DEVOTEES IN KALI YUGA "CAN" GO BACK TO HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD - STOP DOUBTING I was under the impression as the only one who noticed this particular problem and found it as significantly wrong, until reading the post of another. That was all I needed. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. And what is that problem?
For some reason we, the kali-yuga devotees, collectively or individually, do not believe "we" can go back to Godhead. It seems our belief is only for those great saints and sages of the past -- that rarely if ever can we "become" worthy ourselves, and seldom if ever be granted "mercy." In some devotees eyes we are never quite good enough, never really pure enough or can't achieve this.
Though of the above, more are inclined to accept mercy as slightly possible, yet have little faith that we can ever become pure enough to return to the Lord.
Or some don't want to "speculate," and therefore say this or that devotee did 'not' return Home even though they died in a Holy Place or chanted at the time of death. However, this is also speculation, and it is speculation toward the negative.
Not suggesting it's ok to speculate. We don't have to say 100% for certain that a devotee has gone back.... 99% is sufficient! Additionally, we have to go by shastra, not our personal opinions. Guru and shastra. Guru may have given someone a benediction we don't know about. Shastra may say something we forgot about, minimized or even misunderstood. Especially that shastra says: you chant, you go back, immediately. It doesn't say, "except in the case of so-and-so because they did yada yada." :-) No.
Once in the early days devotees were criticizing Brahmananda, who was senior to them, and Prabhupada told them even if Brahmananda were standing on a street corner smoking a cigarette, they should offer him all respects. -- Let us not judge but offer all respects to all who die of course, but especially let us not minimize those who have died under wonderful circumstances but some devotees cast shadows of doubt whether they could have been successful in returning to Krishna or not.
Yes, we have to do our work, our end of the deal. However, what I am referring to here are the many devotees that I, or godsiblings, have heard about who all ready left their body and succeeded in some way, yet devotees say, "they did not go back," or at best, "they are in a better place (just not Krishna's place is the hint)," or "On their way back."
For example, I attended the funeral of a young gurukuli boy, about 11 or so in age, who suddenly died due to an accident. Those who were present said this boy was chanting the Holy Name as he left his body. However, the speaker at the funeral stated that the boy did not go back to Godhead. Not only did I find this to be an insensitivity in the presence of his parents and siblings, but it also was not based in shastra - so how could it be true?
Over time I began to hear other stories from godsisters or brothers who had similar experiences.
Lets clear something, or bring it into the light really, because many are hiding it in the dark or under some sort of philosophy. Prabhupada did not give us something that we, the kali-yuga devotees, could not achieve in this one lifetime. Srila Prabhupada called our process the "Science of Bhakti Yoga." Do this, and that will happen. Not a material sentiment or emotion, not an opinion nor a judgment, etc. A science.
When Prabhupada told us that yes, even us, the fallen kali-yuga, less-than-perfect devotee can go back to home, back to Godhead in this one life, it was not simply a PR campaign. :-) He was telling us the truth. To doubt it is to doubt his process. And to doubt it is to doubt him.
Nor did Srila Prabhupada give us something that only a few of us can do. He did not go out of his way to travel from India, go through all that trouble to create temples all over the world, encourage Hari Nama sankirtana or teach us about the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, and yet only aim for a handful of us to be saved, as to save only a few was not his goal, so we should stop making it ours, therefore instead speak highly of those who were able to leave their body under such wonderful and special circumstances.
It appears education is in order. After all, we all become forgetful over time, and in this age of kali. We need to read more, or reread.
What I would like to present here are some quotes from Srila Prabhupada which make it very clear that even we, the fallen kali yuga devotee, can achieve the goal of Godhead in one life, that it is not just for the sages of yesteryear but for everyone. We are all Krishna's children, regardless of what yuga we were born in. We are His, and like any parent who has, and maintains, a connection, He wants us back.
Krishna does not love some more than others. Even when we read the story of the war between the demons and demigods (S.B. Mohini Murti), it is pointed out that Krishna loves them all equally. Therefore as long as we sincerely try, we can go back, in this one life, to Krishna who loves us all.
