Devotees often talk about maintaining Krishna consciousness “till the moment of death.” But is pure, unbroken Krishna consciousness realistically achievable for ordinary practitioners?
What happens if one’s consciousness falters, especially at death? Is salvation / liberation / Krishna-prema still assured?
How do theistic philosophers reconcile human frailty, emotional turbulence, and the aspirational ideal of constant devotion?
Replies
This is a deeply philosophical question that touches on the nature of human consciousness and spiritual practice. From a theological perspective, the goal of maintaining constant Krishna consciousness is seen as an ideal, one that reflects the highest spiritual aspiration. However, the reality for most practitioners is that achieving uninterrupted consciousness of the Divine is difficult, given the distractions of worldly life and emotional turbulence.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna acknowledges the difficulty of constant devotion but also offers hope. He assures Arjuna that even if one falters, they are not lost. The sincere efforts made during one’s life will bear fruit, and Krishna promises to guide the devotee towards liberation, provided there is genuine devotion and surrender. Therefore, even if one’s consciousness is not perfectly maintained, the path of devotion (bhakti) still leads to grace.
Theistic philosophers reconcile this by emphasizing the importance of the heart’s intent rather than perfection in execution. The frailty of human emotions and thoughts is understood, and it is the sincerity of one’s devotion-along with surrender to Divine will-that ultimately brings salvation.
So, even if consciousness falters, it is believed that Krishna’s mercy can still ensure liberation, as the path of love and devotion transcends the limits of human imperfection.
Hare Krishna,
Hmm
That is why it is said in Bhagwat gita by Lord Sri Krishna
Bg. 2.40
स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥ ४० ॥
pratyavāyo na vidyate
sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya
trāyate mahato bhayāt
Now.. you question:-
Devotees often talk about maintaining Krishna consciousness “till the moment of death.” But is pure, unbroken Krishna consciousness realistically achievable for ordinary practitioners?
Lord will remind us but try to do what is in you hands right now.
If you are not able to remember at the time of Death.. Krishna will give us some hint to remember HIM thru someone .. He will do something. Trust in Krishna.
But with questions and doubt... is it feasible.. can we remember.. what if I cannot remember.. we are not great saints.. we might forget.. we are just oridinary practicioners.. if you keep thinking like this and waste your precious time.. you will not only lose this time... .surely you wont get any help that Ajamila got in the end also.
Hare Krishna
Hare Krsna
But is pure, unbroken Krishna consciousness realistically achievable ?
YES
What happens if one’s consciousness falters, especially at death? Is salvation / liberation / Krishna-prema still assured?
yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ
tyajaty ante kalevaram
taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya
sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ
Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kuntī, that state he will attain without fail. ( BG 8.6)
How do theistic philosophers reconcile human frailty, emotional turbulence, and the aspirational ideal of constant devotion?
Don't know how theistic philosophers do. But this is Krsna's assurance in Bhagavad Gita
sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. ( BG 18.66)
Hare Krsna