by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda:
THE RARENESS OF PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE
Summary Outline: The Rareness of Pure Devotional Service
Austerities and Self-Realization:
• Various austerities, penances, and spiritual practices aimed at self-realization do not automatically lead to devotional service.
• Even if one eliminates material desires through these practices, personal effort alone is insufficient for attaining devotional service.
Divine Discretion in Bestowing Devotional Service:
• Kṛṣṇa can easily grant material happiness or even liberation, but He rarely bestows the opportunity for devotional service.
• Devotional service is a unique privilege that is not available to everyone—it is selectively given by the Lord.
The Role of a Pure Devotee:
• The only pathway to devotional service is through the mercy of a pure devotee or spiritual master.
• As stated in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 19.151), it is through the grace of the spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa that one attains this exalted state.
Scriptural Confirmation:
• Tantra-śāstra: Lord Śiva explains that even highly refined philosophical and ritualistic practices can at best grant liberation or material comforts, not devotional service.
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Prahlāda Mahārāja): Pure devotional service cannot be achieved solely by personal effort or following higher instructions; one must be blessed by a pure devotee.
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Fifth Canto, Sixth Chapter, Verse 18): Nārada reminds Yudhiṣṭhira that while liberation is readily available, devotional service is rare because it involves a deep, personal relationship where Kṛṣṇa is “purchased” by the devotee.
• Conclusion:
• Pure devotional service is the highest and most intimate form of spiritual engagement, accessible only through divine grace mediated by a pure devotee.
END