The Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement Is a Revolutionary Movement Against Godless Civilization
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is presented by its founder-ācārya, Śrīla Prabhupāda, as a profound and major spiritual revolution. As a fearless teacher and the representative of Lord Caitanya, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the current state of human society is one of "madness" and "godlessness." This movement is a revolutionary process designed to make the world "drop back" into its original consciousness. By challenging materialistic and atheistic conceptions through authoritative wisdom and the congregational chanting of the holy names, the movement seeks to bring about a peaceful yet total revolution for the welfare of all humanity.
Challenging the Roots of Materialism
Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement as a direct challenge to the godless tendencies of modern civilization. He asserts that the current human society is suffering because it lacks knowledge beyond the material body. This movement is a revolutionary mission to shift society from godlessness to an understanding of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda openly states that his ambition is to begin this revolution against a godless civilization, even if it means speaking truths that materialistic people may initially hate or find revolutionary.
- Everywhere, all over the world. It will be a revolution from godlessness to understanding of God. That is wanted. Otherwise the whole human society is suffering.
- That is the fact. It is a revolutionary movement. We are challenging everyone that "You are all set of asses and cows and animals, because you have no knowledge beyond this body."
- This Krishna Conscious movement is a revolutionary process for making the godless world drop back to their original consciousness.
- My health is not always going on nicely. Still, why I am trying? I want to begin one revolution against godless civilization. That is my ambition.
Revolutionary Literature and Philosophy
Central to this spiritual revolution is the distribution of authoritative Vedic knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes his books, such as the KṚṢṆĀ book and Nectar of Devotion, as revolutionary literatures that are not available elsewhere in the world. This is because they focus on glorifying Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, rather than pursuing a mundane literary career. By distributing these books in schools, colleges, and libraries, the movement aims to revolutionize the thinking of thoughtful men and professors, replacing atheistic tendencies with spiritual science.
- Actually these two books, KRSNA book and Nectar of Devotion, are revolutionary to your country. Not only your country, but all over the world.
- Anyone who will read (my books), he'll get some benefit. That is sure, because such literatures are not available throughout the whole world. It is a new revolution to the people in general. Am I right or not?
- Thoughts and the effects of such revolutionary literature is required. Not the grammatical. The so-called rascals, they are concerned with the grammatical. But those who are actually worker, they are concerned with the thoughts.
- Please continue your program for placing these Krsna Consciousness literatures in all the libraries and schools and colleges. I am sure that this will revolutionize the thinking of the thoughtful men of your country as well as the students and professors.
The Revolutionary Method of Lord Caitanya
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu inaugurated a revolution against the rigid and often exclusionary brahminical system of His time. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by introducing the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, Lord Caitanya demonstrated a method where anyone—regardless of caste, color, or creed—can be delivered. The appointment of Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who came from a Muslim background, as the nāmācārya (principal teacher of the holy name) is cited as a prime example of this revolutionary method. By pushing the saṅkīrtana movement of chanting and dancing, the devotees aim to revolutionize the "rascal situation" of the modern world.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu actually started a revolution against this brahminical system by inaugurating the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra. By this chanting, one can be delivered regardless of caste, creed, color or social position.
- Haridasa Thakura, he belonged to the Muhammadan community. He was made namacarya, the principal acarya of this chanting Hare Krsna. That is the revolutionary method of Caitanya.
- If you make a revolution of this sankirtana movement, everyone chanting and dancing, the government will be changed immediately. So push this movement.
- Not only one, you construct hundreds of temples. Village to village, town to... And it will revolutionize the whole rascal situation. At the present moment, it is rascal situation. They're simply satisfied by driving the motor...putputputputputputput!
A Peaceful and Authoritative Renaissance
This revolution is not based on whimsical ideas or capricious energy; it is a "peaceful revolution" based on the authoritative versions of the śāstra. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while governments might find his speech revolutionary, it is the only "revolutionary medicine" that can cure a degraded society. The success of this revolution depends on the enthusiasm and cooperation of his disciples. He envisions a major revolutionary renaissance that will intelligently enlighten the world and replace the current godless civilization with original Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- I am old man. I will die. If they take it seriously, it will go on, and there will be revolution. Because we are not working whimsically, capriciously. We are taking authoritative version from the sastra.
- Let us do something which will bring a peaceful revolution to the whole human society. I am sure I have good assistants like you and if you all cooperate with me I am sure of success.
- Utsahan. This kind of utsaha required. Utsaha means enthusiasm. Utsahan dhairyat. So do it enthusiastically... It is a new peaceful revolution throughout the whole world.
- Your Western countrymen, they are intelligent. So intelligently enlighten them. By intelligent statements, make a peaceful revolution.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a vital revolutionary force in a world dominated by godless civilization. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this movement is not merely for spiritualists but for the entire human society, providing a "scientific basis" to solve the problems of life. By following the revolutionary method of Lord Caitanya—accessible to all—and distributing the transformative thoughts found in Vedic literature, this movement offers a peaceful solution to the "rascal situation" of the modern age. As a major spiritual renaissance, it invites everyone to drop back to their original consciousness and achieve the ultimate perfection of life.
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 Krsna Consciousness Movement Is A Revolutionary Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.