Entry Ticket Migration, material desire, and the journey toward eternal happiness Author: Bhagavat Tattva Dasa Migration reflects humanity’s search for happiness, but Vedic teachings reveal that true fulfillment lies beyond material gains. By embracing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one transcends the cycle of birth and death, attaining eternal joy in the spiritual realm. In a world where the quest for happiness drives countless individuals to seek new horizons, migration has emerged as a profound narrative woven into the fabric of human history. In the heart of humanity, there exists an innate yearning for happiness. This desire transcended borders and cultures, igniting the flames of migration. People began to move, not just for survival, but in search of a better life—one filled with opportunities, peace, and prosperity. The allure of material happiness became a beacon, guiding individuals across oceans and continents, as they sought an entry ticket to escape the shackles of their circumstances. However, the path to happiness was fraught with challenges. Many found themselves crossing borders illegally, driven by desperation and the belief that happiness lay just beyond the next boundary. Vedic teachings help us to understand that wherever we go in this material world, we won’t be able to escape the threefold miseries inflicted upon humanity. As the tides of migration surged, the need for entry qualifications became apparent. These qualifications serve as a compass, guiding the movement of people across borders while ensuring stability and security. They are designed to foster economic growth by selecting individuals who can contribute to the workforce, promote social cohesion through integration, and safeguard national security through thorough screening processes. Yet, amidst the pursuit of material happiness, a deeper philosophical inquiry beckons. The teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā remind us that true fulfillment lies not in the transient pleasures of the material world but in the eternal connection with the divine. The yogī, seeking to transcend earthly limitations, embodies the spirit of exploration—much like migrants traversing borders in search of a better life. Vedic wisdom teaches that temporary happiness is a fleeting pursuit. The cycle of birth and death binds us to this material world, and true liberation comes from understanding our eternal nature. The quest for higher planetary systems, while alluring, ultimately leads to the realization that our true home lies with Kṛṣṇa in Goloka Vṛndāvana. As long as one remains in the material world, one must endure birth, death, old age, and disease—these are the true challenges of life. The only solution to this problem is to seek the guidance of a guru and engage in devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa. This path allows one to break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain the eternal spiritual realm. The Vedānta-sūtra begins with the words “athāto brahma jijñāsā”—”Now is the time to inquire about the Absolute Truth.” The human form of life is especially meant for this purpose. The journey to the spiritual world begins with a sincere desire for self-realization and a longing to reconnect with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. This desire is often ignited through the association with devotees and the practice of bhakti (devotional service). Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the spiritual journey begins with faith in scripture, surrender to a spiritual master, and pure devotion to Kṛṣṇa. Key qualifications include humility, detachment from material desires, and a willingness to accept guidance. Developing detachment does not mean renouncing the world but cultivating non-attachment to the fruits of one’s actions. Complete surrender to Kṛṣṇa’s will is vital—trusting His plan and accepting whatever comes as His mercy. Regular spiritual practices like chanting, reading scriptures, and devotional service purify the heart and mind. Additionally, associating with like-minded devotees provides support, inspiration, and direction. Engaging in devotional service to Kṛṣṇa and His devotees is a powerful means of purifying one’s consciousness and developing love for God. As we reflect on the journey of migration, both physical and spiritual, we recognize it as a manifestation of our innate desire for fulfillment. The pursuit of happiness is not merely a quest for material wealth but a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. By embracing Kṛṣṇa consciousness and transcending the limitations of material existence, we can unlock the door to eternal happiness. In this grand narrative of human experience, the journey of migration serves as a reminder that our search for happiness is not just about crossing borders but about transcending the boundaries of our own consciousness. Let us strive to understand the laws of nature and seek the ultimate truth, for in doing so, we embark on the most profound journey of all—the journey toward eternal happiness with Kṛṣṇa.
Greener Pastures
Greener Pastures A spiritual reflection on chasing success versus finding inner fulfilment Author: His Grace Sadananda Dasa True “greener pastures” aren’t found in foreign lands or bigger paychecks.They flourish within a heart that seeks purpose beyond possessions.The ultimate journey isn’t across borders—it’s inward, toward self-discovery. “Just one more year, and I’ll be happy.” These were the words of my father’s dear friend, Mohan, as he boarded a flight to America decades ago. I’ve heard so many stories about him growing up—how he was the brightest among his peers, worked tirelessly to secure a high-paying job abroad, and left with the promise of returning once he had ‘made it.’ Years passed. Mohan would visit occasionally, but something about him had changed. His suit was expensive, his watch even more so, but his laughter felt forced, his conversations rushed. My father, who once admired Mohan’s achievements, noticed it too. “He has everything he once dreamed of,” my father would say, “yet he looks like a man searching for something he cannot name.” When Mohan visited our home one evening, I sat quietly as he and my father reminisced about old times. Then, out of nowhere, Mohan sighed and said, “I spent my whole life chasing success. But now, sitting here, hearing the same familiar sounds of temple bells and children’s laughter, I wonder—was it all worth it?” His words hung in the air. How many Mohans do we know? How many leave their homeland chasing “greener pastures,” only to find that fulfillment remains out of reach? The Vedic scriptures explain this phenomenon beautifully.The Bhagavad-gītā (2.70) gives a profound analogy:“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but remains still—can alone achieve peace.” Desires, like rivers, keep flowing in. No matter how much we achieve—wealth, success, comfort—the mind always demands more. It’s a mirage; the closer we are to happiness, the further it moves. The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (1.5.18) offers an even deeper insight:“Persons who are actually intelligent and philosophically inclined should endeavor only for that purposeful end which is not obtainable even by wandering from the topmost planet [Brahmaloka] down to the lowest planet [Pātāla]. As far as happiness derived from sense enjoyment is concerned, it can be obtained automatically in course of time, just as in course of time we obtain miseries even though we do not desire them.” This verse dismantles the illusion that material success alone can guarantee happiness. Just as miseries come uninvited, so does happiness—it arrives in due course, whether we chase it or not. Instead of tirelessly pursuing external pleasures, wise individuals focus on self-realization—the only pursuit that truly matters. Mohan, after years of chasing temporary joys, finally understood this. He started reconnecting with his roots—practicing meditation, engaging in spiritual discussions, and serving others. “For the first time in years,” he told my father, “I feel a peace that isn’t tied to my bank account or job title.” So, before we pack our bags and run toward the next “better opportunity,” let’s pause and ask: Am I nurturing my soul, or am I just shifting my surroundings? Moving abroad, earning wealth, and advancing in career aren’t wrong—but they aren’t the keys to lasting fulfillment either. Without inner contentment, no external success can satisfy us. True “greener pastures” aren’t found in foreign lands or bigger paychecks.They flourish within a heart that seeks purpose beyond possessions.The ultimate journey isn’t across borders—it’s inward, toward self-discovery. The choice is ours: keep chasing the mirage, or turn within and find the oasis that was always there.
