Who Takes Interest in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement?
The spread of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not a random phenomenon; it follows a specific dynamic based on the spiritual qualification of the recipient. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the movement primarily attracts the intelligent class—those seeking a scientific solution to life's problems. Conversely, those absorbed in base material instincts find little appeal in the discipline of devotional service. This article explores the contrasting responses to the movement, the role of respectable leadership in fostering public interest, and the universal potential of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to capture the hearts of the sincere.
Attracting the Intelligent and the Youth
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently highlighted that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is meant for intelligent men and women. Unlike sentimental religious groups that may offer false hopes of cheap miracles, this movement presents a "scientific spiritual" process. Consequently, it has garnered interest from highly educated circles and university scholars. Furthermore, the younger generation—disillusioned with materialism—has shown a keen responsiveness, proving that the movement addresses a genuine spiritual void.
- In highly educated circles of scholarly people in the universities they are taking interest very rapidly in our Krsna Consciousness movement.
- Intelligent men and women should take interest in this great movement. It is a very scientific spiritual movement. People are suffering for lack of spiritual knowledge.
- The younger section of this country, both boys and girls, are taking great interest in this movement. At present I have more than 100 students already initiated, strictly following the Vaisnava regulations.
Obstacle of "Animal Propensities"
Not everyone is capable of taking immediate interest in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a person's attachment to "animal propensities"—specifically illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication, and gambling—acts as a barrier. Those who are entirely absorbed in the bodily concept of life, caring only for "wife, family, children, motorcar, and house," often remain indifferent to the ultimate goal of life. For such persons, the rigorous standard of purity required by the movement is a deterrent.
- Those who are very much advanced in animal propensities, they cannot take part in this Krsna consciousness movement. Those are . . . those who are, to say frankly, no better than animals, they cannot take any interest in the Krsna consciousness movement.
- Nobody is interested in Krsna consciousness movement, they are simply interested with these things - the association of wife, family, children, motorcar, house, bed, furniture.
- Suppose we are conducting this Krsna consciousness movement. Nobody is interested. Very few interested. But if we give some false hope that, "If you follow this path, then within six months you will become God, and you will be all-powerful" oh, so many people will come.
Responsibility of Leaders
To bridge the gap between the movement and the general masses, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized the need for "respectable gentlemen" to take an active interest. When leaders, government authorities, or culturally prominent figures (like the Beatles or Gujarati businessmen) validate the movement, it encourages the common people to look deeper. Śrīla Prabhupāda argued that if educated persons take up the cause, it ensures that the movement is understood philosophically rather than superficially.
- If respectable gentlemen become interested in our Krishna Conscious Movement then our temple in Vrindaban will stand first, because all other temples in Vrindaban gather general mass of people without philosophical understanding.
- There is a great need of the Krishna Consciousness movement all over the world. If educated persons like you take active interest in this movement, and preach the cult for the benefit of the mass of people, that is the success of life.
Conclusion
The level of interest one takes in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a barometer of one's spiritual evolution. While the materialistic and the sinful turn away, the intelligent and the sincere are naturally drawn to its logic and purity. The movement remains open to all, but it specifically seeks the cooperation of society's leaders to help spread this knowledge to a suffering world. As Śrīla Prabhupāda earnestly requested: "My only request is that you take some interest, active interest in this movement, try to understand it, and if you cooperate, the whole human society will be happy."
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 Interest in the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.