Verses 1.8.2-3: As we can see from here, all the kurus are lamenting from the loss of the family members.
- Important point, though the Pandavas went through all sorts of problems, they always remembered Krishna and were in His shelter.
- From this we can that, in all problems that come, we can consider it to mercy of the Lord and take shelter at His lotus feet. This way, we will be purified.
- In this age, there is one very good point, although everything else is going down. That is chanting of the Holy Name.
- Chanting + mercy of Vaisnavas = one day our eyes will also be filled with the love of God, then we can see the Lord eye to eye.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Vedic Culture and River Ganga!
Verse 1.8.1:
* Even 5000 years ago, the Pandavas were following the Vedic Culture. One shloka in BG also on similar lines: yad yad acharati sreshta...
* Even though Pandavas were related to Lord Krishna and He was on their side, still they went ahead to do the prescribed duties...
* Another shloka in BG, "Paritranaya....", Here Krishna had appeared to protect the Pandavas and annihilated the miscreants, the Kauravas and established the principles of religion.
Actually, grhasthas are prescribed to perform the samskaras. But today it has become a ritual. So SP has offered a wonderful alternative. Shantha ceremony: cook nice bhoga, offer to Krishna and feed nicely to the devotees.
River Ganga is purifying, and irrespective of the asshrama, everyone goes to Mother Ganga for purification.
* Even 5000 years ago, the Pandavas were following the Vedic Culture. One shloka in BG also on similar lines: yad yad acharati sreshta...
* Even though Pandavas were related to Lord Krishna and He was on their side, still they went ahead to do the prescribed duties...
* Another shloka in BG, "Paritranaya....", Here Krishna had appeared to protect the Pandavas and annihilated the miscreants, the Kauravas and established the principles of religion.
Actually, grhasthas are prescribed to perform the samskaras. But today it has become a ritual. So SP has offered a wonderful alternative. Shantha ceremony: cook nice bhoga, offer to Krishna and feed nicely to the devotees.
River Ganga is purifying, and irrespective of the asshrama, everyone goes to Mother Ganga for purification.
Spiritual Master...
Verses 1.7.55-58:
* Main point: the need for a spiritual master, who can guide us through to self-realization and Bhakti, devotional service is highlighted in here.
* Main point: the need for a spiritual master, who can guide us through to self-realization and Bhakti, devotional service is highlighted in here.
Dilemma of Arjuna...
Verses 1.7.53-54:
Translation: The Personality of Godhead Sri Kṛṣṇa said: A friend of a brāhmaṇa is not to be killed, but if he is an aggressor he must be killed. All these rulings are in the scriptures, and you should act accordingly. You have to fulfill your promise to your wife, and you must also act to the satisfaction of Bhīmasena and Me.
...
Translation: The Personality of Godhead Sri Kṛṣṇa said: A friend of a brāhmaṇa is not to be killed, but if he is an aggressor he must be killed. All these rulings are in the scriptures, and you should act accordingly. You have to fulfill your promise to your wife, and you must also act to the satisfaction of Bhīmasena and Me.
...
Bonafide Spiritual Master...
Verses 1.7.51-52: This is were Krishna changes his arms from two to four, in order to satisfy all the parties here.
* when Krishna is satisfied, everything else is also satisfied.
* By following a bona-fide spiritual master, his instructions, we will become KC and we will go back home, back to Godhead.
* when Krishna is satisfied, everything else is also satisfied.
* By following a bona-fide spiritual master, his instructions, we will become KC and we will go back home, back to Godhead.
Spiritual Intelligence...
Verses 1.7.49 - 50: In this verse, Ashwattama was born in the Brahmana class, but he was not free from the modes of nature. Yudhistira Maharaj was a ksatriya, and Draupadi was a woman, but still they were not acting in the modes of nature.
For us too
- modes of nature, become free of it
- spiritual intelligence
- compassion of Draupadi (imp quality of a devotee). To be forgiving.
* Actually compassion what is body and soul and bringing people to that understanding. Chanting will awaken our actual compassionate nature. Eg: SP, Narada muni.
* Getting inspired by this compassion, preaching in a proper spirit will be most helpful.
