How Prabhupāda Defines the Highest Aim of Life for His Disciples
The human form of life is a rare opportunity, yet it is routinely squandered on the temporary, exhausting pursuit of material enjoyment and mundane prestige. To rescue the conditioned soul from this disastrous trajectory, Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly defines the ultimate, uncompromised aim of life: to reawaken our dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness and return back to Godhead. He firmly establishes that his movement is not a mere religious sect or a mundane welfare society, but a scientific endeavor to elevate humanity to the highest spiritual standard. By consciously aligning every action—whether preaching, raising a family, or managing a temple—with the singular goal of satisfying the Supreme Lord, the sincere disciple transcends the illusion of material existence and tastes true, eternal happiness.
The Ultimate Goal of Immortality
In the material world, every living entity is desperately searching for happiness, yet they are constantly frustrated by the temporary nature of their achievements. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the true aim of life is to attain amṛtatva, or immortality, by escaping the painful cycle of repeated birth and death. Rather than settling for fleeting material pleasures, a devotee aims exclusively for eternal, spiritual bliss by fully absorbing their consciousness in the service of Kṛṣṇa.
- Our aim is amrtatva, how to become immortal. That is our aim of life. So we have to achieve that goal of life. We should not be disturbed with this temporary distress and pleasure.
- He's trying to be happy, but they do not know what is eternal happiness. We're also trying for happiness, but our aim is eternal happiness.
- Enjoyment is our aim also - but real enjoyment. Ramante yogino 'nante satyanande (CC Madhya 9.29). Satyananda. Not this ananda, temporary ananda.
- Our aim should be how to get out of this miserable condition of this material existence. And we should prepare ourself for that purpose. And the best and easiest method is this Krsna consciousness.
Transforming Consciousness
The fundamental difference between a conditioned soul and a liberated soul lies entirely in their consciousness and their chosen center of enjoyment. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that material consciousness is aimed solely at personal sense gratification, whereas spiritual consciousness is aimed entirely at satisfying Kṛṣṇa. The entire purpose of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness society is to awaken mankind to this normal, pure condition, saving them from the disastrous influence of the material modes of nature.
- In this Krsna consciousness movement, one's consciousness must be changed. If consciousness is aimed toward material enjoyment, it is material consciousness, and if it is aimed toward serving Krsna, it is Krsna consciousness.
- It is the purpose of this Society for Krsna consciousness to enlighten all people who have been maddened by the influence of the three modes of material nature. In other words, our aim is to awaken mankind to its normal condition.
- Our position is how to satisfy Krsna, not for personal self. Ordinary world activities. Serving Krsna and the result of such service is the same. In the material world, doing something and result of the doing is different. Our means and aim is the same.
- The aim is to satisfy Visnu. We should always remember this fact, that we are eternally servant, part and parcel of Krsna, or Visnu.
Creating First-Class Human Beings
Modern civilization often boasts of its advancements, but it largely produces individuals who are driven by animalistic propensities. Śrīla Prabhupāda designed his movement to scientifically train and elevate humanity, turning spiritually ignorant persons into pure, first-class men. He stresses that the aim of preaching and distributing literature is to establish ideal characters whose flawless behavior can perfectly guide the rest of human society.
- We are trying to make some first-class men. That's all. This is our aim. Even if he is fourth-class man, it doesn't matter. If he takes up the training, he becomes first class. And as soon as he becomes a first-class man, urdhvam gacchanti.
- We are endeavoring to create some ideal men, Krsna conscious men, their character, their behavior, their ideal aim of life. So those who have taken to Krsna consciousness seriously, they should be ideal men.
- This Krsna consciousness movement is trying to raise the standard of the human society to become brahmana from the position of krpana. This is the attempt. It may be a tiny attempt, humble attempt, but our aim is how these dogs & cats will become brahmana.
- We are trying to save the living entity from disastrous condition. This is the aim and mission of Krsna consciousness movement. It is not a religious sentiment. No. It is very scientific.
The Spiritual Aim of Family Life
In the Vedic tradition, family life is not meant as a license for unrestricted sense gratification, but as a sacred ashram dedicated to spiritual progress. Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly instructs his married disciples that the only legitimate aim of marriage is to produce and raise Kṛṣṇa conscious children. By focusing their family life on this noble service rather than producing unwanted progeny, householders render the highest benefit to the entire human society.
- The aim of married life is to produce nice children, Krsna conscious children. That is the best service to the human society: produce nice children. Don't produce cats and dogs. That is my request. Otherwise don't produce. Remain separate.
- Marriage is meant for producing nice children, Krsna devotees. So that is our aim. Our aim is not to produce cats and dogs.
- A householder mahatma has only one aim: how to attain the perfectional stage of love of God.
- Our aim is how to become free from this material bondage and real sneha, real affection, real love should be spread. And that can be done through Krsna consciousness. Otherwise, it is all false.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly cuts through the illusions of mundane ambition, guiding his disciples toward the only goal worthy of human life: eternal loving service to Kṛṣṇa. Whether transforming one's consciousness, raising a spiritual family, or striving to become a first-class human being, every aspect of a devotee's life must be pointed toward this supreme destination. By keeping their aim fixed firmly on satisfying the Supreme Lord, devotees remain protected from material distraction and guarantee their successful return back home, back to 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 Our Aim (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.