Some scholars argue that simply by following the principles of varna and asrama one can gradually rise to the perfections reached by practicing devotional service, but this argument is not accepted by the great authorities. Lord Caitanya also condemned this idea while He was talking with Ramananda Rai about the gradual development of devotional service. He rejected the idea of the importance of varnasrama-dharma when it was put forward by Ramananda Rai. He said that this advancement of varna and asrama is merely external. There is a higher principle. In the Bhagavad-gita also the Lord says that one has to give up all other principles of elevation and take simply to the method of Krsna consciousness. That will help him in achieving the highest perfection of life.   (More...)

In the Eleventh Canto, 20th Chapter, 8th verse, of the Srimad-Bhagavatam the Lord Himself says: "One should execute the prescribed duties of varna and asrama as long as he has not developed spontaneous attachment for hearing about My pastimes and activities." In other words, the prescribed forms of varna and asrama are ritualistic ceremonies of religion intended for economic development, sense gratification or for salvation. All of these things are recommended for persons who have not developed Krsna consciousness; in fact, all such activities are recommended in the revealed scriptures only to bring one to the point of Krsna consciousness. But one who has already developed spontaneous attachment for Krsna does not require to execute the duties prescribed in the scriptures.   (More...)