Answer
This realization becomes possible through engagement in Krishna consciousness and devotional activities. What is essential is genuine engagement. Behind this engagement lies the function of the mind—the subtle body consisting of thinking, feeling, and willing.
Therefore, it is not sufficient to simply engage the external senses in devotional activities; the mind, intelligence, and attention must also be involved.
For example, when chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the tongue vibrates the holy name, the ears hear it, and the fingers may be engaged in counting on beads. This is external engagement of the senses.
However, real practice means that the mind, intelligence, and ego are also absorbed in the chanting process. Internally, one should be attentive, focused, and consciously hearing the holy name. In this way, both external and internal engagement work together in devotional service.
Through such complete engagement, one gradually realizes that one is not the body but the spirit soul within the body. Beyond that, one comes to understand one’s true identity as an eternal servant and part of Krishna, eternally related to Him in loving devotional service.
This realization comes through activity in Krishna consciousness, where the mind, intelligence, and ego are properly engaged in devotional service.
Simply imagining or passively thinking is not sufficient. Devotion involves positive, active engagement of the senses in service to Krishna. The very definition of bhakti is to engage the senses in the service of Hrishikesha, the master of the senses—Krishna—using the senses in His service.
Thus, bhakti is not idle meditation or mere imagination, but active, conscious service performed with both external action and internal absorption.
In this process, the mind is fixed on Krishna, the intelligence guides the senses properly, and one’s entire being becomes directed toward pleasing Krishna. That is the essence of devotional engagement.
