Love is the Highest Perfection of a Devotee of God
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the standard of perfection for a Vaiṣṇava is completely different from that of ordinary religionists, fruitive workers, or mystic yogīs. A true devotee rejects all material ambitions and even the desire for impersonal liberation. Instead, their sole objective is to develop unalloyed, ecstatic love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a perfection attained strictly through loving service and surrender.
Beyond Material and Impersonal Goals
While many spiritual practitioners aim to merge into the existence of the Absolute, a pure devotee considers such liberation insignificant. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that engaging in the nine processes of devotional service yields a perfection far superior to the impersonal Brahman effulgence.
- The material perfections, even up to the point of liberation, are very insignificant in comparison; therefore the pure devotee is never interested in such things. His only interest is in perfecting his devotional service to the Lord.
- The Vaisnava schools therefore never try to merge into the Brahman effulgence in their pursuit of spiritual perfection. They accept Krsna as the ultimate goal of self realization.
- Devotional service of God involves 9 transcendental processes, such as hearing and chanting, by performing such easy and natural devotional services the devotees achieve the highest perfectional results, superior to merging into the existence of Brahman.
The Highest Perfection is Pure Love
The ultimate goal of human life is not to become God, but to love Him unconditionally. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that prema—pure, unadulterated love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa—is the highest perfection, situating the devotee eternally on the spiritual platform.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has recommended, prema pum-artho mahan: the highest perfection of life is prema, pure love in relationship with Krsna. And mother Yasoda appears to be the topmost of devotees who have attained this perfection.
- By thinking of Me (Krsna) constantly with love and affection, you (Devaki and Vasudeva) will achieve the highest perfection: returning home, back to Godhead - SB 10.3.45.
- The perfection of love of God by a devotee actually situates him on the spiritual platform.These things are made possible by the Lord's inscrutable and inconceivable energy, which material science has not the scope to calculate.
Following the Instructions of the Spiritual Master
Perfection in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not an independent pursuit; it requires expert guidance. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that if a disciple submissively executes the specific orders of a bona fide spiritual master, their success is absolutely guaranteed, regardless of their initial disqualifications.
- A spiritual master is expert in giving special instructions to each of his disciples, and if the disciple executes the order of the spiritual master, that is the way of his perfection.
- If you have got a bona fide spiritual master and if you simply follow the instruction, the perfection is guaranteed. Just like a perfect engineer and a neophyte working under his instruction, however foolish he may be, all his work is perfect.
- To perform devotional service means to follow in the footsteps of Radharani, and devotees in Vrndavana put themselves under the care of Radharani in order to achieve perfection in their devotional service.
Returning Home, Back to Godhead
The crowning achievement of a perfected devotee is the total cessation of material existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when a devotee satisfies the Supreme Lord through dedicated service, they are immediately transferred to the spiritual universe to engage in His eternal pastimes.
- A devotee who perfects his devotional service certainly goes back to Godhead without a doubt, so for him there is no question of birth or death.
- Every devotee, therefore, should be determined that in this life he will be able to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead and by that process go back home, back to Godhead. That is the perfection of the highest mission of life.
- After giving up the body, the devotee who becomes perfect in devotional service enters that particular universe where Lord Ramacandra or Lord Krsna is engaged in His pastimes.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully illustrates that the ultimate perfection for a devotee transcends all material opulences and even the much-sought-after impersonal liberation. For a pure Vaiṣṇava, merging into the Brahman effulgence is an insignificant goal compared to the sweetness of devotional service. The true zenith of spiritual existence is the awakening of prema—pure, unalloyed love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This exalted state is not achieved by independent mental speculation, but is practically guaranteed to anyone who strictly and submissively follows the instructions of a bona fide spiritual master. By engaging in the nine processes of bhakti and following in the footsteps of the Lord's eternal associates, the devotee successfully purifies their consciousness. Ultimately, this perfection guarantees that upon leaving the material body, the devotee will never take birth again, but will return back home, back to Godhead, to participate in the Lord's eternal, blissful pastimes.
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 Perfection of a Devotee 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.