What Makes a Devotee Truly Praiseworthy
In a world where mundane achievements are often celebrated, true glory is found only in pure devotion to the Supreme Lord. By studying the profound instructions given by Śrīla Prabhupāda, one learns that genuine praiseworthiness arises from humility, determination, and a sincere desire to serve. Recognizing these divine qualities in a Vaiṣṇava helps one understand the actual standard of spiritual perfection.
Devotion is the True Measure of Greatness
The material world typically measures greatness by wealth, power, or academic success, completely ignoring the spiritual dimension of life. However, according to the standard presented by Śrīla Prabhupāda, anyone who lacks devotion to the Lord is simply a fool and is not worthy of true praise. The only individuals who actually deserve glorification are those who constantly associate with the Supreme Personality of Godhead through His holy name and divine qualities.
- Anyone who is not a devotee of the Lord - he is not rajarsi, devarsi - he is not praiseworthy at all.
- Because anyone who is not a devotee of the Lord - he is not rajarsi, devarsi - he is not praiseworthy at all. He is a fool. He is a rascal. That is our conclusion. No, it is real conclusion.
- The opposite is bhagavata-sangi, or one who is always in the association with the Lord's name, form, qualities, etc. Such association is always desirable; it is worshipable, it is praiseworthy, and one may accept it as the highest goal of life.
The Ornament of Humility
A hallmark of advanced spiritual life is a deep sense of personal insignificance. When addressing his disciples, Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly emphasized that a humble and meek attitude is incredibly pleasing to Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual authorities. Even great personalities like King Pṛthu naturally rejected worldly glorification, feeling themselves unqualified to receive such high praises for their service.
- King Prthu continued: My dear devotees, headed by the suta, just now I am not very famous for my personal activities because I have not done anything praiseworthy you could glorify.
- Your (JaiGovinda) attitude of humbleness is praiseworthy. A devotee should always remain humble and meek especially to the authorities and devotees.
- Your humble attitude is very praiseworthy. You keep yourself in that very humble mentality and Krishna will be very pleased upon you.
Determination in Spiritual Progress
Advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness requires unwavering determination and a sincere desire to understand the Absolute Truth. As carefully noted by Śrīla Prabhupāda, those who strictly follow in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas and remain fixed in their vows are highly commendable. This steady endeavor to progress in transcendental knowledge brings true satisfaction to the spiritual master and the Supreme Lord.
- A person who tries to understand Krsna with full knowledge and devotion by following in the footsteps of previous acaryas conversant with scientific knowledge of the Supreme Lord is praiseworthy.
- He (Banasura) was very intelligent and liberal also, and his activities are all praiseworthy because he never deviated from his promise and word of honor; he was very truthful and fixed in his vow. In those days, he was ruling over the city of Sonitapura.
- Your attitude of determination to progress in your transcendental knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna and perfect your devotional service to Him, is very praiseworthy.
The Glories of Selfless Service
The pure desire to serve the Lord and His representatives is the highest expression of love in the spiritual world. Taking great joy in the service of the deities or assisting the spiritual master are activities that Śrīla Prabhupāda considered truly glorious. Rather than accepting service for personal prestige, a genuine Vaiṣṇava redirects all offerings to the Supreme Lord, exhibiting a flawlessly praiseworthy character.
- The sentiments you express are very praiseworthy in devotional service. Especially it is pleasing to me that you are so happy in your service to the deities.
- Your desire to serve me is very praiseworthy. But because I am the humble servant of Krishna I cannot accept any service on my account. So what I say you follow so you may advance in Krishna Con. That is your service and I accept it on behalf of Krishna.
Sacrifice and Renunciation
The willingness to sacrifice one's own comfort for the benefit of others is a deeply respected trait in Vedic culture. Whether it is a great sage offering his own body for a higher cause or a noble daughter speaking words of renunciation, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights these acts as exceptionally praiseworthy. Such selfless individuals reflect the illuminating qualities of the Supreme Lord, making them worthy of the highest honor.
- Pious persons like you (Dadhici, the son of Atharva), whose activities are praiseworthy, are very kind and affectionate to people in general. What can't such pious souls give for the benefit of others? They can give everything, including their bodies.
- Recalling the words of Lord Visnu, the merciful sage Kardama replied as follows to Svayambhuva Manu's praiseworthy daughter, Devahuti, who was speaking words full of renunciation.
- The sage said: Do not be disappointed with yourself, O princess. You are actually praiseworthy. The infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead will shortly enter your womb as your son.
- The light of the sun and moon reflected on matter makes the matter bright and praiseworthy. The living symptoms are compared to the light of the sun and the moon illuminating material manifestations like trees and mountains.
- This sort of behavior (secure a wife by fighting or kidnapping) for a ksatriya is praiseworthy in the sense that a ksatriya must show his power of chivalry to his would-be wife so that the daughter of a ksatriya can see the valor of her would-be husband.
Conclusion
The pursuit of worldly adoration pales in comparison to the eternal glory of pure devotional service. As perfectly demonstrated in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, one becomes truly praiseworthy only through deep humility, strict adherence to the authorized disciplic succession, and an unalloyed desire to serve the Supreme Lord. By embodying these divine qualities, a sincere Vaiṣṇava naturally attracts the blessings of the spiritual master and attains the highest perfection of life.
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 Praiseworthy. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.