* try to focus on sadhana, because it helps in getting us to sincere chanting, which leads to becoming free of nature, gives us spiritual intelligence. Reading, hearing and chanting, the solution stand out by itself. Sadhana is everything.
* Our interest in KC is so low, that we somehow miss this sadhana many times. So unmotivated, sincere and serious sadhana is required.
For us too
- modes of nature, become free of it
- spiritual intelligence
- compassion of Draupadi (imp quality of a devotee). To be forgiving.
* Actually compassion what is body and soul and bringing people to that understanding. Chanting will awaken our actual compassionate nature. Eg: SP, Narada muni.
* Getting inspired by this compassion, preaching in a proper spirit will be most helpful.
* try to focus on sadhana, because it helps in getting us to sincere chanting, which leads to becoming free of nature, gives us spiritual intelligence. Reading, hearing and chanting, the solution stand out by itself. Sadhana is everything.
* Our interest in KC is so low, that we somehow miss this sadhana many times. So unmotivated, sincere and serious sadhana is required.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Accountability!
Verses 1.7.45 to 47: In these verses, we see Lady Draupadi, although in so much anger, she still shows that we are "accountable" for whatever we do. Therefore, anger can also be controlled through accountability.
We all, as part of ISKCON, are also accountable. Any bad action we do and the name of this wonderful movement will be affected. So it is all the more our responsibility to be accountable to this Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya.
We all, as part of ISKCON, are also accountable. Any bad action we do and the name of this wonderful movement will be affected. So it is all the more our responsibility to be accountable to this Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya.
Grace of Guru!
Verse 1.7.44: 3 Important points come out from this verse
* Grace of Guru - it is only by his mercy that we get the mercy of Krishna
* Gratitude to the Guru parampara. In general, we should never forget someone who has done some good to us
* Preaching, it is why ISKCON was made, to create a brahminical class in the society
* Grace of Guru - it is only by his mercy that we get the mercy of Krishna
* Gratitude to the Guru parampara. In general, we should never forget someone who has done some good to us
* Preaching, it is why ISKCON was made, to create a brahminical class in the society
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kindness, quality of a Vaisnava
Verse 1.7.43: We know what happened before this, Ashwattama killed all the sleeping sons of Draupadi and Arjuna bound him with ropes.
* Draupadi is showing her woman (kind hearted) nature and asking Ashwattama to be released.
* She was acting on the sentimental platform only. Here Srila Prabhupada comments that Ashwattama was offered the same respect as offered to his father. It was so because generally the people accept the son of a brähmana as a real brähmana, by sentiment only. Factually the matter is different. A brähmana is accepted on the merit of qualification and not on the merit of simply being the son of a brähmana.
Eg: Judge's son is also a judge. This is not the case, similarly for a brahmana
* Another example of woman being simple: Sita devi, being in a vulnerable state, she puts herself in trouble.
That is why, women should always be protected. There is this one quality, if shyness is gone, then it is always dangerous for them.
* Srila Prabhupada also comments that a Guru can be rejected if he does not fill the qualifications of a Guru. Eg: Shukracharya being rejected by Bali Maharaj, because he was giving the right direction to him.
* At the same time, we need to know that being kind to everyone is a Vaisnava quality (one of the 26 qualities of a Vaisnava). So sastric way, what Krishna and Arjuna were doing was right. But in spite of that a devotee can tolerate all tribulations personally but still such devotees are never unkind to others, even to the enemy. These are the characteristics of one who is a pure devotee of the Lord.
Eg: Lord Ram accepting Vibhishana into His camp.
* We need to go to the state of a Vaisnava, from a brahma-bhuta stage.
* Draupadi is showing her woman (kind hearted) nature and asking Ashwattama to be released.
* She was acting on the sentimental platform only. Here Srila Prabhupada comments that Ashwattama was offered the same respect as offered to his father. It was so because generally the people accept the son of a brähmana as a real brähmana, by sentiment only. Factually the matter is different. A brähmana is accepted on the merit of qualification and not on the merit of simply being the son of a brähmana.
Eg: Judge's son is also a judge. This is not the case, similarly for a brahmana
* Another example of woman being simple: Sita devi, being in a vulnerable state, she puts herself in trouble.
