Activities of Human Beings - Highest Level of Perfection
The activities of human beings are meant to transcend the basic biological necessities shared with the animal kingdom. Śrīla Prabhupāda illuminates that while modern civilization focuses heavily on economic development and refined sense gratification, true human culture begins only when one inquires into the Absolute Truth. This article explores the distinction between material and spiritual engagement, emphasizing that the perfection of human energy lies in its dedication to the service of the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Distinction Between Animal and Human Activities
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that sophistication in material activities does not alter their fundamental nature. Whether one maintains the body with opulence or in poverty, if the goal is merely maintenance without spiritual realization, the activity remains on the animal platform.
- A dog may eat out of a garbage can, and a human being may eat on a golden plate, but this does not mean that they are engaged in different activities. In either case, both the dog and the man are taking food into their bodies.
- There are different kinds of duties for the human being, such as political obligations, performance of Vedic rituals and social formalities and conventions, but all such activities are directed toward satisfying one's own senses.
- Lazy human beings with paltry intelligence and a short duration of life pass the night sleeping and the day performing activities that are for naught.
Imperative of Spiritual Inquiry
The defining characteristic of a human being is the ability to inquire into the nature of the self and the Supreme. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that without this specific inquiry into the Absolute Truth, or Brahman, all other endeavors, no matter how grand, result in failure.
- Every activity of the human being is to be considered a failure unless he inquires about the nature of the Absolute.
- Human activities should be to understand God, or the Absolute Truth. That is the philosophy of Vedanta philosophy. Veda means knowledge, and anta means ultimate. We are acquiring knowledges in so many departmental, but ultimate knowledge is to know God.
- In Srimad-Bhagavatam it is said: A human being is defeated in all his activities as long as he does not know the goal of life, which can be understood when one is inquisitive about Brahman.
Devotional Service as the Goal of Life
According to the Vedic verdict, the ultimate purpose of human life is to re-establish one's relationship with the Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that engaging one's resources, intelligence, and words in the service of Kṛṣṇa is the only way to attain success and elevate oneself to the highest level of perfection.
- A human being's activities should be centered only on devotional service to Lord Krsna. That is the verdict of all Vedic literatures, and all saintly people have firmly concluded this.
- Especially in this human form of life, one should engage his life, resources, words and intelligence for the service of the Lord. Only such activities can elevate a human being to the highest level of perfection. This is the verdict of all authorities.
- The cause of the distress of a living entity is forgetfulness of his relationship with God. And the cause of happiness is knowing Krsna to be the supreme enjoyer of all the activities of the human being.
Responsibility and the Laws of Nature
Human life comes with the burden of responsibility, where actions have cosmic consequences under the jurisdiction of Yamarāja. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that unlike animals, human beings must act with a sense of duty to avoid degradation and the darkness of ignorance.
- Every human being, especially one belonging to a civilized nation or culture, must be extremely responsible in his activities. He should not risk degradation in the next life.
- Only human beings have consciousness of right and wrong, and among them only those who perform sinful activities come under the control of Yamaraja.
- All their (human being's) activities are targeted towards the goal of sense gratification without control, and therefore by all this business they are unknowingly entering into the deep regions of darkness.
True Welfare and Civilization
Real civilization is defined by activities that liberate the soul from the repetition of birth and death. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that advanced human beings are naturally inclined toward the welfare of others, specifically by spreading spiritual knowledge.
- The whole activities, human society's activities, should be targeted how to get rid of this repetition of birth and death. That is real civilization.
- O King, one who is advanced in intelligence and eager to perform welfare activities for others is considered best amongst human beings. An advanced human being is never malicious to others.
- Lord Caitanya advised that any human being who has taken birth in India, Bharata-varsa, it is his duty to assimilate the Vedic literature and do welfare activities all over the world. That is the duty of every Indian.
Conclusion
The perfection of human activities is not found in technological advancement or refined sense enjoyment, but in the awakening of spiritual consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that when a human being centers their life on inquiring about the Absolute Truth and serving Kṛṣṇa, they transcend the temporary nature of material existence. By directing one's intelligence and resources toward this divine goal, one fulfills the true responsibility of the human form of life and achieves permanent success.
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 Activities of Human Beings. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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