Hare Krsna,
The ultimate goal of life is to always remember Krsna and never forget Him for even a moment.
“The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.” (SB 2.1.6)
“At the ultimate issue, when one is fully absorbed in thought of the Supreme Lord and meditates on Him constantly, that is the highest perfection.” (SB 3.33.24-26 P)
This state of consciousness is only possible by serious execution of devotional service. Therefore, we have the nine types of devotional service (hearing, chanting, remembering, etc.) that help us to progressively remember the Supreme Lord to the point that one is able to remember Him at every moment – just like Mother Devahuti did. Srila Prabhupada once said to his disciples, “There was never a moment when I forgot Krishna.” (Srila Prabhupada Nectar by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami)
To reach such a platform of constant remembrance of the Lord, we have to follow the instructions of Lord Kapila as He taught Mother Devahuti. Firstly, one must be free from material entanglement through proper understanding of the distinction between matter and spirit (Sankhya philosophy). Secondly, one must follow the prescribed rules and regulations; our eating, sleeping, mating, and defending must be regulated. I liked what Srila Prabhupada said, “Nothing is prohibited, but everything is made yukta, regulated, with the higher purpose always in mind.”
Life should be molded in such a manner that one is able to progressively remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead in every step of life.
This is a weird realization. Not to sound offensive or outlandish, I must say it was easier for Mother Devahuti to achieve the ultimate goal and final perfection because the conditions were in her favor. She was born in a glorious dynasty of Svayambhuva Manu; she had a great yogic husband in Kardama Muni, and had a Supreme Personality of Godhead as her son. Moreover she lived in Satya Yuga – the age of truth and pure goodness and complete Godliness. It was easy for her to meditate on her son, Kapiladeva who is also the Supreme Lord. She was not a sadhaka like me who is still trying to establish my sambandha with Krsna. Since time immemorial, I have forgotten Krsna due to my bad choices and enjoying mentality. She didn’t have to go through the struggles like I do. Not to mention the fact I am dealing with the insurmountable influences of Kali-yuga. Long story short, conditions are stacked against me. Therefore, expecting us to attain the same perfection as Devahuti under totally different conditions and age is unfair.
We have to do what is recommended for this age of Kali-yuga. The teachings of Lord Kapiladeva are perfect and applicable for all ages. If I can follow His instructions along with the yuga-dharma of this age, I can aspire to attaining the ultimate perfection. There is no way I can do this with my own endeavor. I need the mercy of the Lord and His devotees. I must take shelter of the Holy Name. This is my only hope.
“My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.” (SB 12.3.51)
“It is impossible to overestimate the importance of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, especially in this fallen age.” (SB 12.3.51 P) All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 