Approaching Planets in the Material and Spiritual Skies
Modern scientists proudly attempt to conquer space, spending billions of dollars to send machines and men to other celestial bodies. However, the Vedic literature provides a vastly different and far more complete understanding of the universe. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the stark limitations of mechanical space travel, the miseries inherent within even the highest material realms, and the ultimate necessity of diverting our attention toward the eternal spiritual sky.
The Illusion of Mechanical Space Travel
Humanity attempts to conquer the universe using rockets and satellites, but Śrīla Prabhupāda exposes the futility of trying to approach planets through mechanical means. Because our senses are inherently imperfect, we can only speculate about the true nature of celestial bodies. Furthermore, the laws of nature are strict; those heavily conditioned by the modes of passion and ignorance cannot forcefully enter higher realms using artificial machines.
- They (human being) are trying now to approach distant planetary systems by electronic mechanical power. But the highest goal of human civilization is to work hard under the guidance of the Lord (Krsna) and become completely dependent on Him.
- Because there are mixtures (in mode of passion), one can also go down. People on this earth, in the modes of passion or ignorance, cannot forcibly approach the higher planets by machine.
- You cannot approach even sun. The scientists say even from so many millions of miles away, if a planet or somebody goes near the sun, immediately he will be burned into ashes.
- What to speak of other planets, you cannot approach even the moon planet, which is the nearest. So just try to understand how much incapable you are.
The Universal Law of Material Suffering
Even if one manages to transcend the earthly platform and enter the higher planetary systems, the fundamental problems of material existence remain unsolved. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently warns that approaching planets within the material sky offers no permanent relief. From the lowest planets up to Brahmāloka, the highest planet in the universe, every living entity is still subjected to the unavoidable miseries of birth, death, old age, and disease.
- In the material sky, even if we approach the highest planet (Brahmaloka), we will find the same conditions of life, namely birth, death, disease and old age.
- The highest planet of this universe is called Brahmaloka. And Lord Krsna says, - Even if you approach the highest planet, you have to come back again.
- The moon planet, of course, is the nearest planet, but even we approach the highest planet, which is called Brahmaloka, there also we have the same miseries of material life.
The True Method of Cosmic Travel
While gross mechanical travel fails, the Vedic literatures describe authentic methods for approaching higher realms. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by following prescribed duties and worshiping specific demigods, one can legitimately enter the heavenly planets. Furthermore, highly advanced mystics and pure devotees, such as Nārada Muni and Vasiṣṭhadeva, are not bound by physical limitations; they can approach any planet in the universe instantly by their spiritual power.
- Yanti deva-vrata devan: those who are attached to the demigods and who perform the prescribed duties can approach the abodes of the demigods. In this way, one can go to the planet of the Pitas, or forefathers.
- The present population is more or less influenced by the modes of passion and ignorance, and the symptoms for such influence are exhibited in their becoming very lusty and greedy. Such degraded fellows can hardly approach the higher planetary systems.
- Narada Muni can approach any planet in unlimited space within no time. We have already discussed his previous life as the son of a maidservant.
- Vasisthadeva could approach all the higher and lower planets, and his name is also connected with the history of Hiranyakasipu.
Approaching the Spiritual Sky
An intelligent person realizes that whether on Earth or Brahmāloka, the material world is ultimately a place of suffering. Śrīla Prabhupāda strongly advises that instead of wasting time trying to conquer the material universe, we should dedicate our lives to approaching the spiritual planets. By practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the soul can bypass the material coverings and permanently enter Kṛṣṇaloka, the supreme abode of eternal bliss and knowledge.
- We should not stress pious activities, economic development and sense gratification, but should concern ourselves with approaching Lord Visnu in His spiritual planets, of which the topmost is Goloka Vrndavana, where Lord Krsna lives.
- One who wants to approach the supreme planet, Krsnaloka, or any of the other planets within the spiritual sky, will not meet with these material inconveniences (of birth, death, disease and old age).
- Anyone who wants to approach the Supreme of all the Personalities of Godhead, on the Krsnaloka planet in the spiritual sky, and be intimately connected with the SP, Krsna, must take this formula, as is stated by the Supreme Himself.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Approaching Planets. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.