Answer
People ask such questions because they are confused, and this confusion is natural in the material world. This world is filled with both Suras and Asuras. Some souls are naturally inclined toward God — whether they approach Him through Christianity, Krishna consciousness, or another genuine path — while others remain resistant or opposed. This duality will always exist in the material creation.
There are unlimited souls wandering throughout this material universe, and each soul is given freedom. If a soul desires to remain here in forgetfulness of God, that opportunity is available. Yet even in that condition, the Supersoul accompanies them, patiently waiting.
At some point, through repeated frustration, unfulfilled expectations, and intense suffering, many souls begin to turn toward God. This journey is rarely straightforward. The material universe is extremely complex, and liberation usually happens gradually through association with devotees.
Among millions of human beings on this earth, very few come into genuine spiritual association. It is like churning milk until butter finally appears. In the same way, after countless lifetimes of experience, purification, and gradual evolution, a fortunate soul comes to the association of pure devotees.
Our subtle body carries impressions from innumerable previous lives. Without those accumulated experiences, it is difficult to truly understand simply by hearing that this world is miserable. We may hear it repeatedly, but still forget. Then life teaches us again. Through many births, one gradually rises — meeting spiritual masters, taking shelter, advancing a little more each time.
To come to full shelter of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the holy name is an extremely rare fortune. When we deeply understand how rare this opportunity is, then material problems begin to appear very small.
Sometimes our real suffering has already been removed, yet by habit we still seek small disturbances to remain agitated. Everything may be going well, but if someone takes our towel or some minor inconvenience arises, the whole day becomes disturbed. This is simply the conditioned tendency of the mind.
But compare this to the condition of the world outside, where people’s peace is being disturbed at every moment by anxiety, fear, loss, frustration, and endless struggle. We have been given release from that prison-house mentality.
When we remember our spiritual fortune, we stop magnifying small inconveniences and begin appreciating the extraordinary mercy we have already received.
