A Universal Law - First Deserve and Then Desire

In a world often driven by entitlement, the Vedic wisdom offers a grounding reality check: qualification must precede ambition. Nature does not blindly fulfill whims; rather, she reciprocates with the living entity's capacity to receive. This article explores the universal law that governs success in both material and spiritual spheres, emphasizing that true attainment is the result of becoming fit for the destination we seek.

The Process of Spiritual Advancement

In Kṛṣṇa consciousness, desire is the fuel for advancement. However, simply wishing to be a great devotee is not enough. One must undergo the process of purification to become fit for the service of the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while the desire to serve is the starting point, Kṛṣṇa reciprocates by offering opportunities exactly commensurate with one's qualification.

• First deserve, then desire. So how a Krsna conscious person can be desireless? The first is desire: "I desire to serve Krsna." That is the beginning. Then Krsna will give you chance, as you deserve. This is the process.
• India's culture being failure at the present moment. They . . . "First deserve, then desire." So without deserving, they desired. Therefore whole thing is . . . it became false. So that is not the purpose.

Material Ambition and Hard Work

This principle applies equally to material success. A person cannot expect to become a millionaire or a king simply by dreaming. There must be a foundation of honest labor, business intelligence, or past pious credits (puṇya). To desire the fruits of labor without performing the labor is a misuse of independence and a sign of laziness or dishonesty.

• First deserve, then desire. Why should you desire millions of dollars if you are a rogue? You must honestly work. You must have the business tactics, how to earn money. Then you'll get million dollars. Krsna will help you.
• Krsna gives us the opportunity to enjoy whatever material facilities we want. Of course, one must deserve these facilities. First deserve, then desire. Suppose I want to become king. I must have pious activities behind me so that I can become king.

The Absurdity of Imitation

The most dangerous violation of this law is found in the Māyāvāda philosophy where individuals claim to be God. Śrīla Prabhupāda rigorously challenges such assertions: if one desires the title of God, one must first display the power of God. Without the capacity to create universes or control nature, claiming to be the Supreme is nothing but "rascaldom."

• You cannot compare yourself with God. There is no comparison. But the rascaldom is going on. "Everyone is God. I am God, you are God" - then he's dog. You show the power of God, then you say. First deserve, then desire.
• You desire; at the same time, you deserve. First deserve, then desire. Just like these rascals, "I desire to become God." That kind of desire will never be fulfilled.

Determining Destiny

Finally, the law of "first deserve, then desire" dictates the transmigration of the soul. Nature is not obliged to fulfill our whims; she awards a body based on our activities and consciousness. If one behaves like an animal but desires a divine body, nature will force them into a womb that matches their behavior, not their wishful thinking.

• You will get a body according to your desire. Just wishing for a kind of body will not work, one has to become qualified for that type of body. Just like it is said in English, First deserve then desire. One must be qualified also.
• First of all become fit. First of all deserve. Then desire - Why foolishly you desire something for which you do not deserve? That is your fault. That is misuse. Don't desire something without being deserving.

Conclusion

The instruction "First deserve, then desire" is a call to reality and responsibility. Whether we seek material improvement, a better next life, or the ultimate goal of devotional service, we must understand that results follow qualification. By focusing on becoming fit—through honest work, pious activity, or the purification of Kṛṣṇa consciousness—we align ourselves with the universal order, ensuring that our desires can actually be fulfilled by the mercy of the Lord.

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 First Deserve and Then Desire. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.