The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise = 53
that his father, a very wealthy man and owner of vast
property, is anxious to have him return—the person
is a great benefactor.

In this material world we are always suffering
under threefold miseries—the miseries arising from
the body and the mind, from other living entities,
and from natural catastrophes. Being covered by
illusion, by the modes of material nature, we do not
take account of these miseries. However, we should
always know that in the material world we are
undergoing so much suffering. One who has suffi-
ciently developed consciousness, who is intelligent,
inquires why he is’ suffering. “I do not want mis-
eries. Why am I suffering?” When this question
arises, there is chance for becoming Krsna conscious.

As soon as we surrender ourselves to Krsna, He
welcomes us very cordially. It is just like a lost child
who returns to his father and says, ‘‘My dear father,
due to some misunderstanding I left your protection,
but I have suffered. Now I return to you.” The
father embraces his son and says, “My dear boy,
come on. I was so anxious for you all the days you
were gone, and now I’m so happy you have come
back.” The father is so kind. We are in the same
position. We have to surrender to Krsna, and it is not
very difficult. When the son surrenders to the father,
is it a very difficult job? It is very natural, and the
father is always waiting to receive the son. There is
no question of insult. If we bow down before our
Supreme Father and touch His feet, there is no
harm for us, nor is it difficult. Indeed, it is glorious
for us. Why should we not? By surrendering unto
