Necessity of Submission
In the modern ethos, "submission" is often a dirty word, synonymous with defeat or weakness. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda reframes submission as an inescapable reality of existence. Whether we like it or not, we are all submitting to something—be it the government, the laws of nature, our own senses, or a higher spiritual power. The question is not if we will submit, but to whom. This article explores the philosophy that true freedom is found not in rebellious independence, but in the necessity of proper submission.
Illusion of Independence
The conditioned soul mistakenly thinks, "I am the master." Śrīla Prabhupāda points out the folly of this mindset. Even the most powerful politicians, like President Kennedy, had to submit to the laws of nature and accept death. We are forced to submit to hunger, thirst, old age, and disease. When we refuse to submit to God, we are compelled to submit to the stringent laws of māyā. This forced submission is the cause of all suffering.
- Even President Kennedy in his procession had to submit to nature's law and change his body for another body. He could not say, "Oh, I am the President; I am Mr. Kennedy. I cannot do that." He was forced to do it. That is the way nature works.
- We have to give up this body, willingly or unwillingly. The day will come when we will have to submit to the laws of nature and give up this body.
- Unfortunately we are trying to become master. Instead of submitting ourself to become the eternal.... We are eternal servant. We cannot be master. If we do not become servant of Krsna, then we have to become the servant of our senses.
Submission to Spiritual Master
To break free from the cycle of forced material submission, one must voluntarily submit to a bona fide spiritual master. This is the Vedic process for acquiring knowledge. One cannot understand the transcendental subject matter by challenge or speculation. One must find a person who knows the truth and submit to them. Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that if one is not prepared to submit, they should not approach a guru.
- Inquire from him submissively. Where you cannot submit, if you think that, "Oh, what is this spiritual master? I can challenge him," then there is no question of accepting as your spiritual master. You have to submit yourself, fully surrender yourself.
- Parama Koruna, 1975 part 3 - jnane prayasam udapasya namanta eva. Just become submissive. And where to submit? You must submit to a perfect person. Otherwise why should you submit?
- This is the way to receive knowledge. One must submit oneself at the lotus feet of great personalities who can actually deliver transcendental knowledge.
Culture of Submission
Real religion is defined by submission to the Supreme. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not about establishing a new sect but about teaching people to surrender to God. This culture of submission extends to social interactions as well. In Vedic society, a king would submit to the sages, a wife to her husband, and a disciple to the guru. This hierarchy was not oppressive but protective, fostering harmony and spiritual growth.
- Krsna did not come to establish the so-called Hindu religion or Muslim religion or Christian religion. No. He came to establish real religion. Real religion means we have to submit, surrender to the real person.
- In systematic way you discuss. "I must worship, because I am dependent. I am not final authority. So the great . . . God is great, and I am always small. So it is my duty to submit to the great." So that is bhakti.
- The living entity, if he submits to this hearing process, will lose his long-cherished desire to dominate material nature, and gradually and proportionately, as he reduces his long desire to dominate, he comes to enjoy spiritual happiness.
Practical Application
Even in the practical management of a spiritual society, submission is required. Śrīla Prabhupāda often spoke of submitting reports, accounts, and proposals. This discipline ensures that the mission remains organized and transparent. It reflects the principle that every action should be accountable to a higher authority, ultimately leading to Kṛṣṇa.
- Any new programs or proposals or discrepancies should be submitted before the Governing Board Commission and then their conclusion should be submitted to me for the final approval.
- I find amongst the GBC members that Satsvarupa Maharaja stands first because he submits regularly the report.
- You should submit to me a weekly report as secretary of our Bombay center, as I am always anxious to know how the things are going on there.
Conclusion
The necessity of submission is a hard truth for the ego, but a liberating one for the soul. By submitting to Kṛṣṇa and His representative, we align ourselves with the supreme order and find our true position as eternal servants. As Śrīla Prabhupāda succinctly puts it, "We have to submit. You have to. There is no other alternative." The choice remains: submit to the loving Lord and be happy, or submit to the crushing wheels of material nature and suffer.
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 Submit. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.