Q. When do we know we have undergone a transformation in the path of Krishna Consciousness?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to BG 9.2:
“It is said that the execution of devotional service is so perfect that one can perceive the results directly. This direct result is actually perceived, and we have practical experience that any person who is chanting the holy names of Krsna (Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) in course of chanting without offenses feels some transcendental pleasure and very quickly becomes purified of all material contamination. This is actually seen. Furthermore, if one engages not only in hearing but in trying to broadcast the message of devotional activities as well, or if he engages himself in helping the missionary activities of Krsna consciousness, he gradually feels spiritual progress. This advancement in spiritual life does not depend on any kind of previous education or qualification. The method itself is so pure that by simply engaging in it one becomes pure.
In the Vedanta-sutra (3.2.26) this is also described in the following words: “Devotional service is so potent that simply by engaging in the activities of devotional service one becomes enlightened without a doubt.”
So the process of devotional service is so potent that as soon as we come in contact with it we can be rest assured that our heart is actually going through transformation. In a continuous manner, the transformation that one experiences through this process is ongoing and continues all the way till we achieve love of God (prema). Here is a very brief description of the transformations one undergoes while passing through different stages of bhakti:
“In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter, one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sadhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify, and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for the devotee interested in Krsna consciousness.” (CC Madhya 23.14-15)
But a small word of caution – to keep going through the progressive stages of bhakti and further deeper transformations of heart we must endeavor to practice PURE devotional service that is unmixed with fruitive mentality or speculative tendencies. Rupa Goswami gives the definition of pure devotional service in Nectar of devotion – “One should render transcendental loving service to the Supreme Lord Krsna favorably and without desire for material profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical speculation. That is called pure devotional service.”
Along with this endeavor in pure devotional service under the guidance of bona fide spiritual master, we must also carefully avoid offenses while chanting the holy name, serving the Lord and His devotees.
When we practice like this, we can be rest assured that we will go all the way to Krsna Prema in this very life.
Srila Prabhupada also used to quote an analogy from the 11th canto of Bhagavatam – When a hungry man eats, he feels satisfaction, nourishment and cessation of hunger. He does need to inquire from anyone about what his feelings are. Similarly when we are practicing devotional service and serving God, we will naturally feel awakening of devotion, have experience of the Supreme Lord and feel detachment from worldly things. So like Srila Prabhupada said earlier in BG 9.2 purport, we can directly perceive the results of devotional service in the form of transformation of heart when practiced in the prescribed manner.
