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Category:Becoming Godly

Theme Analysis

Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while the living entity can never become God (the infinite Supreme), the goal of human life is to become Godly. To be godly means to possess the qualities of God in minute degree—up to 78% of the Lord's attributes. The analysis of these quotes reveals that the primary method for this transformation is association. Just as an iron rod becomes fiery by staying in the fire, the soul becomes godly by keeping in constant touch with God. This contact is established primarily through the "sound incarnation"—the chanting of the holy names. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this is a gradual process of training and purification that saves the soul from degrading into a "dog" mentality in the next life.

  • The Definition of Godly: "Godly means servant of God." It is the state of having revived one's original spiritual nature.
  • The Iron Rod Analogy: By association with the fire (God), the iron rod (the soul) takes on the qualities of fire (heat and light). Similarly, by chanting, one becomes godly.
  • Training and Association: Godliness is not automatic; it requires training ("rules and regulations") and good association ("good society"). Without this, one tends toward the demonic.
  • Universal Access: This perfection is open to all—men, women, and children. Everyone has the right to become godly and return home.

Pages in category "Becoming Godly"

The following 18 pages are in this category, out of 18 total.