True Dharma and the Karma You Cannot Change
Śrīla Prabhupāda provides a profound understanding of what can and cannot be changed in this world. By studying his teachings, we learn the futility of trying to alter our materially destined karma, the true definition of dharma as the soul's unchangeable characteristic, the absolute authority of Vedic injunctions, and the ultimate liberation found in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Fixed Nature of Material Destiny
Under the laws of material nature, every living entity is awarded a specific body with a predetermined duration of life and a fixed standard of enjoyment and suffering. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that it is impossible to change this material destiny simply by making independent plans or working tirelessly for economic development.
- The duration of life is limited. It is already destined. According to our past activities, we have got a body whose duration of life is already fixed up. The standard of happiness and distress, that is also fixed up. You cannot change it.
- Even if you get more money, the other circumstances will force you to remain in the same condition as you were fifty years ago. Because you are destined. This is called destiny. You cannot change your destiny. That is not possible.
- You cannot change your destiny. If you have to be, have to work like a coolie, even after becoming Ph.D. you'll have to work like a coolie. You cannot change it.
The Unchangeable Characteristic of the Soul
The word dharma is often poorly translated as "religion," implying a faith that one can change at whim. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that true dharma refers to the eternal, unchangeable characteristic of the soul—the propensity to serve—just as liquidity is the inseparable characteristic of water.
- Dharma is translated in English as "religion," but actually, it does not convey the real import of dharma. As I have many times explained in these meetings, that dharma means some particular characteristic which you cannot change.
- Today you are Muslim. Tomorrow you can become Christian. You can change your faith. But that is not religion. Change of faith or accepting some faith, that is not religion. Religion means which you cannot change.
- Suppose I am now Hindu. I become a Christian or Muhammadan. That, my real business of rendering service, does not change. So dharma means that which you cannot change.
The Inviolable Authority of Scripture
The spiritual master and the Vedic scriptures present the absolute truth directly from the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that conditioned souls have no right to change, interpret, or "improve" upon śāstra or the instructions given by the bona fide spiritual master.
- If you accept Bhagavad-gita as the book of authority, you cannot change the meaning. That is not allowed. What right? If you have got some opinion, if you have got some philosophy, you can write in your own book.
- Nobody can change them (sruti-smrti-pramana). But these particular rules and regulations in sruti-smrti are for particular times, particular circumstances. So we have to take these rules and regulations. You cannot change them.
- You cannot change (instruction from spiritual master). You cannot improve. That is rascaldom. A spiritual master also does not change the words of Krsna and makes any improvement upon it.
Transcending Destiny Through Devotion
While the laws of material nature are insurmountable for ordinary living entities, they are completely under the control of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda joyfully assures us that by taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa, a Vaiṣṇava can transcend material karma and completely change their eternal destiny.
- Whatever you have got by pious or impious activities, that you cannot change. It is not possible. But you can change your position, this material position, by Krsna consciousness. That you can change. Other things you cannot change.
- If destiny cannot be changed, then why was Prahlada Maharaja urging this (taking up Krsna consciousness)? Generally, "destiny" means your material future. That you cannot change. But even that can be changed when you are in spiritual life.
- Others cannot change their fate, but only the devotees can change.
- You cannot change. But you can change by one process. What is that? Mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te. If you surrender to Krsna, then you can get out of this control of maya.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly delineates the boundaries of material existence and the limitless nature of spiritual life. Conditioned souls waste their lives attempting to change their destined material circumstances—trying to avoid distress or artificially increase their happiness—blind to the fact that their karma is already strictly sealed by the laws of nature. Similarly, people mistakenly change religious faiths, not realizing that true dharma is the unchangeable characteristic of rendering service to the Supreme. The Vedic śāstra and the instructions of the spiritual master stand as absolute authorities that can never be altered by mundane interpretation. The only true change a living entity can make is to shift their consciousness. By surrendering to Kṛṣṇa, a pure Vaiṣṇava steps outside the jurisdiction of material destiny, transcending the laws of nature to 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 You Cannot Change. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.