Spiritual Benefit from Helping the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
Supporting the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not an ordinary act of charity; it is a direct engagement in the transcendental service of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that because the movement is designed to awaken God consciousness in human society, it represents the highest welfare activity. This article explores the spiritual logic behind supporting the movement, the unique "blind and lame" cooperation strategy, and the transformative power of engaging one's wealth and energy in the service of Kṛṣṇa.
Highest Welfare Activity
While there are many organizations dedicated to material welfare, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that the most urgent need of humanity is spiritual awakening. Helping the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is, therefore, the greatest service one can render to society. By facilitating the distribution of spiritual knowledge, the supporter helps cure the root cause of suffering—ignorance of the self and God.
- One should know definitely that the best welfare activity for all of human society is to awaken man’s God consciousness, or Krsna consciousness. Therefore everyone should help this great movement.
- It is certain that a devotee who helps in this endeavor to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes indirectly a controller of the Supreme Lord. Although the Supreme Lord is full in six opulences, He does not feel transcendental bliss without His devotees.
- If one engages not only in hearing but in trying to broadcast the message of devotional activities as well, or if he engages himself in helping the missionary activities of Krsna consciousness, he gradually feels spiritual progress.
Blind and the Lame: A Strategy for Cooperation
Śrīla Prabhupāda utilized a striking analogy to describe the global strategy of his movement: the cooperation of the blind and the lame. He viewed the Western countries as "blind" due to a lack of spiritual vision, despite having material strength (legs). Conversely, he saw India as "lame" due to poverty, despite having the vision of spiritual knowledge. He proposed that if the blind Westerner carries the lame Indian, together they can walk and see perfectly.
- Western countries and the lame man of India should combine together in this Krsna consciousness movement. Then the lame man of India can walk with the help of the Westerner, and the blind Westerner can see with the help of the lame man.
- As you are a popular gentleman of the world you can just engage the rest of your most valuable life in this organized spiritual movement to make a real adjustment of the western material science combined with Indian way of spiritual realization.
Spiritualizing Wealth
A common misconception is that money is inherently material. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that when money is employed in the service of the Lord, it ceases to be material. He urged wealthy and educated individuals to use their assets for the movement, assuring them that such contributions are not "expenses" but spiritual investments that purify the giver.
- Money that can help in spreading the Krsna consciousness movement is not a part of the material world, and we should not give it up, thinking that it is material.
- One who has education and wealth must use them to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead by helping the sankirtana movement that has already begun - the Hare Krsna movement, or Krsna consciousness movement.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement depends on the sincere cooperation of those who understand its value. Whether one contributes money, influence, or personal labor, the act of helping is an intrinsic part of devotional service. As Śrīla Prabhupāda movingly requested his disciples: "I want to see that it is going on nicely. So you kindly help me. Don't deviate. That is my only request. Then you will remain solid."
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 Helping 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.