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THE SCIENCE OF SELF-REALIZATION
then what is the use of trying? We will be satisfied with the amount of happiness and distress we are destined.
Vedic civilization is meant for realization of God. That is the point. You'll still find in India that during important festivals many millions of people are coming to take bath in the Ganges, because they are interested in how to become liberated. They are not lazy. They are going thousands of miles, two thousand miles away to take bath in the Ganges. They are not lazy, but they are not busy in the dog's race. Rather, they are busy right from their childhood trying to become self-realized.  Kaumāra ācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatān iha . They are so busy that they want to begin the business from their very childhood. So it is the wrong conception to think that they are lazy.
Interviewer:  Then the question may be raised that if destiny cannot be checked, then why not let every newborn child simply run around like an animal, and whatever is destined to happen to him will happen?
Śrīla Prabhupāda:  No, the advantage is that you can train him spiritually. Therefore it is said,  tasyaiva hetoḥ prayateta kovidaḥ : you should engage your energy for self-realization.  Ahaituky apratihatā : devotional service,  Kṛṣṇa  consciousness, cannot be checked. Just as material destiny cannot be checked, your advancement in spiritual life cannot be checked if you endeavor for it.
Actually,  Kṛṣṇa  will change destiny—but only for His devotee. He says,  aham tvām sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi : "I shall give you all protection from all reactions of sinful activities." [ Bhagavad-gītā  18.66]
For instance, if one is condemned by the law court to be hanged, no one can check it. Even the same judge who has given this verdict cannot check it. But if the defendant begs for the mercy of the king, who is above all the laws, then the king can check it.
Therefore, our business is to surrender to  Kṛṣṇa . If we artificially want to be more happy by economic development, that is not possible. So many men are working so hard, but does it mean that everyone will become a Henry Ford or a Rockefeller? Everyone is trying his best. Mr. Ford's destiny was to become a rich man, but does it mean that every other man who has worked as hard as Ford will become a rich man like Ford? No. This is practical. You cannot change your destiny simply by working hard like an ass or a dog. But you can utilize that energy for improving your  Kṛṣṇa  consciousness.
Interviewer:  Exactly what is  Kṛṣṇa  consciousness? Could you tell us more?
Śrīla Prabhupāda:  Love of God—that is  Kṛṣṇa  consciousness. If you