Cleansing the Heart - Contamination of a Devotee of God
Living in the material world is inherently contaminating, even for those on the spiritual path. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that a devotee must be constantly vigilant against the influence of the modes of nature. However, unlike the karmī, a devotee has the means to purify this contamination through the process of bhakti-yoga. By viewing distress as mercy and strictly following the regulative principles, a devotee gradually becomes immune to the infectious nature of material existence.
Distress as the Lord's Mercy
A unique characteristic of a devotee is the ability to see the hand of God in suffering. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a devotee faces distress, they understand it as a cleansing process orchestrated by the Lord. Rather than complaining, the devotee accepts these difficulties as a "great favor," realizing that the Lord is removing their attachment to the material world to prepare them for returning home.
- A devotee regards distress as a great favor of the Lord because he understands that he is being cleansed of contamination. Tesam aham samuddharta mrtyu-samsara-sagarat.
- Learned devotees accept even conditions of distress as representing the presence of the Supreme Lord. When a devotee is in distress, he sees that the Lord has appeared as distress just to relieve or purify the devotee from the contamination of the material world.
- The atheist, therefore, understands the presence of God as death, but the devotee understands the presence of God always within his heart, takes dictation from You and lives transcendentally, unaffected by the contamination of the material world.
The Influence of Association
Contamination often enters through association. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of Kṛtavarmā to illustrate that even a devotee can be compromised by intimate contact with sinful persons. Conversely, associating with pure devotees purifies one of bad habits like smoking or intoxication. Therefore, saṅga-tyāga, or the rejection of bad association, is essential for maintaining purity.
- Krtavarma was a devotee, but because of his intimate association with Kamsa, he was contaminated by sinful reactions, and he also joined the conspiracy.
- Just like here we can see, somebody cannot live without smoking. It is practical. But none of our devotees smoke. So it is possible. Because a devotee is associating with the devotees, therefore he is acquiring the quality by association, contamination.
- These practices (sańga-tyaga etc.) greatly help the devotee remain fixed on the path of Devotional Service & avoid the tendency to enjoy temporary, material things. Thus the activities of a devotee remain always pure and without any contamination of the material world.
Purification Through Temple Worship
To counter the deep-rooted "abominable habits" from previous lives, Śrīla Prabhupāda established the system of Deity worship (arcana). Engaging in temple activities and strictly following regulative principles (such as restricted sex life) act as a rapid detoxification for the consciousness. Hearing about the Lord's activities also cleanses the heart, making the devotee's original position manifest.
- Generally a devotee is addicted to many abominable material habits due to material contamination from his previous life. In order to get quick relief from all these contaminations, it is required that one engage in the worship of the Lord in the temple.
- Devotees are merciful because they spare the poor animals, and they are clean because they are free of contamination from unwanted foodstuff and unwanted habits. Austerity is represented by restricted sex life.
- Simply by hearing of the powerful activities of the Lord, the devotee's heart becomes almost completely cleansed of material contamination, and thus his original position as an eternal servant who is part and parcel of the Lord becomes manifest.
Transcendental Immunity
Ultimately, a pure devotee becomes immune to contamination. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that just as God cannot be contaminated, His pure devotee, being fully surrendered, shares in this quality. Although physically situated in the material world, a liberated soul is not "of" the material world. This immunity is achieved when one is completely detached and ready to execute the order of Kṛṣṇa without personal motivation.
- As soon as devotees are engaged in devotional service, they become transcendental to all material contamination immediately.
- Then we understand, "Oh, here is actually a pure devotee." A pure devotee cannot be contaminated, just like God cannot be contaminated. But we are part and parcel, a small God.
- That pure spiritual conception makes him (pure devotee) immune to all contamination of material association. The pure devotee never forgets the touch of the Lord in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that while contamination is a constant threat in the material world, the devotee is protected by the armor of devotional service. By accepting distress as mercy, avoiding bad association, and engaging in the worship of the Lord, one washes away the dirt of many lifetimes. As Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura sings, the goal is to be purified of all material desires and receive the mercy of Lord Nityānanda.
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 Contamination of a Devotee of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.