Mahendra: Sometimes, although a devotee understands that he must take birth again if he is not strict, he thinks, "Oh, it is so difficult to be strict. Maybe I'll just take it easy and remain engaged in devotional service, then I'll take another birth as a devotee and maybe next time I'll finish up my business."

Prabhupada: Yes. That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita. He gets good opportunity of material enjoyment, and then take birth in good family, aristocratic or brahmana. Then where he ended in last life, he begins again. There is a verse, paurva–dehikam [Bg. 6.43]. Paurva-dehikam means previous birth.

Mahendra: It seems, though, that in that respect, he's gambling. He's thinking that "Oh, next life I will come back in a better condition," but his next life might be different.

Prabhupada: Why should he desire like that? That means he has not understood what is meant by Krsna consciousness.

Tamala Krsna: Yes. One who understands wants to get out in this lifetime.

Prabhupada: Yes, therefore he's required to read Bhagavad-gita thoroughly. It is said clearly, "This is a place of misery." Why do you desire to keep yourself in this? That means you do not understand what is spiritual life.

> Morning Walk — June 3, 1976, Los Angeles