Knowing Kṛṣṇa as the Real Purpose of Existence
Humanity is constantly engaged in a frantic pursuit of wealth, technological advancement, and superficial religious rituals, yet remains largely unsatisfied. This widespread dissatisfaction occurs because society has completely forgotten the foundational reason for its own existence. Illuminating the absolute truth, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the human form of life is an exclusive opportunity to reestablish our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord. Whether practicing yoga, studying scripture, or observing religious vows, the ultimate and only goal is to cultivate pure love for Kṛṣṇa.
The Ultimate Goal of Religion
People often approach religion with ulterior motives, praying for economic success, good health, or relief from immediate distress. However, treating God as an order supplier reduces profound spiritual science to mere materialistic transaction. Correcting this widespread misconception, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that genuine religion has absolutely nothing to do with external formalities or acquiring worldly gold. The highest, first-class religion is that which teaches the living entity how to surrender unconditionally and develop pure love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- He (Sanatana Gosvami) did not approach Him to get some gold or some medicine. He went to find out his real self-interest. This is the real purpose for approaching a guru. Devahuti approached Lord Kapiladeva in the same way.
- If you want to know Adhoksaja, that is the real purpose of religion. Religion is not a type of ritualistic ceremonies. That is external. Real fact is how to contact the adhoksaja who is beyond our material conception.
- In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is said that the first-class religion is that which teaches love of Godhead. At the present moment, one professes a type of religion, but does not develop real purpose of religion, namely love of Godhead - that is materialism.
- Religion does not mean the so-called rituals. That is formalities, they're also required, but the real purpose of religion is to abide by the orders of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is religion.
The Essence of Mysticism and Asceticism
Many spiritual seekers are drawn to mystical yoga practices or severe austerities, hoping to acquire supernatural powers or physical perfection. Yet, engaging in these practices without understanding their true intent is a complete waste of human energy. Stripping away the illusions of modern mysticism, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the only valid reason to practice yoga is to control the unbridled material senses and conquer the mind. The ultimate perfection of all yogic endeavor is to achieve the shelter of Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet.
- Foolish persons may even make a show of so-called yoga, but they are unable to control the senses and mind, which is the real purpose of yoga practice. Such people can have no opulence in their lives. In a word, they are very unfortunate.
- Here is the secret of yoga system. Yoga indriya-samyama. The real purpose of yoga is to control the senses.
- Real purpose of jada-yoga, as mentioned here in this verse, is prasanta-karanah, or subduing the senses. The whole process of yoga, under whatever heading it may be, is to control the unbridled material senses and thus prepare oneself for self-realization.
- The real purpose of the yoga system is to achieve the favor and shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but this purpose is covered by the illusory energy of yogamaya.
Unlocking Scriptural Knowledge
Scholars and philosophers frequently dive into the Vedas or the Bhagavad-gītā to extract theories supporting nonviolence, patriotism, or impersonalism. However, manipulating the absolute truth to suit mundane agendas destroys the potency of the literature. Delivering the supreme conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the entire vast body of Vedic knowledge has one singular objective: to know Kṛṣṇa. Any interpretation that misses this point transforms scriptural study into another form of material entanglement.
- Even so-called followers of Gita, they will be caught up by this movement as rascals. Because the real purpose of Gita they do not know. Real purpose of Gita is to know Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- In Bhagavad-gita (BG 15.15) Krsna says, "The real purpose of the Vedas is to understand Me." This is the injunction of all Vedic literatures. One who does not know the greatness of Lord Krsna cannot be accepted as an Aryan.
- So if we do not try to understand the real purpose of Bhagavad-gita, and if we theorize, "Bhagavad-gita means nonviolence. Bhagavad-gita means to become patriot," these are materialism.
- The real purpose of studying the Vedas is to approach the lotus feet of Lord Krsna.
The Intent of Divine Incarnations
The activities of the Supreme Lord when He descends into the material world often bewilder the minds of ordinary men. Speculators analyze His pastimes from a mundane perspective, completely failing to grasp His divine will. Clarifying the mysteries of transcendental appearances, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa does not need to personally descend just to kill demons, as His material energy could easily accomplish that task. The true reason for His appearance is to reestablish genuine religious principles and invite the conditioned souls into loving exchanges.
- As explained here (in CC Adi 17.53), the real purpose of an incarnation of Godhead is to kill the atheists and maintain the devotees.
- Here (SB 1.8.29) it is said, na veda kascid bhagavams cikirsitam: "No one knows the purpose of Your appearance and disappearance." Tavehamanasya nrnam vidambanam: the Lord's pastimes are bewildering. No one can understand their real purpose.
- So Lord comes as incarnation for these two purposes: to protect the saintly persons and to annihilate the atheistic demons, and to establish the real purpose of religion.
- The real purpose of Krsna's appearance was to manifest how one can take part in loving affairs with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Attaining Eternal Liberation
The entire structure of Vedic society, including its various social orders and spiritual stages, is meticulously designed with a single exit strategy in mind. Forgetting this goal turns human life into an endless pursuit of temporary comforts and inevitable suffering. Driving home the final instruction, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that the ultimate aim of all philosophical research and spiritual practice is to permanently nullify the miserable conditions of material life. True success means detaching from worldly attractions and returning back home, back to Godhead.
- Our real purpose of life is to become yogi. Yogi means to reestablish our connection, our lost connection, with God. At the present moment, in our material condition, we have forgotten our relationship, our eternal relationship with Krsna.
- Real purpose is to make him detached from this material attraction and make him promoted apavargyasya, how to get out of this material miserable condition of life. This is called dharmasya hy apavargyasya.
- The human life is meant for understanding what I am and what is God, what is my relationship with God. That is the real purpose of human life.
- The real purpose of the Vedas is to direct one back home, back to Godhead, but the living entity, not knowing the real goal of his life, wants to go sometimes here and sometimes there and do sometimes this and sometimes that.
Conclusion
Without a clear understanding of the ultimate goal, humanity wastes its profound potential on acquiring temporary wealth, showcasing mystical powers, and misinterpreting sacred texts. The perfection of existence requires stripping away all mundane agendas to focus solely on realizing the Absolute Truth. As relentlessly taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda, the true and final purpose of all religious, philosophical, and human endeavors is to break the bonds of material illusion and completely surrender in love to Kṛṣṇa.
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 Real Purpose. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.