Protection from Most Dangerous Fear
Material existence is characterized by danger at every step (padaṁ padaṁ yad vipadām). However, Śrīla Prabhupāda offers a profound solution to the anxieties of life. He teaches that while there are many dangerous elements in this world—ranging from vicious animals to misleading philosophies—the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness provides complete shelter. Even a slight connection with the Supreme Lord can save a living entity from the most catastrophic spiritual outcomes.
Ultimate Safety
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites Bhagavad-gītā (2.40) to reassure us of the permanent nature of spiritual assets. Unlike material gains, which are lost at death, devotional service remains. He explains that even a small endeavor in this path protects one from the "most dangerous type of fear," which implies falling down into the animal species of life in the next birth.
- In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path (of Devotional Service to God) can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.
- As confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (BG 2.40), svalpam apy asya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat: "Even a little advancement on this path (of devotional service to God) can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear."
Dangerous Philosophies
While physical dangers threaten the body, Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies false philosophies as threats to the soul. He strictly warns against the impersonalists who claim that God's form is material. He considers this the "most dangerous accusation" against the Lord. Furthermore, he condemns the intellectual dishonesty of scientists who bluff about the origins of life, calling such misleading leadership "most dangerous."
- According to Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Lord is full in six opulences and the rascal impersonalists says that the Lord has no form and the most dangerous accusation for the Lord that He assumes a material form when he descends.
- That is their (the scientists) poor fund of knowledge. A gentleman will accept, "Yes, we do not know." But they, in roundabout way, in order to keep their position, they'll bluff. That is most dangerous, bluffing.
Mad Elephant Offense
For a practicing devotee, Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies the specific danger of vaiṣṇavāparādha, or offending a pure devotee. He uses the metaphor of a "mad elephant" entering a garden; just as the elephant uproots valuable plants, an offense to a saintly person can destroy one's creeper of devotion.
Dangers in Society and Character
Śrīla Prabhupāda also analyzes social and personal dangers. He observes that education and austerity are not enough if one lacks good character; a learned person who is envious or not gentle is "most dangerous." Additionally, he highlights the risks of adolescence and unrestricted sex life, which he calls the "most dangerous aspect of contamination."
- For a brahmana, austerity and learning are certainly auspicious, but when acquired by a person who is not gentle, such austerity and learning are most dangerous.
- One's duration of life, blessings, opulence, etc., are decreased by sinful acts, and the most dangerous type of sinful act is unrestricted sex.
Fearless Devotee
Despite these dangers, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the fearlessness of a surrendered soul. He states that a nārāyaṇa-para (devotee of Nārāyaṇa) is never afraid, even in the most dangerous place, because he knows Kṛṣṇa is with him. Just as lion cubs are not afraid of a ferocious lion, the devotee is not disturbed by the fearful features of the Lord or the material world.
- A Narayana-para or a person who is fully surrendered to Narayana is not afraid to live even in most dangerous place.
- Nrsimhadeva's fierce appearance was certainly most dangerous for the nondevotees, but for Prahlada Maharaja such a fearful appearance was not at all disturbing. The lion is very fearsome for other animals, but its cubs are not at all afraid of the lion.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant to save the whole world from its perilous condition. By taking shelter of the Lord, one crosses over the ocean of material desires and becomes immune to the most dangerous types of fear.
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 Dangerous. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.