Most Valuable Gift
Value is relative. To a hungry man, food is most valuable; to a drowning man, a boat. But Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that from the absolute perspective, the "most valuable" things are those that connect the soul to its eternal nature. He identifies the human form of life as a rare and precious asset, not to be squandered on cheap sense gratification. Furthermore, he presents Kṛṣṇa consciousness not merely as a religion, but as the supreme gift—the "most valuable jewel"—which, once attained, leaves one fully satisfied, with no desire for anything else.
Asset of Human Life
The foundation of all value is the human form of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the human body as a "most valuable boat" designed to cross the ocean of material ignorance. The spiritual master acts as the captain, and the instructions of Kṛṣṇa serve as the favorable breeze. Given this setup, he argues that anyone who does not utilize this opportunity for self-realization is a miser. Time, therefore, becomes the "most valuable asset," for every moment lost is a moment that cannot be bought back even with millions of dollars.
- This human form of body is a most valuable boat, and the spiritual master is the captain, guru-karnadharam, to guide the boat in plying across the ocean of nescience. The instruction of Krsna is a favorable breeze.
- Everyone of you should think that every moment, whatever asset you have got, the most valuable asset is the life, duration of life. That is being taken away. That is the law of nature. And the last taking away is death.
- This human form of life is a most valuable asset for the living entity who can ultilize it for solving the problems of life; therefore, one who does not utilize this opportunity properly is a miser.
Jewel of Devotion
What should one do with this valuable life? Śrīla Prabhupāda answers: seek the "most valuable jewel." He cites Rāmānanda Rāya, who declared that love for Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa is the greatest wealth. This is echoed in the story of Dhruva Mahārāja, who sought a kingdom but, upon seeing the Lord, realized he was searching for broken glass while ignoring the diamond. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is this diamond. Even a moment of association with a holy person is the "most valuable thing in life" because it opens the door to this treasure.
- Lord Caitanya asked Ramananda Raya, "What is the most valuable thing in the world?" Ramananda Raya replied that he who has love for Radha-Krsna possesses the most valuable jewel and the greatest riches.
- Maharaj Dhruva says, "I had been searching out some pieces of broken glass, but instead I have found the most valuable jewel. I am therefore fully satisfied, my Lord. I do not wish to ask anything more from Your Lordship."
- King Nimi said, I am just trying to find the path of well-being for all living entities. A moment of association with holy men is the most valuable thing in life, for that moment opens the path of advancement in spiritual life.
Most Valuable Service
Having received this gift, the duty of a devotee is to share it. Śrīla Prabhupāda places immense value on the distribution of his books. He states that spreading the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the "most valuable welfare activity" for humanity. Whether through book distribution or life membership, any service that connects others to Kṛṣṇa is considered "most valuable." He encourages his disciples that simply by distributing these books, they are rendering a service that is sure to make people Kṛṣṇa conscious.
- Any way we can distribute our books is good because anyone who reads our KRSNA book, TLC, NOD, and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, is sure to become a Krishna Conscious person. It is a most valuable service to Krishna to distribute these books.
- The most welfare activities, the most valuable welfare activity, is to spread this Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Otherwise they are being carried away by maya.
- Our Krsna consciousness society is giving the most valuable thing, chanting of Hare Krsna, without any charge.They are canvassing, "Please take it. You'll be happy. Please take." So people should know how much valuable service they are rendering.
Material vs. Spiritual Value
Śrīla Prabhupāda acknowledges material value but places it in context. He notes that gold is the "most valuable metal" and milk is the "most valuable food." However, he uses these examples to illustrate higher truths. Just as gold is concentrated wealth, the holy name is concentrated spiritual potency. Just as milk nourishes the brain for spiritual understanding, Kṛṣṇa consciousness nourishes the soul. He warns that we must not be like the poor man who used a valuable touchstone to weigh vegetables; we must recognize the true worth of the spiritual gift we have received.
- Gold is taken, because gold is the most valuable metal. A small piece of gold, it can carry two hundred dollars. But if I give you iron, then you have to bring another, what is called, bus, to carry it.
- Milk is the most valuable form of gorasa, and from milk we can prepare many important and valuable foodstuffs for the upkeep of the human body.
- He (the poor man) came back and appealed to Sanatana Gosvami that "Lord Siva told me you have got something most valuable. I don't think this stone is most valuable. Otherwise, why would you keep it with the garbage.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the most valuable conclusion is that life is meant for more than mere survival or accumulation. By engaging one's valuable life in the service of the Lord, one exchanges the temporary for the eternal. Śrīla Prabhupāda invites everyone to take this "most valuable asset"—the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa—and keep it safely. In doing so, one secures a future that death cannot steal: a spiritual body and eternal residence in the kingdom of God.
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 Most Valuable. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.