Sucharu Gopi Devi Dasi's Page

The only qualification in devotional service



the question may be raised that since the Lord is supposed to be worshiped
by great demigods like Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and others, how can an
ordinary human being on this planet serve Him? This is clearly explained by
Prthu Maharaja by the use of the word yathadhikara, “according to one’s
ability.” If one sincerely executes his occupational duty, that will be
sufficient. One does not need to become like Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, Indra,
Lord Caitanya or Ramanujacarya, whose capabilities are certainly far above
ours. Even a sudra, who is in the lowest stage of life according to the
material qualities, can achieve the same success. Anyone can become
successful in devotional service provided he displays no duplicity. It is
explained here that one must be very frank and open-minded (amayinah). To be
situated in a lower status of life is not a disqualification for success in
devotional service. The only qualification is that whether one is a
brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra, he must be open, frank and free from
reservations. Then, by performing his particular occupational duty under the
guidance of a proper spiritual master, he can achieve the highest success in
life. As confirmed by the Lord Himself, striyo vaisyas tatha sudras te ‘pi
yanti param gatim (Bg. 9.32). It does not matter what one is, whether a
brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra or a degraded woman. If one engages
himself seriously in devotional service, working with body, mind and
intelligence, he is sure to be successful in going back home, back to
Godhead.