On the Way to Krsna

1. Real Happiness Transcends the Material World

Every one of us is searching after happiness, but we do not know what real happiness is.

Beyond Temporary Pleasures. True happiness isn't found in fleeting sensory experiences but in something more profound. The material world offers only temporary and often illusory pleasures, leaving us constantly searching for something more. This pursuit stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of where real happiness resides.

Consciousness and Perception. Our capacity for happiness is directly linked to the development of our consciousness. A stone, lacking senses, cannot experience joy, while beings with developed consciousness can perceive happiness and distress more intensely. This suggests that true happiness lies in elevating our consciousness beyond the limitations of the physical body.

Spiritual Fulfillment. Real happiness, as described in the Bhagavad-gītā, is boundless and transcendental, experienced through spiritual senses. This state, known as samādhi, is achieved when one is established in truth and never departs from it. It's a state of being that transcends the temporary and material, offering lasting joy.

2. The Eternal Nature of the Soul and Its Senses

Although one may think that he is enjoying by the bodily sense organs, the real enjoyer is that spiritual spark.

The Spiritual Spark. The true source of enjoyment isn't the physical body but the spiritual spark within. This spark, the soul, possesses the inherent potency for enjoyment, though it's often obscured by the material covering. Understanding this distinction is crucial for seeking genuine happiness.

Spiritual Senses. If the spirit is the enjoyer, it must also possess its own senses. The Vedas confirm that the spirit soul, though atomic in size, is the actual enjoying agent. These senses are not material but transcendental, capable of experiencing a higher form of pleasure.

Personality of the Soul. The soul is not impersonal but an individual person, a fragmental part of God. Just as a father possesses personality and individuality, so too does the son. This understanding of the soul's personal nature is essential for comprehending our relationship with the Supreme Lord.

3. Kṛṣṇa Consciousness: A Path to Boundless Joy

By Kṛṣṇa consciousness we can gradually develop our real intelligence and naturally enjoy relishing spiritual happiness as we make spiritual progress.

Developing Real Intelligence. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the process of cultivating our true intelligence, enabling us to relish spiritual happiness. As we progress spiritually, we naturally detach from the fleeting pleasures of the material world. This detachment isn't a denial of joy but a shift towards a higher, more fulfilling experience.

The Highest Gain. Attaining Kṛṣṇa consciousness is considered the ultimate achievement, surpassing all material gains. In this state, even the greatest difficulties cannot shake us, as we are firmly situated in the understanding of our eternal connection with the Divine.

Crossing the Ocean of Nescience. The material world is likened to a vast ocean of misery, birth, and death. To cross this ocean, we need a strong boat, which is the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. Taking shelter of His feet makes the material universe seem as insignificant as a puddle of water.

4. Dharma: Our Intrinsic Connection to the Divine

Our dharma or constitutional position is that we are part and parcel of the Supreme, and this being the case, we have to dovetail or subjugate our consciousness to the Supreme.

Beyond Faith. Dharma isn't merely a matter of faith but our inherent, unchanging nature. It's the quality that cannot be separated from a living entity, like sweetness from sugar or liquidity from water. Our dharma is to serve, reflecting our intrinsic connection to the Supreme.

Misuse of Service. In material consciousness, our natural inclination to serve is misdirected, leading to dissatisfaction. True fulfillment comes when we align our service with the Supreme, recognizing ourselves as eternal servants of Kṛṣṇa.

Divine Representatives. When our dharma deteriorates due to material contamination, the Lord sends His representatives to guide us back to our true position. These messengers remind us of our eternal relationship with the Divine and the path to liberation.

5. The Power of Chanting: Cleansing the Mind's Mirror

This vibration of transcendental sound (the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra) will cleanse away this dust and enable us to see clearly our real constitutional position.

Transcendental Sound Vibration. The Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra is a transcendental sound vibration that cleanses the dust from the mirror of the mind. This dust, accumulated through material activities, obscures our perception of reality and prevents us from experiencing true happiness.

Purifying Consciousness. As our consciousness is purified by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, our material miseries gradually disappear. This process allows us to understand our true identity as spirit souls and establish ourselves in real happiness.

Extinguishing the Fire of Material Existence. Lord Kṛṣṇa descends into the material world to extinguish the fire of material existence for all living entities. By chanting His holy names, we can connect with Him and find relief from the suffering of this world.

6. Seeing Kṛṣṇa in Every Aspect of Life

Kṛṣṇa is thus the proprietor of everything, the ultimate beneficiary and the receiver of the results of everything.

Working for Kṛṣṇa's Satisfaction. We should execute our duties with the consciousness of satisfying Kṛṣṇa, not driven by personal desires. This shift in motivation transforms our actions into acts of devotion, bringing us closer to the Divine.

