The Secret of Vision - Becoming Qualified to See the Supreme Lord
The ability to perceive the Divine is not a result of material ocular strength but a symptom of spiritual readiness. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that although the Supreme Lord is present everywhere, He remains invisible to the unqualified eye. To overcome this limitation, one must undergo a systematic training that purifies the heart and intelligence. This article discusses the path of spiritual education and the internal transformation required to see Kṛṣṇa always.
Necessity of Systematic Training
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that spiritual knowledge is a science that requires formal guidance. He compares the pursuit of God-realization to a medical degree; one cannot become a doctor by simply reading books at home. This training requires a teacher, an institution, and a submissive heart. Even Lord Brahmā, the creator of the universe, had to be educated before he was fit to receive the Lord's instructions from within. This process ensures that one does not mistakenly view Kṛṣṇa as an ordinary human being.
- Medical books of anatomy or physiology are available in the market, but no one can become a qualified practitioner simply by reading such books at home. One has to be admitted to the medical college and study the books under the guidance of professors.
- First of all, Brahma learned to control the universe; then he became qualified as Brahma. Although he was born Brahma, he still had to be educated.
- Even Krsna comes before you, you cannot see. You will see Him - "Oh, He's an ordinary man like me," because you are not qualified to see Him. But when you become qualified, you will see Him always.
Path of Service and Submission
The development of transcendental qualities is not a separate labor but a byproduct of service. By serving the servants of the Lord, one gradually acquires their divine traits. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that following the rules and regulations recommended in the scriptures is the surest way to become fit for God-consciousness. This devotion is so powerful that it can transform a person's entire identity, making them spiritually beautiful and awarding them the status of a brahmana, regardless of their background or birth.
- A Krsna conscious person does not have to be qualified or beautiful; after becoming Krsna conscious and rendering service unto Krsna, he becomes very much qualified and beautiful.
- By serving the servants of the Lord, one gradually gets the quality of such servants, and thus one becomes qualified to hear the glories of God.
- A person becomes fully qualified with all transcendental qualities by following the rules and regulations, as recommended in different scriptures.
Reaching the Ultimate Destination
The goal of this spiritual preparation is to return to the original home in the spiritual world. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that this is possible for everyone—even those from the lowest backgrounds—provided they follow the instructions of the spiritual master. By abiding by the orders of Kṛṣṇa, the practitioner's mind is purified, making them eligible to enter the Vaikuṇṭhalokas. This "qualification" is the only requirement for liberation from the material world and for the attainment of eternal service to the Supreme Lord.
- Dharma is to abide by the orders of Krsna. And if we do that then we become qualified to go back to home, back to Godhead. Very simple thing. It doesn't require much education. Simply it requires a purified mind, that "I shall execute it honestly."
- Even if you are born very lowest, you can go. Krsna is open to everyone. Simply you become qualified, that's all.
- He (the Krsna conscious person not successful in reclaiming fallen souls) personally becomes qualified to enter the Vaikunthalokas, and if anyone follows such a devotee, he also enters into Vaikunthaloka.
Conclusion
The secret to seeing the Supreme Lord lies not in demanding Him to appear, but in becoming fit for His presence. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that through sincere engagement in the service of the Lord and the association of saintly persons, the fog of material ignorance is dissipated like a morning sunrise. By dedicating this human form of life to reviving our relationship with God, we move beyond the struggle of "cats and dogs" and become truly eligible to enter the Kingdom of God, Goloka Vṛndāvana.
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 Qualified. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.