Path of Complete Surrender
The path of complete surrender is the essence of Vedic wisdom. Śrīla Prabhupāda defines this path not as a sentimental feeling, but as a practical technique involving the acceptance of a bona fide spiritual master and the rejection of all other obligations. This article outlines the necessity of surrendering to the guru, the role of the Bhagavad-gītā in guiding the soul to this conclusion, and the uncompromising nature of pure devotion.
Surrender to Spiritual Master
The process of surrender begins with the spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that one must be very careful to select a guru who is bona fide. However, once that selection is made, the disciple must surrender completely, accepting the guru's words as veda-vākya (Vedic truth) without argument. This submissive attitude is the key to unlocking spiritual knowledge.
- Acceptance of spiritual master means to accept anything, whatever he says. Therefore one has to select a spiritual master whom he can completely surrender. That is the technique. Veda-vakya.
- You cannot argue with the spiritual master. First of all, you have to select a spiritual master where you can completely surrender.
Objective of Gītā
The Bhagavad-gītā is the manual for surrender. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the perfection of studying this scripture is achieved when the student decides to surrender fully to Kṛṣṇa. This act of surrender is the most auspicious path because Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate object of love for every living entity.
- By studying Bhagavad-gita, one can become a soul completely surrendered to the Supreme.
- This complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the most auspicious path for the conditioned soul because the Supreme Lord is the supreme objective of love.
Uncompromising Devotion
The path of surrender allows for no deviation. Śrīla Prabhupāda was unique in his boldness, openly criticizing any philosophy—be it demigod worship or impersonalism—that fell short of complete surrender to Kṛṣṇa. This uncompromising stance ensures that the devotee remains focused on the highest goal.
- I am the only one in India who is openly criticizing, not only demigod worship and impersonalism, but everything that falls short of complete surrender to Krishna.
- Lord says to Uddhava, "My dear Uddhava, any person who takes shelter of Me in complete surrender and follows My instructions, giving up all occupational duties, is to be considered the first-class man."
Conclusion
The path of complete surrender is the "technique" for success in spiritual life. By identifying a bona fide authority and submitting without reservation, the conditioned soul cuts through the knots of material attachment and attains the shelter of the Supreme Lord.
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 Completely Surrendered. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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