Most Abominable Activities
In the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, Śrīla Prabhupāda draws a clear line between behavior that elevates the soul and behavior that is "most abominable." Abominable actions are those rooted in deep ignorance and passion, dragging the living entity toward hellish planetary systems and lower species of life. While modern civilization often celebrates or normalizes these degradations, Śrīla Prabhupāda provides the spiritual vision to recognize these traps and explains the specific processes of purification that can rescue even the most fallen soul.
Nature of Abominable Material Life
The most abominable condition of human society is defined by Śrīla Prabhupāda as a "vagina civilization," where the primary goal of life is restricted to sex indulgence and sense gratification. When human intelligence is misused for animalistic ends—such as nudism, intoxication, or the slaughter of animals—the living entity sinks into the quality of ignorance. This degradation is not merely social; it is a spiritual crisis where the soul becomes so covered by illusion that it finds satisfaction in a pig-like existence, thinking itself happy while living in filth.
- To learn how to control senses, that is brahmacari. Where is that civilization? So establish. Give them food. Give them shelter. Give them knowledge. Don't be entangled in vagina civilization. It is most abominable civilization, condemned civilization.
- Slaughtering animals, either for religion or for food, is most abominable and is condemned herein (SB 7.15.10). Unless one is merciless, one cannot sacrifice animals, either in the name of religion or for food.
- The animals wander naked, so man is also trying to become naked, nudyism. This is life. So their extra intelligence is being used like that - very, very abominable condition of the human society.
Gravest Spiritual Offenses and Philosophies
Beyond gross physical sins, there are subtle spiritual offenses that Śrīla Prabhupāda classifies as most abominable. Chief among these is the philosophy of the Māyāvādīs, which covers the glories of the Supreme Lord and does the greatest disservice to society. Additionally, the neglect of the Deities or the misrepresentation of the scriptures by malicious scholars are severe errors. These actions are especially dangerous because they attack the very source of liberation, potentially leading the offender into the most distressful and abominable hellish conditions.
- Covering the glories of the Supreme Lord, Mayavadi philosophers have done the greatest disservice to human society. It is to counteract these most abominable activities of the Mayavadi philosophers that Caitanya has introduced the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- I have got some reports that the deities in Bombay are being much neglected. This is most abominable affair. Radha and Krishna should not ever be neglected or left unprotected.
- Malicious editors and scholars who attempt to misrepresent the Pancaratra-sastras to refute their regulations are most abominable.
Saintly Position of Errant Devotee
One of the most compassionate and profound aspects of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teaching is the understanding of a devotee's struggle. Citing Bhagavad-gītā (9.30), he explains that if a person is sincerely engaged in devotional service, they are to be considered saintly even if they accidentally commit a most abominable act. This is because their internal determination is fixed on Kṛṣṇa. This temporary falldown is compared to a spot on the moon; it does not disqualify the devotee from their exalted position, as the process of bhakti will quickly purify them and restore their righteousness.
- Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination.
- The Lord says: Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination. He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace - BG 9.30-31.
- Sometimes it may be seen that a person in Krsna consciousness commits some act which may be taken as most abominable socially or politically. But such a temporary falldown does not disqualify him.
Path of Purification and Redemption
For those who are not in the shelter of devotion, purification from abominable acts comes through the stringent discipline of Yamarāja, which is actually a process of mercy to cleanse the soul. However, the most effective path of purification is the adoption of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that by chanting the Mahā-mantra and following the instructions of the spiritual master, even the most fallen can be rescued. The examples of Ajamila and the transformation of Bali Mahārāja illustrate that no matter how abominable one's previous condition, the grace of the Supreme Lord can elevate a person to the highest spiritual platform.
- When a man commits murder he becomes sinful, and therefore he also must be killed; otherwise after death he must suffer many sinful reactions. Similarly, punishment by Yamarāja is a process of purification for the most abominable sinful persons. Therefore the Yamadūtas requested the Viṣṇudūtas not to obstruct their taking Ajāmila to Yamarāja.
- Whether You give me (Bali Maharaja) the opportunity to enjoy all the yogic perfections or You put me into the most abominable condition of hellish life, I shall never be disturbed.
- I am certainly most abominable and unfortunate to have merged in an ocean of sinful activities, but nevertheless, because of my previous spiritual activities, I could see those four exalted personalities who came to rescue me.
Conclusion
The presence of abominable activities in the material world serves as a grim reminder of the soul's capacity for degradation when separated from Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies these offenses not to condemn, but to provide the path of escape. Whether it is through avoiding the "vagina civilization" or counteracting Māyāvādī philosophy, the key to rising above the most abominable conditions is total surrender to the Supreme Lord. As Śrīla Prabhupāda has shown, even if a sincere soul stumbles, their commitment to devotional service is the ultimate power that purifies them, ensuring that they eventually transcend all material abominations and attain the eternal, pure service of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
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 Most Abominable. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.