Sometimes it is said that man is a rational animal. Now, if you take away the rationality, man is an animal. Now what does it mean to be rational? Rational means to be able to discriminate what is truth. If we do not live for the truth, on the basis of the truth, then our whole life is a waste. It is an illusion. There would be no fruit of happiness. There is no purpose to our life. Rational animal means man has the power to discriminate what is the truth, what is knowledge, who am I, and what the purpose of life is. Someone may ask that this kind of life is very impractical in today’s society. It is a society of competition and might is right. But let us examine within our hearts what do we really want in life. There is nothing wrong with competition. But one must compete in pursuance of the truth not on the principle of illusion and ignorance.
So, whatever your field of activity is in this world, this is not bad. But we must act on the basis of truth. There is nothing more glorious than truth. But there is only one problem in this world, i.e. ignorance. Every other problem in this world is only due to the presence of ignorance, because the human society is in ignorance. Even in the name of faith people are attached to so many traditions, so many rituals, but as far as the real goal of life, practically everyone is ignorant. Therefore, what happiness, what purpose, what goal have we accomplished?
The greatest misfortune in all of the creation is to beget human life and to waste its precious moments by not pursuing the truth. If one is working but if his ambition is simply sense enjoyment such a human being is not a rational animal. Whether you are an industrialist or a doctor or a lawyer or a house wife or a professor or an administrator or a manager, if your motivation is based on the truth, if it is based on love, mercy and compassion towards all living beings, you will be most effective. Your purpose will bring about real satisfaction in your life and you can contribute real satisfaction and real happiness to the world.

Appearance day of Srimati Radha Rani is celebrated as Radha Ashtami throughout the world and especially in Vrindavan, Barsana and Radha Kunda, with full devotion and joy. Radha Ashtami is observed after 15 days of Janmashtami, which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. Srimati Radharani appeared in Barsana, suburb of Mathura and appeared as the daughter of Vrishabhanu and Kirti.

The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura-Puri is the transcendental forest of Vrindavan because of Krishna's rasa-lila pastimes. And superior to the forest of Vrindavan is Govardhana Hill, for it was raised by the divine hand of Sri Krishna and was the site of His various loving pastimes. And, above all, the superexcellent Sri Radha kunda stands supreme, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of Gokula, Sri Krishna. Where, then, is that intelligent Person who is unwilling to serve this divine Radha Kunda, which is situated at the foot of Govardhana Hill?
The Nectar of Instruction 9