Critique of Modern Government
From the perspective of Vedic wisdom, the primary function of a government is not merely to build roads or collect taxes, but to guide the citizens toward the ultimate goal of life—spiritual realization. Śrīla Prabhupāda critiques modern government systems for failing in this essential duty. Whether democratic or totalitarian, modern states are characterized by a focus on temporary material comforts to the exclusion of eternal spiritual values. This negligence results in a chaotic society where the leaders are blind and the followers are doomed.
Materialism Over Spirituality
The most fundamental flaw of modern government is its exclusive focus on material welfare. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while the state has many rules for regulating commerce and civic duties, it "neglects to see that the citizens advance in spiritual knowledge." By withdrawing protection for spiritual culture, the social order collapses into hedonism and exploitation. A government that only cares for the body and ignores the soul acts like a guardian who polishes a birdcage while starving the bird within.
- According to Vedic system, the government has to look after about the ultimate goal of life also. The modern government, they are anxious to give material comforts.
- In the modern state the government has many rules and regulations for conducting the duties of the prajas, but the government neglects to see that the citizens advance in spiritual knowledge.
- In contrast to the principles of the kings of old, the modern state is concerned only with propaganda for levying taxes and is no longer responsible for the spiritual welfare of the citizens.
Failure of Democracy
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently contrasts modern democracy with the Vedic ideal of enlightened monarchy. He argues that democracy often degrades into a popularity contest among the unqualified. "In the modern setup of the democratic states, the people themselves are fallen... and the government is run by their representative, who is ignorant." Without the strict training of the kṣatriya (warrior/administrator) class, leaders lack the strength and wisdom to truly protect the people. Consequently, modern democracy is described as a "government of the vaiśyas and śūdras"—merchants and laborers—rather than the wise and brave.
- In contrast with the modern, advanced, civilized form of government, an autocracy like Maharaja Yudhisthira's is by far superior to a so-called democracy in which animals are killed.
- In modern society the prajas are not protected from the hands of thieves and miscreants. The modern democratic state, which has no ksatriyas, is a government of the vaisyas and sudras, and not of brahmanas and ksatriyas as formerly.
- Maharaja Yudhisthira is the ideal monarch, and monarchy under a trained king like Maharaja Yudhisthira is by far the most superior form of government, superior to modern republics or governments of the people, by the people.
Neglect of Animal Citizens
A chilling aspect of modern governance is its definition of "citizen." Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that animals born in the land are also citizens with a right to life. However, modern governments not only fail to protect them but actively organize their slaughter. He writes, "Fools and rascals of modern society have no knowledge of the extent of the responsibility of the government." A state that protects human thieves but kills innocent cows creates a vibration of violence that inevitably reacts upon the human population in the form of wars and strife.
Conclusion
The defects of modern government are deep-rooted in the lack of God consciousness. A "government of the people, by the people" is meaningless if the people are not spiritually educated. Śrīla Prabhupāda suggests that unless the leaders become qualified with godly characteristics—or at least support the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement—the citizens will remain unhappy, lost in the "ocean of nescience" without a captain to guide the ship of state.
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 Modern Government. 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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