Transforming Desire into Devotional Ambition

In the material world, ambition is often synonymous with greed and self-aggrandizement, leading to conflict and anxiety. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that because the soul is active and sentient, it cannot simply cease to desire or aspire. The process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not negate ambition but purifies it, redirecting this powerful energy from personal sense gratification toward the service of the Supreme Lord, where it becomes the engine of spiritual perfection.

The Principle of Spiritual Ambition

The philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness distinguishes itself from paths of negation by acknowledging the dynamic nature of the soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that because the living entity is eternal, their desires and ambitions are also eternal; the process of yoga is to purify these ambitions rather than attempt to kill them, turning the desire for greatness into a desire to become a great devotee.

• The living entity must be living, always existing with desires, ambitions and so on. These should be purified, however, so that one can desire spiritually and be spiritually ambitious, without material contamination.
• Ambitious for Krsna, everyone should be ambitious: "How I shall become a great devotee?" That is very good.
• Bhajahu Re Mana, 1967 part two - Abhilasa means aspiration, hope, or ambition. He (Govinda dasa) is ambitious of becoming a devotee in nine different ways.

The Aspiration to Serve

Real ambition in devotional service is characterized by selflessness and a disregard for personal comfort or result. A devotee is like a soldier ready to fight wherever the commander orders; their ambition is solely to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, regardless of whether that service takes them to heaven, hell, or a difficult missionary outpost.

• A person who always desires to serve Krsna is interested in ways to convince people that there is a Supreme Personality of Godhead & that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is Krsna. That is his ambition. It doesn't matter whether he is in heaven or hell.
• Our only ambition should be to serve the Lord. It does not matter where the service is demanded. It is exactly like the soldiers are asked to come forward to fight and there is no question of selecting the place.
• The devotee, who does not expect any personal benefit and whose only ambition is to spread the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is blessed with all the auspicious results of bhakti-yoga, without hard labor.

Association and the Disciplic Succession

Devotional ambition is not a solitary pursuit; it is deeply rooted in the desire for the association of like-minded souls. The perfection of this ambition is to serve Kṛṣṇa through the paramparā system, aspiring to enter the Lord's family and remain in the company of His devotees life after life.

• Narottama dasa Thakura said, janame janame mora ei abhilas. Our ambition should be how to serve Krsna through the disciplic succession, guru, and live in the association of devotees. This is the process.
• Our Krishna is a great family Personality. Krishna is never a mendicant, and our ambition is to enter into Krishna's family and to associate with Him personally.

Spreading the Mission

Ultimately, the personal ambition of a devotee expands into a broad missionary vision to engage others in Kṛṣṇa's service. While plans for expansion are encouraged, they are always balanced with patience and dependence on Kṛṣṇa's mercy, understanding that the opportunity to spread the Saṅkīrtana movement is a gift from the Lord.

• By associating with the members of such a center (Krsna temples) people will automatically become uninterested in material affairs. Although this is an ambitious proposal, this association is proving effective by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
• I have noted your scheme for a greater Sankirtana party in Germany. Your ambition will certainly be fulfilled, but wait till Krishna gives you the adequate chance. You require more men and wait till that time.

Conclusion

Ambition, when divorced from material ego, becomes a powerful engine for spiritual advancement. By transforming the desire for personal gain into the desire for Kṛṣṇa's service, one utilizes the natural vitality of the soul. Whether through cultivating the desire to be a great devotee, serving under the guidance of the spiritual master, or expanding the mission to save others, spiritual ambition—abhilāṣa—is the driving force that carries the devotee back to the association of the Supreme Personality of 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 Ambition - devotional. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.