Mahaprabhu and Prabhupada on Varnashrama

[Kripamoya]

The Nectar of Devotion chapter 13 page 112:

 

 

Some scholars argue that simply by following the principles of varna and äsrama one can gradually rise to the perfections reached by practicing devotional service, but this argument is not accepted by the great authorities. Lord Caitanya also condemned this idea while He was talking with Rämänanda Räya about the gradual development of devotional service. He rejected the idea of the importance of varnäsrama-dharma when it was put forward by Rämänanda Räya. He said that this advancement of varna and äsrama is merely external. There is a higher principle. In Bhagavad-gitä also the Lord says that one has to give up all other principles of elevation and take simply to the method of Krsna consciousness. That will help one in achieving the highest perfection of life.

 

In the Eleventh Canto, Twentieth Chapter, verse 9, of Srimad-Bhägavatam, the Lord Himself says, “One should execute the prescribed duties of varna and äsrama as long as he has not developed spontaneous attachment for hearing about My pastimes and activities.” In other words, the prescribed forms of varna and äsrama are ritualistic ceremonies of religion intended for economic development, sense gratification or salvation. All of these things are recommended for persons who have not developed Krsna consciousness; in fact, all such activities are recommended in the revealed scriptures only to bring one to the point of Krsna consciousness. But one who has already developed spontaneous attachment for Krsna does not require to execute the duties prescribed in the scriptures.