Forgetfulness of God is the Real Cause of Suffering
Understanding the ultimate origin of all phenomena is the central pursuit of genuine spiritual life. As explained by Śrīla Prabhupāda, humanity constantly struggles to find mechanical solutions to its problems while failing to recognize the actual root of the issue. When we discover that forgetfulness of God is the real cause of suffering, we can redirect our valuable energy toward reviving our eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord.
The Primeval Cause of All Causes
The Vedic literatures categorically reject the idea that the universe emerged from nothing. In his profound explanations of the Vedānta-sūtra, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that the Supreme Lord is the absolute, original source of the cosmic manifestation. While the external material energy may appear to be the immediate creator, it is ultimately directed by the supreme will. Recognizing this primeval cause is the fundamental basis of true intelligence and self-realization.
- According to real intelligence, the real cause of the cosmic manifestation is the Supreme Lord. Janmady asya yatah: (SB 1.1.1) He is the original cause of all creation.
- Srila Vyasadeva explains the Vedanta-sutra, in SB 1.1.1: I meditate upon Him (Lord Krsna), the transcendent reality, who is the primeval cause of all causes, from whom all manifested universes arise, in whom they dwell, and by whom they are destroyed.
- The maya aspect of material nature is the immediate cause of the cosmic manifestation. But it cannot be the real cause, for the original cause is Lord Narayana.
- The purpose of self-realization is clearly stated in the Fifteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gita (BG 15.15): the purpose of studying the Vedas is to know Lord Krsna, the primeval cause of everything.
The Illusion of Secular Speculation
Without the guidance of authorized scriptures, mundane thinkers invent their own theories to explain the complexities of existence. Because they cannot perceive the spiritual reality behind the material curtain, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that these philosophers and scientists foolishly attribute creation to random chance. By rejecting the supreme authority of the Lord, they remain trapped in darkness and endless speculation. Only by embracing genuine religion can one understand the supreme science behind all causes.
- Because so-called philosophers and scientists are unable to find the real cause, they foolishly say that everything happens by chance.
- They (the demoniac speculators) are kept in constant darkness, birth after birth, and cannot understand the real cause of all causes. This is the reason why there are so many schools of philosophical speculation.
- These (the ten different methods of liberation) may be very attractive, but by following such methods, one cannot actually understand the real cause and effect and the original cause of everything (janmady asya yatah) - SB 1.1.1.
- When you come to the real cause of everything, then you come to religion. Religion is the science of sciences.
The True Root of Material Suffering
When faced with the severe miseries of material life, people instinctively blame external circumstances, such as political unrest, disease, or economic instability. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that these external factors are merely the secondary instruments of material nature reacting to our own fruitive activities. The actual root of our distress is our deep-seated forgetfulness of our eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is only by recognizing this true cause that one can seek a permanent cure for material suffering.
- We may superficially see that one is suffering or enjoying because of some external causes, but the real cause is one's own fruitive activities.
- The real cause of one's difficulties in the hard struggle for life may be found in one's forgetfulness of his relationship with the Supreme Lord.
- Gopala Capala simply wanted to be delivered from the bodily sufferings of leprosy, but Sri Caitanya, although accepting his sincere appeal, wanted to inform him of the real cause of suffering.
- Gaura Pahu, 1969 - Why I have invited the spiritual death? Because I am engaged in something which is useless and I have rejected the real purpose of my life.
Awakening Through Spiritual Association
Overcoming the conditioning of material existence is impossible without the intervention of divine grace and saintly association. For those seeking liberation from suffering, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that the presence of pure devotees acts as the real catalyst for a change in consciousness. By watering the creeper of devotion through hearing and chanting, the soul gradually revives its original, blissful state. This practical engagement in bhakti-yoga is the ultimate solution to the problems of life.
- All three types of jnanis are called moksakanksis, those desiring liberation. By associating with devotees, such people give up the mumuksu principle and render devotional service. The real cause for this change is the association of devotees.
- The real cause of the growing of such fruit, which is called the nectar of hearing the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is to water the creeper of devotional service by hearing and chanting.
- If and only if we can establish our relationships with one another upon the central attraction of Sri Krsna, the prime cause of all causes, will we really turn the concepts of fraternity and equality into workable means of lasting peace.
- A sannyasi is supposed to beg from door to door. He does not beg simply because he is hungry. His real purpose is to enlighten the occupant of every house by preaching Krsna consciousness.
Conclusion
The hard struggle for existence cannot be solved by superficial, material adjustments or atheistic theories. Śrīla Prabhupāda meticulously dismantles the illusion that our miseries are caused by arbitrary external forces, revealing that our willful forgetfulness of the Supreme Lord is the real disease. By accepting Lord Kṛṣṇa as the primeval cause of all causes and reviving our devotion through the association of saintly persons, we can definitively cure this forgetfulness and achieve eternal peace.
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 Cause. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.