The Difficulty of Self-Realization in the Age of Kali
In the Twelfth Canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the anomalies of the Age of Kali are listed, painting a bleak picture of the current era. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites these descriptions to highlight a crucial point: spiritual emancipation for the common man is "very difficult" in this age if one attempts to follow the paths prescribed for previous eras. Whether it is the execution of strict social duties or the performance of severe penances, the environment and the population of Kali-yuga are simply not suited for these rigorous processes.
The Impracticality of Yoga
One of the most common misconceptions Śrīla Prabhupāda addresses is the viability of the aṣṭāṅga-yoga or haṭha-yoga systems in modern times. While these systems are standard and approved in the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that they are "very difficult" for the people of this age. The requirements—finding a secluded place, strictly controlling the breath, maintaining complete celibacy, and keeping the mind focused on the tip of the nose—are almost impossible to fulfill in a society filled with anxiety and distraction.
- Hatha yoga received in the Bhagavad-gita is very difficult in this age. Yoga system is approved, but nobody can follow the rules and regulations strictly, neither there is suitable place for executing it.
- Sit down in a secluded place, in what is called yoga-asana, straight body and not sleeping, half-open eyes and looking over the tip of the nose. So many methods. That is called meditation. But this kind of meditation is very, very difficult in this age.
- The process of cultivation of knowledge and the practice of the 8 fold yoga system are generally very difficult for this age. Therefore, despite constant endeavor, one may fail for many reasons. First of all, one may not be following the process.
Austerities and Social Duty
Beyond the yoga systems, the general path of varṇāśrama-dharma and the acceptance of voluntary austerities are also cited as being extremely difficult. In previous ages, one might leave home to perform penance in the forest or the Himalayas, but today, such renunciation is "almost impossible." Even Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu noted the difficulty of executing the rules and regulations of varṇāśrama in this degraded age.
- Caitanya Mahaprabhu replied that it is very difficult in this age to execute the rules and regulations of varnasrama-dharma.
- In this age it is very difficult to leave home and go to the forest or the Himalayas to adopt the processes of austerity. Indeed, it is almost impossible.
- In this age of Kali, practically everyone is a sudra (kalau sudra-sambhavah), and finding anyone who is a brahmana, ksatriya or vaisya is very difficult.
The Condition of the Mind
The root of the difficulty lies in the disturbed condition of the modern mind. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that concentration, or samādhi, is elusive because people are always disturbed by anxieties. This constant agitation makes the mechanical processes of self-realization ineffective. Without a peaceful mind, one cannot ascend to the platform of transcendental realization through silence or meditation alone.
- This concentration of mind is very difficult in this age, because mind is so agitated. Therefore force them to hear Hare Krsna. Even they have no mind to hear, you chant loudly Hare Krsna, they will hear. Their mind will be dragged. It is so nice thing.
- They are interested only with the bodily concept of life. Mandah sumanda-matayo manda-bhagya hy upadrutah. And always disturbed by so many anxieties. How he can ascend to the platform of transcendental realization? It is very difficult in this age.
- This age called Kali, it is not very good time. Simply disagreement, fighting, quarreling, misunderstanding. This age is full of that, all these happenings. Therefore to come to the spiritual platform is very difficult in this age.
The Boon of Kali-yuga
While the age is full of faults and difficulties, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights a unique "boon." Because the difficult processes of the past are now closed to the common man, the most sublime and easy process has been made available: the chanting of the Holy Names. This simple method of bhakti-yoga is the only practical means to achieve the same results that were previously sought through arduous penance.
- There is very nice process in the Kali-yuga. In the midst of so many difficulties of this age, there is one boon, and that boon is one can become liberated from this material entanglement altogether simply by chanting this Hare Krsna.
- Even at the present moment, everyone everywhere can be happy and free from material tribulations by following Srimad-Bhagavatam. There is no need of austerities and penances, which in this age are very difficult to perform.
- Hatha-yoga practice, dhyana-yoga practice, karma-yoga practice, jnana-yoga practice - these are very difficult in this age. But if you take to bhakti-yoga practice . . . it is recommended, sravanam kirtanam.
Conclusion
The teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda serve as a compassionate guide for those struggling with the difficulties of this age. Rather than engaging in a futile attempt to perform "very difficult" yogic gymnastics or severe austerities, one is advised to accept the mercy of Lord Caitanya. By chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, the impossible becomes possible, and the difficult path of self-realization becomes easy and joyful.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Very Difficult in This Age. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.