Answer
The answer is that Lord Viṣṇu sometimes materially deprives His devotees so that they depend fully on Him. If material opulence becomes an obstacle to devotion, He may remove it out of mercy.
However, this is not universal. Devotees like King Janaka were emperors, yet the Lord did not take away their wealth because they handled it responsibly and were not attached to it. They were called rājarṣis — kings and saints simultaneously. “Rāja” indicates opulence, and “ṛṣi” indicates renunciation. Even in great prosperity, they remained detached, understanding that everything belongs to the Lord. Lakṣmī belongs to Viṣṇu, and they considered themselves only custodians managing the Lord’s property.
Because they were in the proper consciousness, the Lord allowed them to retain their opulence and use it in His service. Similarly, if we are in the right frame of mind, the Lord may also give facilities, which we should use on behalf of the Lord and guru.
This principle was emphasized by Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. Previously, sannyāsīs in India were expected to travel barefoot and avoid conveniences. He introduced practical facilities, even visiting cards, explaining that a preacher represents the Lord and should utilize everything for His service. The idea is not personal enjoyment, but efficient use of resources for preaching.
Śrīla Prabhupāda also demonstrated this. When he was asked how a sannyāsī could travel in big cars, he replied that since he represents the Supreme Lord, such facilities can be used in the Lord’s service. Yet in the beginning he lived very austerely. He struggled alone, conducted classes, and distributed simple prasādam like watermelon. He would give the fruit to others and himself eat the boiled rind.
Thus, the opulence later seen in his mission was not something he aspired for; it came for the sake of preaching. He left the comfort of Vṛndāvana and underwent great tapasya to fulfill the desire of his spiritual master and bring conditioned souls under the shelter of the Supreme Lord. Therefore, we should feel deep gratitude for such sacrifices and remain sincere servants in this process. Then our success is guaranteed.
