20 On the Way to Krsna

Bhagavad-gitad we find that Sri Krsna Himself gives
the following verdict:

api cet suduracaro
bhajate mam ananya-bhak
sadhur eva sa mantavyah
samyag vyavasito hi sah

‘“‘Even if one commits the most abominable actions,
if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be con-
sidered saintly because he is properly situated.”
(Bg. 9.30)

On the mundane platform, what is morality for
one person is immorality for another, and what is
immorality for one person is morality for another.
According to the Hindu conception, the drinking of
wine is immoral, whereas in the Western world, wine
drinking is not considered immoral but is a common
thing. So morality is dependent on time, place, cir-
cumstance, social position, etc. There is, however, a
sense of morality and immorality in all societies. In
this verse Krsna points out that even if one is engaged
in immoral acts but at the same time is fully in
Krsna consciousness, he is to be considered a sadhu
or a saint. In other words, although a person may
have some immoral habits due to his past association,
if he is engaged fully in Krsna consciousness, these
habits are not to be considered important. Whatever
the case, if one becomes Krsna conscious, he will
gradually be purified and will become a sadhu. As
one progresses in executing Krsna consciousness, his
bad habits diminish, and he attains to saintly per-
fection.
