Root of Material Existence – Becoming Envious of the Supreme Lord
Why are we here? According to Vaiṣṇava philosophy, the living entity is originally a resident of the spiritual world, eternally serving the Supreme Lord. However, a desire arose to imitate the Lord—to be the center of attention, the enjoyer, the controller. This transformation from servant to competitor is described as becoming envious of Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this envy is the foundation of material life. Because we did not want to serve God, God created this material world where we can play out our fantasies of being masters.
Culture of Crab Mentality
In the material world, this original envy manifests in every relationship. Śrīla Prabhupāda observes that generally, when we see someone more qualified than ourselves, we become envious; if they are less qualified, we deride them; and if they are equal, we become proud. This is known as mātsarya. It creates a society where no one can tolerate another's success. Even among friends or family, if one person becomes wealthy or famous, the others often secretly (or openly) resent it. This "crab mentality"—pulling down anyone who tries to climb out of the bucket—is the defining feature of conditioned life.
- Generally when we find someone more qualified than ourselves, we become envious of him; when we find someone less qualified, we deride him; and when we find someone equal we become very proud of our activities.
- Our nature is to become envious, even to enemy or friend. Even a friend, I mean to say, develops his material condition, economic development, then we become envious.
- Actually, we are servants of God. That is our real position. But we sometimes become envious, that - Why shall I become servant of God? This is slave mentality.
Envy in Spiritual Life
The most dangerous manifestation of this disease is when it enters the spiritual community. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that if a disciple becomes envious of the spiritual master or other Vaiṣṇavas, their spiritual life is finished. He cites the example of Dakṣa, who became envious of Lord Śiva, and the modern-day "caste gosvāmīs" who become envious of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement because it empowers Westerners. Envy of the ācārya cuts the connection to the paramparā (disciplic succession), leaving the offender stranded.
- As soon as we become envious of the acarya, there is falldown, immediately. Yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto 'pi. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah. This is the teaching of Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. He's also acarya. Acarya-parampara.
- In our Krsna consciousness movement, if we become envious, "Oh, my Godbrother, oh, he has become so popular. He is making so much progress. So put some impediments towards his progressive path," this is also material.
Vaikuṇṭha Standard
In contrast to the material world, the spiritual world (Vaikuṇṭha) is free from envy. There, if a devotee performs excellent service, others do not feel threatened. Instead, they feel inspired and think, "Oh, how nicely he is serving! Let me try to serve like him." This appreciation is the hallmark of a pure heart. The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is specifically meant for those who are nirmatsarāṇām—absolutely free from envy.
- In the Vaikuntha worlds if a devotee excels in the service of the Lord, others do not become envious of his excellent service but rather aspire to come to the platform of that service.
- The Krsna consciousness movement is not for the persons who are envious. Envious. It is a movement to train people how to become not envious. It is very first-class scientific movement, yes.
Conclusion
To conquer the enemy of envy is the primary task of the spiritual aspirant. It requires a fundamental shift in identity—from wanting to be the master to finding joy in being the servant of the servant. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, by chanting the holy name and serving the spiritual master without reservation, the heart is cleansed of this "dirty thing," and one becomes eligible to re-enter the society of the non-envious souls 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 Becoming Envious. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.