180 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. Kaumdra
acaret prajno dharman bhagavatan iha. They are so busy that they want to
begin the business from their very childhood. So it is the wrong concep-
tion 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?

- Srila Prabhupada: No, the advantage is that you can train him spiritu-
ally. Therefore it is said, tasyaiva hetoh prayateta kovidah: you should
engage your energy for self-realization. Ahaituky apratihata: devotional
service, Krsna 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, Krsna will change destiny—but only for His devotee. He
says, aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami: ‘‘I shall give you all pro-
tection from all reactions of sinful activities.’’ [Bhagavad-gitd 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 Krsna. 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 be-
come 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 im-
proving your Krsna consciousness.

Interviewer: Exactly what is Krsna consciousness? Could you tell us
more?
Srila Prabhupada: Love of God—that is Krsna consciousness. If you
