful activities finished now. Finished. Now you begin new life. That is called initiation. But don't commit anymore.
- Krsna demands in Bhagavad-gita 18.66: "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear." As soon as one surrenders to Krsna, He immediately relieves one of the reactions of sinful activities.
- There are heaps of sinful reaction in our life, for so many life after life in this material world. And as soon as you surrender to Krsna, immediately Krsna takes care of you and He manages how to adjust all the sinful reactions.
Protection from Illusion
The material energy, or māyā, is very strong, but it acts under Kṛṣṇa's direction. Therefore, when a soul places themselves under Kṛṣṇa's protection, māyā withdraws her influence. This freedom is not theoretical; it is a tangible state where the devotee is no longer bewildered by the three modes of material nature.
- As soon as you surrender to Krsna, there is no infringement by maya.
- Krsna knows that "As soon as he is surrendered unto Me he'll be free from the clutches of maya," and He knows it also, "If he does not do so, then he'll never be free from maya." Both things He knows. Is it clear or not.
- As soon as the devotees surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord sincerely, the Lord accepts them, and thus the devotees at once become free from all material contaminations. Such devotees are above the three modes of material nature.
Immediate Liberation
Liberation, or mukti, is often described as the result of long philosophical speculation. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that mukti is instantly available. It is "in your hand" the moment you decide to follow Kṛṣṇa's instructions. This detachment from the material world is automatic for the surrendered soul.
- As soon as you surrender to Krsna immediately you are mukta. Immediately, instantly. It is in your hand. You follow Krsna's instruction, do the needful, you are mukta. Chant Hare Krsna.
- To get out of the entanglement of this strong banyan tree of material life, one must surrender to Krsna. As soon as one surrenders unto Krsna, he becomes detached automatically from this material extension.
Clearing of Doubt
Surrender also brings clarity. The "knot" of the heart, formed by ignorance and attachment, is loosened, and doubts are dispelled. This allows the devotee to see their true master and engage fully in transcendental service.
Conclusion
The path of bhakti is efficient and immediate. There is no need for prolonged penance or waiting. As Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages, the simple process is to surrender now—realizing that past illusions were just a dream—and accept the reality: "I am Kṛṣṇa's."
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 As Soon As One Surrenders to Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.