Blade of Grass - Metaphors of Humility and Supreme Control
Vedic literature often uses elements of nature to convey profound spiritual truths. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the seemingly insignificant blade of grass perfectly illustrates both the absolute omnipotence of the Supreme Lord and the deep humility required to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Supreme Will of the Lord
The material energy operates entirely under the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that atheists may falsely claim independence, but the reality is that the Lord's sanction is so absolute that not even the smallest element of nature can move without His will.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is called the supreme will. It is by the supreme will that everything is happening. It is said, therefore, that not a blade of grass moves without the supreme will.
- Krsna is the supreme controller also because the Paramatma feature of Lord Krsna destines all actions and reactions. Without His sanction not a blade of grass can move.
- All the wonderful cosmic manifestations are existing by the supreme will of God, and all of them are subordinate to that supreme will. As we generally say, not a blade of grass moves without the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- It is generally said that not a blade of grass moves without God's sanction. Similarly, we cannot do anything without the supervision of a superior authority.
The Standard of Humility
To counteract the false pride of material existence, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu provided the ultimate formula for peaceful spiritual life. Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly stresses that without developing a humble state of mind, lower than a blade of grass, one cannot steadily chant the holy names.
- One who thinks himself lower than grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.
- Do not be agitated with the criticism of your friends because Caitanya Mahaprabhu said that one should be humbler that a blade of grass and should be more tolerant than a tree for chanting Hare Krishna Mantra.
- I know you are always experiencing difficulties in living with devotees, but we must be tolerant and endure the personal differences, being humbler than a blade of grass, and stick to our duties to the spiritual master.
- We must be tolerant like the tree and humble like the blade of grass. Such persons can chant the Hare Krishna mantra and preach. In Bombay we are undergoing so many tribulations. What can be done?
A Humble Position in Vṛndāvana
In the highest realms of devotional service, great souls do not desire majestic positions. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that exalted personalities actually pray to take birth as insignificant blades of grass in the holy land of Vṛndāvana just to attain the mercy of Kṛṣṇa's pure devotees.
- Brahma said, "If I am given the chance to grow as a humble blade of grass in this land (of Vrndavana), that would be a glorious birth for me."
- Observing the unalloyed devotion and love of the gopis for Krsna, Uddhava desired to become a creeper, a blade of grass or an herb in Vrndavana so that sometimes the gopis would trample him and he would receive the dust of their lotus feet on his head.
- In India there is a system to become humble. If you take one blade of grass in your, between your lips and approach somebody, it is to be understood that you are approaching with great humbleness.
- Akrura began to think, "Just as a blade of grass floating on the waves of a river may by chance come near the shore and gain shelter, a conditioned soul carried away by the waves of material existence may sometimes be saved by the grace of Krsna."
The Omnipotence of the Lord
The Supreme Lord is entirely independent of material laws. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord's power is so complete that He can use a fragile blade of grass as an invincible weapon, or destroy massive, terrifying demons with the same ease that a child snaps a blade of grass.
- Because He (Balarama) is omnipotent He can act as He likes, without being obliged to follow the material laws and principles. Thus it was possible for Him to kill Romaharsana Suta simply by striking him with a blade of kusa grass.
- Considering these points (because of His (Balarama's) position as an incarnation, the reestablishment of religious principles was His prime duty), He killed Romaharsana Suta simply by striking him with a kusa straw, which was nothing but a blade of grass.
- If someone questions how Lord Balarama could kill Romaharsana Suta simply by striking him with a blade of kusa grass, the answer is given in Srimad-Bhagavatam by the use of the word prabhu ("master").
- In the presence of all the cowherd boys Krsna very easily bifurcated him (Bakasura), as a child splits a blade of virana grass. By thus killing the demon, Krsna very much pleased the denizens of heaven.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that the simple blade of grass is a profound vehicle for understanding the Absolute Truth. On one hand, it strips away the illusion of material independence, reminding us that without the sanction of the Supreme Lord, not even a blade of grass can flutter in the wind. On the other hand, it serves as the ultimate benchmark for a devotee's character. By abandoning false prestige and striving to become humbler than a blade of grass, a sincere practitioner inoculates themselves against the harsh criticisms and tribulations of this world, making their constant chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra effortless. Following the exalted examples of Lord Brahmā and Uddhava, the pure devotee does not seek to be a towering figure of power, but rather a humble servant, eager to receive the dust of the lotus feet of those who truly love the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Blade Of Grass. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.