Prabhupāda Teaches His Disciples the Importance of Becoming Ideal Vaiṣṇavas
Throughout his teachings, Śrīla Prabhupāda places immense importance on his followers developing a flawless character to serve as a beacon for all of humanity. By strictly adhering to the regulative principles and demonstrating pure devotion, a practitioner gradually transforms into an ideal Vaiṣṇava. Such exemplary individuals are necessary to show the world the practical benefits of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Necessity of Ideal Character
The foundation of the spiritual movement relies on the pure behavior of its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that without producing men and women of ideal character, the society cannot effectively influence the public or enact genuine positive change. Thus, every student must strive to become a perfect gentleman or lady by fully absorbing themselves in the spiritual science.
- All our members, the members of the Krsna consciousness society, should be ideal. At least people may see that "Here is a class of men - ideal character, ideal behavior, spiritual advanced, and very frugal and very nice."
- We are endeavoring to create some ideal men, Krsna conscious men, their character, their behavior, their ideal aim of life. So those who have taken to Krsna consciousness seriously, they should be ideal men.
- If we are not ideal we cannot create others as ideal. Training is required for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes of social constitution. Persons who are not fit for being advanced by training are sudras or less than that.
- You have dedicated your life for Krsna and therefore you should be ideal. We are introducing Krsna consciousness movement for the harmony and good will of humanity. But if you are suffering from the very ills we are trying to remove, how can the people be influenced favorably.
Establishing Ideal Communities
To practically demonstrate this high standard of living, Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged the creation of rural communities centered on simple living and high thinking. By establishing places like New Vrindaban, the society provides an ideal environment where people can witness Vedic culture in action. These communities prove that humanity can live peacefully and happily simply by depending on nature and chanting the holy names.
- Here in New Vrindaban we are trying to establish an ideal life - plain living and advanced in Krsna consciousness. That is real business.
- Try your best to develop an ideal society there to set a perfect example for the human society of how one can live very simply, chanting Hare Krishna and developing love for Krishna.
- Go on developing New Vrindaban into an ideal community, and I shall be pleased to see the new additions when I come there.
- We are presenting ideal living on Vedic principles of purified life.
The Ideal Householder Life
Being an exemplary devotee is not restricted to the renounced order of life; in fact, there is a tremendous need for pure and responsible families. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently praised those in the gṛhastha-āśrama who organized their households completely around the service of the Lord. An ideal married couple serves as a powerful preaching example, showing society how to raise children and live harmoniously in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- To marry and to become an exemplary householder is the ideal life of Krsna consciousness.
- Actually, you are an ideal householder couple, and I want that such grhastha couples should manage things as they have a tendency to organize and manage.
- In our society we want to see some ideal householders as you are, so that preaching may go on with great speed.
- You set the ideal standard of householder life for the benefit of others and they will gradually be influenced to follow your example of sincere service on Krsna's behalf.
Ideal Leadership and Preaching
For those placed in positions of management or teaching, the demand for ideal behavior is even higher. Śrīla Prabhupāda insists that leaders, such as the members of the GBC, and preachers must perfectly follow all rules and regulations to be effective. One cannot successfully instruct others or represent the disciplic succession unless they have first perfected their own spiritual practice.
- GBC means that one must be ideal Vaisnava. That means there must be strict observance in following all the rules and regulations.
- Preacher should also be ideal, sincere, serious and strictly adhering to our principles.
- The first preaching work is that yourself should become an ideal devotee. Lord Caitanya said that one should first make himself perfect and then attempt to instruct others.
- Such position of leadership and organization is regarded as Krishna's special favor upon you, because you are forced in this way to become very responsible and set the ideal Krsna consciousness example, and in this way you will make very nice advancement in spiritual life.
Conclusion
The ultimate success of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement depends on the sincerity and purity of its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda guarantees that by strictly following the devotional process, any person can transcend their material conditioning and become an ideal human being. As more of his disciples step forward as ideal Vaiṣṇavas, the entire world will naturally be attracted to the shelter of the Supreme Lord.
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 Our Ideal (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.