Spiritual Propagation Vs. Welfare Work

(written on Nov 22, 2019)

(References: SP Lecture on SB 2.1.1)

Krishna consciousness is actually spiritual welfare work, because the main goal is to preach Krsna consciousness to others. Srila Prabhupada says in the lecture of SB 2.1.1, “So varīyān eṣa te praśnaḥ kṛto loka-hitam [SB 2.1.1]. Loka-hitam. Actually our, this movement is the prime welfare activities to the human society, loka-hitam. It is not a business. Business means my hitam, my benefit only. It is not. It is Kṛṣṇa's business. Kṛṣṇa's business means Kṛṣṇa is for everyone; therefore Kṛṣṇa's business is meant for everyone. We therefore welcome everyone. There is no distinction.” Hence, Krishna consciousness is a welfare activity because it is meant for the good of everybody.

The definition of material welfare work is “organized effort to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need.” Automatically, when one is spiritually aligned, they also become materially aligned. They perform all activities of well-being: (eating, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, taking shelter) in order to use their body in the service of the Lord.