Test of Bhakti - Becoming Uninterested in Material Advancement
In the pursuit of spiritual life, the most tangible evidence of success is a shift in one's desires. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the ultimate test of bhakti is how much an individual manages to become uninterested in the temporary allurements of material progress. This is not an act of will alone but a symptom of awakening to our real identity. This article discusses the nature of this transcendental detachment, the importance of the "higher taste," and the role of the spiritual master in guiding a soul toward this state of perfection.
Higher Taste of Rasa-graha
True detachment is never based on a vacuum; it is always based on the attainment of something superior. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a devotee automatically becomes uninterested in material enchantment because they are rasa-graha—they have tasted the sweetness of Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet. This experience makes mundane activities, social status, and even political influence appear unattractive. When the soul feels the intensity of spiritual separation (kṛṣṇa-viraha), it naturally becomes disinterested in everything else, as the "other side" of its attraction for the Lord becomes fully manifested.
- A devotee of the Lord automatically becomes uninterested in the enchantment of material existence because he is rasa-graha, or one who has tasted the sweetness of the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
- Pure devotional service is so spiritually relishable that a devotee becomes automatically uninterested in material enjoyment. That is the sign of perfection in progressive devotional service.
- When the living entity feels spiritual separation from Krsna (krsna-viraha), he has achieved the prime success of life. When one becomes disinterested in material things, he is simply experiencing the other side of attraction for material things.
Detachment as the Test of Advancement
The degree of one's spiritual maturity is not found in theoretical knowledge but in practical experience. Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies the "test of bhakti" as the extent to which a person has become disinterested in material advancement. This shift is especially visible when a person undergoes dīkṣā, or initiation, where they gradually lose interest in material enjoyment and gain interest in spiritual life. If a devotee remains intrigued by the "modern civilized activities" of sense gratification, it indicates that their progress is yet incomplete.
- That is the test of bhakti: How much you have become disinterested with this material advancement. That is bhakti, advancement of bhakti.
- By diksa one gradually becomes disinterested in material enjoyment and gradually becomes interested in spiritual life.
- When one becomes disinterested in material things, he is simply experiencing the other side of attraction for material things.
- The personified Vedas continued, "A Krsna conscious being becomes uninterested in family life, where there is some concession for sense enjoyment. In other words, he is no longer interested in sense gratification."
Danger of Godless Disinterest
While becoming uninterested in material things is a sign of perfection, Śrīla Prabhupāda also warns of a negative form of disinterest. When religious institutions fail to provide deep philosophical understanding and temples become devoid of activities, the general public becomes disinterested in God. Without the "fire of knowledge" provided by qualified brahmanas and the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, society becomes godless and hellish. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement aims to counteract this by providing the necessary association and knowledge that helps people become uninterested in materialistic affairs while remaining intensely interested in the holy name.
- I have seen many temples uncared for. At night, one dog is entering and living within the temple. So people have become disinterested in religion and God at the present moment.
- When the temples are devoid of activities, the people in general become uninterested in such places, and consequently the mass of people gradually become godless, and a godless civilization is the result.
- Without philosophy, religious understanding is sentiment. That sentiment does not help anyone very much. It continues for some time, then people become disinterested in the matter of religion.
- The tenth offense (against the holy name of God) is to become uninterested in the holy name of the Lord even after hearing of the transcendental nature of the holy name.
Conclusion
The ultimate success of human life is to reach the platform where one becomes uninterested even in their own material body and its temporary designations. Śrīla Prabhupāda provides the examples of great kings like Yudhiṣṭhira and Pṛthu, who relinquished their royal orders and became completely disinterested in their kingdoms once they attained the stage of devotion. By associating with saintly persons and focusing on the ever-fresh knowledge of Kṛṣṇa, the heart is cleansed of all material desires. By choosing to become uninterested in mundane enchantment, the devotee finds the eternal treasure of the holy name and becomes fit for the ultimate goal of returning to Godhead.
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 Becoming Uninterested. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.