One has to be very blessed to get the right understanding. But what happens? Even in our country, there are so many philosophers, and even scholars of Vedic knowledge, yet they still miss some essential truths.
The intricacies of human life are surrounded by queries to understand the real meaning of life. We often pursue the ideologies of experts, philosophers, spiritual teachers and scientists to understand the profound mystery and actual goal of human life.
Although the question about the goal of life has intrigued humanity, the definition varies with every individual. While material achievements successfully offer satisfaction, they might not promise to fill the inner voids. Across various cultures, the true purpose of life is often seen dually attached to self-discovery, contentment, wisdom and moreover, a connection to something beyond the material world.
Let’s understand what is actually the goal of life and how we can achieve that, from Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa.
Happiness is the goal of life
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa explains, “Actually, there was one occasion when Prabhupada was asked, what is the goal of life? Prabhupada said, ‘The goal of life is to enjoy.’ Ofcourse, Prabhupada later on said that to enjoy, you must know how to enjoy, with Krishna.
Actually, enjoyment is not denied. That is our natural state, and the goal of life is to become happy. But we must know how to become happy. What will make us happy? If we have to know what will make us happy, we should know who we are. If our self-definition, our self-understanding, is in terms of the body, and we think that gratifying the body will make us happy, you know very well that the state of the body is not in our control. It may get diseased. Even if you don’t get diseased, you will get old, and you will die. So, if your definition of happiness is in terms of the body, it is bound to disappoint us.”
How does Vedic literature help us? OR Understanding the purpose of life with Vedas
He further highlights, “As human beings, we are supposed to be intelligent and act intelligently, understanding that this is not our true situation. But this knowledge we cannot figure out ourselves. “māyā-mugdha jīvera nāhi svataḥ kṛṣṇa-jñāna” That’s the sad part—we cannot figure it out ourselves. “I will try to find out myself.” No, we cannot figure it out. So, kṛpāya kailā kṛṣṇa veda-purāṇa and hence, the Lord has created Vedic literatures. Without the help of Vedic literatures, we cannot know what is our position, what the situation is, and what this world is about.
One has to be very blessed to get the right understanding. But what happens? Even in our country, there are so many philosophers, and even scholars of Vedic knowledge, yet they still miss some essential truths. In fact, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says one should not read too many books of philosophy. bahu-śāstre bahu-vākye citte bhrama haya There are many philosophers many scholars who read a lot of shastra, but when you read too much literature without the right guidance, the mind becomes unstable and bewildered.”
How to attain the goal of life?
Sri Chanchalapathi Prabhu highlights, sādhya-sādhana śreṣṭha nā haya niścaya, What is sadhana? What is satya? What is the goal of life? What is the process to attain that highest goal of life? One becomes confused.
The reason is that the shastras have a unified vision—they have one goal. It is not that the shastras have different ideas and different philosophies. No, they have a one-pointed, focused goal. But we need the help of a true person who has realized that truth to come and explain it to us.
dharmasya tattvaṁ nihitaṁ guhāyāṁ mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ, otherwise we will get confused. So, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in His discourses to Sanatan Goswami, Rupa Goswami and the other six Goswamis, clarified these truths.
Yes, there are many, many Vedic literatures. These Vedic literatures are all meant to help one understand Krishna. But because living entities are at different levels of consciousness, they need different treatments. Just like in a university, there is preschool, school, middle school, high school, college, and postgraduate studies. Why? Because there are students of different levels of understanding. And so, there are many, many textbooks, many educational institutions. According to the age, the level, and the aptitude of the student, they go to a specific institution. Now, this clarity of what all Vedic knowledge is about this is called Shastrayuki.”
Conclusion
While worldly achievements bring comfort, aligning your goal of life with a higher purpose fills the emptiness and guides you to the path of self-discovery. With the thoughtful guidance of Vedic wisdom and under the mentorship of a true representative of that wisdom, one can cultivate a space with true contentment and achieve the actual goal of life.
This article is written based on a discourse given by Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice-Chairman and Co-Mentor – Hare Krishna Movement, President – Vrindavan Heritage Tower.
