Three Essential Qualities in Krishna Consciousness

(written on February 1, 2020)

(References: SB 1.5.24)

The three essential qualities are self-control, discipline, and obedience. This is explained by Srila Prabhupada in the purport of SB 1.5.24, “Without being self-controlled, without being disciplined and without being fully obedient, no one can become successful in following the instructions of the spiritual master, and without doing so, no one is able to go back to Godhead.” These qualities are necessary for anyone to advance in Krishna consciousness. Here are examples of each of the three qualities:

• Self-control: Self-control is the ability to control one’s desires and emotions. Ex. controlling my desires to do nonsense in order to do useful activities like studying and especially doing homework for Bhagavatam class.

• Discipline: Discipline is obeying rules or training oneself to do things in a habitual and controlled manner. Ex. disciplining myself to do the homework for class every week.

• Obedience: Obedience is compliance or submission to someone or something, especially a respected authority. Ex. respecting and listening to the instructions of my parents and guru.

It is very clear that without these three qualities, it is extremely difficult to mold a person into becoming Krishna conscious. In fact, this is the problem with so many children at school. They are not self-controlled, disciplined, or obedient and have no efforts in trying to be. Due to this, they do not want to even hear about topics such as religion or Krishna consciousness, and they don’t even have the right consciousness to understand.