Worldview

“A human being born in the land of Bharata-varsa has the special prerogative to develop Krishna consciousness. Therefore those already born in Bharata- varsa should take lessons from the sastras and guru and should fully take advantage of the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in order to be fully equipped with Krishna consciousness. By taking full advantage of Krishna consciousness, one goes back home, back to Godhead (yanti mad-yajino ‘pi mam [Bg. 9.25]). The Krishna consciousness movement is therefore spreading this facility to human society by opening many, many centers all over the world so that people may associate with the pure devotees of the Krishna consciousness movement, understand the science of Krishna consciousness and ultimately go back home, back to Godhead.” (SB 5.19.28)

The Srimad-Bhagavatam describes the material body as klesada, which literally means the ‘giver of suffering.’ The same book later describes the material body as arthada, which literally means the ‘giver of great benefit.’ By nature, the body will go through old age and disease, inflicting great discomfort and pain upon the conditioned soul. The same body, however, when engaged in spiritual activities, is an invaluable vehicle which can draw us closer to Krishna. In the same way, according to our vision of the material world, we will experience a certain quality of life whilst here, and reap the concomitant reactions when we leave.