A Person Becomes Interested in Devotional Service by Some Good Fortune
This article explores the true meaning of spiritual luck and prosperity as presented in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda. In the material world, people generally equate good fortune with wealth, high birth, or worldly success. However, Vedic wisdom reveals that the highest possible fortune is obtaining the opportunity to engage in devotional service to the Supreme Lord. This rare opportunity acts as a lifeline, saving the conditioned soul from the infinite ocean of material existence.
The Rarity of Spiritual Awakening
The living entity wanders through millions of species of life, suffering the continuous cycle of birth and death due to fruitive activities. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that simply obtaining a human body is an incredibly rare stroke of good fortune. Yet, an even greater fortune occurs when one awakens from the slumber of material nescience and develops a genuine interest in pure devotional service, allowing them to finally cross over the ocean of material illusion.
- A person becomes interested in devotional service by some good fortune. Eventually he becomes interested in pure devotional service without material contamination. At that point, a person wants to associate with devotees.
- By good fortune one becomes eligible to cross the ocean of nescience, and when one's term of material existence decreases, one may get an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. By such association, one's attraction to Krsna is awakened.
- While rotating in the cycle of birth and death again and again in different species because of his own fruitive activities, the dependent living entity, by good fortune, may happen to become a human being. This human birth is very rarely obtained.
- By good fortune one of these souls may somehow or other be delivered from the ocean of nescience, just as one of the many big logs in a flowing river may by chance reach the bank.
The Mercy of the Spiritual Master and Sādhus
The transition from material entanglement to spiritual freedom is only possible through divine association. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the good fortune of the living entity is directly linked to meeting a bona fide representative of God. It is through the causeless mercy of the spiritual master and the association of pure devotees that a sincere seeker receives the seed of devotional service (bhakti-latā-bīja). Even those initially attached to material enjoyment can be transformed by this powerful association.
- If by good fortune the living entity meets a bona fide representative of God who gives him the seed of devotional service, and if he takes advantage of such a guru, or His representative, he receives the bhakti-lata-bija, the seed of devotional service.
- When by good fortune one comes in contact with a pure devotee and hears from him patiently, one begins to follow the path of devotional service. Such an opportunity is offered to a person who is sincere.
- Sometimes it is found that a person actually attached to material enjoyment or salvation has the good fortune to associate with pure devotees while they are engaged in chanting the holy name of the Lord.
- The good fortune of bhakty-unmukhi is attainable only when one comes in contact with a devotee.
Devotional Service as the Ultimate Fortune
Every living being possesses the minute independence to choose their own destiny. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that choosing Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings absolute good fortune, while choosing material illusion brings endless suffering. True liberty and happiness are found only in surrender to the Supreme Lord. Once a person takes up devotional service, they are immediately freed from sinful reactions, and their life, wealth, and words become dedicated to the ultimate benefit of themselves and others.
- If you become Krsna conscious, it is to your good fortune. If you become maya conscious, it is to your bad fortune. You are the creator.
- Liberty, happiness and all good fortune can be attained only by surrendering unto the Lord because He is full liberty, full happiness and full auspiciousness.
- The word subha-da (of BRS 1.1.17) indicates that devotional service bestows all good fortune, and the word krsna-akarsini indicates that ds gradually attracts Krsna toward the devotee. Consequently a devotee is not subject to any sinful reaction.
- To achieve the ultimate goal of sreyas, or good fortune, one should engage everything, including his life, wealth and words, not only for himself but for others also.
The Power of Hearing and Chanting
The practical method for invoking good fortune in this age is the congregational chanting of the holy names and the hearing of transcendental pastimes. Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully explains that the mahā-mantra acts as a direct prayer to the Supreme Lord, asking for engagement in His service. Those who broadcast these narrations and spread the chanting of the holy name act as the most munificent welfare workers, expanding spiritual fortune to everyone who hears the vibration.
- The chanting of the holy name of the Lord - Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - is pleasing to the ear, and it expands good fortune to the audience who hears it chanted.
- That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education.
- Whoever hears these narrations attains all good fortune. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Those who spread the message of Godhead are certainly the most munificent welfare workers.
- The Hare Krsna maha-mantra is also a prayer, for a prayer addresses the Supreme Personality of Godhead by His name and invokes good fortune by petitioning the Lord to allow one to engage in His devotional service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that material opulence is temporary and ultimately insignificant compared to the eternal wealth of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The highest good fortune a soul can achieve is to attain a human form of life, meet a bona fide spiritual master, and receive the seed of devotional service. By consciously choosing to associate with pure devotees and immerse oneself in the hearing and chanting of the Lord's holy names, a sincere seeker guarantees their liberation from material nescience and secures their eternal, blissful relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
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 Good Fortune. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.