Answer
Actually, sankalpa (acceptance) and vikalpa (rejection) are intrinsic functions of the mind. Just as any machine has its built-in operations, the mind constantly evaluates: “Should I accept this, or reject it?”
But the mind itself arises from false ego—the mistaken identity of “I am this body” or “I am the enjoyer.” So transformation doesn’t begin at the mind; it begins deeper, at the level of identity. When that false ego is corrected, one understands: “I am an eternal servant of Krishna.” This is not an artificial imposition; it is our constitutional reality, clearly explained by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Once this foundation is fixed, the mind’s functions remain the same—but their basis changes completely. Previously, the mind worked like this:
“Favorable to my sense gratification? Accept.”
“Unfavorable to my sense gratification? Reject.”
A devotee uses the same mechanism, but with a transformed criterion:
“Favorable to Krishna’s service? Accept.”
“Unfavorable to Krishna consciousness? Reject.”
So the machinery doesn’t change—the purpose does.
This shift in basis comes through guidance and regular hearing, especially from teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. As one internalizes this knowledge, the illusions of false ego—the “dramas” we keep enacting throughout the day—begin to fall away. Otherwise, the mind will keep pushing us into endless roles and reactions, almost like an uncontrolled actor.
Therefore, it is essential to remain grounded in Krishna consciousness. When the foundation is correct, even ordinary mental activities like acceptance and rejection become purified, auspicious, and ultimately transcendental.
