(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 May 2013, Simhachalam, Germany)
In his purport, Prabhupada is beginning to write about varṇāśrama; he writes, “One must be properly situated.” It must be known that when Srila Prabhupada was writing these purports, just at that time, there was an extraordinary situation. In those days, the leading sannyasis were very young men in their twenties. It is not easy to be a sannyasi in ones twenties and I would not recommend it unless if one is very pure.
One of Prabhupada’s leading sannyasis had decided to send his daṇḍa back to Prabhupada, in the mail. So, this daṇḍa arrived in the mail with the news that this particular devotee was giving up the sannyasa āśrama. Prabhupada became very serious and at that time, he was writing these purports. One can see the event happening in the purports. It is right there, inspired in these purports, where Prahbupada says, “If it becomes too difficult to maintain in one position then one can change and find himself a position where one is more satisfied. From that position, one can more easily function.”
So, that is another point about satisfaction. I spoke about sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharma (SB 1.2.6), satisfaction from pure devotional service is the ultimate satisfaction! When there is no ultimate satisfaction, then there is a need for a certain material condition of life. So, everyone is looking for a position, a temple – a place to stay. ‘Shall I go here? Shall I go there? Where shall I serve Krsna? Which place do you think is the best for my psychophysical nature?’
