Vaccination of Consciousness - Becoming Transcendental in the Age of Kali
The current era, known as Kali-yuga, is described as being filled with spiritual and moral defects. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the only way to remain unaffected by this environment is to become transcendental. This state is not an abstract concept but a practical shift in identity—moving from the bodily concept of life to a spiritual one. This article discusses the instructions of the Bhagavad-gītā on rising above the material modes and the process of spiritualizing every aspect of our existence to attain transcendental bliss.
Instruction of Nistraigunya
The Vedas mainly discuss the three modes of material nature: goodness, passion, and ignorance. However, Kṛṣṇa advises Arjuna to go beyond these rituals and become transcendental to the modes. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that unless one manages to become transcendental, they cannot be free from material entanglement. This "nistrai-guṇya" status means being free from all dualities—such as heat and cold, or honor and dishonor—and remaining established in the self. By following this advice, a person ceases to be a mundane actor and becomes a transcendental man, as Arjuna did after receiving the lessons of the Bhagavad-gītā.
- Krsna told Arjuna: The Vedas mainly deal with the subject of the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. Be transcendental to all of them.
- The Lord says in the Bhagavad-gita, nistrai-gunyo bhavarjuna - My dear Arjuna, just try to become transcendental to the Vedic rituals.
- The mission of human life is to become transcendental to the three qualities. Unless one is nistrai-gunya, he cannot get free from material entanglement.
- After learning Bhagavad-gita, after taking lessons of Bhagavad-gita, he (Arjuna) did not become a bad man. No. He become a transcendental man.
Protection Against the Age of Kali
Living in the material world is compared to being in the midst of an epidemic. Śrīla Prabhupāda suggests that becoming transcendental acts as a spiritual vaccination. If you are vaccinated, the disease cannot touch you; similarly, if you remain Kṛṣṇa conscious, the defects of the age will not affect you. By associating with the transcendental sound of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, the soul is purified and becomes transcendental. This status allows the living entity to see God "eye to eye" everywhere, just as an electrician can utilize electricity that is present everywhere.
- If there is epidemic disease and you get vaccinated, then there is no disease for you. Similarly, the Kali-yuga may be with so many defects, but if you remain Krsna conscious, these defects will not touch you, because you become transcendental.
- If we associate with the transcendental sound Hare Krsna, then we become purified to become transcendental.
- Electricity, for instance, is everywhere, and an electrician is capable of utilizing it. Similarly, the energy of the Supreme Lord is everywhere, and when we become transcendentally situated, we can see God eye to eye everywhere.
Transforming the Mundane through Service
The technique of becoming transcendental involves dovetailing all activities with the service of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that even mundane historical narrations or social incidents become transcendental as soon as they are placed in relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Devotees who give up everything—money, jobs, and reputation—find that their very lackings become transcendental because their topmost intention is to serve the Lord. When one is transcendentally absorbed in this way, their next body will not be material or physical, but a spiritual body of unadulterated bliss.
- Historical events and other narrations concerning social and political incidents all become transcendental as soon as they are in relationship with Krsna. That is the way to transform mundane things into spiritual identity.
- Because the devotees have given up everything to serve Krishna. Money, jobs, reputation, wealth, big educations, everything. Their lackings have become transcendental because, despite everything they may do, their topmost intention is to serve Krishna.
- If one is transcendentally absorbed in Krsna's service, then his next body will be transcendental (spiritual), not physical.
- As soon as devotees are engaged in devotional service, they become transcendental to all material contamination immediately.
Conclusion
Becoming transcendental is the only way to truly understand that we are eternal, spiritual living entities with nothing to do with the seasonal changes of the material world. Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages us to always remember that we are "trying to be transcendental," a process that cleanses the soul and frees it from material anxieties. By understanding the activities of Kṛṣṇa and becoming devoted, we rise above the three modes of nature and become fit to be transferred to the transcendental world. Through this spiritual Inclination, we move beyond material dualities and find the perfection of knowledge in a state of eternal, self-effulgent joy.
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 Transcendental. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.