Remaining Fixed at the Lotus Feet of Kṛṣṇa by Following Principles Rigidly
In the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, spiritual advancement is not based on cheap emotionalism or mere intellectual assent; it is a rigorous science grounded in practical, daily discipline. At the very core of this discipline are the regulative principles—specifically, the chanting of sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and the strict avoidance of illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication, and gambling. Śrīla Prabhupāda makes it abundantly clear that taking these principles seriously and following them rigidly is the absolute prerequisite for success. This article explores how rigid adherence to the rules secures spiritual strength, protects the mind from material havoc, establishes an ideal society, and ultimately guarantees the pure devotee's return back home, back to Godhead.
The Foundation of Spiritual Strength
Initiation into the bhakti cult is a vital beginning, but it is the daily maintenance of one's vows that actualizes spiritual elevation. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly reminded his disciples that enthusiasm, protection from māyā (illusion), and steady advancement are entirely dependent on not letting the standard slip. Rigidly executing these basic practices builds an impenetrable fortress around the devotee's spiritual life.
- I may inform you that in order to maintain our status of spiritual strength, everyone of us must very rigidly chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly.
- Kindly see that the principles are being followed, deity worship, sankirtan, chanting etc. If we maintain these principles rigidly there is no question of fall down and without any difficulty our progressive march will advance.
- I can understand that you are rigidly following the regulative principles, chanting without fail always 16 rounds, so in this way you will be protected and your enthusiasm for pushing on this Krishna Consciousness Movement will not dwindle.
- Simply becoming initiated does not elevate one to the position of a high-class brahmana. One also has to discharge the duties and follow the regulative principles very rigidly.
Training the Mind and Avoiding Havoc
The human mind is naturally restless and prone to the degradations of the material modes of nature. To leave it unchecked is to invite disaster. By forcing the mind to adhere strictly to the rules given by the spiritual master, it is gradually trained to lose its taste for mundane sense gratification. Conversely, a lack of rigidity or a casual attitude toward the rules will inevitably create spiritual havoc and lead to falldown.
- If the regulative principles ordered by the spiritual master are followed rigidly, the mind will gradually be trained to desire nothing but the service of Krsna. Such training is the perfection of life.
- Everyone should very cautiously execute devotional service by rigidly following regulative principles. Thus he will remain fixed at the lotus feet of the Lord. Otherwise, a little inattention will create havoc.
- The unscrupulous conditioned soul cannot rigidly follow the principles prohibiting illicit sex, intoxication, gambling and meat-eating. Thus he falls down and takes shelter of people who are like monkeys.
- Wherever we may stay or whatever condition we may be put into, Krsna is our life and soul. We cannot stop your activities in Krsna consciousness. This motto should be followed very rigidly by chanting sixteen rounds and observing the regulative principles.
Setting the Standard for an Ideal Society
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is meant to be a beacon of purity in a degraded world. The power of its preaching relies heavily on the personal examples of its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that although devotees are liberal in distributing mercy to everyone, they themselves must remain rigid in their principles. It is this unwavering standard that earns the respect of the public and establishes the movement as an authentic, ideal society.
- We are trying to present an ideal Society to the world, so although we are very rigidly following these principles, still, we are very liberal to everyone. For this reason we are being appreciated everywhere.
- You must set nice example for the others by following very rigidly the regulative principles, such as chanting 16 rounds on the beads, reading the books, getting up to attend mangala aratrika, etc. In this way everyone shall be encouraged.
- If you want to do something, then maintain this institution rigidly, follow the principles of Bhagavad-gita. It doesn't require many men. If there is one moon in the sky, that is sufficient. You don't require millions of stars.
- These outdoor kirtanas should be rigidly followed at least one hour daily. That will make our movement popular there. We have good experience here in every city, especially Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and here in Columbus.
The Ultimate Destination
Following the regulative principles is not meant to be a mere earthly austerity; it is the direct pathway to the spiritual world. By remaining as firm in their vows as "lines on a stone," devotees attract the causeless mercy of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda guarantees that any sincere soul who adopts these practices rigidly and undeviatingly will achieve the highest perfection of life and be transferred to Kṛṣṇaloka.
- The words pasanera rekha are very significant. Raghunatha dasa Gosvami followed the regulative principles so strictly and rigidly that they were compared to the lines on a stone.
- If the disciple follows the principles rigidly and undeviatingly, he will certainly receive the mercy of Krsna. This is confirmed by the sastras.
- If we rigidly follow the principles of meditation on Krsna, there is no doubt that in our next life we will be transferred to Krsnaloka, Goloka Vrndavana.
- Through the Krsna consciousness movement we are trying to train young people to become devotees and return home, back to Godhead by following rigid regulative principles, but our service is appreciated neither in India nor abroad in the Western countries.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is remarkably simple, yet it demands absolute sincerity and unyielding determination. The rules and regulations given by the paramparā are not arbitrary restrictions designed to limit freedom; they are the exact scientific formulas required to cure the soul of material disease. As Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently assures us throughout his teachings, by making these principles as permanent and unalterable as lines etched in stone, the sincere devotee is guaranteed to overcome all material obstacles, avoid spiritual falldown, and remain eternally fixed at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa.
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 Principles Rigidly. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.