Srila Prabhupada on the Logic of the Nipples on the Neck of a Goat.

By Ajit Krishna Dasa

Srila Prabhupada often employed traditional Indian logic and analogies in his preaching to help his audience grasp profound philosophical concepts. One such analogy he used is the Aja-gala-stana-nyaya, or the logic of the nipples on the neck of a goat. In Sanskrit, “aja” means “goat,” “gala” means “neck,” and “stana” refers to “nipples.” This analogy points out the uselessness of something that appears functional but serves no real purpose, like the nipples on a goat’s neck, which do not provide milk.

In his teachings, Srila Prabhupada used this logic to describe fruitless activities, ideologies, or objects that may seem promising but ultimately do not yield any meaningful results. For instance, material endeavors or pursuits that people often engage in may seem fulfilling on the surface, but they do not address the ultimate purpose of life: reconnecting with God, or Krishna. From the perspective of Krishna consciousness, any pursuit that does not lead to self-realization or bhakti (devotional service) is akin to the futile nipples on the goat’s neck—superficially significant but ultimately worthless.

The analogy of Aja-gala-stana-nyaya serves as a powerful reminder for all people to discern what is truly valuable in life. Srila Prabhupada often cautioned against wasting time and energy on “useless” activities, especially those that do not further one’s spiritual progress or bring lasting fulfillment. Whether in the context of a devotee’s life or the general pursuit of happiness, this logic teaches the importance of recognizing what is genuinely beneficial as opposed to what merely appears so on the surface. In a world where we are easily distracted by the illusory promises of material success, wealth, fame, or sense gratification, this analogy encourages us to evaluate the purpose behind our actions. Are we working toward something that will provide real, enduring happiness, or are we being misled by superficial goals and external appearances? By understanding this, we can align our efforts toward meaningful and spiritually enriching pursuits.

In essence, the Aja-gala-stana-nyaya serves as a metaphorical lens through which to view life’s priorities. It urges both devotees and people in general to avoid being entrapped by superficialities and to focus on what has real, spiritual significance.

Another logic is aja-gala-stana, aja-gala-stana. You have seen on the goats in the neck, just like nipples. If one is expecting milk from that nipple, he is also fool. It is not nipple but it looks like nipple. Aja-gala-stana-nyaya.
Svarupa Damodara: It is like the mirage in the desert.
Prabhupada: Yes, illusion, these are illusions. Aja-gala-stana-nyaya is applied for these rascals, those who are thinking that from matter life is coming. Exactly the same. They are thinking that here are nipples, there will milk come. Let us milk here. (Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk — May 5, 1973, Los Angeles)