The Science of Spiritual Advancement through Following the Principles
In the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, spiritual progress is treated as a scientific process of purification rather than a matter of vague sentiment or blind faith. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the word "Veda" means knowledge, and true knowledge is defined as acting in accordance with the regulative principles of scripture. This disciplined lifestyle is the specific treatment required to cure the "material disease" of identifying with the temporary body. By adopting the rules laid down by the Supreme Lord and the disciplic succession, a person is systematically raised from the lower modes of nature to the platform of pure goodness. This article discusses the definition of knowledge through action, the foundational principles of devotional service, the necessity of following the great authorities, and the ultimate transformation of the heart into a state of spontaneous love for God.
The Definition of Knowledge and Spiritual Advancement
Spiritual advancement is not an accidental occurrence but the result of deliberate action. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that following the regulative principles of human life is what allows a person to gradually rise to the platform of spiritual realization. He compares this to a medical treatment: just as one must follow a physician's diet to be cured of a physical illness, one must follow the scriptural injunctions to be cured of material bondage. This adherence is the very definition of knowledge.
- Action according to such principles (following Vedic regulative principles) is called knowledge. Indeed, the word veda means "knowledge."
- By following the regulative principles of human life, one gradually raises himself to the platform of spiritual realization. If one is so fortunate, by such practice, to rise to the platform of Krnsa consciousness, then success is guaranteed for him.
- Just like to cure disease, you have to follow some regulative principle of, prescribed by the physician, similarly, in order to cure yourself from this material disease, you have to accept. Nivrtti. Nivrttitah means ceasing this process of material life.
- If by following the principles of religion one becomes advanced in God consciousness, that is first-class religion. That is our motto, and we are preaching all over the world.
Building the Foundation of Devotional Service
The preliminary stage of Kṛṣṇa consciousness involves fixing the mind on the Supreme Lord through hearing, chanting, and remembering. For a serious candidate, this begins with the four basic regulative principles: no illicit sex, no meat-eating, no intoxication, and no gambling. These are the "four pillars of sinful life" that must be abandoned. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that initiation into the movement is based on the student's commitment to these rules, which acts as the required training to become a "very good man."
- A person serious about making progress in devotional service must always think of the Supreme Personality Godhead, must always chant His glories, and must always hear about His activities. - These are the preliminary principles of following the scriptural rules and regulations.
- In our Krsna consciousness movement when one is found to be regularly following these principles (no illicit sex, gambling, meat-eating and intoxication), he is given the first initiation (hari-nama), and he regularly chants at least sixteen rounds a day.
- If you want to become very good man, then you have to follow these regulative principles: no illicit sex life, no meat-eating, no intoxication, no gambling. These are the four pillars of sinful life.
- In the neophyte stage of devotion one must follow all the principles, regulated by the authority of the spiritual master.
Following the Footsteps of the Mahājanas and Ācāryas
Because the truth of religion is very confidential, the Vedic scriptures advise us to follow the path carved by the great authorities, or mahājanas. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites historical examples like Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī and Haridāsa Ṭhākura, who followed the principles so strictly that they became living examples for the world. By following the "chalked-out path" of these great personalities, the student avoids the trap of mental speculation and ensures that their understanding of the Bhagavad-gītā and other scriptures is correct.
- Raghunatha dasa Gosvami followed the regulative principles so strictly and rigidly that they were compared to the lines on a stone.
- All these mahajanas - svayambhur naradah sambhuh - they also follow the same principle (sarva-dharman parityajya). Therefore we cannot understand very easily what is the truth of religious system, but if we follow these mahajana, then we can understand.
- We have to be guided by the acaryas. Acaryavan puruso veda. One who follows the principles of acaryas, he knows the things as they are. That is the verdict.
- Thakura Haridasa was the living example of how to follow the regulative principles. Similarly, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami was also such a living example.
Principles Applied to All Orders of Life
The principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness are universal and apply to everyone, regardless of their social or spiritual order (varṇa and āśrama). Whether one is a householder (gṛhastha) or a renunciant (sannyāsī), the requirement for simplicity, honesty, and strict adherence to scriptural rules remains the same. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that even if one is in family life, they can become perfect by molding their household according to these principles. Success does not depend on changing one's external position but on changing one's internal commitment to following the rules.
- A person who is following the principles of householder life, as well as one following the principles of the renounced life in the order of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, is a devotee and cannot be compared to professional men.
- One has to follow the principles of the asramas (brahmacarya, grhastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa), since these principles (of varnas and asramas) are considered essential for the attainment of the highest goal.
- The name Gokulananda for your new son is approved by me, now raise this Sankirtana man up very carefully in Krsna consciousness. Now you can be an ideal householder and one of our Society's leaders, so kindly follow the regulated principles strictly.
- If you follow religion, then you must follow strictly the religious principles. And if you have no business to follow the religious principles, how you can become religious? Is it possible.
Purification and the Mature Stage of Love
The primary goal of following the principles (vidhi-mārga) is to reach the platform of spontaneous love (rāga-mārga). Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that although the mind may not be fixed on Kṛṣṇa initially, the practice of regulation matures into genuine affection. When the heart is purified through this discipline, the symptoms of ecstatic love—such as tears in the eyes and a throbbing heart—begin to manifest. This maturity allows the devotee to eventually attain the highest planet in the spiritual world, Goloka Vṛndāvana.
- Arcana-marga means practice. Immediately you cannot expect that your mind is completely fixed up with Krsna. But if we follow the regulative principles, then it will mature. Mature. And mature stage, there will be love.
- One who follows the principles of love in devotional service attains to the supreme abode, the highest planet in the spiritual world known as Krsnaloka or Goloka Vrndavana.
- If one is serious and sincerely follows the regulative principles and chants Hare Krsna, the time will come when the symptoms will appear. Tears will fill his eyes, he will be unable to chant the mahamantra distinctly, and his heart will throb in ecstasy.
- When one is engaged in the service of the Deity, he must especially follow the principles of the Padma Purana and take regular baths. He should also, after bathing, decorate his body with the twelve tilakas.
Protection and Steady Progress in Kali-yuga
The age of Kali is described as a "dangerous" time where spiritual falldown is common. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda provides a guarantee: there is no question of falling down for one who seriously and obediently follows the regulative principles and chants sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. This disciplined life provides the spiritual strength needed to fight against the influence of māyā. By remaining fixed in these principles, the devotee is promoted to the kingdom of God, never to return to this miserable material world.
- Everyone must follow the four regulative principles and chant minimum of 16 rounds japa daily. There is no question of falldown if one seriously follows these principles.
- All the disciples practicing Krsna consciousness should obediently follow the regulative principles and remain fixed in chanting the holy name of the Lord. Then there need be no fear. Otherwise one's position is very dangerous, especially in this Kali-yuga.
- If one simply follows the four regulative principles and regularly chants Hare Krishna, there will be no question of falling down from devotional service.
- Those who follow the regulative principles of devotional service ultimately attain the Vaikuntha planets in the spiritual world.
Conclusion
The science of spiritual advancement is not a matter of imaginative speculation but of practical discipline and obedience to authorized rules. As Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently teaches throughout his writings, the regulative principles are the "four pillars" of a sane and spiritual human society. By abandoning the sinful habits of the material world and adopting the regulated lifestyle of a devotee, any sincere soul can overcome the influence of the lower modes of nature. Whether through the strict discipline of the Gosvāmīs or the humble service of a householder, the path remains the same. As Śrīla Prabhupāda guarantees, the reward for this unswerving adherence to the principles is the awakening of pure, spontaneous love for Kṛṣṇa and an eternal return to the spiritual world.
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 the Principles. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.