Achieving the Desired Goal Through Hearing and Chanting

The human form of life offers a rare opportunity to solve the problems of existence and attain the supreme destination. While the path may seem arduous, the Vedic literature confirms that perfection is accessible to anyone who sincerely adopts the standard processes of devotion. This article highlights how steadfast engagement in hearing and chanting, coupled with regulated living, guarantees the achievement of the ultimate goal: pure love of God.

The Power of Hearing and Chanting

To achieve the ultimate perfection of life, one must engage in the processes of devotional service. Among these, hearing and chanting are paramount. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the destination is the same whether one is attached to hearing the glories of the Lord or chanting His holy names. Historical examples, such as Śukadeva Gosvāmī and King Parīkṣit, demonstrate that perfection is attainable even by executing a single process with full sincerity.

• For example, if one is attached simply to hearing about the Lord, and another is attached to chanting the glories of the name, both will achieve their desired goal in devotional service. In the Caitanya-caritamrta this has been explained.
• Sukadeva Gosvami achieved the desired goal of life simply by reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. Prahlada Maharaj became successful in his devotional service by always remembering the Lord.
• There are concrete examples of how a devotee discharged one of these services (nine process of bhakti) and achieved perfection. King Pariksit achieved the desired goal of life simply by hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Steadfastness and Regulation

To succeed in hearing, chanting, or any devotional service, one requires steadfastness. A devotee is defined as one who does not stop until the desired goal is achieved. This often necessitates a life of regulation and voluntary renunciation to end the miseries of material existence and fix the mind on the goal.

• A person who continues to work until his desired goal is achieved is called steadfast.
• It is better to take the right path, even at the risk of death. Human life is meant for finishing all kinds of miseries of material existence, and life should be so regulated that one can achieve the desired goal.
• The sincere followers (of sanatana-dharma) are advised to accept a voluntary life of renunciation in order to achieve the desired goal of life.

Indicators of Success

The achievement of the desired goal is not theoretical; it manifests as a transformational state of consciousness. When one successfully revives their loving service through these processes, they attain dhṛti, or steadiness, and are freed from lamentation. Conversely, failure to prioritize this goal leads to a state of regret (viṣāda).

• When a devotee revives his loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it should be understood that he has been successful in achieving the desired goal of his life. At that time everything is automatically done by the mercy of the holy name.
• When a person is fully satisfied due to attaining knowledge, transcending all distress, or achieving his desired goal of life in transcendental devotional service to God - at that time his state of endurance or steady mind is called dhrti.
• When one fails to achieve his desired goal of life and repents for all his offenses, there is a state of regret called visada.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the "desired goal" is the restoration of our eternal service to Kṛṣṇa. By taking shelter of the holy name and the narrations of the Lord's pastimes, and by remaining steadfast in these practices, the devotee transcends material misery and achieves the supreme perfection of life.

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 Achieving Desired Goal. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.