Frustration and Material Pleasure

Our nature is spiritual - different from the material body that we are inhabiting. We can never become happy by attempting to satisfy the body. The soul must be satisfied.

Srila Prabhupada gave an example of the "Bird in the Cage" to illustrate this point. If the owner of the bird only pays attention to the cage, polishing it carefully, and neglects the inhabitant of the cage (the bird), the bird will die. In the same way, if we simply pay attention to the body, neglecting it's inhabitant (the soul), spiritually we will be as good as dead. Of course, the soul never dies; but he will certainly be very miserable.

Our practical experience is that even when we obtain some object that we think will satisfy our senses, we soon become frustrated because the happiness is not forthcoming. The material world is arranged in such a way that despite all attempts at enjoyment, the conditioned soul is continuously frustrated. Fulfilling the desires of the senses does not bring peace, because even if the senses are temporarily satisfied, they demand newer and newer experiences. They are insatiable. Rather than becoming satisfied, the senses become inflamed by the process of seeking enjoyment.1 Thus, the living entity alternates between boredom and craving. Because of this frustration we become angry and often end up fighting with others.

Krishna conscious happiness is not like that. It is unlimited, and goes on eternally.
1. Bhagavad-gita 3.39