Answer
Between mahatmas and duratmas, there are many shades of duratmas. At the lowest level are those who deny God altogether. The next level includes those in the karmakanda section—they recognize God, but they have their own plans and desires. They seek God’s blessings primarily to fulfill their personal ambitions.
Then there are the Mayavadis. They possess scriptural or Vedic knowledge, but lack clarity about the ultimate spiritual reality. In that sense, they too can be considered duratmas.
Beyond them are the sadhaka-bhaktas, like us. To some extent, we are also duratmas—at least externally we may appear as devotees, having adopted the dress and practices, but internally the heart is not yet fully purified. The cleansing process is ongoing. Still, there is progress: we have recognized that we have a disease and have begun taking medicine. Even if we are not fully serious in taking that medicine, at least the understanding has come that we should.
Thus, all conditioned souls exist at different stages of being duratmas. However, those who sincerely continue the process will gradually become purified and eventually attain the stage of pure devotion (bhakti), at which point they become mahatmas.
Because people are situated at different levels, when they present their own philosophies, they may unintentionally mislead others. This is why strong words are sometimes used—they do not fully know the truth and, due to their incomplete understanding, may guide others incorrectly.
The entire Vedic process is meant to transform a duratma into a mahatma. This transformation does not usually happen immediately; it is a gradual process that may take many lifetimes. However, if one is fortunate enough to come into contact with a pure devotee, and is able to please that pure devotee, then everything can be completed in a single lifetime.
This special mercy rests solely with the pure devotee. If we can find such a devotee, dedicate our lives sincerely, and please them—even if our efforts are imperfect—then success is assured. In one lifetime, one can move from the state of duratma to mahatma and return to the spiritual world.
This is the accelerated process being presented, and a crucial factor in its effectiveness is coming into genuine contact with a pure devotee, dedicating oneself sincerely, and striving to please them. If the pure devotee is pleased, then one’s life becomes successful. This is the path of Krishna consciousness.
