Why Devotees Offer Everything to Kṛṣṇa as the True Master and Real Enjoyer
To overcome the widespread illusion of material ownership and the false ego of being the controller, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we must recognize the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, as the absolute proprietor and sole enjoyer (puruṣa) of all creation. This article explores how the individual soul (prakṛti) finds true fulfillment, peace, and prosperity not by trying to exploit cosmic resources, but by joyfully positioning itself as the enjoyed servant of the Lord. By shifting our consciousness away from this illusory enjoying temperament (māyā) and aligning with the foundational principles of bhakti-yoga, we unlock the definitive formula for both individual tranquility and global harmony.
The Ultimate Proprietor
In the material world, conditioned souls constantly attempt to exploit resources for their own satisfaction. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that God alone is the supreme puruṣa, or the supreme enjoyer, while everything else is His energy meant to be enjoyed. Recognizing this fundamental truth is the first step toward spiritual enlightenment and the perfection of bhakti-yoga.
- In this material world both the so-called man and so-called woman are imitating the real purusa; the Supreme Personality of Godhead is actually the enjoyer in the transcendental sense, whereas all others are prakrti.
- One should not think that he is the proprietor, benefactor, friend or enjoyer. He should always be cognizant that the real enjoyer is Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead; that is the basic principle of bhakti-yoga.
- Real purusa means, the supreme enjoyer, God, Krsna. And prakrti means which is enjoyed. Another meaning prakrti, means woman and purusa means man.
- That point is missing. Real enjoyer or proprietor is Krsna. Bhoktaram yajna-tapasam sarva-loka-mahesvaram. He's the proprietor.
The Position of the Living Entity
The individual soul, being a spiritual spark, naturally seeks pleasure and satisfaction. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that when covered by the material body, this inherent desire for enjoyment becomes distorted and imperfect. True fulfillment is experienced only when the living entity functions as the enjoyed rather than the false enjoyer.
- Although one may think that he is enjoying by the bodily sense organs, the real enjoyer is that spiritual spark. That spark always has the potency of enjoyment, but it is not always manifest due to being covered by the material tabernacle.
- Bhoga means "enjoyment," and our enjoyment comes from understanding our position as the enjoyed. The real enjoyer is the Supreme Lord, and we are enjoyed by Him.
- The living entities, that is also prakrti, but he also wants to enjoy. That is called illusion. So in his enjoying temperament he may be called purusa, illusory purusa. Real purusa is Bhagavan. Purusa means bhokta. The bhokta, real bhokta, enjoyer.
- This is a Bengali poetry. It says, As soon as we forget the real enjoyer and we want to enjoy, immediately that is called maya.
The Formula for True Peace
Society is fraught with conflict because individuals and nations falsely claim ownership over God's property. By practically applying the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, one understands that designating God as the true proprietor is the only viable formula for global tranquility. When all endeavors and resources are dedicated to the Supreme Lord, both the individual and society flourish.
- If one wants peace of mind and tranquillity in society, he must accept the fact that the real enjoyer is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- If one wants to enjoy real peace and prosperity, he should give everything to Krsna, who is the real enjoyer, real friend and real proprietor.
- The first realization is Brahman and the higher realization is Paramatma, and the ultimate realization is Bhagavan. So the Bhagavan, He is the real enjoyer.
Conclusion
By dismantling the false ego of being the master, the living entity can taste the profound sweetness of spiritual life. Establishing God as the absolute center of all activities, Śrīla Prabhupāda ensures that the soul attains unshakeable peace and eternal satisfaction.
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 Enjoyer. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.