We cannot say that the four regulative principles in themselves constitutes bhakti or constitutes devotional service to Krsna. They are preliminary activities. The preliminary activities of renunciation and austerity. But we rise above and when we become attracted to Krsna, and absorbed in devotional service, and naturally the regulative principles will be followed. It says that a pure devotee naturally will not engage in sinful activities. Although, he is not consciously thinking I should not engage in these things because they’re sinful. It has nothing to do with pleasing Krsna. Then his entire life is absorbed in pleasing Krsna. Pleasing Krsna in this way. Pleasing Krsna in that way.Like the tortoise - the limbs are inside the shield and only come out if you serve Krsna. Then there is no question of any sinful activity or material activity. It has no meaning. What is the meaning of something that is not transcendental? What is the meaning?
In this way, the only thing that has meaning is the service to Krsna, and everything else is totally empty! And leads to lying- no progress. Prabuphada also mentions that how he was in New York he was imitating the sounds of the cars: “Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh they are. ” Travelling at neck braking speed but they are not making any progress. They’re not going anywhere.
So the whole world is moving around so fast but not going anywhere. Not really going anywhere - just staying in the material energy – just staying in the cage, going around - but not going anywhere.
And Prabhupada says; “But then we take the cage. We have a bird in the cage. We take the cage: We put it out in the field : We open the door : And the bird goes out and straight back into the cage! Because he doesn’t want to”. So Prabhupada says; “That’s also us.” We have the opportunity to engage in devotional service, but we don’t really want it because we know this cage – and it’s a comfortable cage. And there’s nice things to eat and so many things, and different levels where you can sit – it’s a good cage! So we like to stay in our cage – in our material activities. That interferes with our devotional service. That in a way blocks our absorption in pure devotional service to some extent.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami August 2010)
