Fall of the juva

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

“A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus, one’s mind becomes attached to Śrī Kṛṣṇa.” [Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi 2.117].

This example that Srila Prabhupada gives regarding the so-called “fall down” of the two nitya-siddha devotees, Jaya and Vijaya, illustrates the difference between the influence of yoga-maya—on behalf of the Lord’s purpose of His pastimes—and of maha-maya’s influence, which is altogether a different matter.

At no point did the two gatekeepers cease their loving service to the Lord. Such exalted servants anticipate every desire of their master and eagerly carry it out even if it means playing the role of demons! Being rightfully situated in their constitutional consciousness they are always in Vainkuntha. They did not fall down and neither do any (nitya-siddha) devotees who are cent-percent engaged in eternal loving service. The premi-bhaktas never fall down whether in Hari-dhama or Devi-dhama—they remain eternally infallible.

Another example is Arjuna and Kunti regarding their infallible eternal service in Devi-dhama. Srila Prabhupada answers (in correspondence) a question of one of his disciples:
“To answer your second question, you should know that Arjuna and Kunti Devi are not in Krishna Loka. They are eternally associated with Krishna only in the material world.” [Letter to: Saradia, 68-12-12 ].

“There are two classes of beings, the fallible and the infallible. In the material world every living entity is fallible, and in the spiritual world every living entity is called infallible.” [Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, 15.16]
We become fallible when we allow a gap in our service. Wherever there is a gap, maha-maya will enter. Just like where there is a gap in the pathway, the weeds will grow. So the real fall-down means that we allowed a gap in our service; we turned away. Now, our service is to carry out the order of the Lord’s pure representative, our spiritual master who has instructed us to chant 16 rounds minimum of japa daily and follow the four regulative principles.

Srila Prabhupada: "Sometimes Maya may come and try to interfere but we must not falter, we must always follow the chalked out path layed down by the great Acaryas and in the end, you [we] will see.” [Correspondence / 1973 / 73-11-25 ].