78 On the Way to Krgna

There are many rules and regulations for the wor-
ship of demigods in the scriptures, and one may
question why the Vedic literatures recommended
their worship. There is necessity. Those who are
motivated by lust want the opportunity to love
something, and the demigods are acknowledged as
the officers of the Supreme Lord. The idea is that as
one worships these demigods, he will gradually de-
velop Krsna consciousness. But if one is completely
atheistic and disobedient and rebellious against any
authority, what hope is there? So one’s obedience
to a higher personality can start with the demigods.

If, however, we take directly to the worship of
the Supreme Lord, worship of the demigods is not
necessary. Those who worship the Supreme Lord
directly show all respect to the demigods, but they
do not need to worship them because they know that
the supreme authority behind the demigods is the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and they are en-
gaged in worshiping Him. In any case, respect is still
there. A devotee of the Lord shows respect even to
an ant, what to speak of the demigods? The devotee
is aware that all living entities are parts and parcels
of the Supreme Lord and that they are playing differ-
ent roles only.

In relation to the Supreme Lord, all beings are to
be respected. Therefore a devotee refers to others as
“Prabhu,” meaning “My dear sir, my dear lord.”
Submissiveness is a qualification for a devotee of the
Lord. Devotees are kind and obedient, and they have
all good qualifications. In conclusion, if one becomes
