The Characteristics of the Materialistic and Self-Realized
Prahlada provided clear distinctions between those absorbed in material consciousness and those established in spiritual realization, enabling practitioners to recognize their own state and understand the transformation they're undergoing. He emphasized that these represent stages of development rather than permanent identities—every realized being once operated from material consciousness, and every materially absorbed person carries potential for spiritual awakening. Understanding these differences helps practitioners identify obstacles and recognize genuine progress.
The materially absorbed person identifies completely with the temporary body and its connections—family, nationality, profession, possessions. This identification generates the fundamental problem: believing temporary phenomena to be permanent sources of security and satisfaction. From this misidentification flows endless pursuit of fleeting pleasures, constant anxiety about losing what one has acquired, and competitive relationships with others seen as threats to one's interests. Mental peace depends entirely on external circumstances beyond one's control, creating perpetual insecurity.
In contrast, the self-realized person has awakened to their eternal spiritual identity beyond temporary bodily designations. This doesn't mean neglecting bodily or social responsibilities, but performing them with awareness that one's true self transcends these roles. The realized being maintains natural detachment—caring for the body as one maintains a vehicle without confusing oneself with it. Relationships continue but without the possessive quality that creates suffering. Actions are performed as offerings rather than attempts at personal aggrandizement. Mental peace becomes independent of circumstances because it's rooted in unchanging spiritual reality.
Prahlada described how these different orientations manifest in daily life. The materialistic person constantly strategizes for personal advantage, views the world through the lens of "what benefits me?", experiences alternating pleasure and distress as situations change, and feels threatened by others' success. The self-realized person acts according to duty and compassion without calculation of personal gain, views the world as the Supreme's energy worthy of respect, maintains equanimity in changing circumstances, and rejoices in others' advancement understanding that the Supreme provides appropriately for each being.
Most importantly, he clarified that self-realization develops gradually through sustained practice rather than arising suddenly. Practitioners display mixed characteristics during the transition period—moments of spiritual awareness alternating with material absorption. This is natural and expected. Consistent practice gradually extends periods of spiritual awareness until it becomes one's natural state. The key is maintaining sincere effort without becoming discouraged by temporary setbacks or inflating oneself during moments of clarity. Both states ultimately serve the Supreme's purpose of guiding each soul toward full awakening.