Descending to Darkest Regions of Material Existence
The journey of the soul in the material world is not always upward. Without spiritual guidance and discipline, the natural tendency of the conditioned living entity is to degrade. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this trajectory as "descending to the darkest regions of material existence." This descent is not accidental; it is the direct result of a specific mode of life characterized by uncontrolled senses, materialistic attachment, and the rejection of divine authority.
Mechanism: Uncontrolled Senses
The primary engine driving a soul toward darkness is the uncontrolled senses (adānta-gobhiḥ). When the senses are allowed to dictate the direction of life, they inevitably drag the living entity into lower modes of nature and, eventually, into hellish conditions.
- Real disease is adanta go, uncontrolled senses. Visatam tamisram, entering into the darkest region of material existence. Punah punas carvita carvananam, chewing the chewed, again and again, the same sense gratification.
- Because we cannot control our senses, we are driving, we are being pushed towards the darkest region of material existence, very hard to leave.
- This is human life. But they are so much embarrassed with this uncontrollable senses that they are going to the darkest region of material existence. Adanta-gobhih. Adanta means uncontrolled.
Trap of Materialistic Household Life
A specific manifestation of this degradation is found in the life of a gṛhavrata—one who has taken a vow to maintain family life based solely on sense gratification. Instead of using the family institution for spiritual progress, such persons become shackled by affection and biological drives, "chewing the chewed" of temporary pleasure.
- A grhavrata, one who has taken a vow to execute family duties, has no chance to become Krsna conscious. This is because most grhavratas are guided by sense gratification and therefore gradually glide down to the darkest regions of material existence.
- So-called householders keep themselves shackled in family life, and furthermore they want their children to be shackled in the same way. Playing the parts of playboys in the hands of women, they glide down to the darkest regions of material existence.
Two Doors - Association
One's destination is determined by one's association. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that there are two doors: one leading to liberation through the service of great souls (mahat-sevā) and the other leading to darkness through the association of those addicted to sex life (yoṣitāṁ saṅgi-saṅgam).
- We want liberation. Then mahat-seva: we have to take shelter of mahatma. And, if you want to go to the darkest region of material existence, then yositam sangi-sangam (SB 5.5.2), sense enjoyment.
- If one wants to go to the darkest regions of material existence, one may continue to associate with persons who are attached to women (yositam sangi-sangam). The word yosit means "woman." Persons who are too materialistic are attached to women.
Envy and Punishment
Ultimately, the descent into darkness is a punishment for rebellion. Just as a criminal is placed in a dark prison cell for breaking state laws, the living entity who envies the Supreme Lord is pushed into the darkest regions of material existence.
- When a living entity becomes envious of Krishna, he is put into the darkest region of material existence, exactly in the same way as when a citizen is disobedient, lawbreaker, he is put into the prison cells.
- Krsna has said, "I push them in the darkest region of material existence." Actually that is happening. People without God consciousness, without Krsna consciousness, gradually becoming entrapped in ignorance.
Conclusion
The path to the darkest regions is wide and paved with sense gratification, while the path to liberation requires the deliberate control of the senses and the association of saintly persons. By understanding the danger of adānta-gobhiḥ, one can apply the brakes to their degradation and turn toward the light of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 Darkest Regions of Material Existence. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.