Become an Advanced Devotee

“In this material world there are as many living entities as atoms. Among these living entities, a very few are human beings, and among them, few are interested in following religious principles.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 6.14.3-5)

“Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 7.3)

Going to temples, fasting, chanting mantras, wearing a dhoti and tilak. All this is good, but it doesn’t make one an advanced devotee, only a very good showman. Looks are deceiving, it’s the actions that count.

It is good behavior with everyone and working for the well being of everyone that makes one recognized by Lord Krishna. Following the instructions of Lord Krishna pleases Him and is called devotional service unto Him (Bhakti).

The symptoms of an advanced devotee of Lord Krishna:

  1. Always speaks the truth, sides with the truth, stands up for the truth, will keep his word, will never betray anyone, and will not accept any nonsense.
  2. Full of compassion. He cannot tolerate seeing others suffer, and thus works for the benefit of all living beings, with his time, energy, money, and resources.
  3. He has higher consciousness. Very responsive, understanding, tolerant, forgiving, helpful to everyone, and time discipled.
  4. He will discriminate correctly between right and wrong. He knows what is right and what is wrong.
  5. He sees everyone with equal vision and treats everyone equally good.
  6. He is calm, patient, no wickedness, and has proper knowledge and understanding of the scriptural teachings.

One should develop the above qualities to a higher degree to become an advanced devotee of Lord Krishna.

“Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubts, whose minds are engaged within, who are always busy working for the welfare of all living beings and who are free from all sins achieve liberation in the Supreme.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 5.25)

“He is a perfect yogī who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 6.32)

“One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of Bharata [India] should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people. It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-Lila 9.41-42)

“For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-Gita 18.68-69)