The Certain Victory of a Devotee of God
In the struggles of life, humanity constantly calculates the odds of success based on physical strength, wealth, and strategic alliances. However, the true determining factor for ultimate triumph is spiritual alignment with the Supreme Lord. By analyzing the great historical conflicts described by Śrīla Prabhupāda, one can easily see that the Lord goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure that His sincere servants are always glorified. The path of true victory requires only that we become willing instruments in Kṛṣṇa's infallible hands.
The Infallible Protection of the Supreme Lord
The presence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead guarantees the destruction of all opposing elements and the establishment of true morality. On the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra, Arjuna faced the greatest military commanders of his time, men who were essentially invincible. Yet, as Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights, Arjuna triumphed simply because he had the ultimate advantage: the master of all mystics driving his chariot. When one aligns their desires with the desires of the Lord, material calculations of strength become entirely irrelevant.
- Wherever there is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, and His devotee Arjuna, Partha, there is victory, opulence, extraordinary power and morality. The opulences of a devotee are not a result of karma-kanda-vicara.
- In the fierce Battle of Kuruksetra, Arjuna was victorious within eighteen days simply because Krsna’s grace was on his side.
- They were such powerful fighters that although Arjuna was also a maha-ratha, before them he was nothing. But by the grace of Krsna he was able to kill Karna, Bhisma, Dronacarya, and the others and come out victorious.
- The fight was actually between Duryodhana and Yudhisthira. Arjuna was fighting on behalf of his elder brother, Yudhisthira. Because Krsna and Arjuna were on the side of Yudhisthira, Yudhisthira's victory was certain.
The Devotee as the Lord's Instrument
The Supreme Lord possesses the absolute competence to accomplish any task without any external assistance. However, out of boundless affection for His devotees, He creates scenarios where they can act as His instruments and take the credit for the success. This divine orchestration, as detailed by Śrīla Prabhupāda, is a testament to the Lord's desire to glorify His servants. The devotee does not fight for personal gain, but merely executes their duty on behalf of the Supreme controller.
- The Lord tells Arjuna, O Arjuna, merely be an instrument in the fight. Lord Krsna had the competence to win the Battle of Kuruksetra, but nonetheless He induced His devotee Arjuna to fight and become the cause of victory.
- Everything was arranged by the Lord, but the credit of victory was given to Arjuna.
- Arjuna was entrusted with the work of fighting on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, and before he was so entrusted, the Lord had already arranged for his victory.
- Krsna was similarly present before Arjuna, and even though He could have given him all facilities for victory over the opposing party without a fight, He did not do so.
Tolerance as the Weapon of the Pure Devotee
Victory in spiritual life is not always achieved through physical combat or aggressive action; it is often won through profound tolerance and absolute dependence on Kṛṣṇa. Mahārāja Ambarīṣa was not a powerful mystic yogī like Durvāsā Muni, but he possessed the unmatched power of unalloyed devotion. By silently tolerating severe injustices without retaliation, a devotee, guided by Śrīla Prabhupāda, forces the Supreme Lord to personally intervene. In this way, the humble servant always emerges as the ultimate victor over the greatest of adversaries.
- Only a devotee emerges victorious in all circumstances, as will be shown in this incident involving the rivalry between Durvasa and Maharaja Ambarisa.
- The King (Ambarisa), although not as powerful a yogi as the sage (Durvasa Muni), but a devotee of the Lord, silently tolerated all the sage's injustices and thereby emerged victorious.
- A devotee of the Lord, silently tolerated all the sage's (Durvasa Muni's) injustices and thereby emerged victorious. The King (Ambarisa) was able to control his senses because of the following qualifications, as mentioned in SB 9.4.18-20.
- Since the demigods, the devotees, always strictly follow the Supreme Lord's orders, because of sincerity they are victorious over the demons, who know that the Supreme Lord is Visnu but do not follow His instructions.
The Preaching Mission is Destined for Success
The principles that governed the victory on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra apply equally to the modern endeavor to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness worldwide. The devotees act as the sharp weapons of the Lord, cutting through the dense ignorance of the Kali-yuga. When the preachers remain sincere and strictly follow the previous ācāryas, Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that this spiritual movement cannot be checked by any material force. The ultimate victory of this global mission is a foregone conclusion.
- Just as Arjuna and Krsna were victorious in the Battle of Kuruksetra, this Krsna consciousness movement will surely emerge victorious if we but remain sincere devotees of the Lord and serve the Lord according to the advice of the predecessors.
- These are the astras, these are the swords: the devotees of Lord Krsna who was preaching Krsna consciousness. They are the Lord's weapon. And they're getting victory.
- A devotee with Maharaja Prataparudra’s determination will certainly be victorious in advancing in Krsna consciousness.
- Everyone in Krsna consciousness should execute his duty, without regard for victory or defeat.
Conclusion
Whether on an ancient battlefield or in the modern struggle to spread spiritual knowledge, the formula for absolute triumph remains unchanged. When a soul gives up all independent desires and surrenders fully to the will of the Supreme, victory becomes a divine certainty. As Śrīla Prabhupāda has profoundly revealed, Kṛṣṇa takes immense pleasure in fighting on behalf of His devotees, ensuring that their glories shine eternally throughout the three worlds.
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 Victory 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.