Paramadayala Nityananda Das: Attempting to cheat Krishna in the Name of Benefiting Society.
Srila Prabhupada explains that materialistic plans to benefit society are attempts to cheat Krishna.
In the past, Ravana attempted to build a stairway to heaven, claiming this was for humanity’s benefit. Actually, he was trying to cheat the Supreme Lord, Ramacandra. But he was unsuccessful. History repeats itself, for now we find that Ravana’s descendants are attempting to cheat the Lord in the name of planning to benefit society (Renunciation Through Wisdom, RTW 1.3).
Srila Prabhupada further explains that demons cannot cheat Krishna, but they cheat the masses.
Every demon is vainly proud, thinking no one is more intelligent and esteemed than himself. Therefore the overpowering desires that urge him on to perform various activities are, according to him, ultimately beneficial for human society. In the end, of course, it is inevitably revealed that all his aspirations were illusory and unrealistic. Yet despite this revelation, the demons continue to influence the populace through manipulations and lies (RTW 1.3).
Why do people continue to have faith in unrealistic plans of materialistic leaders? Because people equate improved sense gratification with “benefit to society”, the leaders promise increased sense gratification, and despite all evidence that it is impossible, conditioned souls cling to their long-cherished desire to achieve happiness through sense gratification. In short, due to attachment to sense gratification, people consider materialistic plans beneficial and remain deluded by utopianism. Srila Prabhupada explains that those with spiritual understanding are not fooled by such plans.
Just like there are big, big scientists. They are making research, “If petrol can be substituted?” So in the eyes of the common man he may become a very great scientist, but those who are advanced in spiritual consciousness, they will take him no better than cat and dog—because his subject matter is how to eat, sleep or mate or defend. The subject matter… We have to understand what is the subject matter of this person. In the English proverb it is said, “A man is known by his company.” So similarly, if the subject matter is animalistic, ahara-nidra-bhaya-maithuna, then, however he may be big man, we will take him amongst the categories of cats and dogs (Srila Prabhupada Lecture SB, 1.16.13-16,01/10/1974).
This observation is based on a foundational truth, namely the difference between activities for sense gratification and truly beneficial work. As members of ISKCON our duty is to present the truth without compromise. Of course, we all acknowledge the need to present the truth in a way people can understand; in consideration of the time place and circumstances. But we cannot present the truth properly if we fail to acknowledge it. The problem is, too many of us in ISKCON do not acknowledge this truth.
I have seen numerous preachers, and even some leaders, who believe contemporary plans to cheat Krishna are beneficial for society. This is shown by their position on the Paris Agreement. This is a plan to reduce carbon and other “greenhouse gasses” through developing alternative forms of energy. It was signed by 195 nations last year. Many devotees consider the Paris Agreement laudable. Some even equate it with spiritual ideals. A few go so far as to say ISKCON must embrace its ideals to show the world we are a moral movement. However, it is the antithesis of the truth.
The signer of the Paris Agreement, and its supporters, think the people of the world can continue with sinful activities and avoid collective karma through technological advancement; this is Ravana philosophy. They do not touch on the spiritual ideal of respecting the universe as the energy of Krishna, nor the subsequent ideal of utilizing energy to glorify Krishna. The plan makers do not know that the Earth will neutralize the byproducts of many times the current population of humans (and many times more cows) if people act in line with Krishna instructions. In short, the Paris Agreement is an attempt to cheat Krishna in the name of benefiting society.
Again, we acknowledge the need for treading lightly when dispelling the ignorance of newcomers to ISKCON. But the fact that so many committed members remain confused shows that, as a society, we are neglecting our duty. It suggests we have ulterior motives. It may be because we are attached to receiving honor from many sentimental followers, and are reluctant to say anything that may jeopardize it. Maybe we do not want to ruffle the sensibilities of people who might then withhold monetary contributions. Whatever the reason, we need to shake of our reluctance and ensure that we are properly reciprocating with those who commit themselves to ISKCON. We need to give them the most valuable thing in return for their service, namely, freedom from ignorance caused by attachment to sense gratification.
Even though he left the planet long before the Paris Agreement was signed, Srila Prabhupada gave instruction on how to deal with the general topic.
Dear Mahadeva,
We will present our program at Bhaktivedanta Manor exactly in the line of Lord Caitanya, by kirtana, prasadam distribution and speaking from Bhagavad-gita. We cannot deviate even an inch in order to attract the followers of the ecology philosophy or any other materialistic, utopian movement. You say you know a number of influential leaders of this group, but what is the use of knowing them, since you yourself found them deficient and left them? Our ideal Vedic community will attract everyone on its own merit, and we shall be glad to welcome and accept everyone who comes without our compromising in order to attract them( Srila Prabhupada letter 03/1974).