The whole point of engaging in devotional service to God (Bhakti) is to purify the consciousness.

The Shrimad-Bhagavatam lists the pillars or legs of Sanatan-Dharma as follows:

  1. Truthfulness – Always speak the truth and never break vows.
  2. Compassion – Be kind to everyone.
  3. Charity – Donate according to your income, don’t be miserly, be generous.
  4. Cleanliness – Keep the body, home, and public places clean.
  5. Austerity – Serve everyone, do good to others, this is real austerity of the self.
  6. Spiritual Education – Study and understand the Bhagavad-Gita teachings (Everything on this site). Then spread this knowledge to others.

“…These four legs of powerful religion are truthfulness, mercy, austerity and charity.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.3.18)

 “Education, charity, penance and truth are said to be the four legs of religion…” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.12.41)

“In the age of Satya [truthfulness] your four legs were established by the four principles of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness…” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.24)

By developing the above qualities to a higher degree, we can elevate our consciousness, and this is real advancement in religion. Performing rituals does not result in automatic elevation of consciousness. 

“The whole era has gone-by rotating those rosary beads in your fingers; still the wandering and the wavering of the minds has not calmed down. So, please drop those rosary beads from your fingers and grab the bead of your mind and rotate it with full concentration and dedication.” (Sant Kabir)

“The scriptures say that you must practice devotion to God, and devotion must be practiced with your mind. Physical actions such as visiting temple or pilgrimage, reciting from holy books, performing pooja, mechanically chanting God’s names, will not help.” (Kripalu Maharaj, Prem Mandir Vrindavan)

“Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 9.34)

“Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus, you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 18.65)