The Way Out Of Confusion

July 5, 2003

Taking Shelter of the Hearing Process.

Recently on the VNN Forums one member there expressed his confusion over the conflicting ideas about the "Soul's Fall". He sincerely asks..."Hare Krsna Iskcon says we fell from Vaikuntha, but there are many devotees that say we (have) never been there! and (that) nobody can fall from Vaikuntha. So I am confused. Then where are we coming from? Then " Back home, back to godhead" has no meaning! Is there anyone who can clear this out? thanks!"

Is there actually anyone who CAN "clear this out" for him? It IS confusing when one hears many different conflicting ideas about the same subject, especially for a "young" devotee starting out in Krsna consciousness.There are certain scholars within our ranks who have given very elaborate arguments to support certain ideas, but if you understand the real process of receiving transcendental knowledge you can be safe from these many pitfalls that lie on your path, such as hearing from the wrong source.

Religion and transcendental knowledge is enunciated by the Supreme Personality of Godhead and cannot be manufactured in the teeny brains of the logicians and scholars. Logically, a materially intelligent philosopher CAN offer some rational argument that may suggest that the soul never fell, etc., and some one can take the opposite side and defeat the idea with more argument and logic. But no matter how many arguments they offer--either side-- by giving their conclusions drawn from their usually adept reasoning, there is no requirement to accept that their assertions are correct.

The reasoning for this is that transcendental knowledge does not manifest in our brains. It manifests on the lips of the Supreme Godhead and is passed down through the chain of transcendentally situated transparent via media who add nothing nor subtract even a trace of their own logic or reasoning, and all that is required is to hear submissively from such souls.

Therefore, to be safe, just reject these different fanciful ideas, though they are based on very logical conclusions, unless you hear exactly that same conclusion and interpretation of scriptures as found in Srila Prabhupada's own teachings. What Srila Prabhupada explains in his teachings is empowered by Krsna and is the same as Krsna Himself and above mistakes, because in the Absolute realm there is no difference between Krsna and His name or His instructions or transcendental philosophy, (or his pure devotee).

We conditioned souls, on the other hand, who unfortunately author some of these confusing doctrines, are not under this umbrella of protection from the internal potency of Krsna, and therefore are subject to the four defects. So, unless these philosophers and scholars are seen as habitually taking shelter of the unalloyed devotees in full submission, then a sincere devotee should not be confused by their philosophical ideas. No transcendental knowledge can be realized (nor passed on) without receiving the mercy of Krsna's confidential servant.

So if the proponent of some confusing philosophy is known to rely heavily on logic and reason rather than devotion, does not properly glorify the pure devotee, and does not follow nor propagate this ideal of humility, submission, and becoming the menial servant of the pure soul, then there is sufficient reason too reject the authority of such a person.

Of course, proponents of different factional belief structures will claim that their ideas also come from Srila Prabhupada, but actually that is not a fact in every case. What usually happens is that they may rely on different isolated quotes, mixing that with logic and reasoning, and coming to the point of intelligent conclusions that may or may not be in complete agreement with the actual truth of things, as found in disciplic succession, which can only be received from the realized soul.

Of course I am only speaking in general and do not want to criticize any particular person. I just want to emphasize this process of hearing from the realized soul. I mean, of course, submissive hearing. Then, simply by this submissive hearing, everything can be understood. Krsna will give you understanding from within because He is pleased by your sincerity.

So as far as this subject of the soul's fall, you do not have to become confused. Just be determined to give up reading everyone's discourses on this difficult subject, and just take your need to the lotus feet of Krsna. He will guide you to the many teachings on the subject by His pure devotee, which is above controversy and confusion.

For instance, there is an amazing lecture by Srila Prabhupada that was printed in the Back to Godhead a year or so ago. It's entitled The Soul's Fall. Just read that, for example, with faith in this transcendental hearing process and be willing to give up this curiosity to hear from conditioned souls. Then you will be safe, happy, and free from confusion. Sincerely Mahananda dasa

....The entire lecture can be found in the VNN article below with the same name.