Answer
Philosophical understanding is one level of realization. That is why we say that all these are phases through which a sādhaka goes. We can understand that these are indeed the stages of spiritual progress.
First of all, we are not even conscious of the anarthas within us. But when we begin practicing Krishna consciousness, we gradually become aware: “Oh yes, I have all these anarthas.” Then, by the mercy of the Lord, by the mercy of the guru, and by the mercy of the spiritual process, we slowly experience anartha-nivṛtti—the cessation, or at least the gradual diminishing, of unwanted habits and material attractions.
This reduction in sensual engagements and sensual attractions becomes a real experience. One begins to feel, “Yes, this is happening. By the mercy of the Lord, I am becoming peaceful.” The blazing fire of material desires begins to diminish. This is something experiential.
Then comes niṣṭhā—steadiness. One begins to feel, “Now I am becoming fixed.” Of course, these realizations manifest to different degrees, and one must become very qualified to fully achieve them.
So this is how spiritual realities are experienced—not merely intellectually, but through actually passing through these stages. That is why Srila Prabhupada said many times that no one needs to give you a certificate stating whether you are advancing in spiritual life or not. You can know that yourself.
How do you know? By observing how much your attraction for material enjoyment is diminishing. That is an indication.
Just like when you are very hungry and you eat a full plate of food, once you are satisfied, you do not need to ask anyone, “Has my hunger gone? Do you think I should eat another plate?” No—you will know. It is self-certifying. It is self-evident. You directly experience that your hunger is gone.
Similarly, these are the experiences that the Bhagavatam is pointing out.
As we advance in Krishna consciousness, we become freed from kāma and lobha—lust and greed—which arise from the influence of rajo-guṇa and tamo-guṇa. Then one becomes situated in sattva-guṇa. And the indication of being situated in sattva is that one becomes very pleased and peaceful.
A natural understanding arises: “How wonderful spiritual life is! I am a servant of the Lord. I must serve Him. I must chant His holy names. I must hear about Him. I must remain in the association of devotees.”
One begins to feel, “This is such a wonderful life. I do not want to give it up at any cost.”
This can be experienced.
In the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā, verses 8 to 11, Krishna explains different ways in which we can engage in His service.
Now, as devotees, we may ask: Are we expected to follow all of these practices, or just some of them? And in our progress, is there any quantifiable or measurable standard by which we can know where we are and where we need to be?
Srila Prabhupada gave one very simple and easily understandable measure.
He said: Is your enthusiasm for serving Krishna and practicing Krishna consciousness increasing day by day?
Is it increasing? Is it remaining the same? Or is it diminishing?
That itself is an indication of whether we are making progress.
Our enthusiasm for serving the Lord must increase.
Prabhupada also said that another indication of how serious one is in spiritual life is how eager one is to come for maṅgala-ārati.
Because to come for maṅgala-ārati, one has to rise early, sacrifice some sleep, freshen up, and come in clean clothes. You do not simply come in a groggy state. This requires sincerity and discipline.
So that is also an indication of how serious we are in spiritual life.
Similarly, how serious we are about chanting our 16 rounds is another measurable standard.
These are all practical, observable, quantifiable, and easily identifiable indicators—both within ourselves and, to some extent, in others.
We can observe:
Is our enthusiasm increasing?
Is our desire to serve Krishna increasing?
Do we want to do more and more service?
For example, sometimes in the pujari department, if a devotee falls sick and another devotee is requested to do some extra service, what is the response?
If one pulls a long face and says, “Oh, what is going on? Why should I do more?”—that indicates one mentality.
But if one says, “Oh, all right, I will do it today. It’s okay. I can do more service”—that is eagerness. That is enthusiasm.
That attitude reveals one’s spiritual health.
Similarly:
our eagerness to do service,
our interest in reading Srila Prabhupada’s books,
our enthusiasm to participate in kīrtana,
our eagerness to associate with devotees,
—all these should be increasing.
These are the health indicators of spiritual life.
Just as physical health has measurable signs, spiritual life also has its own health indices.
If these qualities are increasing, it shows that one’s spiritual life is in good health.
In this way, we can understand our progress.