Don't those who make such negative comments think Krishna wants us back? Of course He does! :-) And Krishna knows what yuga this is, what we can handle as well as what we are doing. He understands all the complications that come along with it. Instead of making it harder for us (as we do for ourselves), instead He makes it easier:
"For My devotee I carry what they lack and preserve what they have." BG 9.22
"Without much bother, if one simply keeps a picture of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at home and chants Hare Krsna, then one will realize God. Anyone can adopt this simple method. There is no expenditure, there is no tax, nor is there any need to build a very big church or temple. Anyone, anywhere, can sit down on the road or beneath a tree and chant the Hare Krsna mantra and worship God. Therefore it is a great opportunity." Science of Self-Realization, p.134
So we can see, it's not so hard to go back Home. Ours is a simple process -- if we don't complicate it.
For example, it is not that when we are alive in this world, we utilize chanting because we believe its purifying yet at the time of death we discredit the devotee who chants Hare Krishna or dies in a Holy Place, etc., because they were less than perfect in life, and did this or that. They smoked, they mentioned a female relative while amidst the dying process in Vrndavana. Nonsense. Coupled with speculation. (Even the monkeys and various other animals go back to Godhead in Vrndavana!)
Its all right if some need to say they don't know. Yet why are we always leaning toward the negative? So that must be looked at.
Lets remember, there are different types of "going back to Godhead." Prabhupada explains:
"The fact is, those who are always engaged in Krsna consciousness and mature, pure devotional service are given the chance, after death, to gain Krsna's association in the universes within the material world. Krsna's pastimes are continually going on, either in this universe or in another universe. Just as the sun globe is passing through many places across this earthly planet, so Krsna-lila, or the transcendental advent and pastimes of Krsna, are also going on continually, either in this or another universe. The mature devotees, who have completely executed Krsna consciousness, are immediately transferred to the universe where Krsna is appearing. In that universe the devotees get their first opportunity to associate with Krsna personally and directly. The training goes on, as we see in the Vrndavana lila of Krsna within this planet. Krsna therefore revealed the actual feature of the Vaikuntha planets so that the inhabitants of Vrndavana could know their destination." ~ KB 28 Releasing Nanda Maharaja from the Clutches of Varuna
"In the spiritual world there are many Vaikuntha planets, and the topmost planet is Krsnaloka, Goloka Vrndavana." SB 4.29.28 P
"In the highest region of the spiritual sky is the planet called Krsnaloka, which has three divisions, namely Dvaraka, Mathura and Goloka." Adi 5.14 Pur
"There are five stages of liberation, already explained as being (1) to become one with the Lord, (2) to live on the same planet as the Lord, (3) to obtain the same bodily features as the Lord, (4) to have the same opulences as the Lord and (5) to have constant association with the Lord. Out of these five liberated stages, the one which is known as sayujya, or to merge into the existence of the Lord, is the last to be accepted by a devotee. The other four liberations, although not desired by devotees, still are not against the devotional ideals. Some of the liberated persons who have achieved these four stages of liberation may also develop affection for Krsna and be promoted to the Goloka Vrndavana planet in the spiritual sky. In other words, those who are already promoted to the Vaikuntha planets and who possess the four kinds of liberation may also sometimes develop affection for Krsna and become promoted to Krsnaloka..
"So those who are in the four liberated states may still be going through different stages of existence. In the beginning they may want the oppulences of Krsna, but at the mature stage the dormant love for Krsna exhibited in Vrndavana becomes prominent in their hearts. As such, the pure devotees never accept the liberation of sayujya, to become one with the Supreme, though sometimes they may accept as favorable the other four liberated states." ~ NOD 4
Also need to take this point into consideration:
"Answering your puzzle, it may be said that a pure devotee is he who loves Krishna, without any material desire. People are generally engaged in karma. Karma means work and get the result and enjoy life. And jnana, jnana means speculating process to understand the Absolute Truth. So one who does not indulge in speculating habit, neither tries to gain something by his work, but simply engages himself in the service of the Lord, he is called a pure devotee. Such pure devotees are very rare. But by the Grace of Krishna, practically all the devotees and disciples who have kindly joined me, they are, their symptoms are pure devotees. Even if they have got some ulterior desire, that will be removed very soon, because they have taken to the pure process of Krishna Consciousness." SP Letter to Janaki dd, Seattle Oct 13, 1968 .
and....
