Aversion - The Root Disease of the Conditioned Soul
The material world is a realm defined by dualities, where the conditioned soul is constantly pushed and pulled by the forces of attachment and aversion. However, the most dangerous form of aversion is not directed toward a material object, but toward the Supreme Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda intricately analyze this spiritual disease, explaining how our innate rebellion against God keeps us bound to suffering, and how the practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness cures this aversion, leading to perfect transcendental equanimity.
The Root Cause of Material Existence
It is the constitutional, natural position of every living entity to render loving service to the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that material existence begins the moment the soul misuses its minute independence and develops an aversion to this subordinate position. This rebellious attitude forces the living entity into the material world, where they desperately try to act as the supreme enjoyer, suffering immensely in the process.
- To be obedient to the wishes of the Supreme Lord is the natural position of every living entity. But due only to past misdeeds, a living being becomes averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord and suffers all the miseries of material existence.
- The marginal jiva, or living entity, misuses his independence and becomes averse to the eternal service attitude when he independently thinks he is not energy but the energetic.
- The leaders must know that the real disease of the people in general is their aversion to serve the almighty Godhead, Visnu.
- In human society, aversion to the principles of understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the cause of all falldowns. That is the greatest offense of human life.
Condemned by Independence
This aversion to God is not a victimless crime; it carries severe spiritual consequences. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that regardless of one's material qualifications—whether one is a highly educated scholar, a powerful mystic sage, or a strict follower of brahminical rules—if one remains averse to Kṛṣṇa, they are fundamentally rejected. Yamarāja, the lord of death, specifically targets such individuals for punishment.
- If one is averse to the service of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then, even though he's a qualified brahmin, even though he's the most intellectual person, he is rejected.
- If a brahmana has all twelve of the brahminical qualifications but is not a devotee and is averse to the lotus feet of the Lord, he is certainly lower than a devotee who is a dog-eater but who has dedicated everything to the Supreme Lord.
- This verse (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.9.10) particularly mentions that even sages who are averse to the principles of devotional service to the Lord are also condemned to undergo the terms of material existence.
- My dear servants, bring to me for punishment only persons who are averse to the taste of that honey, who do not associate with paramahamsas and who are attached to family life and worldly enjoyment, which form the path to hell.
Transcending Material Dualities
While the conditioned soul suffers from an aversion to God, they are simultaneously plagued by the psychological dualities of material attachment and material aversion (rāga and dveṣa). The mind constantly desires what feels good and hates what feels bad. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a true transcendentalist must conquer both. By following regulative principles and focusing on Kṛṣṇa, a devotee achieves perfect equanimity.
- There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion pertaining to the senses and their objects. One should not come under the control of such attachment and aversion, because they are stumbling blocks on the path of self-realization.
- Equanimity, refers to freedom from attachment and aversion. To be very much attached or to be very much detached is not the best. This material world should be accepted without attachment or aversion.
- One who can control his senses by practicing the regulated principles of freedom can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord and thus become free from all attachment and aversion.
- One who (a human being) is sober, who knows the laws of nature, and who is not influenced by unnecessary attachment or aversion is sure to be recognized by the Lord and thus become eligible to go back to Godhead, back to the eternal home.
Aversion to Sense Gratification
When a person actually tastes the nectar of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, their material desires naturally wither away. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a sign of true spiritual advancement is a spontaneous, healthy aversion to mundane sense gratification, useless faultfinding, and the materialistic association of family and wealth. This is the hallmark of a pure devotee and a truly qualified brāhmaṇa.
- One who attains the perfection of existence is completely averse to material enjoyment and engrossed in transcendental love of Godhead.
- In Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna says that all the Vedas are meant for understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is especially mentioned here (in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.22.2) that brahmanas are full of mystic power and are completely averse to sense gratification.
- Srimat Prabodhananda Sarasvati writes in his Caitanya-candramrta that when influenced by Lord Caitanya’s Krsna consciousness movement, materialists become averse to talking about their wives and children.
- The Blessed Lord said: Renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion and freedom from covetousness; gentleness-these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our experience of suffering or liberation entirely depends on where we direct our aversions and attachments. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us that holding onto a rebellious aversion to the Supreme Lord is a fatal spiritual disease that guarantees continuous punishment in the material world. However, by embracing the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, we can completely clear away this diseased mentality. By replacing our aversion to God with loving devotion, we naturally develop a healthy detachment from material sense gratification, ultimately qualifying ourselves to return to our eternal, spiritual home.
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 Aversion. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.