The Character and Standard of a Follower of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
To be a true participant in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means to undergo a radical transformation of character and worldview. Śrīla Prabhupāda established that his followers must transcend the degraded habits of the modern age by strictly adhering to the authorized Vedic process, ultimately becoming pure, faultless representatives of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Boiling the Milk: Quality Over Quantity
The true success of a spiritual movement is not measured by a massive congregation of superficial members, but by the purity of its core devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the mentality of fully surrendering to God is exceedingly rare. Therefore, rather than diluting the philosophy to attract a large crowd, the focus is on "boiling the milk"—training even just one sincere follower to absolute perfection. One such "moon" is sufficient to illuminate the entire world and ensure the movement's unstoppable success.
- It is useless to expect a large number of followers. We want only one good follower. If I can get one man to become Krsna conscious, I will consider my mission fulfilled.
- One moon is sufficient. So this Krsna Consciousness movement, it is not required that everyone will be follower. That is not possible, because it is very difficult. But still, if one follower, sincere follower is there, it will go on. It will go on. Nobody can stop it.
- That mentality (there is God and I must submit to Him) is very rare to be found. It has to be created. Therefore you will find not very many followers of this Krsna consciousness movement. But one who is following he is very fortunate.
- We may thin the milk till it becomes useless, or we may boil it until it becomes thick and sweet, so now we have got enough followers, let us train them up perfectly in the philosophy and activities of Krsna Consciousness way of life.
Standard of Transformation
The environment of the current age is heavily saturated with the modes of ignorance and passion, constantly dictating that the soul pursue material enjoyment. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that those who sincerely take to the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness are thoroughly changed. By strictly following the movement's guidelines, they are elevated to the platform of goodness, ultimately becoming perfect gentlemen and controlled gosvāmīs in whom no mundane fault can be found.
- The age is so strong, the Kali-yuga, that it will dictate. Maya will dictate, "Why you go there? What is there?" But actually, those who have come to us, those who are following, they are so much changed.
- Krsna consciousness movement means trying, the devotees, the followers, to bring him to the platform of goodness, not to stay in the platform of ignorance and passion.
- He (a true follower of the Krsna 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.
- Advancement in Krsna consciousness depends on the attitude of the follower. A follower of the Krsna consciousness movement should become a perfect gosvami.
Strict Adherence to the Process
Perfection is achieved only through unflinching obedience to the authorized path. Śrīla Prabhupāda defines his followers as rūpānugas—those who strictly follow in the footsteps of Rūpa Gosvāmī. This adherence is not merely theoretical; it requires practical application. Followers must rigidly observe the four regulative principles to become sinless, chant the mahā-mantra, and make tangible financial sacrifices to push forward the mission of the temple.
- The present Krsna consciousness movement is also based on the authority of Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada. We are therefore generally known as rupanugas, or followers in the footsteps of Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada.
- Notwithstanding all the philosophical theorizing by atheists or Mayavadis, the followers of Krsna consciousness rigidly live according to the injunctions given in Bhagavad-gita, which is accepted as the essence of all Vedic scripture.
- We are recommending the followers of Krsna consciousness. First of all try to become sinless: no illicit sex life, no intoxication, no meat-eating, no gambling. Observe these four regulative principle and chant Hare Krsna mantra as far as possible.
- Those who are not married should contribute all their income to the temple. Those who are married should contribute 50%. That should be the principle of contribution of the members and followers of the Krishna Consciousness movement.
Proper Mentality and Disposition
A true follower is not an artificial statue devoid of emotion; rather, their emotions are perfectly spiritualized. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that devotees completely reject the cheap, fabricated gods of modern society. Furthermore, because they are deeply compassionate, they often exhibit righteous anger toward atheism and those who refuse to surrender to the Supreme Lord. Beneath this dynamic preaching spirit lies the peaceful, absolute realization that they belong entirely to Kṛṣṇa.
- God is not so cheap thing that in every street, every village, there is incarnation of God. Don't accept that. You must know what is meaning of God. At least we followers of Krsna consciousness, we do not accept such cheap God.
- Don't followers of Krsna conscious ever get angry? - Yes, we get angry. Why not? We are not artificial. Human nature is to become anger, sometimes satisfied, sometimes . . . so we utilize this. We are angry when one is not Krsna Consciousness, when he's against God.
- ISKCON members speak knowingly of happiness. Don't followers of Krsna conscious ever get angry? - Yes. They can get angry. Why not? They're very much angry to the nondevotees: "You rascal! Why you are not surrendering yourself to God? You rascals." Yes.
- The followers of Srimad-Bhagavatam have no such consciousness. They are all Krsna conscious, thinking that they are Krsna's and Krsna is theirs.
Conclusion
Being a follower of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the highest and most demanding privilege. It requires discarding the popular, diluted philosophies of the world in favor of the uncompromising truth presented by the disciplic succession. By strictly controlling the senses, applying the philosophy practically, and dedicating one's life and resources to the mission, a sincere follower becomes an empowered instrument, perfectly equipped to deliver the mercy of the Supreme Lord to suffering humanity.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
The instructions of the pure devotee are our eternal guide. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Followers of Krsna Consciousness. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.