"All of my disciples, as soon as they surrender themselves to Krsna, they become pure devotees actually." Dec29, 1972 SP letter to Madhavisa dasa
This may be hard to understand, nevertheless it is there. Of course, whether or not devotees have kept up with their responsibilities as an initiated disciple has much to do with this, but that is another topic, for another post.:) For this, focusing on death, we need to try to be careful and avoid offenses, which is easier when we are based in kindness rather than fanaticism which is often a form of fault finding. And lets start to be more encouraging about who goes where, when they leave their body. Not artificially, but based in truth, because it *is* the truth. When someone has chanted at the time of death, or died in a Holy place, etc., let us stop telling family and friends, "They did not go back." or even "They now get a higher birth." Let us stop telling ourselves that. Because in 99% of the cases, it simply is not true!
"So that has to be practiced. Sada tad-bhava-bhavitah. If you always chant Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, that means you remember Krsna always. So there is chance, ninety-nine percent chance, that at the time of your death, you will think of Krsna and your life is successful." SP Lectures SB 1.6.13 Dec 31, 1973 LA
Let us remember that this page is about those who were all ready chanting upon the time of death or similar. No sense in getting lost evaluating whether they chanted "always," in life or something else about their life, because if they chanted at death it no longer matters (to us) what they did previously which materially might be labeled as less than perfect. They passed the final exam and that is a large part of what all these practices are about anyway. That and daily purification and love of God. But if they chanted upon death, who are we to decide how pure they were? With that said......99% chance! Pretty good!
PRABHUPADA QUOTES: HOW TO MAKE IT BACK TO GODHEAD
"By the grace of the Lord, if a devotee, at the time of death, can simply chant His holy name--Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama,... Rama, Hare Hare--simply by chanting this maha-mantra, he immediately surpasses the great ocean of the material sky and enters the spiritual sky. He never has to come back for repetition of birth and death." SB 4.10.30
"When a man dies, he is generally overpowered by mucus and bile, and thus he chokes. Since it is very difficult to vibrate any sound while choking, it is simply by Krsna's grace that one can chant Hare Krsna at the time of death." SB 4. 23. 14 Purport
Note From Me: I just wish to point out, again to those who claim someone did not go back even though they were chanting at the time of death, we see it is simply by Krishna's grace that they chanted in the first place, though of course sincere endeavor is needed. However, Krishna allowed or helped them to chant, so how can we say He did not take them in to Vaikuntha? We cannot. Please read the following verse:
"Revival of the dormant affection or love of Godhead does not depend on the mechanical system of hearing and chanting, but it solely and wholly depends on the causeless mercy of the Lord. When the Lord is satisfied with the sincere efforts of the devotee, He may endow him with His loving transcendental service. But even with the prescribed forms of hearing and chanting, there is at once a mitigation of the superfluous and unwanted miseries of material existence.' SB 1.7.6 P
"The Lord says that at the time of death, whoever thinks of Him, either as Brahman or Paramatma or the Personality of Godhead, certainly he enters into the spiritual sky and there is no doubt about it. One should not disbelieve it. And the process is, general rule is also stated in the Bhagavad-gita, how one can, how it is possible to get into the spiritual kingdom simply by thinking of the Supreme at the time of death." BG Introduction
"The pure devotees hear from the authorities and chant, sing and write of the glories of the Lord. Mahamuni Vyasadeva heard from Narada, and then he chanted in writing; Sukadeva Gosvami studied from his father, and he described it to Pariksit; that is the way of Srimad-Bhagavatam.” (Bhag. 1.13.10)
“Furthermore, ones physiological condition is completely disturbed at the time of death, and in such awkward condition, it would certainly would have been very difficult for Ajamila to have chanted clearly. Nevertheless, Ajamila achieved liberation simply by chanting the Holy Names of the Lord.” S.B. 6.3.24 P
"Is it very difficult to constantly remember Krishna? You can do it. You are remembering something. A mind is occupied always with something. Just practice to occupy the mind with Krishna, that’s all. “ SP Lecture, Hyderbad, April 15, 1975. SB 5.5.3
“At the time of death, the mind and intelligence of living entity create a subtle form of a certain type of body for the next life. If the mind suddenly thinks of something not very congenial, one has to take a corresponding birth in the next life. On the other hand, if one can think of Krishna at the time of death, he can be transferred to the spiritual world, Goloka Vrndavana. SP Nectar of Instruction, Text 8 Purport.
