There is No Happiness in this Material

Where is the happiness in this material world? There isn't any? The only happiness is getting out of this place and rescuing as many others as possible from this place. However, in spite of this we foolishly continue try to enjoy this material thinking that is a pleasurable place. This is our illusion.

Of course, many will object to such strong statements because they base their sense of happiness on material enjoyment. But the fact remains that in spite of their dedication to the idea that they can enjoy this material world, in the end they will be left feeling miserable. So what is the use of their pretension. It it is better that they honestly admit the futility of material enjoyment and take seriously to the process of Krishna consciousness to experience tangible happiness on the spiritual plane.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Sri Sri Radha Golokananda Presiding Deities at Hare Krishna Land
Phoenix, Mauritius

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Who Feeds the Bird or Polishes the Cage?

I would like to inquire about the example which is often given in our books about the bird and the golden cage. The bird is compared to the soul and the cage is compared to the body. The point of the example is that if we polish the cage all day long and neglect the bird inside, the bird will soon perish.

But in this example if I am the soul (the bird) and the body is the cage then who is there to feed the bird and polish the cage?
Please forgive me if the question is irrelevant.
Your humble servant: Sarvabhauma das

Answer: The Self

Thank you very much for your very nice question.

The person who is either feeding the bird or polishing the cage is the self. If the living entity is polishing the cage, he is foolishly misdirecting his energy towards material sense gratification. And if he feeds the bird, he is tending to his real self interest by cultivating Krishna consciousness.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari