Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Mitigates the Distressed Condition of the Soul
The conditioned soul is perpetually entangled in a struggle for existence, trying to overcome the inherent miseries of the material world. Śrīla Prabhupāda diagnoses this distressed condition not as a lack of material resources, but as a symptom of spiritual disconnect. He teaches that no amount of economic development or political adjustment can solve the fundamental problems of life. The only permanent solution is to re-establish the soul's lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.
Only Real Solution
Society is filled with attempts to alleviate suffering, but Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that these are merely temporary patches. Real relief comes only when the living entity revives their intimate connection with the Lord. He explains that just as a fish cannot be happy out of water regardless of the comforts offered to it, the soul cannot be peaceful in the material world without Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Everyone is trying to adjust to the distressed conditions of material existence, but the basic problems cannot be solved unless one is in an intimate relationship with Krsna.
- If we revive our original intimate relationship with Krsna, our distressed condition in the material world will be mitigated.
Automatic Relief Through Bhakti
One need not strive separately for happiness and the removal of distress. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that these results are automatic by-products of devotional service. When one engages the senses in the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa, the material distressed condition naturally recedes, just as darkness vanishes when the sun rises. This simultaneous process of purification and enlivenment is the unique gift of the sankīrtana movement.
- Automatically the symptoms of happiness come unto him, and his distress of material condition simultaneously becomes vanquished if one is elevated to the position of devotional service. That is the test of how one is advanced in devotional service.
- When our senses will be engaged to satisfy the senses of Krishna, at that time we will have perfect sense gratification, and be free of all distressed condition.
Shelter of the Supreme Friend
In times of difficulty, it is natural to seek help. Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds us that Kṛṣṇa is the well-wishing friend of every living entity. Unlike worldly friends who are limited in their capacity to help, the Supreme Lord is the ultimate shelter. By approaching Him for protection, the devotee finds that their distressed condition is either removed or transformed into an opportunity for spiritual growth.
- The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, is actually the best friend of everyone. In a condition of distress or misery, one wants to seek shelter of a well-wishing friend. The well-wishing friend of the perfect order is Lord Sri Krsna.
- Krsna is the ultimate goal of shelter, and as such one should take shelter of Krsna either for protection or for annihilation of his distressed condition.
Conclusion
The attempt to become happy in the material world without God is a hallucination. Śrīla Prabhupāda firmly concludes that we are the architects of our own distressed condition due to our forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa. However, by turning towards the Lord and engaging in His service, the soul is immediately situated in its constitutional position of eternity and bliss, far beyond the reach of material anxiety.
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 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.