"Paramam purusa, that Supreme Personality of Godhead in the spiritual kingdom, in the spiritual sky, one can approach, anucintayan, constantly thinking. So these processes, the ways and means, all are stated in the Bhagavad-gita and there is no bar for anyone. Thinking of Lord Krsna is possible, hearing of Lord Krsna is possible by everyone." BG Introduction
"And whoever, at the time of death, quits his body remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt. He who meditates on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his mind constantly engaged in remembering Me, undeviated from the path, he, O Partha [Arjuna], is sure to reach Me." (Bg. 8.5, 8.8)
“Now, if at the ultimate end of this body, if we can remember Krishna, then our life is successful. Why? How is that? Now as soon as we remember Krishna, immediately we are transferred to the spiritual world, the abode of Krishna or Goloka Vrndavana. It does not take even a second's time.” SP Lecture, LA, 1972 0813
"Regarding your second question: what determines whether a devotee goes to a Vaikuntha planet or to Goloka Vrndavana?--Those devotees who are following viddhi marg are meant for going to Vaikuntha planets and those who are following raga marg are meant for going to Krsnaloka. It is generally that the followers of Lord Caitanya are going to Goloka Vrndavana. There is no difference between the Vaikuntha planets and Krsnaloka, it is a matter of personal taste only." Letter to Tamala Krsna, LA, June 21, 70
"In Krsna consciousness, or devotional service, there are nine processes: hearing about the transcendental name, form, qualities, and pastimes of the Lord, chanting about these, remembering these, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering Him respectful worship, offering Him prayers, becoming His servant, considering Him one's friend, and surrendering everything to Him. One who practices one or more of these processes of devotional service throughout his life is sure to remember Krsna at the time of death. That is the art of Krsna consciousness. We cannot abandon all activities and simply chant Hare Krsna; therefore we keep ourselves constantly engaged in practical devotional service so that our mind is fixed upon Krsna. Then, at the time of death, we are sure to attain total liberation from material existence." SC 16
"Krsna is so magnanimous that He is present before us by the transcendental vibration of His name, which has all the potencies of Krsna Himself, and if we remain in contact with that name we shall get all the benefits of Krsna's benedictions." Teachings of Queen Kunti, p. 47
"As a result of chanting the Hare Krsna mahamantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he received love of Godhead. The holy name of Krsna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches." CC, Adi, Pur
“So by their actions the pure devotees of the Lord can render any place into a place of pilgrimage, and the holy places are worth the name only on their account. Such pure devotees are able to rectify the polluted atmosphere of any place, and what to speak of a holy place rendered unholy by the questionable actions of interested persons who try to adopt a professional life at the cost of the reputation of a holy place." (Bhag. 1.13.10)
“There are nine different proceses of bhakti yoga. Any one of them you adopt, you become perfect, not that you have to adopt all nine. If you can, it is very ncie. So nice, eight, seven, six, five… “ SP Lecutre on SB, Tokoyo 1972
“There are nine processes of devotional service, they are all the same. Different processes. Sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada-sevanam arcanam vandanam dasyam. Vandanam, this vandanam is prayer.” 1976, Room Conversation, Detroit, Mi.
api cet su-duracaro
bhajate mam ananya-bhak
sadhur eva sa mantavyah
samyag vyavasito hi sah
SYNONYMS
api--in spite of; cet--although; su-duracarah--one committing the most abominable actions; bhajate--engaged in devotional service; mam--unto Me; ananya-bhak--without deviation; sadhuh--saint; eva--certainly; sah--he; mantavyah--to be considered; samyak--completely; vyavasitah--situated; hi--certainly; sah--he.
TRANSLATION
Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated.