That is why, women should always be protected. There is this one quality, if shyness is gone, then it is always dangerous for them.
* Srila Prabhupada also comments that a Guru can be rejected if he does not fill the qualifications of a Guru. Eg: Shukracharya being rejected by Bali Maharaj, because he was giving the right direction to him.
* At the same time, we need to know that being kind to everyone is a Vaisnava quality (one of the 26 qualities of a Vaisnava). So sastric way, what Krishna and Arjuna were doing was right. But in spite of that a devotee can tolerate all tribulations personally but still such devotees are never unkind to others, even to the enemy. These are the characteristics of one who is a pure devotee of the Lord.
Eg: Lord Ram accepting Vibhishana into His camp.
* We need to go to the state of a Vaisnava, from a brahma-bhuta stage.
Rasas and Devotee's...
Verses 1.7.41-42: Here, in this verse, the 5 rasas are explained. It at all we want to go to the spiritual world, SP said we need to be sincere.
We don't have the desire the go back to Krishna or to serve Krishna, that's why we are still struggling here.
Rukmini used to worship Krishna's deity, just by hearing about the childhood pastimes of Krishna. Then later as she grew, she wrote to Krishna to give her protection and take her away, cause her brother was trying to get her married to Sisupala against her will. For her surrender, Krishna ran away from a battle to give protection to her. He although got the name Ranchor, but for Him protection of Rukmini was more than getting any bad name for Himself. If we become a devotee of Krishna, Krishna will Himself come under your control.
Eg: Santa Rasa - Eg: Prahalad Maharaj, 4 Kumaras
Dasya Rasa - Eg: Hanuman, Daruka, Sumantha
Sakhya Rasa - Eg: Arjuna (Pandavas), Uddhava, Madhumangal, Sridama, Sudama (11 Gopals)
Vatsalya Rasa - Eg: Mother Kunti, Yasoda Mayi, Devaki, elderly gopi's, Elderly relatives in Mathura
Madhurya Rasa - Eg: All the younger gopi's, Queens of Dwarka, Srimati Radharani
In this sloka, SP is translating that all these rasas are possible. And he is also mentioning that we need to have the discriminatory power to judge a thing on its merit. This will help us in associating with sincere devotees, and will help us progress well.
We don't have the desire the go back to Krishna or to serve Krishna, that's why we are still struggling here.
Rukmini used to worship Krishna's deity, just by hearing about the childhood pastimes of Krishna. Then later as she grew, she wrote to Krishna to give her protection and take her away, cause her brother was trying to get her married to Sisupala against her will. For her surrender, Krishna ran away from a battle to give protection to her. He although got the name Ranchor, but for Him protection of Rukmini was more than getting any bad name for Himself. If we become a devotee of Krishna, Krishna will Himself come under your control.
Eg: Santa Rasa - Eg: Prahalad Maharaj, 4 Kumaras
Dasya Rasa - Eg: Hanuman, Daruka, Sumantha
Sakhya Rasa - Eg: Arjuna (Pandavas), Uddhava, Madhumangal, Sridama, Sudama (11 Gopals)
Vatsalya Rasa - Eg: Mother Kunti, Yasoda Mayi, Devaki, elderly gopi's, Elderly relatives in Mathura
Madhurya Rasa - Eg: All the younger gopi's, Queens of Dwarka, Srimati Radharani
In this sloka, SP is translating that all these rasas are possible. And he is also mentioning that we need to have the discriminatory power to judge a thing on its merit. This will help us in associating with sincere devotees, and will help us progress well.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Krishna will test us everyday...
Verse 1.7.38-40: After Arjuna caught hold of Ashwattama, Krishna suggested Arjuna to kill him immediately, since he violated the code and conduct of the Battlefield. So Krishna incited Arjuna to kill Ashwattama.
In the sastras, he who attacks without notice or kills from behind or sets fire to another's house or kidnaps one's wife is condemned to death. Krishna therefore reminded Arjuna of these facts so that he might take notice of them and do the needful.
