Many intelligent people make a living by solving complex, often important problems. They work tirelessly in various companies and startups, driven by ambition and purpose. Yet, they often remain unaware of the deeper, existential challenges of life. Despite working long hours and devoting themselves to their careers, they don’t experience a substantial change in their core quality of life. Consider, for instance, the CEO of a successful company. Though they may spend days strategizing and planning, at a fundamental level, their life is not vastly different from anyone else’s. The same basic needs—eating, sleeping, seeking enjoyment, and defending themselves—are shared by both wealthy and ordinary people.
When we reflect deeply, questions arise: “Why do we continue to suffer?” and “Is there a way to experience true, lasting happiness?” To answer these questions, we must first understand what misery truly is. Misery arises when we are separated from our original spiritual nature. Our true position is to be connected to God, to be God-conscious. We are not meant to use our senses solely for personal pleasure; rather, our senses are intended to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Imagine a child separated from their parent, wandering the streets in distress. Though strangers may offer various distractions—food, toys, or comfort—the child continues to cry, longing for their parent. Similarly, we search for happiness in worldly pursuits and relationships, but they ultimately fail to fulfill us because we are disconnected from our divine origin. We are eternal beings, unchanging fragments of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet our association with the material world has led to suffering. Our true nature is one of joy and knowledge, not of sadness and ignorance.
Learning from the experiences of others, we can see that material pursuits alone do not lead to fulfillment. Instead, we should seek spiritual growth, which is a lasting source of happiness and liberation from suffering.
The Vedic tradition offers guidance for spiritual advancement, showing us how to cultivate inner peace and joy, even while living in the material world. It provides a path to transcend suffering and ultimately return “home,” back to Godhead.
My own perspective transformed when I encountered the Krishna Consciousness Movement. This movement was founded in 1966 in New York by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His teachings are straightforward: “Just chant Hare Krishna and be happy.” I tried it, and for the first time, I experienced a profound sense of peace and satisfaction. The beauty of chanting is that it can be done anywhere, offering lasting happiness. The practice of chanting the holy names of God dates back over 500 years and is considered a legitimate, time-tested path to spiritual joy.
Thank you for reading.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna.
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