PURPORT
The word suduracaro used in this verse is very significant, and we should understand it properly. When a living entity is conditioned, he has two kinds of activities: one is conditional, and the other is constitutional. As for protecting the body or abiding by the rules of society and state, certainly there are different activities, even for the devotees, in connection with the conditional life, and such activities are called conditional. Besides these, the living entity who is fully conscious of his spiritual nature and is engaged in Krsna consciousness, or the devotional service of the Lord, has activities which are called transcendental. Such activities are performed in his constitutional position, and they are technically called devotional service. Now, in the conditioned state, sometimes devotional service and the conditional service in relation to the body will parallel one another. But then again, sometimes these activities become opposed to one another. As far as possible, a devotee is very cautious so that he does not do anything that could disrupt his wholesome condition. He knows that perfection in his activities depends on his progressive realization of Krsna consciousness. Sometimes, however, it may be seen that a person in Krsna consciousness commits some act which may be taken as most abominable socially or politically. But such a temporary falldown does not disqualify him. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated that if a person falls down but is wholeheartedly engaged in the transcendental service of the Supreme Lord, the Lord, being situated within his heart, beautifies him and excuses him from that abomination. The material contamination is so strong that even a yogi fully engaged in the service of the Lord sometimes becomes ensnared; but Krishna consciousness is so strong that such an occassional falldown is at once rectified. Therefore the process of devotional service is always success. No one should deride a devotee for some accidetnal falldown from the ideal path, for, as is explained in the next verse, such occasional falldowns will be stopped in due course, as soon as a devotee is completely situated in Krsna consciousness.
Therefore a person who is situated in Krsna consciousness and is engaged with determination in the process of chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare should be considered to be in the transcendental position, even if by chance or accident he is found to have fallen. The words sadhur eva, "he is saintly," are very emphatic. They are a warning to the nondevotees that because of an accidental falldown a devotee should not be derided; he should still be considered saintly even if he has fallen down accidentally. And the word mantavyah is still more emphatic. If one does not follow this rule, and derides a devotee for his accidental falldown, then he is disobeying the order of the Supreme Lord. The only qualification of a devotee is to be unflinchingly and exclusively engaged in devotional service.
The mark of a spot which may be seen on the moon does not become an impediment to the moonlight. Similarly, the accidental falldown of a devotee from the path of a saintly character does not make him abominable. On the other hand, one should not misunderstand that a devotee in transcendental devotional service can act in all kinds of abominable ways; this verse only refers to an accident due to the strong power of materail connections. Devotional service is more or less a declaration of war against the illusory energy. As long as one is not strong enough to fight the illusory energy, there may be accidental falldowns. But when one is strong enough, he is no longer subjected to such falldowns, as previously explained. No one should take advantage of this verse and commit nonsense and think that he is still a devotee. If he does not improve in his character by devotional service, then it is to be understood that he is not a high devotee."
Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 9.30
The verse above and most of the quotes that follow are NOT meant as an excuse to cheat with the 4 regulative principles, but simply to understand that sincerity must be there. We can't take any risks by minimizing the 4 regs, as we may not be the exception, etc., but we also don't want to develop feelings of hopelessness. Thus, these verses. bhajate mam ananya-bhak
sadhur eva sa mantavyah
samyag vyavasito hi sah
SYNONYMS
api--in spite of; cet--although; su-duracarah--one committing the most abominable actions; bhajate--engaged in devotional service; mam--unto Me; ananya-bhak--without deviation; sadhuh--saint; eva--certainly; sah--he; mantavyah--to be considered; samyak--completely; vyavasitah--situated; hi--certainly; sah--he.
TRANSLATION
Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated.
