Even if one performs good deeds and is reborn in entirely favorable material circumstances, the process governing the succession of deaths and rebirths, or reincarnation, remains comparable to a terrible blaze. This blaze can only be extinguished by a cloud pouring down ceaseless rain. It is to this cloud that the mercy of the spiritual master is compared. By the grace of the spiritual master, the cloud of mercy of the Sovereign Lord, Krishna, appears, and only then, when the rains of Krishna consciousness, also called “God consciousness,” fall, can the blaze of material existence be extinguished.

Those who desire liberation from the stereotypical conditions of material existence must seek refuge with the Lord, not as the impersonalists do—those who believe that God has no form and remains solely a Supreme Spiritual Being of pure energy, such as earthly believers—but through devotional service, by singing the glories of Krishna, the hymn “Hare Krishna,” and by listening to the account of the Lord's activities. Only then can we be freed from material actions and their consequences.

Krishna, God, the Supreme Person, advises us to renounce conditioned existence in this world, as well as the company of materialistic human beings, whom we should absolutely avoid, for they wallow with great refinement in the same stereotypical occupations as animals, preoccupied only with four activities: eating, sleeping, mating, and defending themselves.

Truly, it is only by “drinking the nectar” of Lord Krishna's singing and listening to his pastimes that one can forget the intoxication of material existence.

Truly, the material universe is intended for souls who desire to dominate material energy at their own peril. Krishna, God, the Supreme Person, demonstrates such benevolence that He gives souls captivated by sensual pleasure a world separate from the spiritual world, created by Him, so that they may enjoy existence there as they desire. Nevertheless, He also appears there in His personal form.

In truth, the Lord created the material universe reluctantly, but He descends into it in His Personal form or sends one of His sons or one of His trustworthy servants, or even an Avatar like Vyasadeva, to instruct conditioned souls. He, too, transmits His directives to them through My books.

All this work of preaching takes place simultaneously with creation, in order to convince the misguided souls languishing in the material universe to return and surrender to Him.

The Lord says in this regard: Leave all your illusory pursuits in this world, and simply surrender to Me. I will free you from the consequences of your sins.