Recently, I had gone with a fellow devotee for a program. He introduced me in the usual way brahmacharis are often introduced: “After working for a few years, he dedicated his life for the mission of Srila Prabhupada.”

That statement struck me like a thunderbolt.

I began reflecting—have I really dedicated my life? Or am I just making a show of it while enjoying the facilities given to me?

The dictionary defines dedication as: Complete and wholehearted fidelity; the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action.

We see many people dedicated to one cause or another—some to their nation, some to their work, their families, or their values. Their dedication is seen in their total commitment to do whatever it takes to bring happiness to the object of their dedication.

Interestingly, the word devotee also has its origin in dedication.

The word “devotee” originates from the Latin term “devotus,” which means “consecrated” or “dedicated.” It is derived from the verb “devovere,” a combination of “de” (meaning “down” or “away”) and “vovere” (meaning “to vow” or “to dedicate”). Over time, the word evolved to refer to someone who is deeply committed to a particular person, cause, or activity—often with a strong sense of religious or spiritual dedication. (Google)

Therefore, without dedication, calling oneself a devotee has no value.

Let us try to explore at what different levels we may operate while calling ourselves devotees.

The Ungrateful Grabber

It is said that God gives and forgives, and man gets and forgets.

Many times, people just look for what they can gain. They want to grab all the advantages without any sincere intention to serve the mission.

If anything goes wrong, they’re the first to complain, grumble, or blame. They’ll be the first to comment, but the last to volunteer.

Srila Prabhupada writes:
“The members of this Society should always remember that the Society is not like a free hotel. All the members should be very careful to execute their spiritual duties so that whoever comes will automatically become a devotee and will be able to return back to Godhead in this very life.”
(SB 5.8.30, P)

The Spectator

Such a person is present in name, but not in contribution.

He may not complain, but neither does he do anything meaningful. He watches others perform services, but his heart doesn’t transform. He’s a passive bystander, unwilling to take initiative.

And when asked to help, he’s ready with ten reasons why he can’t.

The Fair-Weather Performer

In my childhood days, when I would swim, during summers many children would come to learn swimming, and as soon as the holidays got over, they would leave. My coach would call them ‘barsaati mendak’, literally meaning frogs who are only seen in the rainy season. They would be seen only during the holiday season – fair weather!

Similarly, many people come forward to dance enthusiastically, show a great enthusiasm for services during festival days, and show off their devotion for some time. Then, they are not seen for many days.

Then, they will appear very spirited during Janmashtami and do all kinds of services for 2-3 days, and again they’ll fall back.

The Coaster

Some simply coast along, doing the bare minimum just enough to not be discarded from the community. They are above fair weather because at least they maintain some consistency at some level.

They have many outside obligations to fulfill. Even after years in Krishna consciousness, they may still struggle to move ahead in KC.

Their attachments convince them to stay where they are. Advancement seems too difficult. So, they keep surfing in the shallow waters, avoiding the ocean of deep shelter, sacrifice, and surrender.

I knew of one person who would chant very enthusiastically a few rounds, maybe he was consistent as well, but he never went beyond a particular number – maybe 2 and 4. He would come for many yatras, yet, he would not be inspired to increase his level of either devotional practice or surrender. I saw him like that for 6-8 years, and then he disappeared, and he went even a level below than the grabber. The grabber is at least present to receive the benefits!

The Contributor

Above the coasters are contributing members—those who engage according to their nature and inspiration. Undoubtedly, this is a much better stage than the above ones.

They voluntarily take responsibility and actively participate. However, their service is often limited by personal preferences or their mental comfort zone. When the need demands greater surrender, they may still hold back.

Even being at this stage, where one performs a few services and contributes something for the mission is a very good sign. Such people have a great potential to rise to the next level, if they get powerful association or divine inspiration.

The Selfless Servant

This is the stage of true dedication. This is where one can call oneself a devotee.

Such a person wants to give, even when they haven’t received anything in return.

Their only concern is how to help and serve. They are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually connected to the cause.

Srila Prabhupada is a brilliant example of this dedication. He was fully devoted to the order of his spiritual master and to the mission of spreading Lord Chaitanya’s teachings in the Western world.

Despite his age, the hardships, and the uncertainty, he remained unwavering. His determination at the age of 70 inspired thousands to take to Krishna consciousness.
His dedication became contagious. Today, his disciples, many of whom are over 70, continue to preach worldwide without any signs of fatigue.

In a letter, Srila Prabhupada beautifully writes:
“This Krishna consciousness is so nice—the more one works and renders service, the more he becomes enthusiastic. This is the secret of spiritual life. The test of spiritual life is when one can work all day long and not be tired. In the material world, we do a little work and become exhausted. Twenty-four hours we should be engaged in some service to our capacity. That is real spiritual life.” (Letter to Hamsaduta, 24 April 1972)

This is the consciousness of a dedicated devotee – one who has offered his body, mind, and words in the service of Guru and Krishna. Only such a life can bring deep and lasting fulfilment.

Another meaning of dedication is : ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Srila Prabhupada did that – Preached Krishna Consciousness, at the age of 70, in the most degraded area of New York.

Gopis showed the pinnacle of devotion – Left literally everything for the sake of Krishna, at midnight, and ran into the wild forest where Krishna was calling them.

Without dedication, our devotion cannot fructify into love of God.
Before prema comes asakti – a deep, unbreakable attachment to Krishna. But how can that attachment arise without first cultivating dedication?

Even for anartha nivritti to happen thoroughly, we must be willing to give up our personal opinions, false ego, and sincerely surrender to Krishna.

We must consciously assess which level we are at and strive to move from being a mere grabber, spectator or coaster or fair weather to becoming a contributor, and ultimately, a dedicated servant.

Only then can we say we are truly walking in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada. And only then, can we be called as a “devotee.”