PURPORT
The word suduracaro used in this verse is very significant, and we should understand it properly. When a living entity is conditioned, he has two kinds of activities: one is conditional, and the other is constitutional. As for protecting the body or abiding by the rules of society and state, certainly there are different activities, even for the devotees, in connection with the conditional life, and such activities are called conditional. Besides these, the living entity who is fully conscious of his spiritual nature and is engaged in Krsna consciousness, or the devotional service of the Lord, has activities which are called transcendental. Such activities are performed in his constitutional position, and they are technically called devotional service. Now, in the conditioned state, sometimes devotional service and the conditional service in relation to the body will parallel one another. But then again, sometimes these activities become opposed to one another. As far as possible, a devotee is very cautious so that he does not do anything that could disrupt his wholesome condition. He knows that perfection in his activities depends on his progressive realization of Krsna consciousness. Sometimes, however, it may be seen that a person in Krsna consciousness commits some act which may be taken as most abominable socially or politically. But such a temporary falldown does not disqualify him. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated that if a person falls down but is wholeheartedly engaged in the transcendental service of the Supreme Lord, the Lord, being situated within his heart, beautifies him and excuses him from that abomination. The material contamination is so strong that even a yogi fully engaged in the service of the Lord sometimes becomes ensnared; but Krishna consciousness is so strong that such an occassional falldown is at once rectified. Therefore the process of devotional service is always success. No one should deride a devotee for some accidetnal falldown from the ideal path, for, as is explained in the next verse, such occasional falldowns will be stopped in due course, as soon as a devotee is completely situated in Krsna consciousness.
Therefore a person who is situated in Krsna consciousness and is engaged with determination in the process of chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare should be considered to be in the transcendental position, even if by chance or accident he is found to have fallen. The words sadhur eva, "he is saintly," are very emphatic. They are a warning to the nondevotees that because of an accidental falldown a devotee should not be derided; he should still be considered saintly even if he has fallen down accidentally. And the word mantavyah is still more emphatic. If one does not follow this rule, and derides a devotee for his accidental falldown, then he is disobeying the order of the Supreme Lord. The only qualification of a devotee is to be unflinchingly and exclusively engaged in devotional service.
The mark of a spot which may be seen on the moon does not become an impediment to the moonlight. Similarly, the accidental falldown of a devotee from the path of a saintly character does not make him abominable. On the other hand, one should not misunderstand that a devotee in transcendental devotional service can act in all kinds of abominable ways; this verse only refers to an accident due to the strong power of materail connections. Devotional service is more or less a declaration of war against the illusory energy. As long as one is not strong enough to fight the illusory energy, there may be accidental falldowns. But when one is strong enough, he is no longer subjected to such falldowns, as previously explained. No one should take advantage of this verse and commit nonsense and think that he is still a devotee. If he does not improve in his character by devotional service, then it is to be understood that he is not a high devotee."
Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 9.30
Also, as previously stated, this site is about those who have all ready passed while chanting the Maha Mantra, in a Holy Dhama or something else shastric and wonderful, thus by reading these we can gain in faith, *real* faith - based on knowledge, regarding their destination.
Of course, it can also benefit us as well, as long as long as we remain sincere, truthful and put in a good effort. Lets do it in one life! And not give up. It *does* work. ~ Y.S. Prtha dd
"Even if a devotee sometimes seems to engage in abominable activities, he should be considered a sadhu, a saintly person, because his actual identity is that of one engaged in the loving service of the Lord. In other words, he is not to be considered an ordinary human being." NoI 6
"Ajamila was a brahmana by birth, but on account of sinful activities caused by bad reactions from his past life, he began performing abominable activities. At the end of his life, however, his remembrance of the Supreme Lord absolved him of all sins. But deliverance is possible for everyone, not just those of high birth. Even the lowest people, who are naturally given to base activities, can reach the spiritual abode of Lord Krsna if they simply surrender at His lotus feet. .........
"Ajamila thought, 'Because I failed to be self-controlled, I was degraded to an abominable life and all my brahminical qualifications were nullified.' This is the mentality of one who is becoming a pure devotee. When one is elevated to the platform of devotional service by the grace of the Lord and the spiritual master, one first regrets past sinful activities. This helps one advance in spiritual life. The Visnudutas had given Ajamila the chance to become a pure devotee, and the first duty of a devotee is to regret his past sinful activities in illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating, and gambling. Not only should a devotee give up his past bad habits, but he must always regret his past sinful acts. This is the standard of pure devotion." Second Chance, 17.
