Srila Prabhupada on: Beyond Birth

 Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), often spoke about the concept of "beyond birth," which relates to the understanding of the soul and its transcendental nature. Here are some key points from his teachings on this topic:

1. Eternal Nature of the Soul:

   Srila Prabhupada emphasized that the soul (atma) is eternal and not subject to birth and death. This is a fundamental concept in the Bhagavad-gita, where Lord Krishna explains that the soul never dies and is never born.

For the soul there is neither birth nor death. The soul, having once been, never ceases to be. The soul is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. The soul is not slain when the body is slain. (Bhagavad-gita 2.20)

2. Material Body and Rebirth:

   According to Srila Prabhupada, the cycle of birth and death (samsara) pertains to the material body, not the soul. The soul takes on different bodies in various lifetimes, much like a person changes clothes.

As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones." (Bhagavad-gita 2.22)

3. Liberation (Moksha):

   Going beyond birth means achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Srila Prabhupada taught that this liberation is possible through devotion to Krishna (bhakti-yoga). When one attains Krishna consciousness, they are no longer subjected to the material world's cycles.

One who understands the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. (Bhagavad-gita 4.9)

4. Purpose of Human Life:

   Srila Prabhupada stressed that the purpose of human life is to realize our spiritual identity and relationship with God. By engaging in devotional service and chanting the holy names of the Lord, one can transcend the material condition.

Human life is meant for inquiring about the Absolute Truth. This life is meant for our reformation so that we may go back home, back to Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.10)

5. Spiritual Practices:

   Prabhupada advocated for practices such as chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, studying sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, and associating with devotees to cultivate spiritual knowledge and detachment from material desires.

By chanting the holy name of the Lord, one becomes freed from the contamination of this material world and goes back home, back to Godhead. (Sri Isopanishad, Mantra 17)

In summary, Srila Prabhupada's teachings on "beyond birth" revolve around understanding the eternal nature of the soul, the temporary nature of the material body, and the process of attaining liberation through devotion to Krishna.