Fixed Determination to Preach - What the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement Must
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a mission of great responsibility that requires absolute dedication from its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that for this movement to thrive and save human society, it must be conducted with deep philosophical understanding, internal purity, and a spirit of unstoppable preaching. It is an all-pervading effort that must be pushed forward by the mercy of Lord Caitanya, requiring its soldiers to remain alert and fully committed to their spiritual duty.
The Vital Necessity of Scriptural Study
A foundational requirement for the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the consistent study of its core literatures. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that if devotees fail to read the translated works like Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā, they will eventually lose their spiritual focus and fall down to a mundane level of existence. Understanding the mission of Kṛṣṇa and Lord Caitanya is essential; without this knowledge, a member is considered foolish and unable to represent the paramparā correctly. The movement must therefore be a platform for serious students to grasp the science of devotional service.
- All the devotees connected with the Krsna consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (the Caitanya-caritamrita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position.
- One who represents someone else must fully know that person's mission. The devotees in the Krsna consciousness movement must therefore be fully aware of the mission of Krsna and Lord Caitanya; otherwise they will be considered foolish.
- Those who are preaching this Krsna consciousness movement must try to understand Krsna from the statements given in the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.
Unstoppable Preaching and Traveling
The primary activity of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the unrestricted preaching of the holy names. Śrīla Prabhupāda directs that the movement must run on an extensive system of traveling and preaching, challenging the misconceptions of the modern world. Preachers must possess a fixed determination (dṛḍha-vrata) to push the saṅkīrtana movement forward, regardless of obstacles or opposition. This spirit of constant movement and propagation ensures that the life-giving message of the cult of Vṛndāvana reaches every corner of the world.
- I (Prabhupada) am making many Sannyasis here in America, and I am convinced that our movement must run on this extensive traveling and preaching system.
- The only purpose of the preachers of the sankirtana movement must be to go on preaching without restriction. That is the way in which Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced this sankirtana movement to the world.
- The sankirtana movement must go on. Despite all obstacles put before us, it must go on. That is determination. Bhajante mam drdha-vratah.
- We should train our disciples as well as ourselves in such a spirit that even if the whole world is against us, which is impossible to happen, the Sankirtana Movement must be pushed on without any reference to archeological evidence.
Internal Purity and Regulative Principles
To see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face, members of the movement must adhere to strict principles of purity. Chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and maintaining internal and external cleanliness are non-negotiable mandates. The movement must remain a challenge to those who seek superficial spirituality, requiring a voluntary desire to excel in devotional service. Furthermore, devotees must be alert to defy "bogus propaganda" and pseudo-spiritualists who mislead society, keeping the movement healthy through rigid adherence to the truth.
- The members of the Krsna consciousness movement must always follow this principle (bahyabhyantarah sucih). Then it will one day be possible to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult is based upon the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra. Lord Caitanya first advised Tapana Misra to fix his mind on this chanting. We, the members of the Krsna consciousness movement, must strictly follow this advice of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Krishna Consciousness movement must be always a challenge, a great achievement to be gained by voluntary desire to do it, and that will keep it healthy.
- The bogus propaganda put out by people claiming to be God has killed God consciousness all over the world. Members of the Krsna consciousness movement must be very alert to defy these rascals, who are presently misleading the whole world.
A Duty Founded on Cooperation and Mercy
The spread of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a sacred duty (kāryam) performed for the benefit of all human society. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this duty must be carried out in a spirit of cooperation and by the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Following the tradition of Lord Caitanya, the movement must include the distribution of prasāda after kīrtana. By acting as responsible soldiers and maintaining enthusiasm and strength, the members ensure that the movement becomes as all-pervading as Kṛṣṇa Himself, providing the only real hope for a suffering world.
- Karyam means "It is my duty." That is real sannyasa. "Krsna wants that this Krsna consciousness movement must be spread. So this is my karyam. This is my duty. And the direction is my spiritual master. So I must do it." This is sannyasa.
- On principle, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would distribute prasadam at the end of kirtana performances. Similarly, the members of the Krsna consciousness movement must distribute some prasadam to the audience after performing kirtana.
- We must run the Society on cooperation.
- Even a little of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy serves as a great asset for spiritual advancement. Therefore the Krsna consciousness movement must be spread through the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda leaves no room for complacency in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. It must be a dynamic, philosophically sound, and purificatory force that reaches every part of society. By reading the books, preaching without restriction, and maintaining the highest standards of character, the devotees fulfill their great responsibility to the world. The movement is not merely a social club but a serious commitment to the mission of Lord Caitanya, requiring a heart full of conviction and a life dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa.
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