Answer
Yes, as part of cultural tradition, people often follow practices passed down in the family — “My mother used to do this, she taught me this,” and then the next generation continues in the same way. In this sense, devotion is carried forward culturally.
However, what we are trying to do in Krishna consciousness, under the shelter of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is to practice these same principles in a more pure, conscious, and philosophically grounded way.
Culture certainly teaches devotional habits, but those practices may need refinement. Still, Krishna sees the intention. If someone is sincerely trying to offer something, even without full knowledge, Krishna accepts the spirit behind it.
For example, someone may not know that certain items like coffee or tea should not be offered. Yet, they still make an offering with sincerity. There is a well-known instance where a newcomer once brought something inappropriate to offer, but Srila Prabhupada accepted it — because he saw the person’s भावना, the genuine desire to give something.
Such actions are called ajñāta-sukṛti — pious activities performed without full knowledge. They are valuable and should not be dismissed or criticized. Even if the understanding is incomplete, the devotional intent is significant and spiritually beneficial.
At the same time, Krishna consciousness teaches us to refine this natural devotion. We learn: Who is Krishna? What is His position? What is my position? And how should I properly approach Him?
As Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita, He gives knowledge by which one can gradually attain His nature and properly connect with Him. This includes understanding the three modes of material nature and learning how to rise above them to become transcendentally situated.
When one becomes transcendental, one can relate to the Lord properly — in a clear, conscious, and systematic way.
So, by Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, we are not only encouraged to have devotion, but we are also shown how to express it correctly and deeply.
At the same time, we should respect those who are practicing devotion culturally. Even if their understanding is not fully developed, the spirit is there — “I want to offer to Krishna, I want to please Him.” That sincerity is valuable, and Krishna certainly reciprocates with such people.
So both are meaningful — cultural devotion as a beginning, and refined devotional practice as the goal.
