Goloka Vṛndāvana Is the Highest Planet in the Spiritual Sky
Śrīla Prabhupāda describes that the Vedic literatures present a hierarchy of existence stretching from the temporary material planets to the eternal spiritual sky. At the very summit of this spiritual reality lies Goloka Vṛndāvana, the personal abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It is described as the highest planet, superior even to the Vaikuṇṭha planets, and attaining it represents the ultimate perfection of the soul's journey.
The Supreme Abode of Kṛṣṇa
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while the spiritual sky contains millions of planets where the Lord is worshipped in majesty as Nārāyaṇa, Goloka Vṛndāvana is unique. It is the "original" planet, shaped like a lotus flower, where Kṛṣṇa resides eternally. This planet is the source of all others and is the specific destination for those who follow the path of spontaneous love.
- The biggest and highest planet in the brahmajyoti is Krsnaloka, or Goloka Vrndavana, where the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna Himself, resides. Lord Sri Krsna never leaves Krsnaloka.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu gives evidence that Krsna is the original Personality of Godhead, full in all six opulences. It is Sri Krsna whose abode, known as Goloka Vrndavana, is the highest planetary system in the spiritual sky.
- Spiritual world is called the aprakrta (antimaterial) world. In this transcendental, spiritual world or universe, the highest planetary system is known as Goloka Vrndavana.
Journey of the Devotional Creeper
Śrīla Prabhupāda often uses the analogy of a gardener to explain how one reaches this distant abode. By planting the seed of devotion (bhakti-latā-bīja) and watering it with chanting and hearing, the creeper of devotion grows. He describes how it penetrates the walls of the material universe, crosses the impersonal brahmajyoti, and finally rests in Goloka Vṛndāvana.
- In the spiritual sky that plant (of devotional service) grows more and more until it reaches the highest planet, which is called Goloka Vrndavana, the supreme planet of Krsna. Ultimately, the plant takes shelter under the lotus feet of Krsna and rests.
- The highest planet in the spiritual sky is Krsnaloka. It is just like a lotus flower, where Krsna is standing. And there, when the plant finds Krsna's lotus feet, it rests.
- Those who are captivated by pure devotional service have no desire to elevate themselves to any material planet. The highest planet in the spiritual world is Krsna-loka, or Goloka Vrndavana, and there the devotional plant takes shelter.
Perfection of No Return
The unique quality of the spiritual world, and specifically the highest planet, is that it grants total immunity from the cycle of birth and death. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that unlike the temporary elevations achieved by material piety, reaching Kṛṣṇa's abode means one never has to accept a material body again.
- As stated in the Bhagavad-gita, anyone who reaches the highest planet, the abode of Krsna, or even the Vaikuntha planets, never has to come down again to this miserable material condition of life.
- To the inhabitants of Vrndavana, who were busy working during daytime and sleeping soundly at night because of their hard labor in the day, Lord Krsna awarded promotion to the highest planet in the spiritual sky.
Service as the Only Objective
Śrīla Prabhupāda notes one more point regarding the attitude of a pure devotee: despite the glories of Goloka Vṛndāvana, they do not approach Kṛṣṇa with a business mentality of gaining residence there. The devotee's focus remains solely on service. However, because Kṛṣṇa is naturally situated in the highest planet, the service of the devotee inevitably leads them there.
- The pure devotee does not even want salvation. He does not want to be transferred even to the highest planet, Goloka Vrndavana. His only objective is to serve Krsna wherever he may be.
- One who follows the principles of love in devotional service attains to the supreme abode, the highest planet in the spiritual world known as Krsnaloka or Goloka Vrndavana.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Goloka Vṛndāvana stands as the supreme goal of all spiritual aspirations. It is the home of the Supreme Lord in His most confidential and loving aspect. By cultivating the creeper of devotional service through the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, any living entity can transcend the material and spiritual coverings to attain shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa in this highest of all planets.
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