Category:Our Vows (Disciples of SP)
Theme Analysis
The spiritual path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not a casual endeavor, but a profound lifelong commitment anchored in sacred vows. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that taking a vow is an ultimate act of surrender, transforming ordinary activities into powerful armor against the illusions of material existence. Whether vowing before the sacred fire during initiation, promising to eat only sanctified prasādam, or entering the unbreakable bond of spiritual marriage, these strict commitments provide the disciple with immense spiritual strength. By tightly grasping the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa through the adherence to these promises, devotees perfectly control their senses and remain insulated from the relentless attacks of māyā. Ultimately, taking and maintaining these vows with utmost seriousness is the guaranteed formula for making steady progress and returning back to Godhead in this very lifetime.
- The Gravity of Initiation: Taking the vow to chant sixteen rounds and follow the four regulative principles is a highly serious business, witnessed directly by the Deity, the spiritual master, the fire, and the Vaiṣṇavas.
- Protection from Falldown: The material energy is constantly trying to drag the conditioned soul down, but sticking strictly to one's spiritual vows acts as an impenetrable shield against māyā.
- Controlling the Senses: Practical, daily vows—such as promising to only eat food offered to Kṛṣṇa or only speak of His glories—are absolute acts of surrender that immediately conquer the demanding tongue.
- Unbreakable Social and Spiritual Bonds: The principle of vowing extends to all areas of a disciple's life, ensuring lifelong dedication to the spiritual master's teachings and an unbreakable, service-oriented bond within marriage.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: How Prabhupāda Protects His Disciples through the Sacred Power of Spiritual Vows.
Subcategories
This category has only the following subcategory.
O
Pages in category "Our Vows (Disciples of SP)"
The following 16 pages are in this category, out of 16 total.
I
- If we take this vow, that "I shall not eat anything which is not offered to Krsna..." Naturally Krsna does not take any chop cutlet, so you cannot offer it. Krsna personally says, patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati
- If you make it a vow that "I shall not eat anything which is not offered to Krsna," that means it is a surrender. You surrender to Krsna, that "My dear Lord, I shall not eat anything which is not offered to You." That's vow. That vow is surrender
- Impress upon them that they are taking vows before Radha Krsna, the spiritual master and the assembled Vaisnavas. It is a serious business
T
- The boys you have recommended may be initiated. Hold a fire sacrifice and they may vow before the deity, the spiritual master and the fire that they will chant 16 rounds minimum and obey the four regulative principles
- The boys you have recommended may be initiated. Hold a fire sacrifice and they may vow before the deity, the spiritual master and the fire that they will chant minimum 16 rounds daily and follow the four regulative principles. Their names are as follows
- The initiates as above mentioned are all taking vow before the Deity, the Supersoul within, the devotees, the spiritual master, the fire, and so they are vowing before so many witnesses to keep faithfully these regulative principles
- Those who are going to be initiated, they should take it as a vow not to fall down again. Catch Krsna's lotus feet very tightly and you'll not fall down
W
- We are instructing in the class because there are few disciples who have taken vow to learn from me. Otherwise, I have no business to teach the public. The public may come. But actual interest is to teach my disciples
- We have taken the vow to see Krsna or to understand Krsna. We should be very, very serious and do the needful. Then our life will be successful
- When I get married our boys and girls, the boy takes this vow that "I take responsibility of your maintenance throughout your whole life," and the girl promises that "I desire to serve you throughout my whole life"
Y
- You take a vow that "Whenever I shall speak, I shall simply speak, glorifying Krsna, nothing more"
- Your tongue asks you, "Go to the restaurant and eat some nice thing." But if you are a Vaisnava, if you have this vow that "I shall not allow my tongue to eat anything except prasadam," it is already controlled. That means, to control the senses