The Truly Influential - Spiritual Prowess and the Power of Association
In material society, individuals are often considered influential based on their accumulation of wealth, political power, or academic prestige. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that such mundane prominence is entirely temporary and ultimately insignificant in the face of eternal time. The true source of all influence and power is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who orchestrates the movements of the entire cosmic manifestation. One of the most influential forces in human life is association, urging us to seek the company of saintly devotees while actively engaging society's leaders to inspire the general populace toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Supreme Controller of All Influence
The ultimate source of all power within the universe is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is explained that whether we observe the influential demigods managing cosmic affairs or the precise rotation of the planets, everything functions strictly under the Lord's supreme direction.
- Influential stars, planets, luminaries and atoms all over the universe are rotating in their respective orbits under the direction of the Supreme, represented by eternal kala.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead is certainly not known to everyone, but He is very powerful and influential.
- A Vaisnava can understand that nothing within this material world, not even that which is powerful, opulent or influential, can endure. At any time such things may be vanquished. And who can vanquish them? The Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- The demigods, such as Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, King Indra, Candra and Surya, are all subordinate to the Supreme Personality fo Godhead. Aside from the demigods, even in human society there are many influential personalities supervising various businesses or establishments.
Material Influence vs. Spiritual Qualification
In the conditioned state, people are mesmerized by those who possess great wealth, physical beauty, or political authority. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that such material influence is fleeting and can be vanquished at any moment, whereas the humility and spiritual realization of a pure devotee constitute true, everlasting opulence.
- According to our material calculation, if one is very rich, he's attractive. If one is very influential, he's attractive. If one is very wise, he's attractive. If one is very beautiful, he's attractive. In this way, we attract.
- Although the demoniac person sees others equally rich and influential, or even more so, he thinks that no one is richer than him and that no one is more influential than him.
- During the political upsurge in India and its division into Pakistan and Hindustan, so many rich and influential Indians had to surrender life, property and honor due to the influence of time.
- Such are the qualifications of a pure devotee. Materially one may be very opulent, experienced, influential and educated, but if one still thinks himself lower than straw in the street, one attracts the attention of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or Lord Krsna.
The Transformative Power of Association
One of the most potent forces in the material world is the power of association, which directly shapes a person's consciousness and desires. He strongly advises his followers to avoid the company of materialistic individuals and instead live in the association of sādhus (saintly persons), as their spiritual influence can elevate anyone to the platform of pure devotion.
- Association is very influential. Satam prasangat. Sangat sanjayate kamah. If you associate with drunkards, you become a drunkard. If you associate with sadhu, then you become sadhu.
- Why have we taken so much land (in Mayapur)? Those who are seriously desirous - they will come and live with us. Association is very influential. If you associate with drunkards, you become drunk; if you associate with sadhus, then you become a sadhu.
- We may have a neighbor who is very wealthy, influential, wise, strong and beautiful, and we may speculate about his opulence, but if we make friends with him, we can understand his position by listening to him speak about himself.
- For his bodily maintenance he (Haridasa Thakura) would go to a brahmana's house and beg some food. He was spiritually so influential that all the neighboring people worshiped him.
Engaging Leaders in Spiritual Life
Because common citizens naturally follow the examples set by their leaders, introducing Kṛṣṇa consciousness to educated and influential individuals is highly beneficial. By systematically preaching to teachers, politicians, and business leaders, Śrīla Prabhupāda intended to create a cascading effect of spiritual upliftment throughout all levels of society.
- We want all influential men to sympathize with our movement. That is our aim, because if these big men are sympathetic then all the common people will follow.
- A teacher's position is always influential; so your sincere effort for kirtana may be followed by some of your students and co-workers. This means that your sincere service will be utilized more fruitfully among educated people.
- Your proposals for increasing our popularity and familiarity among influential circles in the U.S. is very good.
- I am negotiating with some local, influential Indian gentleman for the world Samkirtan Party. They have also given some hopes, and the preaching work here is also going on nicely.
Conclusion
While the material world judges a person's influence by temporary wealth and physical opulence, true power rests entirely with the Supreme Lord and the pure devotees who execute His will. Recognizing that association shapes human consciousness, it is essential to cultivate the company of saintly persons rather than those absorbed in material illusions. Furthermore, by strategically presenting the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to society's most prominent and influential figures, the entire world can be uplifted, as the general populace will naturally follow the noble examples set by their leaders.
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 Influential. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.