JKP

Become Like an Innocent Child

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
2 July 2026
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Part 10 of Bhakti Upliftment Series

Become Like an Innocent Child by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

(Excerpt of a speech delivered by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj)

The world teaches us many things. It teaches us how to earn, how to compete, how to argue, how to calculate, and how to protect our own interests. As we grow older, we become increasingly clever in worldly dealings. Yet on the spiritual path, this very cleverness becomes an obstacle.

To attain God, we must once again become like an innocent child.

When a child is born, he is simple and straightforward. He does not know how to deceive anyone. He says exactly what is in his heart. But gradually the world begins to teach him otherwise.

There was a child whose mother told him, “When the neighbour comes, tell her that Mummy is not at home.”

The child nodded innocently.

A little while later, the neighbour arrived and asked, “Son, where is your mother?”

The child replied truthfully, “Mummy told me to say that Mummy is not at home.”

The mother overheard the conversation from inside the house. After the neighbour left, she came out and scolded the child.

The child was bewildered. He could not understand what mistake he had made. After all, he had simply repeated exactly what his mother had told him to say.

This is how the world gradually teaches us cleverness and deceit. In time, we begin applying the same cleverness in our interactions with others – even with those closest to us. Little by little, simplicity is lost, and a calculating mindset takes its place. 

But do not bring that worldly cleverness into devotion.

On the spiritual path, intellect has its limitations. We have spent countless lifetimes relying on our own understanding, and yet we remain trapped in maya (material illusion). If our intellect alone could lead us to God, we would have attained Him long ago.

That is why the saints instruct us to develop the simplicity of a child.

Consider the example of Valmiki. His Guru instructed him, “Keep repeating ‘mara mara‘ until I return.”

Valmiki did not argue. He did not ask, “When will you return?” He did not analyse whether the instruction made sense. He simply obeyed.

This is the attitude required in devotion.

When the Guru gives an instruction, follow it. Do not constantly apply your own intellect and try to improve upon it. Do not think, “Perhaps my way is better,” or “Perhaps I understand this differently.”

Seva (service)  means following the instructions of Guru.

Do not think, reason, or act beyond the Guru’s instruction. The moment we begin placing our own intellect above the Guru’s guidance, we place ourselves in danger. If, after receiving an instruction, we choose to follow our own understanding instead, we commit a spiritual transgression.

The scriptures describe namaparadh (spiritual transgression) as the most serious of spiritual offences. One may practise for countless lifetimes, yet such offences become an obstacle on the path to God.

Similarly, one must be extremely careful never to disregard the instructions of a God-realised Saint. The scriptures say that an offence towards Brahma may be forgiven by Vishnu, and an offence towards Vishnu may be forgiven through the grace of Guru. Transgressions towards the Guru are unforgivable.

If the Guru says, “Do this,” then do it. If he says, “Practise devotion in this way,” then practise exactly as instructed. This is the true meaning of seva (service).  Seva is not merely performing actions; it is lovingly following the Guru’s instructions with faith and sincerity.

Therefore, cultivate an innocent, child-like intellect. Just as a child trusts and follows without argument, learn to follow the Guru’s guidance with simplicity, humility, and faith. Such simplicity becomes a great strength on the spiritual path.

The problem is that we place too much trust in our own intellect. But what is the true condition of that intellect? A person may forget within minutes something he was told only a short while earlier. Such are the limitations of the human intellect. Yet, despite its weaknesses, we place complete confidence in it.

The scriptures therefore advise us to abandon scholarly pride and intellectual arrogance before God. This does not mean becoming ignorant. It means recognising the limitations of our own understanding and cultivating faith in Guru and God.

A newborn child does not know philosophy. He does not know logic. When he needs something, he simply cries. He knows that his mother will take care of him.

Similarly, the saints tell us to cry before God like a helpless child.

We do not need complicated arguments. We do not need clever reasoning or calculations. We do not need to bargain or negotiate with God. 

We need only one prayer:

“O Lord, give me divine love. Give me the alms of Your divine love.”

That is all.

The more simple and child-like we become, the more our hearts open to God. The more we surrender, the more Divine grace flows into our lives. The more we let go of our cleverness, the nearer we come to Him.

The world may value cleverness, but God is attained through simplicity, humility, and faith.

Therefore, renounce the deceit and craftiness that the world has taught you. Become innocent once again. Become like a child before Guru and God.

By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education. To stay updated with all the news and events of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, visit www.jkp.org.in/jkpwhatsapp.