Madhavendra Puri Dasa

Tutor: HH Yadunandana Swami Topic: Understanding Essay Question: 1. In the beginning of Chapter 12, Krishna explains the superiority of devotional service. Explain in your own words why the process of devotional service is superior to the impersonal path. Date: 07/12/2010

Madhavendra Puri Dasa

Devotional Service Over Impersonalism

Bhagavad-gita (Ch10-18)

In Chapter Twelve of Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna asks Krsna which is better: those engaged in devotional service or those who worship Brahman. I will try to conclude the superiority of devotional service, in comparison to the impersonal aspect, which is explained by Krsna in this first part of this chapter. I will provide relevant backing from Krsna and from Srila Prabhupadas purport. I will go through Krsnas version systematically, verse by verse, hoping this will build up the obvious conclusion.

Krsna first confirms that devotee is superior, in the second text. If we follow Krsnas doctrine, in a fundamental nature, then instantly we have to accept that devotional service is superior to the impersonal path (or any other path). In the impersonal aspect one has to try to achieve Samadhi, to be fully engaged in the impersonal. In the astanga yoga ladder, this can be a long and austere path but Prabhupada comments that a devotee, engaged in normal daily activity, in service of Krsna, reaches Samadhi so simply. Krsna makes a couple more points, in texts three and four. He ultimately concludes that the impersonalist eventually makes it to Him. This is a positive point for impersonalism but Srila Prabhupada concludes his comments by noting that this process is very difficult. This difficulty is easily perceived in the text, when Krsna explains the unmanifested as beyond the senses. Although Krsna is also ultimately beyond the senses also, there is the Deity form which we can utilize to bring ourselves closer to Him on the personalist path. Krsna and Srila Prabhupada further confirm, in text five, that the impersonal path is difficult. Prabhupada also notes that Bhakti is natural for the soul. We can easily understand the difficulties of creating a new path for someone as opposed to reminding them of one that they have simply forgotten, suiting their habitual inclination. Prabhupada also comments that there is a risk of not coming to the ultimate conclusion in the impersonal path. Eventually accepting that the personal path is superior, some impersonalists may change to the personal path, and Srila Prabhupada suggests that they also experience difficulties due to their residue impersonal nature. -107 December 2010

Madhavendra Puri Dasa

Devotional Service Over Impersonalism

Bhagavad-gita (Ch10-18)

Finally Krsna concludes, in texts six and seven, that He is the swifter deliverer of the living entity. It has already been suggested that the impersonal path is the long path and now Krsna is emphasizing devotion as the quick path, making a larger contrast. Prabhupada comments that the process of devotion is so simple; simply chant Hare Krsna and this will attract us to Krsna. Prabhupada notes that the devotees need not practice astanga yoga, as other processes may involve. We can see the obvious contrast between enthusing spiritual activity and withdrawn yogic exercise.

It is made very clear by Krsna and Srila Prabhupada, verse after verse, purport after purport, that Devotional service is quicker and easier than impersonalism. The impersonal path is impractical, takes longer and one needs to be expert in the astanga yoga system. Devotional service is practical, natural and is a whole lot of fun. Impersonalism is difficult, requiring so much expertise, and therefore cannot be implemented by everyone (including Arjuna). Why would we want to take a slow path, which is risky, when Krsna has made us a short cut, which is simple and divine? Therefore we can easily and clearly see that Krsna conscious, devotional service is far superior to worship of the impersonal.

-207 December 2010

Madhavendra Puri Dasa

Devotional Service Over Impersonalism

Bhagavad-gita (Ch10-18)

Bibliography
Prabhupada, A. B. (2003). Nectar of Devotion, Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. Internation Publication: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Prabhupada, A. B. (2003). Nectar of Instruction, Upadesamrta. Internation Publication: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Prabhupada, A. B. (2003). Sri Caitanya-caritamrta. Internation Publication: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Prabhupada, A. B. (2003). Sri Isopanisad. International Publicaiont: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Prabhupada, A. B. (2003). Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavat Purana). Internation Publication: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

Prabhupada, A. B. (2006). Bhagavad-gita As It Is. International Publication: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

-307 December 2010