Peace and Prosperity

(written on April 4, 2020)

(Reference verses: SB 1.16.17-20, BG 9.32, BG 3.14-16.)

In the present day, the world is overburdened due to the whimsical actions of the living entities who exploit material nature for their sinful desires. For the past decade America experienced a high time. The economy rose as the president promised, and people’s lives were going great- or so they thought. In 2019, the deadly coronavirus stealthily made its way into the public and left Americans completely devastated. Now hundreds of people die everyday due to this microscopic agent, people are forced to stay home, and many have lost their jobs or their source of income. The economy has gone back to square-one. No one knows what to think of this virus, but it is apparent that it is due to the cumulative effect of the massive amount of sins committed by people.

In this age, people have taken sense gratification and sinful activities to a whole new level. Forests are destroyed to build luxurious lodgings, natural resources are used to establish new, technological advancements, but most importantly, people are exploiting cows and other animals for their meat. Shocking reports state that 39 million cows were killed in the last year alone in the United States to satiate the sinful meat eaters. Hence, it only seems correct that the world would currently be experiencing such a devastating material loss.

It is said in the Srimad Bhagavatam that when the brahmanical values of taking care of the bull and cow are not exhibited, people begin to see inauspicious symptoms in life. “There are sufferings from internal diseases, separation from those near and dear, and anxieties for maintaining the status quo.” (SB 1.6.19). Apart from the coronavirus, which is an example of an internal disease, there are many other signs of misfortune. Only very rarely are families given the opportunity to live together. Nowadays, the father has to work elsewhere and as the children grow up, they leave to different areas of the world to pursue their careers. As a result, there is a disconnect in families, and people are left in distress. Additionally, there is an anxiety to constantly maintain one’s status quo. The principle of the materialists is to work very hard and have sense gratification. The more one earns, the more they are obliged to protecting their image. Hence, as time passes, everyone is completely consumed in protecting what they have. Such symptoms only cause hankering and lamentation in the end.

Then how can people escape these horrible reactions and achieve peace? The simple answer is to adopt the bramhana or vaishnava lifestyle. It is stated repeatedly in the scriptures that one of the main causes for unhappiness in this world is the exploitation of cows. In the purports of Srimad Bhagavatam 1.16.18, Srila Prabhupda wrote, “The bull and cow can be protected for the good of all human society simply by the spreading of brahminical culture as the topmost perfection of all cultural affairs. By advancement of such culture, the morale of society is properly maintained, and so peace and prosperity are also attained without extraneous effort.” This is the key principle. Cows are sacred in the Vedic culture and are honored as one of the seven mothers. They produce everything that is necessary for the health of humans: cow dung, urine, milk, etc. These products increase the vitality of the living entity and also have medicinal properties. Actually, it is written in the Krsna book that cow urine was used as a protection for Lord Krsna. “The child was completely washed with the urine of a cow, and the dust created by the hooves of the cows was thrown all over His body. This was all just to save little Kṛṣṇa from future inauspicious accidents. This incident gives us a clear indication of how important the cow is to the family, society and to living beings in general. The transcendental body of Kṛṣṇa did not require any protection, but to instruct us on the importance of the cow, the Lord was smeared over with cow dung, washed with the urine of a cow, and sprinkled with the dust upraised by the walking of the cows.” (Krsna Book: Putana Killed). Bulls help till the land and maintain the soil for the cultivation of vegetables and grains. All these things are sufficient for humans to grow healthy. Srila Prabhupada wrote, “The system is that living beings live on the produce of grains and vegetables, and by eating such foodstuffs they get vital power of the body…” (SB 1.16.20). Therefore, taking care of the cows and bulls is a sure process to maintain prosperity in the world. Protecting the bull and the cow is part of vaishnava culture and should be immediately followed to instigate peace in the world.

Another extremely important point is that the cultivation of plant-based foodstuff not only relies on bulls but relies on the blessings of the demigods. Sacrifices are required to please the demigods. When the demigods are pleased, especially the sun-god, sufficient rain and shine are provided to grow the essentials. Faith is very important. Faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead repels all sinful reactions. If we have faith in Krsna and serve Him, then immediately everything is taken care of. The demigods will provide rain and sun and food, shelter, and all essentials will be provided. Krsna says, “But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them Icarry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.” (BG 9.22). Thus we must worship Krsna because he takes care of everything for us. Srila Prabhupada especially recommends, “Lord Chaitanya, however, has recommended… sankirtana yajna, the chanting of Hare Krsna, in which everyone can take part.” (SB 1.16.20).