Necessity of Association for Devotees in the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
Spiritual life is rarely a solitary endeavor; it flourishes in the company of like-minded souls. Śrīla Prabhupāda established the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement to provide a sanctuary where individuals could practice devotional service under the protection of good association. Following the ancient instruction of the Vaiṣṇava saints, the devotees in this movement are encouraged to reside together, serving and chanting in unison, to maintain their spiritual strength against the onslaught of the material energy.
Living with Devotees
The desire to live among devotees is a hallmark of advancement. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, a great ācārya, prayed for bhakta-sane vāsa—to live with devotees birth after birth. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the International Society for Kṛṣṇa consciousness was created specifically to fulfill this need. By opening centers worldwide, the movement offers a facility where people can escape the isolation of material life and perfect their existence through constant association.
- As Narottama dasa Thakura has stated: tandera carana sevi bhakta-sane vasa, janame janame haya ei abhilasa. The Krsna consciousness devotees must always desire to remain in the society of devotees.
- Association is very meaningful; therefore ISKCON tries to perfect one who enters the society.
- If one really wants to attain the goal of human life, he should associate with devotees of the Krsna consciousness movement because it is the only movement that teaches one how to develop love of God.
Unwavering Commitment to the Society
A critical test for a devotee is their determination to stick to the association, even when challenges arise. Śrīla Prabhupāda advised that one should not be disturbed by the presence of perceived "pseudo-devotees" or imperfections within the institution. The instruction is clear: do not leave. Staying within the protective circle of the movement is essential for safety, whereas leaving because of the faults of others is a trap of māyā.
- Even if one thinks that there are many pseudo devotees or nondevotees in the Krsna Consciousness Society, still one should stick to the Society.
- They (Krsna consciousness devotees) cannot go outside the Krsna consciousness society or movement. Within the society we must try to serve the predecessors by preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult and spreading His name and fame all over the world.
- Since the Krsna consciousness movement going on at the present moment is genuine, perfect and authorized and is following in the footsteps of Prthu, anyone who cooperates with it or accepts its principles will get the same result as the workers who are actively propagating Krsna consciousness.
Overcoming Isolation
Loneliness can be a significant obstacle in spiritual life, often leading to a weakening of determination. The remedy prescribed is to immerse oneself in the community of devotees. Those who come to the society but leave after a few days due to a lack of sincerity are described as being "thrown away" (prakṣepatā). To avoid this fate, one must remain steady and look to the positive examples of those who are happily settled in the movement, rather than those who have deserted it.
- In a new place sometimes one feels loneliness, but gradually this subsides. But this feeling is not very good for a Krishna Conscious devotee.
- Sometimes some man comes in our society; after staying for days, he goes away. This is praksepata, thrown away. Unless he's very sincere, he cannot stay with us.
- Those who have deserted this movement are not the example. Why are you citing them as example? There are so many devotees like Dayananda, Shyamsundar, Hayagriva and others who are living with their wife and children very peacefully. Why take bad examples.
Conclusion
The necessity of association cannot be overstated. For the devotees in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, the society is their family, their fortress, and their path to perfection. By cooperating with the mission and tolerating the inevitable difficulties of communal life, one ensures their connection to the paramparā. As Śrīla Prabhupāda reminded his followers, the movement is genuine, and anyone who remains connected to it will share in the ultimate spiritual result.
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.