Question: If one knows that he/she will never be an initiated devotee because of lack of desire to follow the very strict regulative principles and life style, is there any benefit to anyone for this person to maintain interest in Krishna Consciousness? There are times when Srila Prabhupada says in his books that some people are just a disturbance. How do you know if he means these kinds of people?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Srila Prabhupada was most compassionate and so large hearted that he freely engaged all sorts of people in Krishna’s service, even the drug-addicted hippies of the 60s, in whatever capacities they could be engaged. He knew our deficiencies and sometimes spoke strongly to strengthen our determination, but he never turned down a soul that
sincerely approached Krishna, regardless of their capacities or inabilities. (Also refer to Bg 3.31 purport.) I am not sure of the exact reference within Srila Prabhupada’s writing which you are making, but perhaps Prabhupada was refering to someone who was explicitly envious of Krishna and approached the devotees to take advantage of them.
Please refer to Q1 above re. the eligibility for Krishna consciousness. Krishna consciousness is the natural function of the soul, and by its continued performance, all undesirables will eventually be removed. Even if one may not yet be able to or even committed to follow all the spiritual standards strictly, simply by continued chanting and hearing about Krishna in the association of sincere devotees, such a practitioner will eventually develop a strong taste for devotional service. The desire and the ability to follow the rules and regulations of devotional life will just be the natural by-product. Even otherwise, even if they are unable to come to the point of initiation, there is no loss in serving Krishna. On the other hand, what is the use of successful and perfect execution of millions of other materialistic goals?
The acharyas have therefore recommended that some how or other one should always think of Krishna; even if one is full of lust or fear or greed, because such contact with Krishna can purify one of all impure actions and desires. Srila Prabhupada narrates the story of a thief who heard about the expensive ornaments of Krishna and went in search of Krishna to rob Him. Although his motive was simply greediness, and he had no interest in sadhana bhakti, simply by his eagerness to see Krishna, he was able to see Krishna face to face and in course of their conversation, the thief became a pure devotee. The only requirement is therefore to have a sincere eagerness for the Supreme Lord and be in the association of pure devotees.
