Prabhupāda Promises His Disciples Perfection If They Stick To Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
A central pillar of the guidance provided by Śrīla Prabhupāda to his followers was the absolute necessity of maintaining steadiness in their devotional practices. He constantly reminded his disciples of the glorious results that awaited them if they simply remained fixed in their spiritual commitments. By strictly adhering to the regulative principles, performing their daily duties without whimsical changes, and trusting the authorized paramparā, he assured them that the ultimate perfection of returning back to Godhead was absolutely guaranteed.
Adhering to the Regulative Principles
The entire foundation of the spiritual movement rests upon strict adherence to daily disciplines. A firm directive was frequently issued by Śrīla Prabhupāda that all members, especially leaders, must stick to chanting sixteen rounds of the mahā-mantra and following the four regulative principles without compromise. He promised that by sticking to these simple but profound rules, the disciple would automatically be blessed by the Supersoul from within and receive all the necessary intelligence to advance.
- All-auspiciousness means go back to home, back to Godhead. So if we stick to pure devotional service, follow the rules and regulations, chant sixteen rounds, be engaged always in the service of the Lord, then ultimate gain is that tyaktva deham...
- I am so pleased that you are chanting the Hare Krsna mantra 16 rounds regularly and following the principles. Stick to these rules and regulations and Krsna will bless you with Krsna consciousness.
- The most important point is that everyone, especially the leaders, must always stick to the basic regulative practices that I have given, especially 16 rounds each day. So, now what can be done?
- Please stick to this chanting process, sincerely, without any offense, and everything will be all right with you.
Steadiness in Duty and Location
The restless nature of the conditioned mind often tempts a neophyte to constantly change their location or type of service. A grave warning against this tendency was given by Śrīla Prabhupāda, who emphasized that true occupational duty means finding an engagement and seeing it through to completion. He urged his disciples not to become agitated by temporary difficulties, but to stick to one temple or project and develop it patiently, trusting that Kṛṣṇa would supply all necessary resources.
- Do not think of changing the place. Stick to that place and chant Hare Krsna. Krsna will send more men, rest assured. Devotees may come or not come, but you do your duty.
- In the last year you have changed your engagement so many times, it is not good, better to stick to something and complete it than constantly changing.
- My idea is that the leaders must agree to stick at one place, even they may have to remain their life-long, that is the ideal leader, one who is conscious of his duty.
- Occupational duty means to stick with one type of occupation which is just suitable for me, considering that it is my duty, therefore I am throughout my life obligated to perform it to the best of my ability.
Conquering the Illusory Energy
As long as a soul remains in the material world, the powerful influence of the three modes of nature will constantly attempt to drag them down. Complete protection from this danger was promised by Śrīla Prabhupāda, but only on the condition that the devotee tightly sticks to the process of devotional service. He explained that while māyā is insurmountable for an ordinary person, she will completely fail to attract someone who firmly sticks to their vow at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.
- If we stick to the principle of Krsna consciousness, maya will not be able to react upon us. Eventually maya will fail to attract you. She will fail. You will not fail.
- The strong hand of Maya is insurmountable as it is stated in the Bhagavad-gita. But if one sticks to Krsna consciousness with firmness, then he can easily surmount.
- Regarding your question of an initiated person falling prey to the maya, the answer is that so long we are in this material world, there is always chance of being spoiled by Maya, so we must stick with vow to the Lotus Feet of Krsna.
- We are being troubled by the three modes of material nature, but if we stick to our devotional service . . . it is not very difficult to follow the four regulative principles.
Maintaining the Standard of the Paramparā
In an age filled with bogus philosophies and manufactured spiritual methods, the pure path of devotion must be carefully protected. Strict adherence to the Vaiṣṇava standard was demanded by Śrīla Prabhupāda, who instructed his students to reject all unauthorized interpretations and focus entirely on the books and practices he had explicitly given them. By sticking to the foundational programs of kīrtana, preaching, and distributing prasādam, the absolute purity of the mission remains secure.
- We shall stick only to the Vaisnava standard set for us by the great acaryas and saintly persons, namely, the Hare Krsna mantra and other mantras which I have taught to you.
- If you stick to Krsna and hear from Him, you haven't got to hear from any rascal, any rascal. Then you will waste time. Don't hear from any rascal. Therefore we are presenting Bhagavad-gita As It Is - as it is, without any change.
- If we simply stick to this programme as I have done it since the beginning, namely, kirtana, preaching, kirtana, distribution of prasadam - if you do like this only that will be sufficient.
- We should increase our taste for hearing and chanting about Visnu, Krsna. That engagement you have fully in the Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. So stick to these two books, or Caitanya-caritamrta. Caitanya-caritamrta is still far advanced.
The Guarantee of Ultimate Perfection
The journey to pure love of Godhead often begins with clumsy steps and early mistakes. Immense encouragement was provided by Śrīla Prabhupāda, who lovingly assured his followers that initial falldowns are simply like those of a child learning to walk. He guaranteed that if a disciple simply sticks to the process, tolerates all impediments, and refuses to give up their service, Kṛṣṇa will eventually put them on the right path and elevate them to the highest stage of perfection.
- In the beginning there may be childlike falldown, but if you stick to the position, then one day you'll be able to walk freely, without any hamper.
- You may be imperfect in the beginning, but stick to it, and a time will come when you'll be perfect, Krsna conscious.
- Faith means that you are meant for giving some service to Krsna. You should stick to that service, that path, in spite of all impediments. That is the passing of test.
- Mistakes there may be in our life, but if we stick to Krsna consciousness, Krsna will surely put us on the right path.
Conclusion
By relentlessly emphasizing the principle of steadiness, a foolproof strategy for spiritual victory was delivered by Śrīla Prabhupāda to his society. He made it clear that achieving the ultimate goal of life does not require immediate, flawless perfection, but rather an unbreakable determination to stick to the authorized process. Through his deeply compassionate guidance, he empowered his followers to endure the trials of the material world and march steadily back to Godhead.
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 If We Stick To... (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.