Answer
They cannot come out of material existence permanently by their own effort. That is why A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explains that such persons may think they are liberated, but eventually they fall back into material life. Without the mercy of the Lord, complete and eternal liberation is not possible.
Now, even to the extent that some transcendence is achieved—how does it happen? Through intense tapasya (austerity). Whenever someone performs austerity, it generates purification. In the path of impersonal realization, this austerity is often not physical but intellectual and mental.
They constantly practice negation: “not this, not this” (neti neti).
“I am not this body, not this mind, not this identity.”
Again and again, they attempt to disidentify from matter.
This is because identification is a fundamental function of the soul. We are trapped in material existence due to deep identification—“I am this body.” So they try to reverse this by continuous negation. It is a long and demanding process of subtracting everything false. By repeatedly removing all that is “not self,” eventually what remains is the realization of Brahman.
However, this path is extremely difficult—especially in this age. Even those who speak of it may not practically attain stable realization.
In contrast, the devotional process is very natural and direct:
“I am the servant of Krishna.”
Even if some bodily identification remains, it does not obstruct progress in the same way. One continues serving. This body may change, roles may change, but the identity of servant remains constant. In practical life, we still function within bodily designations—interacting, communicating, serving—but internally, we cultivate spiritual identity.
So instead of waiting to become completely pure, one begins devotional service immediately.
Yes, devotional service performed in the material condition is influenced by the three modes of nature:
In ignorance, it is distorted.
In passion, it is mixed with selfish motives.
In goodness, it becomes clearer and more refined.
Gradually, as one continues, the influence of the modes decreases. The illusory component reduces, especially as one approaches sattva-guṇa. Ultimately, pure devotion is beyond all three modes.
So wherever one is—whatever the mix of ignorance, passion, and goodness—one should begin and continue devotional service.
At the same time, one must hear regularly—nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (constant hearing). Hearing and service must go together. As one chants, hears, and associates with the Lord, purification naturally happens.
Then you will observe:
Ignorance and passion gradually diminish,
Devotion becomes less mixed,
And eventually, it matures toward pure devotional service.
So the process is clear:
Engage in service and hearing together from the very beginning—this is what purifies and elevates devotion to its pure state.
