Natural Conclusion - The Reasonable Truth of Eternal Existence
The phrase natural conclusion refers to the logical deductions that arise from simple, everyday observations of the world around us. By applying basic common sense to the cycles of nature and the mechanics of the material body, Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly guides us to understand profound spiritual realities. Through this practical reasoning, the undeniable truths of eternal existence, transmigration, and our inherent relationship with the Supreme Lord become easily accessible to anyone.
The Logical Reality of Transmigration
The constant changing of the material body is a fact that we can observe throughout our entire lives. Just as a child naturally grows into a youth and then into an old man while maintaining the same conscious identity, the soul remains constant despite physical transformations. Based on this continuous cycle, Śrīla Prabhupāda logically points out that the ultimate natural conclusion is that the soul will simply accept another body at the time of death, stripping away the mystery of reincarnation and presenting it as an observable fact.
- After day, there is night; after night, there is day. As these, these are cycles one after another, similarly, we are changing body one after another. And natural conclusion is that after changing this body I'll get another body.
- The child is giving up his childhood body, accepting the boyhood body. The boy is giving up his boyhood body, accepting youthhood body. Similarly, this body of old age, when giving up, natural conclusion is that I will have to accept another body.
- This is a fact, that the soul is there, but body is changing. Therefore the natural conclusion should be that when we leave this body, I take another body. There is no difficulty to understand this reasonable proposition of Bhagavad-gita.
- If during this life, I am changing so many body, so many bodies, still I am there, similarly, it is natural conclusion: when I change this body, I shall remain.
Recognizing the Supreme Controller
When we observe complex systems functioning perfectly in the material world, we inherently understand that there must be an intelligent creator behind them. For example, the smooth operation of an electrical powerhouse naturally implies the presence of a skilled engineer directing its energy. Applying this same logic to the vast, intricate workings of the cosmos, one must conclude that a supreme intelligence governs all phenomena, providing the exact facilities needed for the endless varieties of life.
- As soon as the electric energy is stopped, the fan is stopped. The room is dark. So there is powerhouse behind this electric energy, and the powerhouse is being managed by one engineer. This is natural conclusion.
- Natural conclusion is when there are so many varieties of life in our presence, and they are, although in the same place, they haven't got the same facility, so there must be somebody who decides on this point. So how you can deny God?
- If the Supreme Being is maintaining millions of trillions of living entities, He is great, or the living entities who are maintained by God, they are great? Therefore God is great and we are subordinate. This is natural conclusion. How you can go otherwise?
The Subordinate Position of the Soul
Recognizing the greatness of the Supreme Lord inevitably leads to understanding our own constitutional position as His eternal servants. Since the Supreme Being effortlessly maintains trillions of living entities, the indisputable conclusion is that He is the independent master and we are His dependent subordinates. As Śrīla Prabhupāda practically notes, if one must serve someone in this world to survive, it is far better to link up with the supreme master than to be a servant of petty material masters.
- God is great, and we are dependent on God. Therefore natural conclusion is that we have to serve God. This is the whole problem. Serving means with love. Because it is love. Serving means developing love.
- So if the Supreme Being, who is maintaining millions of trillions of living entities, He is great, or the living entities who are maintained by God, they are great? Therefore God is great, and we are subordinate. This is natural conclusion.
- If my father is happy, so I am the son of my father - why I shall not be, I shall be unhappy? This is natural conclusion. Because I will enjoy my father's property as my father is enjoying.
- Krsna consciousness movement means we are trying to link up our connection with the supreme controller. Because it is natural conclusion that, If I have to serve somebody, why a petty merchant? Why not take government service.
Engaging the Senses in Devotion
The physical body and its senses are gifts provided by the Supreme Lord, and they hold no independent value or ability to function without His energy. Because everything ultimately belongs to God, the only logical action is to engage these senses in the service of their true proprietor. This process of purifying the senses by using them for the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa is the very definition of bhakti, or pure devotional service.
- Hrsika means senses. These senses have no value without Krsna. Therefore natural conclusion is the senses belongs to Krsna.
- The senses have no value without Krsna, and therefore the natural conclusion is that the senses belong to Krsna. Therefore, since I have these senses, why not use them for Krsna's satisfaction? This is bhakti.
- Because I know that, "I have chanted the holy name. Now my all sinful reaction of my life is now vanished. Then why shall I commit again sinful activities?" That is the natural conclusion.
- Never mind what is your position. Krsna will accept you and give you all comfort. Even if you are kicked up, you are a prostitute, Krsna will give you protection. So why we should not take shelter of Krsna? This is very natural conclusion.
Conclusion
The philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not based on blind faith, but rather on sound logic, scientific observation, and practical reasoning. By looking closely at the changing nature of the material body, the intricate design of the cosmos, and the natural dynamics of service, one easily arrives at the truth of our eternal existence. As Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly explains, the ultimate natural conclusion of all these observations is that we are eternal spirit souls, subordinate to the supreme greatness of God. Armed with this reasonable understanding, the most intelligent course of action is to stop struggling against material nature and joyfully engage our senses in the loving devotional service of the Supreme Lord.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Natural Conclusion. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.