Śrīla Prabhupāda on Anarthas (Unwanted Contaminations)
Anarthas are unwanted habits, desires, and misconceptions that hinder
one’s progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently discussed
anarthas, emphasizing how they develop, affect spiritual life, and can be
eradicated through bhakti. Below are some of his most significant quotes on
anarthas:
1. Anarthas Are Unwanted Contaminations in the Heart
"Anartha means things which are not wanted. But due to our material
contamination, we are accumulating anarthas."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.5.31, New Vrindaban, June 10, 1969)
Anarthas are unnecessary material desires, habits, and attachments that
accumulate due to material association. They do not benefit the soul and should
be removed.
2. Anarthas Are Cleansed by Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa
"By chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, gradually all anarthas will be
cleansed from the heart."
(Lecture on Bhagavad-gītā 7.1, Fiji, May 24, 1975)
The most effective way to remove anarthas is chanting the holy name. As
the heart becomes purified, spiritual progress becomes easier.
3. Anarthas Are Due to Material Attachments
"So long as one is attached to material enjoyment, he has to undergo
so many tribulations. These are called anarthas."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.5, Vṛndāvana, April 19, 1975)
Anarthas arise when one is attached to temporary pleasures. Letting go of
material attachments allows spiritual progress.
4. Anarthas Are the Cause of Suffering
"As soon as we accept something which is not for us, it creates
suffering. That is called anartha."
(Lecture on Bhagavad-gītā 9.2, Melbourne, April 23, 1976)
Everything in this world belongs to Kṛṣṇa. When we claim ownership, we
accumulate anarthas, which lead to suffering.
5. Anarthas Cover One’s Real Knowledge
"When the anarthas disappear, then one comes to his real knowledge
—‘I am the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa.’"
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.9, Māyāpur, February 19, 1976)
Anarthas create false identities (such as "I am this body" or "I am the doer"),
covering the soul’s true nature as Kṛṣṇa’s servant.
6. The Process of Bhakti Removes Anarthas Automatically
"By executing devotional service, all these anarthas disappear. One will
not have to endeavor separately."
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.15.21, Purport)
The process of bhakti—hearing, chanting, and serving—naturally removes
anarthas without separate effort.
7. Four Main Types of Anarthas
Śrīla Prabhupāda described four categories of anarthas:
a) Anarthas from Previous Sinful Reactions (Duhkha-hetu)
"Because of past sinful activities, one suffers various miseries. These
miseries create anarthas."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.24.61, Bombay, April 12, 1974)
Past sinful karma creates mental, emotional, and physical sufferings, which
can only be removed by devotional service.
b) Anarthas from Pious Reactions (Sukha-hetu)
"Even so-called pious activities can be anarthas if they keep one
attached to material happiness."
(Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 1)
Even good karma can be an obstacle if it binds one to material enjoyment
instead of Kṛṣṇa.
c) Anarthas from Offenses (Aparādha-hetu)
"The most dangerous anartha is offending devotees. This can block all
spiritual advancement."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.18, Calcutta, September 25, 1974)
Nāma-aparādha (offenses against the holy name) is the biggest obstacle.
One must avoid blaspheming devotees, disrespecting scriptures, and inattentive
chanting.
d) Anarthas from Material Desires (Bhakti-hetu-vighna)
"Material desires are anarthas because they create obstacles in the
path of devotional service."
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.29.30, Purport)
Lust, greed, envy, and false ego distract one from serving Kṛṣṇa. Removing
these is essential for pure bhakti.
8. Anarthas Disappear at the Stage of Niṣṭhā (Firm Devotion)
"By constant engagement in devotional service, anarthas diminish, and
one becomes fixed (niṣṭhā) in Kṛṣṇa consciousness."
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.24.59, Purport)
At the stage of niṣṭhā, the devotee no longer struggles with distractions
caused by anarthas.
9. Without Removing Anarthas, There Is No Bhakti
"As long as anarthas remain, one cannot fully engage in pure
devotional service."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.15, Denver, June 28, 1975)
Devotion mixed with anarthas (karmic desires, mental speculation, or
offenses) cannot be called pure bhakti.
10. The Best Remedy: Hearing and Chanting About Kṛṣṇa
"By hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, all anarthas are washed away, and
the heart becomes clean."
(Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.17, Los Angeles, August 19, 1972)
Śravaṇa (hearing) and kīrtana (chanting) purify the heart, gradually
eliminating anarthas.
11. Progressing Beyond Anarthas Leads to Love of God
"When anarthas are destroyed, one naturally develops steadiness,
taste, attachment, and finally love for Kṛṣṇa."
(Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 1)
Once anarthas are removed, the devotee experiences higher spiritual
emotions, leading to bhāva (ecstatic love) and prema (pure love for
Kṛṣṇa).
