Radhanath Swami on the Jaws of a Crocodile

Different material situations are like different teeth of a crocodile. We should know that even if the things are good, we still need to be saved. It is not only when we are on the verge of death that we need to be rescued. We definitely need it then, but in good times also we need rescuing. We are taught to chant helplessly, even when it is nice weather and everyone is nice to us, even when things are flourishing around us. And we should know that even when things are really good, we are still in the jaws of the crocodile of illusion. As soon as we come into material existence, unless we are in pure devotional consciousness, transcendental to the bodily, mental and intellectual concept of life, we are in the jaws of the crocodile. Sometimes it squeezes in one way and sometimes it kind of releases us a little. But we are still under the jaws; we are still under control of material energy. Scriptures are filled with so many descriptions of the dangers of material existence. There is danger in every step. So we try to do our service and do the best we can whether it is good or bad because, whatever it is, we are still the jaws of that crocodile. The aim of life is not to have a few minutes more enjoyment while in the jaws of the crocodile. The aim of life is not to get someone to give us some pain killers so that it does not hurt so much while we are in the jaws of the crocodile. The aim of life is to get out of the jaws of the crocodile, whether in happiness or distress, in honor or dishonor, success or failure, pleasure or pain, health or disease, whether we are born or about to die. We are in the jaws of the crocodile. Whether we win or lose on this worldly platform, it’s all happening in these jaws. So every moment we must chant the Holy Names.