View source for Attaining the Highest Perfection and Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

The path to perfection and Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a progressive journey of self-realization that culminates in the complete renunciation of material conceptions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this state is not a dry or abstract achievement but a vibrant, active engagement in the service of the Lord that brings about actual peace and happiness.

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=== The Essence and Definition of Perfection ===

True perfection is reached when a living entity understands their eternal position as a servitor of Kṛṣṇa. This consciousness is so sublime that it allows one to perceive their own progress directly and feel a sense of completeness that requires nothing more from the material world.

* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna consciousness means to work in full knowledge of one's relationship with the Supreme Absolute, and the perfection of this consciousness is full knowledge of Krsna, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead|Krsna consciousness means to work in full knowledge of one's relationship with the Supreme Absolute, and the perfection of this consciousness is full knowledge of Krsna, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The highest perfection of self-realization is to understand that one is eternally the servitor of Krsna and that one's only business is to discharge one's duties in Krsna consciousness. BG 1972 purports|The highest perfection of self-realization is to understand that one is eternally the servitor of Krsna and that one's only business is to discharge one's duties in Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Love of Krsna, or Krsna consciousness, is the perfection of real knowledge in understanding things as they are. Our minds can never be vacant|Love of Krsna, or Krsna consciousness, is the perfection of real knowledge in understanding things as they are. Our minds can never be vacant.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna consciousness knowledge is so perfect that pratyaksa avagamam, you can directly perceive how far you are making progress. You don't require to take certificate from others, whether you are progressing or not. You'll understand, yourself|Krsna consciousness knowledge is so perfect that pratyaksa avagamam, you can directly perceive how far you are making progress. You don't require to take certificate from others, whether you are progressing or not. You'll understand, yourself.]]

=== Attaining Perfection Through Devotional Practice ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that perfection is guaranteed for those who follow the orders of a bona fide spiritual master and remain serious in their endeavor. Even in a short lifespan, or amidst material impediments, the process of chanting and hearing remains the most effective means to cleanse the heart.

* [[Vaniquotes:The spiritual master's order should be taken as the prime duty of life. If one gets a bona fide spiritual master and acts according to his direction, then his perfection of life in Krsna consciousness is guaranteed. BG 1972 purports|The spiritual master's order should be taken as the prime duty of life. If one gets a bona fide spiritual master and acts according to his direction, then his perfection of life in Krsna consciousness is guaranteed.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A person trying to be perfectly Krsna conscious by hearing the words of Krsna from Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-gita certainly has all the dirty things cleansed from the core of his heart|A person trying to be perfectly Krsna conscious by hearing the words of Krsna from Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-gita certainly has all the dirty things cleansed from the core of his heart.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The best preparation for the coming of the child is just for the parents to remain perfectly Krishna Conscious, and of course, the best means for that is by chanting the holy Names and listening to Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam|The best preparation for the coming of the child is just for the parents to remain perfectly Krishna Conscious, and of course, the best means for that is by chanting the holy Names and listening to Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This was instructed by the Lord Himself to Arjuna in Bhagavad-gita: "Go on fighting, but keep Me within your mind." That should be the motto of every honest person seeking perfection in Krsna consciousness|This was instructed by the Lord Himself to Arjuna in Bhagavad-gita: "Go on fighting, but keep Me within your mind." That should be the motto of every honest person seeking perfection in Krsna consciousness.]]

=== Symptoms and Results of the Perfected State ===

The culmination of perfection and Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the restoration of the soul's original spiritual body. One who is highly elevated sees Kṛṣṇa everywhere and loses all attraction to material allurements, becoming qualified to enter the kingdom of God.

* [[Vaniquotes:The result of perfection in Krsna consciousness is that after giving up one's material body, one is immediately transferred to the spiritual world in one's original spiritual body to become an associate of the Supreme Personality of Godhead|The result of perfection in Krsna consciousness is that after giving up one's material body, one is immediately transferred to the spiritual world in one's original spiritual body to become an associate of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:When one is highly elevated in Krsna consciousness, in everything, in every action and every phenomenon he will see only Krsna. That is the perfection of Krsna consciousness|When one is highly elevated in Krsna consciousness, in everything, in every action and every phenomenon he will see only Krsna. That is the perfection of Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The highest perfection of Krsna consciousness is renunciation of the material conception of life. This state is automatically achieved by progressive Krsna consciousness. BG 1972 purports|The highest perfection of Krsna consciousness is renunciation of the material conception of life. This state is automatically achieved by progressive Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:These phenomena indicate that even the cows and calves in Vrndavana knew how to cry for Krsna and embrace Him heart to heart. Actually, the perfection of Krsna consciousness can be culminated in the shedding of tears from the eyes|These phenomena indicate that even the cows and calves in Vrndavana knew how to cry for Krsna and embrace Him heart to heart. Actually, the perfection of Krsna consciousness can be culminated in the shedding of tears from the eyes.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Achieving perfection and Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the singular purpose for which the human form of life is intended. It is an invitation to move beyond the temporary struggles of the material world and reclaim one's eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord. By staying enthusiastic and patient in devotional service, and by dedicating all energy to the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa, success is assured. This perfection not only brings happiness to the individual but also serves as the greatest possible welfare work for all living entities in the 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 [[Vaniquotes:Category:Perfection_and_Krsna_Consciousness|Perfection and Krsna Consciousness]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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