Yad Yad Ācarati - The Importance of Following the Example
In the Third Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā, Lord Kṛṣṇa states: yad yad ācarati śreṣṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ—"Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow." Human beings are naturally imitative; we instinctively look to leaders, heroes, and authority figures to understand how to behave and what to value. Therefore, the Vedic educational system is not based primarily on theoretical lectures, but on the powerful, living examples set by saintly persons. Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that the entire Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is built upon this principle. To achieve the perfection of life, we must follow the perfect examples laid down by the Supreme Lord, the previous ācāryas, and our spiritual master. This article explores the responsibility of leaders to set the standard, the practical application of following the great Vaiṣṇavas, the crucial distinction between following and imitating, and the ultimate duty to carry this legacy forward.
The Power of Personal Example
Whether in a family, a society, or an entire nation, the character of the dependents is shaped by the character of the leaders. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that parents, government executives, and senior devotees must act perfectly because their behavior is accepted as the standard of evidence by the mass of people. If a leader falls victim to bad habits, the entire society is led to ruination. Conversely, when leaders live as ideal, Kṛṣṇa conscious examples, they automatically elevate everyone around them.
- The mass of people follow the example of a leader in society and imitate his behavior. They accept as evidence whatever the leader accepts.
- As Lord Ramacandra is the ideal husband (eka-patni-vrata), mother Sita is the ideal wife. Such a combination makes family life very happy. Yad yad acarati sresthas tat tad evetaro janah: whatever example a great man sets, common people follow.
- You are one of the important leaders, so if you are feeble and you are still victim of such habits, then the other members who are following your example will be led to ruination by you only.
- You have given this chance to your beloved son to be saved from the repetition of birth and death, and your good example must be followed by all mothers in America.
Following the Ācāryas and Mahājanas
The history of Vedic culture provides a rich tapestry of perfect examples for every situation in life. We do not need to guess how to behave in adversity, how to manage our wealth, or how to approach a spiritual master. The great mahājanas and Gosvāmīs have already demonstrated the perfect standard. By consciously aligning our daily actions with the behavior of these great souls—such as Prahlāda Mahārāja's tolerance or Rūpa Gosvāmī's detachment—spiritual advancement becomes easy and natural.
- Prahlada Maharaja's example was that in spite of continuous torturing by his father, he never forgot Krsna. This we have to follow. In spite of all kinds of inconveniences and torture by the atheist class of men, we shall never forget Krsna consciousness.
- We can follow Harida Thakur's example by chanting sixteen rounds of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra on beads every day and offering respect to the tulasi plant. This is not at all difficult for anyone.
- This example (of how a householder should spend his earnings) was shown by Rupa Gosvami, so devotees should follow it.
- Sanatana Gosvami is the best example to follow, how one should approach a guru, how one should take lesson from guru, how he should understand to make his life successful.
The Danger of Artificial Imitation
While following is essential, artificial imitation is deadly. Śrīla Prabhupāda draws a sharp line between following the instructions and ordinary behavior of great personalities, and foolishly attempting to imitate their exclusive, empowered pastimes. For example, Lord Śiva drank an ocean of poison, and Lord Ṛṣabhadeva exhibited extreme yogic perfections. A common man who attempts to imitate such feats out of false pride will be destroyed. We must follow their devotional mood, not imitate their transcendental power.
- Of course we cannot imitate, but we should always try to remember the example of our predecessors and follow their example always.
- Although Siva was externally exhibiting the behavior of a common man and not following etiquette, such actions cannot diminish his exalted position. The difficulty is that a common man, seeing Lord Siva's behavior, might follow his example.
- This is due to their (some brahmanas's who do not very much admire Siva) ignorance of Lord Siva's position. Nandisvara was affected by the cursing, but he did not follow the example of Lord Siva, who was also present there.
- Who is that mystic yogi who can follow the examples of Lord Rsabhadeva even with his mind? Lord Rsabhadeva rejected all kinds of yogic perfection, which other yogis hanker to attain. Who is that yogi who can compare to Lord Rsabhadeva?
Conclusion
The path of devotional service is illuminated by the brilliant examples of those who have walked it before us. From the supreme standard set by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu to the heroic sacrifices of the previous ācāryas, we are never left without perfect guidance. However, receiving this guidance comes with the profound responsibility to pass it on. Śrīla Prabhupāda tirelessly established the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement in his old age, setting the ultimate example of compassion, determination, and purity. By sincerely following his example—avoiding the trap of artificial imitation and acting responsibly as leaders in our own spheres—we not only secure our own spiritual success, but we become the living examples that will inspire the rest of the world to return home, back to Godhead.
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 Example. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.