# Śraddhā—Faith *On the importance of firm faith* --- ### Firm Conviction > This is called *śraddhā.* One when believes firmly as Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja.*, one, if he is firmly fixed-up, "Yes, by surrendering to Kṛṣṇa I get all perfection of life," that is called *śraddhā.* That is called *śraddhā.* That is explained by *Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Śraddhā-śabde viśvāsa sudṛḍha niścaya.*. If I have got intention, "Why not this? Why not that? Why not this? Why not that?" then that is not *śraddhā* even. That is not *śraddhā. Śraddhā* means firm conviction. So *śraddhā-śabde.* So *ādau śraddhā.* — [[spoken/1974/740330bg.bom|Bhagavad-gītā 4.10, Bombay, March 30, 1974]] --- ### Sincerity Is Required > So everything requires sincerity. Otherwise, things are not very difficult. *Vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā man-mayā mām upāśritāḥ, bahavaḥ*. Kṛṣṇa says *bahavaḥ.* Not that one or two. Anyone. "Many who have adopted this means." Then *jñāna-tapasā pūtāḥ:* "By knowledge and *tapasya,* they became purified, and then." What is that? *Mad-bhāvam āgatāḥ:* then come to the stage of *bhāva.* So to learn this art, one must be first. Just like we are hearing. If one determines, so why not adopt this means? *Vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhāḥ*, *jñāna-tapasā pūtāḥ.* "Why I am suffering?" Kṛṣṇa is advising. Why not take this step? Then Kṛṣṇa will help you. As soon as you decide to accept this means, Kṛṣṇa will help you. Kṛṣṇa will help you. He'll give you good assistance. — [[spoken/1974/740330bg.bom|Bhagavad-gītā 4.10, Bombay, March 30, 1974]] --- ### The Switch Is Off > Kṛṣṇa says, *api cet su-durācāraḥ.* Even though you find in some devotees some bad behavior, not standard, but because he is a devotee, he is constantly engaged in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, therefore he is *sādhu.* Even though he has got some bad habits due to his past life, it doesn't matter, because this will stop. Because he has taken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all nonsense habit will stop. The switch is off. As soon as one comes to Kṛṣṇa, the switch which impelled one to bad habits, that becomes off immediately. — [[spoken/1967/670331bg.ny|Bhagavad-gītā 10.8 [Partial Recording], New York, March 31, 1967]] --- ### Ādau Śraddhā Tataḥ Sādhu-Saṅga > It is not difficult. The most easiest process of transcendental realization. And by following this process, just see our students, how they have advanced—in very quickly, within short time. You bring any so-called followers of *yoga* society student and try to compare with any one of our student, you'll find he is far, far advanced. We challenge. [laughter] Why? Due to the *sādhu-saṅga. Sādhu-saṅga.* So *ādau śraddhā tataḥ sādhu-saṅga.*. — [[spoken/1967/670331bg.ny|Bhagavad-gītā 10.8 [Partial Recording], New York, March 31, 1967]] --- ### Yeṣāṁ Tv Anta-gataṁ Pāpam > Similarly, Kṛṣṇa consciousness may not be practical for all, but that does not mean it should not be preached. The customer will take. Just like this tape recorder: one has got money, you have purchased, taking advantage. Similarly, there are many pious persons who can take Kṛṣṇa consciousness, just like you have taken. You are not ordinary, common man. There must have been some pious activities in your past lives. Therefore you have taken to this Kṛṣṇa consciousness seriously. *Bhagavad-gītā* says, *yeṣāṁ tv anta-gataṁ pāpaṁ*. A sinful person cannot understand Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is said, *yeṣāṁ tv anta-gataṁ pāpaṁ.* One who has completely vanquished all sorts of sinful reactions. — [[spoken/1968/680327mw.sf|Morning Walk at Stowe Lake, San Francisco, March 27, 1968]] --- *5 verified verbatim quotes from Śrīla Prabhupāda on śraddhā—faith*