The Symptoms: Quarrels, Hypocrisy, Fear of War and the general Struggle for Existence
The modern world is increasingly overwhelmed by anxiety, insecurity, and the looming threat of conflict. Despite advancements in science, politics, and global cooperation, fear persists at every level of society. This condition arises from a fundamental misunderstanding of the self.
“Every living being, beginning from Brahmā, the first-born living being within the universe, down to the insignificant ant, is struggling for existence. Therefore this life is a sort of fight with material nature, which imposes death upon all.”
Reference: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.13.19, PurportThe above statement points to two different meanings of “birth.”
The first birth is the physical one, when the body comes into existence through father and mother. This birth is temporary and tied to the material body, which undergoes change, decay, and death.The second, “real birth,” refers to spiritual awakening. When one accepts initiation (dikṣā) from a bona fide genuine spiritual master, one receives transcendental knowledge and a connection to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. At that moment, a person begins true life as an eternal soul, not merely as a temporary body.
In this sense, initiation is called dvija (second birth), because it marks the beginning of sincere conscious spiritual existence, living with purpose, guidance, and realization of one’s non physical identity as the eternal servant of the Supreme Lord.
So the idea is simple:
material birth gives a body, but spiritual initiation gives real life and direction.
This struggle defines material existence. Nations compete, individuals defend, and societies construct elaborate systems of protection. Yet no arrangement can prevent death or eliminate fear, because all such efforts are rooted in identification with the temporary body rather than the eternal soul.
The Cause: Understanding the Law of Karma
Humanity seeks peace, yet repeatedly encounters frustration. The reason lies in ignorance of the law of karma, which governs all actions and their reactions.
“In the material world everyone is trying to become happy, but although their material attempts are baffled in every way, due to their nescience they cannot understand their mistakes. People try to rectify one mistake by making another mistake. This is the way of the struggle for existence in the material world.”
Reference: Lecture on Bhagavad-gītā 2.13, Stockholm, September 5, 1973
Under the influence of false ego, the living being misidentifies with the body and assumes control over activities actually carried out by the modes of material nature. This illusion leads to exploitation, violence, and endless reaction. A civilization built on such misunderstanding cannot produce lasting peace.
The Beginning of Understanding Life
The solution to global conflict begins with self-realization. Without understanding the difference between the body and the soul, all attempts at peace remain superficial.
“First birth is from father and mother, but real birth is when one takes initiation from the spiritual master. That is real life.”
Reference: Letter to Narayani, June 11, 1972
This means…
The Vedic literature explains that the soul is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss, while the body is temporary and subject to destruction.
“For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval.”
Reference: Bhagavad-gītā 2.20, Translation
As long as one identifies with the body, fear of death and anxiety about survival will continue. Real knowledge begins when one understands the self as distinct from matter.
The Solution: The Peace Formula
True peace is not achieved through political adjustment or material development, but through spiritual understanding. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, is the ultimate controller and proprietor of everything.
“The Lord is the proprietor of all the universes, and the living entities are His sons. Therefore if the sons are obedient to the father, automatically there will be peace.”
Reference: “The Peace Formula,” Back to Godhead, 1966
This principle is summarized in a single verse of the Bhagavad-gītā:
“Bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati.”
“The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.”
Reference: Bhagavad-gītā 5.29, Translation
Understanding these three truths—that Kṛṣṇa is the supreme enjoyer, the proprietor, and the friend of all—brings real peace to both the individual and society.
“Kṛṣṇa is the enjoyer, Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor, and Kṛṣṇa is the friend of everyone.”
Reference: Morning Walk Conversation, San Francisco, July 18, 1975
The Practical Application
The transformation from anxiety to peace is not theoretical; it is practical and accessible. By chanting the holy names of the Lord and engaging in devotional service, the consciousness becomes purified.
“Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and your life will be sublime.”
Reference: Teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
When consciousness is purified, one naturally gives up the false idea of proprietorship and develops genuine compassion for all living beings. This spiritual vision dissolves the basis of conflict.
In conclusion, the struggle for existence and fear of war arise from ignorance of our true identity and our relationship with the Supreme Lord. By understanding the eternal nature of the soul and accepting Kṛṣṇa as the supreme enjoyer, proprietor, and friend, one transcends anxiety and attains lasting peace beyond the temporary conditions of the material world.
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