If a Vaiṣṇava seriously falls down from their spiritual practices, will they be admitted back into the kingdom of God?

[TODO: Needs edits]

Yes, according to the sources, a Vaiṣṇava who seriously falls down from their spiritual practices can be admitted back into the kingdom of God, although it is a process that requires sincere effort and a return to purity.

The transcript emphasizes the power of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra to counteract sinful reactions and facilitate liberation. It states that even those heavily involved in sinful activities can be purified by sincerely chanting the holy name.

• The verse cited in this context is: “hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare hare rāma hare rāma rāma rāma hare hare”.

The example of Ajamila is given, a person engaged in sinful activities who, at the time of death, called out “Nārāyaṇa” (a name of Kṛṣṇa) and received a second chance. This illustrates that even after a significant fall, remembrance of the Lord is crucial.

The sources acknowledge that devotees may experience temporary downfalls. Bharata Maharaja is presented as an example of a pure soul who fell due to attachment but later repented and remembered Kṛṣṇa in his next life, eventually making spiritual progress.

• The verse referencing Bharata Maharaja’s situation is: “nyūnonādhikatā yasyā tapasyī dānto jitendriyaḥ। mayādiṣṭaṁ ca karmāṇi kurvannaiḥ kāmyabhāvataḥ॥”. While this verse itself does not directly describe Bharata Maharaja’s fall, it is part of the context discussing temporary setbacks in devotional service, as explained in the surrounding text.

It is mentioned that if a Vaiṣṇava becomes 100% pure, they will be admitted into the kingdom of God. Even after serious deviation, a second chance can be obtained in this or a future life by associating with devotees and engaging in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, although progress might be temporarily slowed.

Sincere repentance is highlighted as essential when a devotee falls. The devotee should regret leaving the association of devotees and the protection of devotional service.

• The verse emphasizing remembrance is: “nāmānukīrtanaṁ yasya sarvapāpapraṇāśanam। praṇāmo duḥkhaśamanastaṁ namāmi hariṁ param॥”. This verse glorifies the holy name’s power to destroy all sins and saluting the Lord as the remover of suffering.

Furthermore, the transcript quotes the Varaha Purana, stating that those who are devotees of the Lord will attain the supreme destination. Even if one’s devotion is imperfect, remembering Kṛṣṇa, especially at the time of death, is of utmost importance.

• The verse from the Varaha Purana (though a combination of ideas, not a direct quote found as such in the provided text attributed to Varaha Purana) conveys the essence of surrendering to Kṛṣṇa to reach the supreme abode. Another relevant verse mentioned in the context of the “exam” analogy is: “antakāle ca māmeva smaranmuktvā kalevaram। yaḥ prayāti sa madbhāvaṁ yāti nāstyatra saṁśayaḥ॥” (Bhagavad-gītā 8.5), implying that remembering Kṛṣṇa at the time of death leads to attaining His nature.

In summary, a serious fall down is undoubtedly detrimental, but the possibility of being readmitted into the kingdom of God remains for a Vaiṣṇava who sincerely repents, strives for purity, and maintains remembrance of Kṛṣṇa. The path might encounter obstacles and delays, but the Lord’s mercy and the power of devotional service offer a way back.

[Source: AMA video]