Always Thinking of Kṛṣṇa - The Topmost Yoga System
The search for spiritual perfection often leads individuals through complex processes of meditation and austerity. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the supreme conclusion of all Vedic knowledge is stunningly simple: to always keep the mind fixed on the form, name, and pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
The Highest Perfection of Yoga
Many people equate yoga with physical postures or silent contemplation. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that according to the direct statements of the Bhagavad-gītā, the absolute pinnacle of all yoga systems is the continuous, unbroken remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
- A person who is always thinking of Krsna in devotion is the topmost of all yogis.
- Bhagavad-gita says: "One who is thinking of Me, Krsna, always, He is the greatest yogi." He's the greatest yogi. Yoginam api sarvesam.
- The yogis, they are always in meditation and thinking of Krsna. That is real yogi, not to show some gymnastic feats. These things are required to concentrate the mind.
- This is the perfect system. Anyone who is thinking of Krsna always within himself is a first-class yogi. If you want perfection in yoga, don't be satisfied only by practicing codes. You have to go further.
The Practical Process of Remembrance
Controlling the mind is notoriously difficult, and meditating on something void or formless is unnatural for the living entity. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the practical method to achieve this perfect meditation is by utilizing the tongue to vibrate the holy names, which effortlessly draws the mind to Kṛṣṇa.
- If we always chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, we will always remember Krsna, and immediately the form of Krsna will be awakened within our hearts. The process of always thinking of Krsna is the process of Krsna consciousness.
- Krsna says, "You simply always think of Me, Hare Krsna." Not difficult. Krsna has given you the tongue. Every one of you can chant Hare Krsna. You have no expenditure, but great gain.
- Always thinking of Krsna means chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, but unless one is an initiated devotee he cannot do this. As soon as one becomes a devotee, he engages in Deity worship - mad-yaji.
- We have to prepare our mind in such a way that we should always think of Krsna. Then that is meditation, real meditation. And practical. There is no use thinking of something void. That you cannot concentrate. That is not practical.
Protection from Material Danger
The material world is a place of constant anxiety and vulnerability. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by expertly managing to keep the mind fixed on the Supreme Lord, a devotee transcends the dualities of pious and impious activities and finds absolute safety from the miseries of conditional life.
- A devotee should expertly manage to think always of the Supreme Lord so that the reactions of suffering cannot touch him. This is the expert management of papa-punya - pious and impious activities.
- If you think of Krsna, or God, always, immediately you'll be freed from the conflagration of the blazing fire. And as soon as this blazing fire of material existence is extinguished, immediately you come to the platform of blissfulness.
- One should think always in danger without Krsna. This is the first step. And by taking shelter of Krsna's lotus feet, one should always feel safe.
- Always think of Krsna, then there is no question of falling down. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru (BG 18.65). These four things, if strictly done, he is safe. Always think of Krsna, become His devotee, offer Him obeisances and worship Him.
The Ultimate Destination
Whatever state of being one remembers when quitting the body, that state one will attain without fail. Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that the entire process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is designed to train the mind for that final, critical moment, ensuring the soul's successful promotion to the spiritual sky.
- This is Krsna consciousness: how to train the mind to die thinking of Krsna. Then your life is successful. Therefore we have to chant Hare Krsna, always think of Krsna.
- If we always think of Krsna or become fully Krsna conscious, we can be promoted to the planet of Goloka Vrndavana, where Krsna eternally lives.
- Sada tad-bhava-bhavitah: (BG 8.6) if we always think of Krsna, there is a chance that we shall remember Krsna at the end of life (ante narayana-smrtih) (SB 2.1.6).
- Always think of Me (Krsna) and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend (BG 18.65).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda perfectly distills the vast science of yoga into the sublime instruction of Lord Kṛṣṇa: always think of Him. The wandering mind, naturally prone to the anxieties and flickering desires of the material world, can only find true peace when anchored to the Absolute Truth. Through the practical engagements of chanting the holy names and rendering devotional service, the abstract concept of meditation becomes a dynamic, twenty-four-hour reality. By adopting this topmost yoga system, a devotee is completely insulated from the dangerous effects of material contamination. Ultimately, a life spent always thinking of Kṛṣṇa guarantees that at the critical moment of death, the mind will naturally rest upon the Lord's lotus feet, securing the soul's eternal return to the spiritual world of Goloka Vṛndāvana.
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 Always Thinking of Krsna. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.