Devotion to Krishna Cultivates Humility

In Bhakti-yoga, one cannot advance without pleasing Lord Krishna by acts of humility, whereas karma, jnana, and yoga do not directly culture humility. Therefore, a person who follows these other processes is more lilkely to think that he is advancing by his own effort. The karmi may think that he is accumulating wealth by his hard endeavour, the jnani that he gaining knowledge by his tedious study, and the yogi that he has attained mystic powers by long years of austerity.

By contrast, the pure bhakta knows that the bliss he feels in the course of his devotional service is due simply to the mercy of the Supreme Lord. Thus, the devotee alone is always aware that his advancement depends on his humility before Krishna.

One cannot be puffed up and at the same time be a devotee.

- Srila Prabhupada in Purport to Narada-Bhakti-Sutra, Sutra 27
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