# The purpose of human life *Unlike animals who are driven by eating, sleeping, mating, and defending, human beings have the unique capacity for self-inquiry and spiritual realization. The Vedic scriptures emphasize that this rare human birth should not be wasted on mere sense gratification.* ## Meant for Self-Realization ![[vedanta-sutra/1/1/1]] ![[sb/1/2/10]] ## The Rarity and Value of Human Birth ![[cc/madhya/19/138]] ![[sb/7/6/1]] ## Should Not Be Wasted ![[sb/5/5/1]] ![[sb/7/6/1]] ## The Four Goals of Human Life ![[sb/4/22/34]] ![[sb/1/2/9]] ![[sb/1/2/10]] ## Real Success Is Developing Love for Krishna ![[sb/1/2/6]] ![[cc/adi/7/84]] ## Without Spiritual Knowledge, Life Is Wasted ![[sb/5/5/5]] ![[iso/3]] ## The Urgency of Spiritual Practice ![[sb/7/6/1]] ![[sb/7/6/2]] ![[sb/7/6/3-4]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/human-life|Human Life]] — Its purpose - [[index/entries/self-realization|Self-realization]] — Goal of life - [[index/entries/dharma|Dharma]] — Religious principles - [[index/entries/perfection|Perfection]] — Life's goal