Based on the Principles - The Foundation of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Every system of thought, whether political, social, or spiritual, rests upon a core set of axioms. Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings intricately analyze the principles governing human existence, exposing the futility of a life built on sense gratification. By highlighting the eternal tenets found in the Bhagavad-gītā and the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śrīla Prabhupāda provides the authorized foundation upon which any sincere soul can build a successful, liberated life in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Illusion of Material Civilization
Material life is characterized by a frantic struggle for survival and temporary enjoyment. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that any civilization based on the principles of sleep, sex, and economic development is fundamentally flawed because it ignores the eternal soul. Guided by lust (kāma) and the illusion of "I and mine," such a society remains trapped in misery.
- The present human civilization is primarily based on the principles of sleeping and sex indulgence at night and earning money in the day and spending the same for family maintenance.
- Such a form of human civilization (based on the principles of sleeping and sex indulgence at night and earning money in the day and spending the same for family maintenance) is condemned by the Bhagavata school.
- All the thoughts which I have concocted, based on the principle of "I" and "my," this is all illusion. So one, when one is intelligent to get out of the illusion, he surrenders to a spiritual master.
- The Sanskrit word kama is used to indicate lust, desire or sense satisfaction. Sri Krsna instructs that we should not work for the satisfaction of kama or our own lust. The whole teaching of Bhagavad-gita is based on this principle.
The Foundation of Vedic Knowledge
To escape the illusion of material existence, one must turn to the authentic Vedic system. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that all genuine spiritual knowledge is based on the principle of receiving information from a bona fide spiritual master. This descending process of knowledge ultimately aims at understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the pure teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā.
- All Vedic knowledge is based on the principle that one must approach a bona fide spiritual master and hear from him the authoritative statements of the Vedas.
- The whole system of Vedic knowledge is based on this principle (understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead), but people have lost the clue (na te viduh svartha-gatim hi visnum) - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.31.
- The Lord (Krsna) admitted Arjuna to be His devotee and friend (Bhagavad-Gita 4.3), and therefore any sane man can guess that the discussion was on the topic of the bhakti-yoga system. Actually the whole Bhagavad-gita is based on the principle of bhakti-yoga.
- Our Krsna Consciousness Movement is based on the principles of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, without malinterpretation.
Practical Principles of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is not a fabricated religion but a practical application of eternal truths. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the movement is based on the principles of the saṅkīrtana movement inaugurated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This involves the direct, joyful engagement of the senses, particularly the tongue, in chanting the holy names and honoring spiritual food.
- The entire Krsna consciousness movement is based on the principles of the sankirtana movement inaugurated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau: One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krsna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krsna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name.
- The Krsna consciousness movement is based on this principle: chant the Hare Krsna mantra at every moment, as much as possible, both inside and outside of the temples, and, as far as possible, distribute prasada.
- Whatever we are preaching now, it is based on the principles laid down by the Gosvamis.
The Path of Devotional Service
Living a life based on spiritual principles does not necessarily require abandoning one's social position or retreating to the forest. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that true liberation is based on the principle of fully engaging one's body, mind, and words in the service of the Lord. By doing so under the guidance of the previous ācāryas, a devotee achieves perfection in any situation.
- One who engages in the transcendental service of the Lord in body, mind and words is to be considered liberated in all conditions of material existence. (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.2.187) The Krsna consciousness movement is based on this principle.
- So our Krsna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We do not request anyone to become a sannyasi or give up home and go to Himalaya and practice hatha-yoga. No. Our principle is that in whatever condition you are, you remain there.
- The Krsna Consciousness movement is based on this principle. Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has sung, "My dear Lord, let me be engaged in Your transcendental loving service, as indicated by the previous acaryas, and let me live in the association of pure devotees."
- Krsna consciousness movement is based on the principle that one should become as perfect as possible in devotional service oneself and also preach the cult for others’ benefit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the principles upon which we base our lives is the most critical task for any human being. Śrīla Prabhupāda masterfully demonstrates that abandoning the degrading principles of sense gratification and adopting the pure principles of bhakti-yoga is the only path to true liberation. By basing our daily activities on the instructions of the Bhagavad-gītā, accepting the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master, and actively participating in the saṅkīrtana movement, we align ourselves with the eternal, joyful reality of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 Based on the Principles. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.