A Good Wife Is a Partner in Spiritual Life
According to Vedic civilization, a man is considered fortunate if he possesses three things: wealth, a good son, and a good wife. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes a good wife not merely as a source of material pleasure, but as a source of energy and inspiration. When a wife is chaste, faithful, and devoted, she transforms the home into a peaceful sanctuary (gṛhastha-āśrama) where both husband and wife can make progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
A Source of Strength and Fortune
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that by nature, a woman is the energy (prakṛti) of the man. Just as Kṛṣṇa is engladdened by Rādhārāṇī, a husband is energized by a good wife. A faithful wife provides the domestic stability that allows a man to work with peace of mind. Without such a wife, a man is often restless and unable to execute his duties properly.
- A man is considered to be fortunate in three ways. If he has got good wife then he is fortunate. If he has got good son then he is fortunate.
- A woman is supposed to be the energy of the man. Historically, in the background of every great man there is either a mother or a wife.
- Energy, prakrti. Krsna is engladdened in the presence of Radharani. That is nature. Similarly, a man, he becomes energized if he has got a good wife or good mother.
Collaboration in Service
In Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the definition of a "good wife" extends beyond domestic chores. She is a partner in preaching and service. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently encouraged his married disciples, noting that when a husband and wife cooperate in missionary activities, they possess "double strength." A good wife assists her husband in Deity worship, distributing books, and opening centers, making their union a spiritual asset.
- Formally you were alone, now you are assisted by your good wife. Husband and wife equal double strength.
- I am so glad to learn that your good wife is also helping you. That is the duty of a faithful companion of life.
- With such a good wife (a chaste wife, accepted through a religious marriage ritual), the family's engagement in the devotional service of the Lord actually makes a home a grhastha-asrama, or household dedicated to spiritual cultivation.
Home or Forest?
The presence of a good wife is the defining factor of a home. Citing the moral instructions of Cāṇakya Paṇḍita, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that if one does not have a good mother or a good wife at home, one should leave immediately for the forest. A home filled with disharmony is no better than the wilderness.
- If there is no mother and there is no good wife, then aranyam tena gantavyam, immediately he should give up that home.
- It is essential that one have both a good mother and wife in order to become perfectly happy at home. Otherwise home life has no meaning.
- Why (go to) forest? In the city, I have got very nice home, nice building. - No. For a person who has no good wife, neither mother, for him, yatharanyam tatha grham. For him either this home or the forest, it is same.
Detachment and Renunciation
While a good wife is a boon, a devotee must not become attached to family life. Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us that a pure devotee never asks the Lord for material benefits, including a good wife. Furthermore, even if one has a good wife, one must be prepared to renounce family life for the higher cause of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, just as Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu renounced His beautiful and affectionate wife for the deliverance of the fallen souls.
- A pure devotee never begs the Lord for material happiness in the shape of riches, followers, a good wife or even mukti. The Lord promises, however, yoga-ksemam vahamy aham: "I voluntarily bring everything necessary for My service."
- Maharaja Yudhisthira was one of the liberated souls, and therefore for him there was no pleasure in a vast kingdom, good wife, obedient brothers, happy subjects and prosperous world.
- Lord Caitanya therefore taught us not to ask from the Supreme Personality any benediction such as material wealth, popularity or a good wife.
Conclusion
A good wife is a cornerstone of a successful householder life, providing the energy and peace necessary for spiritual advancement. However, the ultimate goal of life is not a comfortable home but pure devotion to Kṛṣṇa. Whether one has a good wife or not, or whether one must eventually leave a good wife to enter the renounced order, the focus must always remain on serving the Lord.
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