Lord Sri Krishna encouraged Arjuna outwardly just to test Arjuna's sense of duty. It is not that Arjuna was incomplete in the sense of his duty, nor was Lord Sri Krishna unaware of Arjuna's sense of duty. But Lord Sri Krishna put to test many of His pure devotees just to magnify the sense of duty.
Always everyday, we are facing tests from Krishna. And He wants us to pass every test, every day. When we pass, we make progress. But when we fail the test, we get a lower grade. At every test, Krishna and maya both are looking. How we perform determines our progress. That's why we should be very very humble. Then we will pass. That's why we should pray to Krishna always to give strength to pass the test.
In the sastras, he who attacks without notice or kills from behind or sets fire to another's house or kidnaps one's wife is condemned to death. Krishna therefore reminded Arjuna of these facts so that he might take notice of them and do the needful.
Lord Sri Krishna encouraged Arjuna outwardly just to test Arjuna's sense of duty. It is not that Arjuna was incomplete in the sense of his duty, nor was Lord Sri Krishna unaware of Arjuna's sense of duty. But Lord Sri Krishna put to test many of His pure devotees just to magnify the sense of duty.
Always everyday, we are facing tests from Krishna. And He wants us to pass every test, every day. When we pass, we make progress. But when we fail the test, we get a lower grade. At every test, Krishna and maya both are looking. How we perform determines our progress. That's why we should be very very humble. Then we will pass. That's why we should pray to Krishna always to give strength to pass the test.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Animal killing is condemned!
Verse 1.7.37:
* Here Srila Prabhupada is condemning animal slaughter. Here, Krishna is also telling that a person who is very cruel, who lives by killing another person, must be sentenced to death, in order to save him from hellish reactions to his utrocious deeds.
* If a person kills 300 people, then he will take birth 300 times and he will be cruelly killed 300 times. That is the law of Karma.
* This is so, even for animals. As long as we kill animals, we kill children. Manu smriti says
- who licenses - who kills the animal
are all part of the punishment for killing the animal. It is definite.
* This is continuing now, so see what would be the state after 30-40 years.
* So SP is writing that meat eating is condemned by sastra.
* Vegetarianism is the way to go here. If everyone becomes a vegetarian in this world, then there will such a ecological stability that most of the problems on our planet will vanish away.
* Prabhuji also discussed the disadvantages of meat eating and how our body physically is not suited for eating meat.
* Karma is collective too, we have to share the karma of the country too.
* For us to come out of all this, we need to leave the cycle of birth and death. And how do we do this, by simply and sincerely chanting the Hare Krishna Maha mantra and taking shelter of Krishna.
* Here Srila Prabhupada is condemning animal slaughter. Here, Krishna is also telling that a person who is very cruel, who lives by killing another person, must be sentenced to death, in order to save him from hellish reactions to his utrocious deeds.
* If a person kills 300 people, then he will take birth 300 times and he will be cruelly killed 300 times. That is the law of Karma.
* This is so, even for animals. As long as we kill animals, we kill children. Manu smriti says
- who licenses - who kills the animal
are all part of the punishment for killing the animal. It is definite.
* This is continuing now, so see what would be the state after 30-40 years.
* So SP is writing that meat eating is condemned by sastra.
* Vegetarianism is the way to go here. If everyone becomes a vegetarian in this world, then there will such a ecological stability that most of the problems on our planet will vanish away.
* Prabhuji also discussed the disadvantages of meat eating and how our body physically is not suited for eating meat.
* Karma is collective too, we have to share the karma of the country too.
* For us to come out of all this, we need to leave the cycle of birth and death. And how do we do this, by simply and sincerely chanting the Hare Krishna Maha mantra and taking shelter of Krishna.
Violence and non-violence...
Verse 1.7.36: Here, Srila Prabhupada is making a wonderful point actually. Violence and non-violence. Vedic culture, yes supports non-violence, but when required, it also supports violence. Is it not amazing.
Story: A person practising non-violence in America, going with daughter...
Vedic Culture actually speaks of non-violence. SP also appreciated Gandhiji's non-violent methods of bringing independence to India. Battle is fought to fight out vices, not for oil, not for grabbing resources. Those days, the reason for war was to uphold dharma (Mahabharata war).
