Watering the Root - The Secret of Becoming Fully Satisfied
In the search for happiness, most people attempt to satisfy their senses through a variety of external adjustments. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that this approach is like trying to nourish a tree by pouring water on its leaves. Instead, the secret to becoming satisfied lies in reaching the root. Because every living entity is spiritually connected to the Supreme Lord, the fulfillment of the soul is contingent upon the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa. This article explores the scientific method of achieving complete inner peace by serving the source of all existence.
Analogy of the Root and the Stomach
A foundational teaching in this science of contentment is the relationship between the part and the whole. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that if one wants to satisfy the various parts of the body, one must supply food to the stomach. If the stomach is satisfied, all the limbs are nourished. Similarly, by engaging in the transcendental service of the Supreme Lord, who is the root of everything, all demigods and living entities automatically experience satisfaction. Without this central focus, the mind remains unnecessarily engaged in sense gratification, where there is no possibility of finding true rest.
- In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 3.4.12) it is stated that by giving water to the root of a tree, its branches, twigs and leaves become satisfied, and by supplying food to the stomach all the senses of the body become satisfied.
- After it has gone to the stomach, all the parts of the body equally enjoy the benefit of the meal. So, similarly, everyone's duty is to satisfy the Supreme Lord, and then automatically everyone will become satisfied.
- By supplying food to the stomach all the senses of the body become satisfied, and, similarly, by engaging in the transcendental service of the Supreme Lord, all the demigods and all the living entities automatically become satisfied.
Reality, Reflection, and Spiritual Satisfaction
The living entity is compared to a reflection of the Supreme Reality, Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that if the real person is decorated, the reflection in the mirror is also decorated. Therefore, when Kṛṣṇa is satisfied, the devotee immediately becomes satisfied. This shift in focus—from trying to please one’s own blunt material senses to pleasing the transcendental senses of Govinda—is the secret of bhakti-yoga. For example, while one may feel temporary satisfaction in seeing their own costly clothing, the devotee feels a much deeper, spiritual satisfaction when they dress the Lord.
- If the real person is decorated, the reflection is also decorated. Similarly, reality is Krsna. If you serve Krsna, then we are reflection. Krsna being satisfied, immediately we become satisfied.
- At the present moment we are accustomed to seeing and appreciating our own clothing. I think, "What costly clothing I have," and in this way I become satisfied. But when we dress Krsna we shall feel spiritual satisfaction.
- If you serve Krsna, then your senses become satisfied. Therefore His name is Govinda. Actually, we want to serve our senses, but the real senses, the transcendental senses, is Krsna, Govinda.
Beyond the Prison of Material Contentment
Materialistic people often invent various ways to become satisfied, but they ultimately remain morose because they are trying to adjust the external energy. Śrīla Prabhupāda compares a person seeking material happiness to a prisoner trying to become a "first-class prisoner." While the government may grant an "A-status," no sane man should be satisfied with being a better prisoner; he should desire to leave the prison altogether. By following the instructions of the Lord and the spiritual master, a person becomes fully satisfied and loses the desire for temporary material things, just as a hungry man becomes satisfied and loses interest in food as his stomach is filled.
- In prison a man may want to improve his condition to become a first class prisoner, and the government may give him A-status, but no sane man will become satisfied by becoming an A-class prisoner. He should desire to get out of the prison altogether.
- He (who determind to see God) comes to understand the foolishness of material possessions, and he puts the illusion aside for the real thing. When one becomes situated in Krsna consciousness, like Dhruva Maharaja, he becomes fully satisfied and doesn't want anything.
- You should take up the process how to increase your attachment for Krsna, and then automatically detachment will be there. Rupa Gosvami gives example, that you are hungry. When you take food, gradually you become satisfied and your hunger is also satisfied.
Conclusion
The highest perfection of life is to worship Lord Viṣṇu, for it is only through His pleasure that the soul finds true rest. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by strictly following the rules and regulations and keeping all programs to the standard he has instructed, a person will easily become satisfied that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the real way of life. When we satisfy the spiritual master, the Lord becomes satisfied, and in that satisfaction, all the anxieties of our existence are immediately mitigated. By watering the root and serving the Whole, we reach a state where we want nothing more, finding eternal contentment in our relationship with the Supreme.
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 Satisfied. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.