Following the Principles of Devotional Service to God - The Science of Sādhana-Bhakti
Many people mistakenly believe that spiritual life is merely a matter of sentiment or abstract philosophy. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a practical, applied science. To cure the material disease and awaken our dormant love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one must engage in sādhana-bhakti—the strict execution of the regulative principles of devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master.
The Foundation: Vaidhī-Bhakti
When a conditioned soul first comes to spiritual life, they generally do not have spontaneous love for Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, they must practice vaidhī-bhakti—performing devotional service simply because it is ordered by the scriptures and the spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that there is no question of refusal; this strict regulation is the necessary medicine to cleanse the dirty heart.
- One has to follow these different regulative principles by the order of the spiritual master or on the strength of authoritative scriptures, and there can be no question of refusal. That is called vaidhi, or regulated.
- To practice the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga one should, under the guidance of spiritual master, follow certain principles: one should rise early in the morning, take bath, enter the temple and offer prayers and chant Hare Krsna.
- Those who are full of dirty things can take to the line of Krsna consciousness for a gradual cleansing process, following the regulative principles of devotional service.
- After initiation, when one follows the regulative principles of devotional service, one becomes freed from all unwanted things. In this way one becomes firmly fixed and gradually develops a taste for devotional service.
The Principles of Devotional Service
What exactly are these rules? Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī outlined sixty-four regulative principles of devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights the most fundamental ones, beginning with surrender to a spiritual master and encompassing every aspect of daily life, from what we eat to where we live. Furthermore, devotees must strictly avoid the four pillars of sinful life: meat-eating, illicit sex, intoxication, and gambling.
- The sixty-four regulative principles (of devotional service) are as follows: (1) To accept a bona fide spiritual master. (2) To become initiated by the spiritual master. (3) To engage oneself in the service of the spiritual master.
- The sixty-four regulative principles (of devotional service) are as follows: (4) To receive instructions from the spiritual master and inquire about advancing on the path of devotional service.
- The sixty-four regulative principles (of devotional service) are as follows: (8) To minimize one's means of living as much as one can, while living comfortably to execute devotional service.
- They should completely follow the principles of devotional service and remain free from illicit sex, gambling, intoxication and animal slaughter.
The Attitude for Success
Following rules mechanically is not enough; the internal attitude of the practitioner is vital. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that a devotee must be enthusiastic, patient, and firmly convinced (āśā-bandha) that Kṛṣṇa will eventually grant them success. One must not become discouraged by apparent setbacks, for Kṛṣṇa is observing the sincere effort of the devotee.
- Rupa Goswami has recommended that for enhancing this spirit of devotional service one should be very enthusiastic, one should be patient, one should be firmly convinced, one should follow the regulative principles rigidly.
- Being enthusiastic, being confident, being patient, giving up the association of unwanted persons, following the regulative principles and remaining in the association of devotees - one is sure to advance in devotional service.
- Asa-bandha means to continue to think, "Because I'm trying my best to follow the routine principles of devotional service, I am sure that I will go back to Godhead, back to home."
- The devotee should patiently follow the rules and regulations of devotional service so that the day will come when he will achieve, all of a sudden, all the perfection of devotional service. He should not lament for any loss or any reverse.
Awakening Spontaneous Love (Rāgānugā-Bhakti)
If one strictly follows the regulative principles with patience and enthusiasm, the ultimate goal is guaranteed. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the mechanical practice of vaidhī-bhakti eventually transforms into rāgānugā-bhakti—spontaneous, unalloyed love of God. At this advanced stage, the devotee serves Kṛṣṇa out of pure, natural affection, completely free from material motives.
- To attain the stage of transcendental love of Godhead, regulative principles of devotional service must be followed.
- Another part of sadhana-bhakti is called raganuga. Raganuga refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Krsna and executes devotional service out of natural love.
- One who follows the principles of love in devotional service attains to the supreme abode, the highest planet in the spiritual world known as Krsnaloka or Goloka Vrndavana.
- Whoever follows the principles of devotional service with attachment and follows a particular devotee of Vrajabhumi certainly attains the highest perfection of love of Godhead in that spirit.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda guarantees that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so powerful that even the most fallen individuals can be transformed into topmost Vaiṣṇavas if they simply agree to follow the regulative principles. By taking shelter of the spiritual master, avoiding sinful activities, and keeping the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra at the center of our lives, we will surely achieve the ultimate perfection of seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face.
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 Following the Principles of Devotional Service to God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.