Molding Life for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
To practice Kṛṣṇa consciousness effectively, one cannot live whimsically. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the necessity of "molding" one's life—consciously structuring daily activities, habits, and goals to align with the supreme purpose of human existence. This process is not about artificial repression but about redirection. By following the authority of the scriptures and the spiritual master, a person can shape their existence in such a way that they remain constantly connected to the Supreme Lord, ensuring a spiritual destination after death.
Necessity of Molding Life
The urge for pleasure is natural, but in the material world, it is often misdirected toward the body. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that bodily pleasure is "flickering and intoxicating." Because it is momentary, it cannot satisfy the eternal soul. Therefore, the first step in self-realization is to recognize the need to structure life differently. The goal is to maximize the value of the human form to secure a "profitable next life," rather than wasting it on temporary gratification.
- Bodily pleasure is flickering and intoxicating, and we cannot actually enjoy it, because of its momentary nature. Actual pleasure is of the soul, not the body. We have to mold our lives in such a way that we will not be diverted by bodily pleasure.
- In this verse (SB 4.18.3) the word amusmin is very explicit. It is the duty of everyone to mold his life in such a way that he will have a profitable next life.
Following Authority
How does one mold their life correctly? It is not a matter of mental speculation. One must follow the blueprint provided by the Vedas and the realized souls. A guru is defined as one who gives proper direction based on these authorities. By following in the footsteps of great personalities (mahājanas), one can navigate the complexities of material existence without getting lost.
- Guru refers to one who gives proper direction under the authority of the Vedic injunctions and according to the examples of the lives of great personalities. The best way to mold one's life is to follow in the footsteps of the authorized personalities.
- For this body which will not go with me I am working so hard. But the spirit, as I am, I do not know wherefrom I have come, where I am going. Therefore we have to follow the direction of authoritative persons, scriptures, to mold our life how to work.
Molding Family and Occupational Life
A common misconception is that spiritual life requires abandoning one's family or job. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that this is not necessary if one's life is properly molded. By introducing the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the four regulative principles within the family structure, the home becomes an ashram. Similarly, one's occupation need not change; what changes is the consciousness.
- Family members can sit down morning and evening and chant Hare Krsna. If one can mold his family life in this way to develop Krsna consciousness, following these four principles, there is no need to change from family life to renounced life.
- The whole thing is that life should be molded, molded in such a way that in every step or action, we shall feel the presence of the Lord. That is spiritual life. That is spiritual life. You need not change your present occupation.
Standard: Twenty-Four Hours
The ultimate success of molding one's life is achieved when one remembers Kṛṣṇa constantly. This is the perfection of yoga. Life should be so arranged that there is no scope for forgetting the Lord. Whether working, eating, or sleeping, the molded life is one that keeps the practitioner in a state of continuous spiritual contact.
- Life should be molded in such a way that not for a single moment you are without Krsna consciousness. That is real life. That is perfection.
- We have to practice remembering the Lord always, twenty-four hours a day, by chanting His names and molding our life's activities in such a way that we can remember Him always.
Conclusion
To mold one's life is to take responsibility for one's future. By adhering to the instructions of the spiritual master and the scriptures, anyone can transform their existence from a material struggle into a spiritual success, ensuring that at the end of life, they return home, back to Godhead.
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 Mold Your Life. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.