Vision and Conclusions of a Devotee
A pure devotee of God views the world through the lens of revealed scripture. Unlike the materialist, who sees the world as a place of random interactions, the devotee perceives the hand of the Supreme Lord in every event. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this conclusive vision transforms how a devotee interacts with others, how they prioritize their service, and how they distinguish reality from illusion.
Seeing Hand of God
The primary conclusion of a devotee is that nothing happens without the sanction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Whether one meets a friend or an enemy, the devotee understands that the individual is merely an instrument. This vision liberates the devotee from holding grudges or becoming overly attached to benefactors.
- A devotee's conclusion is that no one is directly responsible for being a benefactor or mischief-monger without the sanction of the Lord; therefore he does not consider anyone to be directly responsible for such action.
- A devotee already on the brahminical platform can realize Me (Lord Krsna) within his heart, and therefore he definitely concludes that the whole cosmic manifestation and its different features are effects of different energies of the Lord.
Vaiṣṇava Conclusion on Service
Sentimentalists often desire to serve Kṛṣṇa directly, bypassing the necessary authorities. However, the rigorous conclusion of the Vaiṣṇava philosophy, as demonstrated by Prahlāda Mahārāja, is that service to the spiritual master is superior. One cannot become a preacher or a guru without adhering to this established conclusion.
- Prahlada Maharaja refused direct service but he wanted blessing that he may be engaged in the service of his spiritual master. This is Vasnava conclusion.
- The Vaisnava cult conclusion should be taken. Otherwise we cannot preach. Without becoming Vaisnava, one cannot become guru. Without becoming guru, how one can preach? These are the formulas.
Knowledge vs. Sentiment
Real devotion is not merely emotional; it is based on knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against "false devotees" who may shed tears artificially but lack the zeal to follow practical instructions. True knowledge is revealed only when one comes to the right conclusion about life through the mercy of the Lord and the ācāryas.
- False devotees who have very little knowledge of such conclusions (artificially shedding tears will deliver them) fail to achieve pure devotion for want of zeal in accepting the favorable directions for devotional service given by self-realized devotees.
- One can know the glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu only by reaching, in knowledge, a conclusive decision about Sri Krsna, strengthened by bona fide study of the conclusions of the acaryas.
Practical Application
The conclusions of a devotee are also practical. For example, Mother Yaśodā used simple logic to conclude that Kṛṣṇa had broken the yogurt pot. Similarly, devotees use their intelligence to understand the pastimes of the Lord and the nature of the material world.
Conclusion
The conclusions of a devotee are the bedrock of their spiritual advancement. By accepting the authority of the ācāryas and seeing the Lord as the ultimate cause, the devotee remains fixed in service, unbewildered by the dualities of the material world.
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 Conclusions 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.