860 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 4, Ch. 21
is also present within the heart of the animal; but in the human form of
life, because of developed consciousness (cetanam), one can be transferred
from ignorance and passion to goodness by the results of his activities
(kriya-phalatvena). A human being is therefore advised to associate with
spiritually advanced personalities. The Vedas give the direction tad-
vijndnartham sa gurum evabhigacchet: in order to reach the perfection of
life or to understand the real constitutional position of the living entity,
one must approach the spiritual master. (Mundaka Up. 1.2.12) Gurum eva-
bhigacchet—one must; it is not optional. It is imperative that one approach
the spiritual master, for by such association one proportionately develops
his consciousness towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The
highest perfection of such consciousness is called Krsna consciousness.
According to the body given by prakrti, or nature, one’s consciousness is
present; according to the development of consciousness, one’s activities
are performed; and according to the purity of such activities, one realizes
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone’s heart.
The example given herein is very appropriate. Fire is always the same, but
according to the size of the fuel or burning wood, the fire appears to be
straight, curved, small, big, etc.

According to the development of consciousness, God realization is
present. In the human form of life it is recommended, therefore, that one
undergo the different types of penances and austerities described in
Bhagavad-gita (karma-yoga, jiiana-yoga, dhyana-yoga and bhakti-yoga).
Like a staircase, yoga has different steps for reaching the topmost floor,
and according to one’s position upon the staircase, he is understood to be
situated in karma-yoga, jiiana-yoga, dhyana-yoga or bhakti-yoga. Of
course, bhakti-yoga is the topmost step on the staircase of realization of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In other words, according to one’s
development in consciousness, one realizes spiritual identity, and thus
when one’s existential position is purified fully, he becomes situated in
brahmananda, which is ultimately unlimited. Therefore the sankirtana
movement contributed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Lord
Caitanya is the direct and easiest process for coming to the purest form of
consciousness—Krsna consciousness, the platform on which the Supreme
Personality is fully realized. Directions for performing different types of
yajiias are specifically arranged for the highest realization of the Supreme
Lord, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita by the Lord Himself. Ye yatha mam
pradadyante tars tathaiva bhajamy aham (Bg. 4.11). The Supreme
Personality of Godhead is realized according to the proportion of one’s
surrender. Full surrender, however, occurs when a man is perfectly in
knowledge. Bahiinam janmanam ante jiidnavan mam prapadyate (Bg. 7.19).