We, the People
We, the People A Vedic lens on immigration, ownership, and human unity Author: Balarama Anuja Dasa “A dog marks its territory and does not allow any other dog to enter its territory. Human beings are not meant to quarrel like cats and dogs. The Vedic literature is meant for humanity and not for cats and dogs.” Three million. That is the number of inadmissible individuals encountered at the United States borders in the year 2024. Meanwhile, Europe’s population is projected to decline by 6%—approximately 27.3 million people—by the year 2100, without increased immigration. On one hand, there is rising resentment against illegal immigration worldwide, and on the other hand, the mass of people willing to risk their life and property for a chance to cross the border into the land of their dreams is increasing by the day. This is a strange paradox. While people want freedom to claim any land for themselves, they want to restrict the freedom of others to similarly move to any land. This paradox of conflicting desires can be viewed through the lens of Vedic philosophy, which offers a deeper understanding of ownership and freedom. Let us look at this from the Vedic perspective. Upaniṣads are part of the Vedas. Of the Upaniṣads, Śrī Īśopaniṣad is one of the most important. Let us read the very first verse from Śrī Īśopaniṣad: īśāvāsyam idam sarvaṁyat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagattena tyaktena bhuñjīthāmā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam “Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong.” — Śrī Īśopaniṣad, Verse One Iśopaniṣad is part of the Yajur Veda, and consequently it contains information concerning the proprietorship of all things existing within the universe. The Lord’s proprietorship over everything within the universe is also confirmed in the Seventh Chapter of the Bhagavad-gītā (7.4–5). This material world is a temporary manifestation of just one of the energies of the Lord and is referred to by the Lord as His inferior energy (aparā prakṛti). The living beings on the other hand are referred to as His superior energy (parā prakṛti). Both of these prakṛtis, or energies, are emanations from the Lord, and ultimately He is the controller of everything that exists. There is nothing in the universe that does not belong to either the parā or the aparā prakṛti; therefore, everything is the property of the Supreme Being. A dog marks its territory and does not allow any other dog to enter its territory. Human beings are not meant to quarrel like cats and dogs. The Vedic literature is meant for humanity and not for cats and dogs. A human being is expected to understand that he is not the proprietor of the land he occupies. Rather, the Supreme Lord is the proprietor and enjoyer. The position of the living being, as prakṛti, is that of the enjoyed. The root of sin lies in disobedience to the laws of nature and the disregard for the Lord’s proprietorship. Disobeying the laws of nature or the order of the Lord brings ruin to a human being. Conversely, one who is sober, who knows the laws of nature, and who is not influenced by unnecessary attachment or aversion is sure to be recognized by the Lord and thus become eligible to go back to Godhead—back to the eternal home. This perspective challenges the notions of ownership and boundaries that are the foundation of immigration policies worldwide. The notion that “I am this body” and that the land I was born on belongs to me is an illusion caused by ignorance. This illusion fosters a sense of proprietorship over land and resources and promotes the formation of exclusive groups, dividing “we, the people” from a universal brotherhood of all. Such exclusionary groupism leads to conflicts and restrictive policies against those deemed “others.” While acknowledging that all land belongs to the Supreme, it is also essential to respect the laws established by human societies. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that obedience is fundamental to maintaining order and discipline. The primary reason for our suffering in the material world is our desire to be the enjoyer, whereas our constitutional position is to experience joy by being the enjoyed. This desire to be the enjoyer has been cherished by us lifetime after lifetime. If we want to curb this rebellious attitude, we must first of all become obedient to the laws of the land. Disobeying the laws of the land only causes disruption in society. The current global challenges surrounding immigration and border control stem from a deep-seated identification with temporary, material designations and a misplaced sense of ownership. The Vedic perspective, as presented in Īśopaniṣad, offers a transformative solution: recognizing that everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa. This realization, coupled with respect for societal laws, paves the way for a world where unity, compassion, and freedom prevail over division, discrimination, and restriction.