Who is the Greatest?

by Bhakta Mel Nelson

In our current civilization, from very early in life, we are taught that the homeless, the sanitation worker, the unemployed, or the poor are to be avoided. The average worker is not to be associated with but the rich or famous are to be admired and sought after. From movie stars and politicians we seek autographs. But who is the greatest?

The Bhagavada-gita, the “Bible” of India, states in chapter 5, verse 18: “The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog eater (outcast or homeless).”

How can this be? Really…a dog? This understanding requires some explaining.

The reason all beings are viewed the same by the learned sage or person in Krsna consciousness is because bodily dress makes no difference. Paramatma, or Krsna, is present in both the homeless and a cat. They are simply products of the different modes of nature. The cat is an individual soul whereas the Supersoul, Paramatma or God exists in everyone. Basically the cat and the movie star are the same.

A human being does have a distinct advantage over a lesser animal because he has the ability to become Krsna conscious and escape the modes of nature all together. So how does one become Krsna conscious?

One must first approach a bona fide spiritual master and ask for guidance. He will teach you to chant the Maha-mantra: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. He will ask you to observe the four regulative principles of no meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex and no intoxication. Lastly, he will show you the wonderful literature Srila Prabhupada left for us. This process will perfect your life by making you a devotee of the Lord.