"The question remains, then, How can a person engaged in abominable activities either by accident or intention, be a pure devotee? This question may justly be raised. The miscreants, as stated in the Seventh Chapter, who never come to the devotional service of the Lord, have no good qualifications, as is stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Generally, a devotee who is engaged in nine kinds of devotional activities is engaged in the process of cleansing all material contamination from the heart. He puts the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, and all sinful contaminations are naturally washed away. Continuous thinking of the Supreme Lord makes him pure by nature. According to the Veda, there is a certain regulation that if one falls down from his exalted position, he has to undergo certain ritualistic processes to purify himself. But here there is no such condition, because the purifying process is already in the of the devotee due to his remembering the Supreme Personality of Godhead constantly. Therefore the chanting of Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare. Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare should be continued without stoppage. This will protect a devotee from all accidental falldowns. He will thus remain perpetually free from all material contaminations." Room Conversation, Bombay India, March 27, 77
TRANSLATION
If a demigod, demon, human being, Yaksa, Gandharva or anyone within this universe renders service to the lotus feet of Mukunda, who can deliver liberation, he is actually situated in the most auspicious condition of life, exactly like us [the mahajanas, headed by Prahlada Maharaja]. SB 7.7.50
..."My dear friends, O sons of the demons, you cannot please the Supreme Personality of Godhead by becoming perfect brahmanas, demigods or great saints or by becoming perfectly good in etiquette or vast learning. None of these qualifications can awaken the pleasure of the Lord. Nor by charity, austerity, sacrifice, cleanliness or vows can one satisfy the Lord. The Lord is pleased only if one has unflinching, unalloyed devotion to Him." SB 7.7.50 P
"Those who have taken to this atheistic view, asuri-bhavam asritah... Asuri... Just like we have got examples in our Vedic science, Vedic knowledge. There were many atheistic persons like Kamsa, Ravana, Hiranyakasipu, Dantavakra, they never accepted existence of God. But they had to accept the existence of God at the time of death. Therefore in the Bhagavad-gita it is said, mrtyuh sarva-haras ca aham, that "Death, which takes away everything from everyone, that is... That death I am." So if we don't try to see God during our lifetime, then there will be an incidence which is sure--"As sure as death." That death is God. So to the atheistic person death is God. And to the theistic person, they can see, premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena santah sadaiva hrdayesu vilokayanti. Those who have developed love of God, oh, they are enjoying the transcendental pleasure in every moment by seeing the artistic work of Krsna. So that is the position of a devotee." Lecture at art gallery, Ap 26, 72
The Lord says, "It is not necessary that one become very expert in Vedic knowledge before he can become My bhakta, or devotee. Even if one is born in a family of dog-eaters, he can become My devotee and be very dear to Me, in spite of having taken birth in such a family." S.B. 7.15.4
Prahlada Maharaja concludes that one can become perfect by serving the Supreme Lord sincerely by all means. Material elevation to life as a brahmana, demigod, rsi and so on are not causes for developing love of Godhead, but if one sincerely engages in the service of the Lord, his Krsna consciousness is complete. SB 7.7.51-42 P.
TRANSLATION
"One who offers Me respect but is envious of the bodies of others and is therefore a separatist never attains peace of mind, because of his inimical behavior towards other living entities."
"...One who is envious of or inimical towards others never experiences any happiness. A devotee's vision, therefore, must be perfect. He should ignore bodily distinctions and should only see the presence of the part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord Himself in His plenary expansion as Supersoul. That is the vision of a pure devotee. The bodily expressions of a particular type of living entity is always ignored by the devotee.
It is expressed herein that the Lord is always eager to deliver the conditioned souls, who have been encaged within material bodies. Devotees are expected to carry the message or desire of the Lord to such conditioned souls and enlighten them with Krsna consciousness. Of course this is not possible for living entities who are lower than human beings, but in human society it is feasible that all living entities can be enlightened with Krsna consciousness. Even living entities who are lower than human can be raised to Krsna consciousness by other methods. For example, Shivananda Sena, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya, delivered a dog by feeding him prasadam.... Factually it happened that the same dog, when met by Lord Caitanya at Puri, was liberated from the material condition.
It is especially mentioned here that a devotee must be free from all violence.. Lord Caitanya has recommended that a devotee not commit violence to any living entity...... A devotee has to execute the principles of devotional service exactly as they are, and he must know that however insignificant a living entity may be, the Lord is present within him. A devotee must realize this universal presence of the Lord." ~ Srimad-Bhagavatam 3-29-23 Lord Kapiladeva's Explanation of Devotional Service
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