Inquiring into the Absolute Truth Arises from a Distressed Condition
The experience of suffering is often the turning point in the life of a conditioned soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the distressed condition of material existence is not merely a punishment, but a divine impetus intended to awaken intelligence. When a person realizes that material life is full of unavoidable miseries, they are positioned to ask the most important questions of life: "Who am I?" and "Why am I suffering?" This inquiry, known in Sanskrit as brahma-jijñāsā, marks the beginning of true spiritual understanding.
Impetus for Spiritual Inquiry
The Vedānta-sūtra begins with the aphorism athāto brahma-jijñāsā, meaning "Now is the time to inquire into the Absolute Truth." Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this "now" refers to the human form of life, where one has the intelligence to perceive their suffering. Unlike animals, who suffer in ignorance, a human being in a distressed condition has the unique capacity to seek a solution beyond the material plane.
- We are always in a distressed condition, and an intelligent man naturally becomes inquisitive. This position is called brahma-jijnasa.
- Athato brahma jijnasa (Vedanta-sutra 1.1.1). Brahma here refers to the Vedic literature. One should consult the Vedic literature to know why the conditioned soul is always in a distressed condition.
Turning to God in Distress
The Bhagavad-gītā lists the ārta, or the distressed, as one of the four classes of pious men who approach the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while approaching God for relief is not the highest stage of pure devotion, it is a glorious beginning. When the pressure of the material world becomes unbearable, the pious soul instinctively turns toward the Supreme Authority for shelter, unlike the atheist who tries to adjust the situation independently.
- When one is very much distressed by material conditions, one becomes interested in God. Therefore Kuntidevi said in her prayers to Krsna that she preferred distress to a happy mood of life.
- They know that without God's help we cannot mitigate any of our distressed condition or needy condition. Therefore the arta and artharthi whose background is pious life, they approach God.
Finding the Real Treasure
When one becomes inquisitive about their suffering, they require guidance. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the analogy of a poor man consulting an astrologer to find a hidden treasure. Similarly, the Vedic literatures act as the guide for the soul in a distressed condition, directing them away from the poverty of material existence and toward the unlimited treasure of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Just as the words of the astrologer Sarvajna gave news of the poor man's treasure, the Vedic literatures advise one about Krsna consciousness when one is inquisitive to know why he is in a distressed material condition.
- Initiation into bhakti begins when one is in a distressed condition or in want of money, or when one is inquisitive to understand the Absolute Truth. Nonetheless, people who approach the Supreme Lord in this way are not actually devotees.
Conclusion
Distress, therefore, can be seen as a blessing in disguise if it compels the living entity to look toward Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that while the material world is designed to be uncomfortable, this discomfort serves the higher purpose of breaking our attachment to the temporary. By using the distressed condition as a stepping stone for inquiry, the intelligent soul begins the journey back home, back to Godhead, where anxiety does not exist.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Distressed Condition. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.