First We Must Become Good Men, Then We Can Understand God
This article explores the concept of morality and true character as presented in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda. Throughout human society, immense value is placed on being a good, ethical, and contributing member of the community. While basic morality is required for a peaceful existence, Vedic wisdom explains that material goodness is not the ultimate goal. True, uncontaminated goodness can only be achieved when one connects their consciousness with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Material vs. Spiritual Goodness
In the material world, individuals are often judged as good or bad based on mundane moral standards. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that materialistic goodness, such as nationalism or philanthropy, can actually hinder spiritual progress because it keeps the soul bound to bodily identification. True goodness means acting on behalf of the Supreme Lord. If one does not strive to understand and serve God, their so-called good activities remain imperfect and temporary.
- First we must become good men; then we can understand God. God is all good, and if we don't become good we cannot understand Him.
- In the material world, even if one is a philanthropist, a nationalist and a good man according to materialistic estimations, these conceptions of life form a hindrance to spiritual advancement.
- The so-called good men of this world, who are engaged in so many welfare activities, humanitarian activities, by mental concoction, they may be all foolish activities in the estimation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Our business is not in the estimation of this material world to become a good man. Our estimation is how Krsna will accept me as good man, that's all. We don't care for this world. Just like gopis, they left their husbands.
The Pillars of Good Character
To even approach the platform of understanding God, one must first adopt the mode of goodness by regulating their habits. Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly defines that a good man observes the four regulative principles: no illicit sex, no meat-eating, no intoxication, and no gambling. Without abandoning these four pillars of sinful life, theoretical knowledge of scriptures is practically useless.
- If you want to become very good man, then you have to follow these regulative principles: no illicit sex life, no meat-eating, no intoxication, no gambling. These are the four pillars of sinful life.
- If anyone observes these four principles, he is considered a good man, and if he does not observe them, he is a bad man. So good men will take to this Krsna consciousness movement, and bad men will not.
- There are good men and bad men, and good men are taking to this movement because it is a good movement. "Good" means not having illicit sex, not eating meat, not indulging in intoxication and not indulging in gambling.
- One who is not prepared to practice injunctions prescribed in the sastras cannot be a good man simply by book knowledge.
The True Good Man is a Devotee
Ultimately, a person cannot possess genuine, lasting good qualities unless they are situated on the Vaiṣṇava platform. Because the Supreme Lord is the reservoir of all perfection, anyone who surrenders to Him automatically develops those exact same divine qualities. Even if a person comes from a degraded background, the purifying process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness swiftly transforms them into the best and most honorable person in society.
- Unless one is brought to the Vaisnava platform, one cannot be a good man. Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-gunah.
- It is a fact that whoever takes to Krsna consciousness does not have to endeavor independently to become a good man. All the good qualifications will automatically come.
- Everyone who will come to this Krsna consciousness will become good man, even he's a bad man. That is the influence of Krsna consciousness. Sarvair gunaih tatra samasate surah - SB 5.18.12.
- A devotee is naturally very good man, but when he acts just like a bad man on behalf of Krsna, he does not fall down. He still remains a pure devotee.
Transcending Material Duality
In the absolute sense, both "good" and "bad" are material designations that bind the soul to the relative world of duality. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that a sincere seeker must transcend the desire to simply be known as a good man of this world. The perfection of consciousness is to give up all such bodily designations and declare oneself exclusively as the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa.
- The sastra says that you should become free from becoming a good man or bad man. You must become a devotee. That is required. To become a good man of this world is not a very good qualification.
- One should not be attached to being a good man or a bad man in this material world.
- I am a good man, - "I am a bad man," both of them are designations. From spiritual point of view, there is no difference between good man and bad man.
- To be good man, this consciousness is, "I am very good man." Or to bad man, "I am very bad man." But if you become Krsna consciousness, "I am neither good man or bad man. I am Krsna's man." That's all. Finished. All business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that material morality is simply a stepping stone. While avoiding sinful activities creates the foundation for a peaceful life, identifying as a "good man" within the material world is ultimately an illusion. True goodness is synonymous with pure devotion. By giving up the dualities of mundane ethics and dedicating one's life to the loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a person effortlessly acquires all excellent qualities and becomes a perfect, eternal citizen of the spiritual world.
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 Good Men. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.