Kṛṣṇa as the Source. Kṛṣṇa is the source of all energies and the proprietor of everything. Recognizing this truth liberates us from the illusion of ownership and allows us to act in harmony with the divine will.

Remembering Kṛṣṇa Always. Kṛṣṇa makes it easy for us to remember Him in every aspect of life. By recognizing Him in the taste of water, the light of the sun, and the sound of Vedic mantras, we can maintain a constant connection with the Divine.

7. The Illusion of Independence and the Path to Surrender

Individually, communally, socially, nationally, or universally, it is not possible to become independent.

The Futility of Independence. The pursuit of independence from Kṛṣṇa is an illusion that leads to suffering. When we strive to live independently, we become subject to the laws of material nature, experiencing the threefold miseries of life.

The Real Friend. Kṛṣṇa is the real friend of all living entities. By working for Him, we can truly benefit our families, nations, and the entire planet. This selfless service brings about genuine welfare and harmony.

The Protection of Kṛṣṇa. One who surrenders to Kṛṣṇa is untouched by māyā (illusion) and finds true freedom. Just as sunlight dispels darkness, Kṛṣṇa's presence eliminates ignorance and suffering.

8. The Fortunate and the Unfortunate: Two Paths Diverge

Those miscreants who are grossly foolish, lowest among mankind, whose knowledge is stolen by illusion, and who partake of the atheistic nature of demons, do not surrender unto Me.

The Miscreants. Those who are foolish, lowest among mankind, and whose knowledge is stolen by illusion never surrender to Kṛṣṇa. They are constantly punished by the agents of material nature, experiencing the suffering of this world.

The Pious. The pious, on the other hand, turn to God in their distress, seeking His help and guidance. They are inquisitive, searching for knowledge of the Absolute, and are considered fortunate because they are drawn to the Divine.

The Four Types of Pious Men:

• The distressed
• The desirer of wealth
• The inquisitive
• The man in knowledge

9. The Jñānī: A Devotee Dear to Kṛṣṇa

Of these, the wise one who is in full knowledge in union with Me through pure devotional service is the best.

The Best Qualified. Among those who approach God, the jñānī, the wise man who is philosophically trying to understand the nature of God, is the best qualified. He is very dear to Kṛṣṇa because he has no other business than understanding the Divine.

Beyond Material Concerns. The jñānī understands that material things are fleeting and that true happiness lies in establishing an eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa. He is not disturbed by material distress, insult, or honor, knowing that these pertain only to the body.

The Science of God. The jñānī understands the science of God, as revealed in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. He knows that God is transcendental to the material modes and is always present within our hearts.

10. The Simplicity of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness in Kali Yuga

Just always chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.

Chanting the Holy Name. In this age of Kali, the most effective way to cultivate spiritual life is to chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. This simple practice can be performed by anyone, regardless of their circumstances, and leads to liberation.

No Impediments. There is no expense, impediment, caste, creed, or color that prevents one from chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Just chant and hear, and you will gradually come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Guidance is Key. If one comes into contact with Kṛṣṇa consciousness and executes the process under the guidance of a bona fide guide, he is sure to go back to God.

11. The Three Aspects of the Absolute Truth

Kṛṣṇa proclaims that the Absolute Truth is known in three aspects-Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavān-impersonal Brahman effulgence, localized Supersoul, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Different Angles of Vision. The Absolute Truth can be understood from three different angles of vision: as the impersonal Brahman effulgence, the localized Supersoul, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. These are not different truths but different aspects of the same reality.

Analogies for Understanding. The relationship between these three aspects can be understood through analogies, such as the sunshine, the sun disc, and the sun god, or viewing a mountain from different distances. Each perspective offers a unique understanding of the same object.

The Supreme Personality. The ultimate understanding of the Absolute Truth is as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. This is the most complete and personal realization of the Divine.

12. Love Conquers the Unconquerable

Arjuna was a friend of Kṛṣṇa's, but Kṛṣṇa, although the Supreme Godhead, became Arjuna's chariot driver, a menial servant.

The Power of Love. The Lord, who can never be conquered by any power or force, will be conquered by love. This is the essence of devotional service, where the devotee's love compels the Lord to reciprocate in extraordinary ways.

Kṛṣṇa's Reciprocity. Kṛṣṇa is always ready to reciprocate our love a thousandfold. He is waiting for us to turn our face towards Him, and as soon as we do, He welcomes us with open arms.

Devotion is a Science. Devotion is not mere sentiment but a science, grounded in reason, argument, and knowledge. By understanding the science of devotion, we can cultivate a deep and lasting relationship with Kṛṣṇa.

Last updated: February 12, 2025