Text 33] Talks Between Narada and King Pracinabarhi 1405

“Persons who are actually intelligent and philosophically inclined should
endeavor only for that purposeful end which is not obtainable even by
wandering from the topmost planet [Brahmaloka] down to the lowest
planet [Patala]. As far as happiness derived from sense enjoyment is con-
cerned, it can be obtained automatically in course of time, just as in
course of time we obtain miseries even though we do not desire them.”
(Bhag. 1.5.18) One should simply try to develop his Krsna consciousness
and not waste his time trying to improve his material condition. Actually
the material condition cannot be improved. The process of improvement
means accepting another miserable condition. However, if we endeavor
to improve our Krsna consciousness, the distresses of material life will
disappear without extraneous endeavor. Krsna therefore promises:

ksipram bhavati dharmatma
SaSvac-chantim nigacchati
kaunteya pratijanihi
na me bhaktah pranasyati

“He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti,
declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.” (Bg. 9.31)

One who takes to the path of devotional service will never be vanquished,
despite all miseries of the body and mind and despite all misery brought
about by other living entities and providence, miseries which are beyond
our control.

TEXT 33

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AEN TATA TA Aa: MATT: 113311

yathda hi puruso bharam
Sirasd gurum udvahan

tam skandhena sa adhatte
tathd sarvah pratikriyah

yatha—as; hi—certainly; purusah—a man; bharam—a burden; sirasd—on
the head; gurum—heavy ; udvahan—carrying; tam—that; skandhena—on the
shoulder; sah—he; adhatte— puts; tatha—similarly ; sarvah—all; pratikriyah—
counteractions.

TRANSLATION

A man may carry a burden on his head, and when he feels it to be too
heavy, he sometimes gives relief to his head by putting the burden on his
