Reaching the Stage of Perfect Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Perfect Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the natural, original state of the living entity, where the soul is fully aligned with the will of the Supreme Lord. It is a scientific process of education, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, that removes the contamination of material identification and allows the individual to act as a perfect instrument in Kṛṣṇa's service. By achieving this sublime level of realization, the devotee experiences ultimate spiritual fulfillment and complete freedom from material bondage.
The Definition of Perfection in Consciousness
Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that perfection is not an abstract concept but a practical shift in one's focus from the self to Kṛṣṇa. It implies the total absence of false ego and the realization that nothing can exist independently of the Supreme Lord.
- A Krsna conscious education means one is trained to give up material consciousness altogether. That is perfect Krsna consciousness.
- He (a person acting in Krsna consciousness) is one with Krsna and is devoid of the false ego that leads one to believe that he is the body, etc. This is the perfect stage of Krsna consciousness.
- If one understands that we are small particles of the Supreme Lord and our business is to dovetail our consciousness with His consciousness, that is perfect Krsna consciousness.
- Everything is resting on Krsna. Isavasyam idam sarvam. This is Krsna conscious. Without Krsna . . . so that is the fact. But when you come to this understanding, then you become perfectly Krsna conscious. Without Krsna, nothing can exist.
Symptoms of a Perfected Soul
One who has attained this stage exhibits tangible qualities, such as a lack of interest in material sense gratification and a constant vision of Kṛṣṇa in all things. Such a person is described as a perfect gentleman because their character is purified of all faults.
- Although Prahlada Maharaja was only a boy, he had no interest in playing. As stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 11.2.42), viraktir anyatra ca: the symptom of perfect Krsna consciousness is that one loses interest in all material activities.
- Duri-bhutanya-darsanah, which means that when one attains perfect Krsna consciousness he does not see anything but Kṛṣṇa.
- He (a true follower of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement) is a perfect gentleman. That's all. You cannot find any fault in him. That is perfect Krsna consciousness. They are prohibited not to eat meat.
- When we see the twenty-six qualification in full present, that means he is perfect in Krsna consciousness. If those qualities are not present, that means there is still, I mean to say, a touch of contamination of material nature.
The Path of Devotional Service and Training
Attaining perfection requires proper training under a bona fide spiritual master and the practice of chanting the mahā-mantra. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that even one person perfectly trained can perform tremendous work in the world.
- The teacher must be a representative of Krsna, a devotee, and the student must be like Arjuna. Then this Krsna consciousness study is perfect. Otherwise it is a waste of time.
- We can create Vrndavana by the mercy of Krsna, if we chant Hare Krsna. Perfect this Krsna consciousness; try to understand the philosophy behind it. It is a science, not a bluff. We can speak from any angle of vision.
- While working one should think of Kṛṣṇa only: "I have been appointed to discharge this particular duty by Krsna." While acting in such a way, one naturally has to think of Krsna. This is perfect Krsna consciousness. Bhagavad-gita.
- We don't want these nonsense followers, many thousands. What they will do? But if we can turn one man into Krsna consciousness perfectly, he can do tremendous work in the world.
Conclusion
Reaching the stage of perfect Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the only means to achieve actual peace and mental tranquillity. It is the fulfillment of the soul's constitutional duty to serve Kṛṣṇa without any desire for material enjoyment. By diligently applying the principles of bhakti-yoga, such as chanting and constant remembrance, Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that one becomes free from the contamination of material laws and becomes eligible to return to the spiritual kingdom, Kṛṣṇa's eternal home.
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 Perfect Krsna Consciousness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.