Raja-vidya: The King of Knowledge 7

Knowledge in Krsna consciousness is so perfect
that if one performs work in Krsna consciousness
and yet does not attain perfection, in his next life
he takes up from wherever he left off. In other
words, actions performed in Krsna consciousness are
durable. On the other hand, material achievements,
because they pertain to the body, are vanquished
at death. Knowledge that pertains to designations
does not endure. I am thinking that I am a man or a
woman, an American or Indian, a Christian or Hindu—
these are all designations pertaining to the body,
and when the body is finished, they will also be
finished. We are actually spirit, and therefore our
spiritual activities will go with us wherever we go.

Sri Krsna indicates that this king of knowledge is
also happily performed. We can easily see that activi-
ties in Krsna consciousness are joyfully done. There
is chanting and dancing, eating prasadam (food that
has been offered to Krgna) and discussing Bhagavad-
gita. These are the main processes. There are no
stringent rules and regulations that we have to sit
so straight for so long or do so many gymnastics, or
control our breath. No, the process is very easily and
happily done. Everyone wants to dance, to sing, to
eat and to hear the truth. This process is truly
susukham—very happy.

In the material-world there are so many gradations
of education. Some people never finish grammar
school or high school, whereas others go on and re-
ceive a university education, a BA, MA, PhD, and
so on. But what is this raja-vidya, the king of educa-
tion, the summum bonum of knowledge? It is this
