Question: What is Krishna consciousness? How can one attain it ?
Answer: Krishna consciousness is both the process and attainment of the realization that every living being is an eternal servant of Krishna, and feeling Krishna is the most beloved.
Krishna consciousness simply means awakening to Krishna, the all-attractive eternal person whose gorgeous dark form is full of truth and bliss.
Krishna consciousness is the actual perfection of yoga. Sometimes yoga is perceived as a striving for samadhi, or Self-realization, but Krishna consciousness begins practically with samadhi and Self-realization, engaging the Self-realized soul in eternal spiritual activity serving Krishna.
Krishna consciousness includes realizing one’s relationship with Krishna, acting in that relationship, and ultimately attainment of love of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Srila Prabhupada explained in Srimad Bhagavatam:
“According to the Vedic principles, there are three stages of spiritual advancement, namely, sambandha-jñāna, abhidheya and prayojana. Sambandha-jñāna refers to establishing one’s original relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, abhidheya refers to acting according to that constitutional relationship, and prayojana is the ultimate goal of life, which is to develop love of Godhead (premā pum-artho mahān).
If one adheres to the regulative principles under the order of the spiritual master, he very easily achieves the ultimate goal of his life.
A person who is addicted to the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra very easily gets the opportunity to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead directly.”
Krishna consciousness is attained by submissively associating with Krishna’s devotees.
They will engage you in Krishna’s service, arousing Krishna bhakti within you. Bhakti, devotional service, is a catalyst for developing prem, love of Krishna, which attracts Krishna to the devoted soul.
The reciprocal exchange of love between Krishna and Krishna’s devotees eternally gives everyone boundless happiness that is accessible simply by surrender to Krishna.
This is to be celebrated especially by always chanting:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
…in a mood of serving Krishna and expressing your deep desire to always and unreservedly serve Sri Krishna.
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