Transcendental Activities of a Devotee of God
In the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the activities of a devotee are considered non-different from the activities of the Supreme Lord Himself in terms of spiritual potency. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that a devotee is not an inert stone; rather, he is the most active person, yet his activities are not bound by the laws of material nature. While the conditioned soul works under the dictation of the modes of nature for sense gratification, the devotee works under the direction of the spiritual master and the scriptures for the pleasure of Kṛṣṇa. This article explores the nature of these transcendental activities, which liberate one from the cycle of birth and death and purify the entire world.
Motivation and Detachment in Service
Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the defining factor of a devotee's activity is not the action itself, but the consciousness behind it. A devotee may perform duties that look like ordinary work—such as fighting, governing, or doing business—but because the fruit of that work is offered to Kṛṣṇa, the devotee remains untouched by karmic reactions. They remain equipoised in happiness and distress, understanding that they are instruments in the hands of the Lord.
- A devotee in full Krsna consciousness appears superficially to be a great karmi, always working, but the inner significance of the devotee's activities is that they are meant for the satisfaction of the Lord. This is called bhakti, or devotional service.
- A Krsna conscious person has no attachment for the result but acts on behalf of Krsna alone. He engages in all kinds of activities, but is completely nonattached.
- A devotee does not care about his own happiness and distress; he is simply interested in seeing that Krsna is happy, and for that purpose he engages in various activities.
- If one does whatever Krsna says, his activities are not material. For example, when Arjuna fought in response to the order of Krsna, his activities were not material.
Inconceivable Behavior of a Vaiṣṇava
A recurring theme in the teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is that the behavior and activities of a pure Vaiṣṇava cannot be understood by mundane intelligence. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that one should not judge a high-class devotee by external appearances or social conventions. Since the devotee is acting on the plane of absolute reality, his actions—whether they appear mild or harsh—are always meant for the ultimate benefit of the living entities and are guided by the Supreme Lord.
- It is said, vaisnavera kriya-mudra vijneha na bujhaya: (CC Madhya 23.39) even a very intelligent man cannot understand the activities of a pure Vaisnava.
- Even the most perfect and learned scholar cannot understand a Vaisnava's activities.
- One is superior or inferior according to his spiritual development in Krsna consciousness. One is forbidden to observe the activities of a pure Vaisnava from a material point of view.
- In all circumstances, his (unalloyed devotee's) activities and dealings with Krsna are transcendental and thus not understandable by mundane moralists. It is therefore better not to discuss such activities among mundane people.
Transforming Senses and Duties
Contrary to the path of artificial renunciation practiced by jñānīs and yogis, the devotee engages all senses and faculties in the service of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that true renunciation means using everything for Kṛṣṇa. By hearing, chanting, and working for the Lord, the devotee's physical body and daily activities are spiritualized, and even past bad habits are rectified by the strength of this positive engagement.
- The astanga-yogis try to control the senses. The devotees, however, try to engage the senses in the service of the Lord. Therefore it appears that the activities of the bhaktas, devotees, are better than those of the jnanis and yogis.
- A pure devotee acts in such a way that he will not have his life spoiled by being obliged to accept another body and undergo the tribulations of material existence.
- As one can transform kamsa, or bell metal, into gold by treating it with mercury, one can also turn a lowborn man into a brahmana by initiating him properly into Vaisnava activities.
Purifying Power of Hearing About Devotees
Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that hearing about the activities of the Lord's pure devotees is as beneficial as hearing about the Lord Himself. Scriptures like Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are full of the histories of great souls like Prahlāda, Dhruva, and the Pāṇḍavas. By submissively hearing these narrations, one receives the mercy of the Lord and learns the practical application of devotional service in various circumstances of life.
- Hearing the topics of the Lord and hearing of the character and activities of the pure devotee have the same result, namely, the development of devotional service.
- All ambitions which are desirable for great persons can be fulfilled simply by reading and understanding the narration of Dhruva Maharaja's activities.
- There is nothing inauspicity, because whatever you have done sincerely, that is recorded in the book, in the Krsna's book. Krsna has got accountant. He keeps nice account of the activities of His devotees. That's a fact.
- Simply by understanding Srimad-Bhagavatam, one can understand the science of the activities of the devotees, the activities of the demons, the permanent abode and the temporary abode. Through Srimad-Bhagavatam, everything is perfectly known.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the activities of a devotee of God are the practical demonstration of the philosophy of Bhagavad-gītā. While a materialist works under the illusion of being the doer, a devotee acts as a conscious instrument of the Supreme Lord, thereby transforming even mundane duties into divine service. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that such activities are incomprehensible to the mundane mind but are fully appreciated by Kṛṣṇa, who personally protects and guides His surrendered servants. By hearing about and following in the footsteps of such exalted souls, one is sure to attain the supreme destination.
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 Activities of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.