Modern Day Vaiṣṇavas
In an era defined by spiritual decline and material chaos, Śrīla Prabhupāda outlines a dynamic role for the devotee: the "Modern Day Vaiṣṇava." Unlike the sages of the past who might have retreated to the forest, the modern devotee is a vigorous preacher who engages with the world. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes adaptation without compromise, urging his followers to utilize mass media and all available means to spread the message of Godhead. This article explores the identity of the modern Vaiṣṇava in contrast to the defects of the current age.
Using Mass Media
The distinct strategy of the modern Vaiṣṇava is the use of technology for transcendence. Śrīla Prabhupāda explicitly instructs that we should not be shy in using modern tools. If the material world uses mass media for sense gratification, the Vaiṣṇava uses it for Kṛṣṇa. This aggressive preaching spirit is necessary to counter the overwhelming influence of māyā in the modern context.
A Critique of Modern Leadership and Education
The environment the modern Vaiṣṇava must navigate is one of incompetence. Śrīla Prabhupāda critiques the modern education system where "rascals" become professors and scientists propagate false theories about creation. Political leadership is equally flawed; instead of trained monarchs (rājarṣis), administrators are selected by manipulated votes, often lacking the primary qualifications to rule. In this vacuum of genuine authority, the Vaiṣṇava presents the authorized knowledge of the Vedic scriptures.
- How a rascal can become a professor? That is the defect of modern day education.
- In modern days the people in general occupy the administration by the strength of manipulated votes, but they are never trained in the primary duties of the king, and that is also not possible for everyone.
- In modern days so-called scientists are setting forth many false theories about the creation, backed up by seemingly logical arguments. This is all due to the influence of the Supreme Lord’s illusory energy.
Social Decay vs. Spiritual Culture
Modern days are characterized by the breakdown of social structures. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that homes are broken by slight incidents due to a lack of submissiveness and tolerance. The youth, untrained in brahmacarya (celibacy), are spoiled from a young age. In contrast to the "dry reception" typical of modern interactions, the Vaiṣṇava culture offers a richness of hospitality and prasādam distribution, reminiscent of the bygone days of Vedic glory.
- 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.
- All were offered to the Lord, and the remnants of the foodstuff were distributed amongst the gathering citizens. So it was not like a dry reception of these modern days.
- Constant indulgence in illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling have all become prominent in modern days.
Practical Path to Salvation
Given the disturbances of the Kali age, the rigorous paths of the past are no longer feasible. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that it is impossible for modern people to go to the forest for severe austerity or to master complex yogic breathing exercises. Therefore, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement offers a "very easy task"—simply taking shelter of the Lord. This accessibility is the special gift of the modern Vaiṣṇava to the suffering world.
- In modern days, it is not possible to give up one's home and go to the forest to practice austerity, but if people of all ages would take shelter of the Krsna consciousness movement, it would be a very easy task to get salvation from this material world.
- In modern days, when the influence of Kali Age is so disturbing, practically everyone is untrained in this art (controlling the life air by the prescribed yogic process) of bodily exercise.
Conclusion
The "Modern Day Vaiṣṇava" is a beacon of hope. By rejecting the bogus inventions of modern spirituality—such as impersonal meditation—and embracing the authoritative yet practical path of devotion, they provide a solution to the world's problems. They stand as champions of learning and culture in an age that has largely forgotten its own history and purpose.
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 Modern Days. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.