Elevated Devotees of God - Humility and Transcendental Vision
True spiritual advancement is not measured by mystical powers or worldly prestige, but by the profound transformation of the heart. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that elevated devotees of the Supreme Lord are characterized by their deep humility, their ability to see God everywhere, and their unparalleled power to deliver fallen souls.
The Character of an Elevated Devotee
The greatest souls in the universe often view themselves as the most insignificant. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a pure, elevated devotee is entirely free from false prestige; possessing immense humility, they never advertise themselves as advanced, distinguishing them from materially motivated imitators.
- He (Prahlada Maharaja) is more than the demigod. He's so elevated, but still, he's personifying himself with the atheistic class, because he's born in that, from that father. That is humbleness.
- We should rather take it (out of his humility Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami refers himself lower than the bacteria in the stool) as evidence that out of humility a pure devotee never thinks he is elevated. He always thinks he is in the lowest status of spiritual life.
- Jhadu Thakura presented himself as someone who belonged to a low caste, but he was actually elevated above many persons born in brahmana families.
- The great scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam, compiled by Maha-muni Vyasadeva from four original verses, describes the most elevated and kindhearted devotees and completely rejects the cheating ways of materially motivated religiosity.
The Vision of the Mahātmās
Because their hearts are entirely absorbed in love, advanced devotees perceive reality differently than conditioned souls. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that highly elevated mahātmās constantly see the form of Kṛṣṇa within their hearts and recognize His presence in every aspect of the creation.
- The devotee who is highly elevated sees the relationship to Krsna in everything; he does not see anything as being independent of Krsna. That is his vision of oneness.
- Elevated mahatmas who have taken shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are fully satiated by the shade of those lotus feet. Their consciousness cannot possibly become attached to family members.
- Both Vidura and Uddhava were such elevated devotees (who can see Krsna in their hearts), and therefore they both came to the bank of the Yamuna and met each other.
- It is said in the Brahma-samhita that devotees, being elevated in love of God, always see Syamasundara, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, within their hearts. But when they are mature, the same God is visible before them face to face.
The Power of Association
The association of a pure devotee is the most valuable asset in the material world. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that rendering service to an elevated Vaiṣṇava acts as a spiritual touchstone, capable of instantly transforming even the most fallen individuals into perfect devotees.
- So that is the way of elevating oneself. In whatever condition one may be, if he is fortunate enough to associate with pure devotees, then very quickly he is elevated to the second-class or first-class platform.
- When a touchstone touches iron, it turns the iron to gold. Parvata Muni called Narada Muni a touchstone because by his touch the hunter, who was the lowest among men, became an elevated and perfect Vaisnava.
- It is said that service to a mahatma, or elevated devotee of the Lord, is dvaram ahur vimukteh, the royal road of liberation.
- One should approach a Krsna conscious person with all humility and put relevant questions to him. If one goes to challenge him, such a highly elevated Krsna conscious person would not be available for any service.
The Ultimate Destination
The perfection of an elevated devotee guarantees eternal liberation. Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that unlike materialists who may temporarily reach heavenly planets only to fall back down, pure devotees are permanently elevated to the spiritual sky, completely satisfied in the Lord's service.
- A devotee in Krsna consciousness, although far away from the Lord's abode, can elevate himself to that abode simply by thinking of Him constantly-by engagement in Krsna consciousness.
- Those who are devotees of Lord Krsna are immediately elevated to the Goloka Vrndavana planet.
- The distinction between the elevated position of a devotee and that of an ordinary person attracted to fruitive activities is that when a devotee is elevated to the spiritual kingdom he never falls down.
- If one takes shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or is elevated to the supreme state of love of Godhead, he has nothing more to aspire to. Although such devotees can attain whatever they desire from the Lord, they do not ask anything from Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully defines the true nature of the elevated devotees of God. They are not distinguished by superficial designations, immense wealth, or mystic powers, but by their staggering humility and unalloyed love. A pure Vaiṣṇava, even when recognized as the most advanced, consistently identifies as the lowest, completely rejecting the false pride that plagues materially motivated religionists. Because their hearts are thoroughly cleansed, these mahātmās possess an unbroken, transcendental vision, constantly seeing the beautiful form of Śyāmasundara within their hearts and perfectly perceiving Kṛṣṇa's energy in everything around them. The supreme mercy of the Lord is distributed through their association. Acting as a spiritual touchstone, a highly elevated devotee can effortlessly transform the most fallen, sinful person into a perfect Vaiṣṇava simply by allowing them to render service. Ultimately, the position of an elevated devotee is eternally secure. While those pursuing fruitive activities may temporarily ascend to the highest material planets only to fall back down, the pure devotees, who desire absolutely nothing from the Lord, are permanently elevated to Goloka Vṛndāvana, where they reside in everlasting, blissful service.
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 Elevated Devotees of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.