Government and Spiritual Responsibility
Governance is a sacred duty. According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the relationship between the ruler and the ruled is not merely a social contract but a spiritual bond. The king or government head is the representative of the Supreme Lord and is responsible for the ultimate welfare of the citizens. When this spiritual responsibility is ignored, society loses its direction. However, when a government embraces its role as a spiritual guardian, it can create an atmosphere where all citizens—human and animal alike—can prosper and advance toward liberation.
Guardian of Citizens
The primary duty of a government is to act as a guardian. This means more than just maintaining a police force or an army; it means educating the populace about the purpose of human life. Śrīla Prabhupāda states, "The king, or in modern times the government, should act as the guardian of the citizens by teaching them the proper goal of life." Without this educational component, the state is simply managing a prison house of conditioned souls.
Vedic Communism
Long before modern political theories, the Vedic system established a standard of welfare that Śrīla Prabhupāda terms "Vedic communism." In a perfect state, no one should go hungry. This care extends to all living beings within the state's borders. Unlike the imperfect theories of Marx, which are based on material envy, Vedic welfare is based on the understanding that everything belongs to God and should be shared among His children.
Qualities of Leadership
The quality of the government depends on the quality of the leaders. Śrīla Prabhupāda insists that leaders must be "twice-born" by spiritual culture. A leader without spiritual training is blind. Whether in a monarchy or a modern republic, the executive head must possess godly characteristics—self-control, wisdom, and devotion. Furthermore, Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that politicians should retire by the age of fifty to cultivate their own spiritual life, thereby setting a powerful example of detachment for the citizenry.
- Not only a king but also the leaders of a modern democratic or impersonal government must be qualified with all these godly characteristics. Then the citizens of the state can be happy.
- In the modern democratic government, no one should be elected after the age of fifty. Otherwise the storm of the ocean of nescience cannot be stopped to allow the ships and boats to sail back to Godhead.
Supporting Spiritual Movements
A responsible government recognizes its limitations and seeks guidance from spiritual authorities. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to introduce the "right principles of management" for human society. A wise government would support such a movement, understanding that it provides the moral and spiritual foundation necessary for a stable and happy state. Unfortunately, modern governments often neglect or oppose this vital support.
Conclusion
The disconnect between modern government and spiritual responsibility is the root cause of global unhappiness. As long as leaders are "ignorant of the scriptural mode of administrative education," the state will remain a source of anxiety rather than shelter. However, by adopting the timeless principles of the Vedas—protecting the weak, honoring God, and aiming for liberation—any government can transform into a representative of the Divine.
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.