Another example: Vietnam war vs. Mahabharata war being taught in BG. But SP said that this Mahabharata way was for upholding religious principles, not for simple material gains.
Here, Krishna is telling that Ashwattama is abominable. Since he killed small children in their sleep. So Vedic culture advises violence to uphold dharma, for the principles of religion.
Through this ISKCON, SP wanted to make first class brahmanas, and secondly establish the Varnashrama system.
The point is preaching, because of our preaching someone's life may change. But of course, if we take credit, we will fall down. Haribol. Hare Krishna!
Story: A person practising non-violence in America, going with daughter...
Vedic Culture actually speaks of non-violence. SP also appreciated Gandhiji's non-violent methods of bringing independence to India. Battle is fought to fight out vices, not for oil, not for grabbing resources. Those days, the reason for war was to uphold dharma (Mahabharata war).
Another example: Vietnam war vs. Mahabharata war being taught in BG. But SP said that this Mahabharata way was for upholding religious principles, not for simple material gains.
Here, Krishna is telling that Ashwattama is abominable. Since he killed small children in their sleep. So Vedic culture advises violence to uphold dharma, for the principles of religion.
Through this ISKCON, SP wanted to make first class brahmanas, and secondly establish the Varnashrama system.
The point is preaching, because of our preaching someone's life may change. But of course, if we take credit, we will fall down. Haribol. Hare Krishna!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
On Varnashrama System...
Verse 1.7.35: Here Krishna is making a wonderful point. We have discussed this point so many times. Today, all the chaos in human society is because of this. Because the varnasrama system is totally missing, all the chaos exist.
Brahmanas - the intelligent administrative class
Ksatriyas - the military class to work under the guidance of the administrative class
Vyasyas - merchentile class
Sudras - Worker class
SP said that ISKCON has been created mainly to create Brahmanas in the society. Since currently there are no brahmanas in the society, it is like a body without a head. Everything works here on the basis of money, not on the basis of sastras.
In America today, it is not a advanced society, it is an industry. Everything runs only on and for money. But there is no administrative class, with higher intelligence to guide the society towards progressive self-realization.
In today's world, there is no one to explain these values. That is why Krishna is telling that those who have taken birth in a brahmana family but do not have the qualifications, is just a brahmana's relative, not a brahmana.
Brahmanas - the intelligent administrative class
Ksatriyas - the military class to work under the guidance of the administrative class
Vyasyas - merchentile class
Sudras - Worker class
SP said that ISKCON has been created mainly to create Brahmanas in the society. Since currently there are no brahmanas in the society, it is like a body without a head. Everything works here on the basis of money, not on the basis of sastras.
In America today, it is not a advanced society, it is an industry. Everything runs only on and for money. But there is no administrative class, with higher intelligence to guide the society towards progressive self-realization.
In today's world, there is no one to explain these values. That is why Krishna is telling that those who have taken birth in a brahmana family but do not have the qualifications, is just a brahmana's relative, not a brahmana.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Krishna's anger is also a Blessing!
Verses 1.7.33-34: One point here is that Krpi, Krpacharya's sister is from Gautama's vamsha, so is called Gautami. But because Ashwattama lost the morality of a brahmana, it is correct to treat him as an animal.
Second point is that when Arjuna is angry, his eyes are like red balls of copper, but Krishna's anger, his eyes are like lotus petals. Here Srila Prabhupada is making a nice point that Krishna's anger is not in the 3 material modes. Actually, the person whom Krishna is angry on, is also blessed.
Eg: Story - Audana sashti. Festival of giving new cloth to Jagannathji. Pundarika Vidyanidhi (in Krishna lila is Maharaj Vrshabhanu), Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Swaroop Damodar Goswami and others are there. Cloth with starch is being offered by the pujari's. Pundarika Vidhyanidhi thinks that there is an offense being committed. That night, Jagannath and Baladeva came in his dream and slapping him so hard, that never criticize my devotees. We have no problem, so why should u criticize. The next day morning, he woke up he realized how Jagannath was angry on him, but he was also happy that he received this special mercy of the Lord through His chastisement.
- Anger of Jagannath or blessing of Jagannath both are same. Becuase the Lord accepted him as a dear servant and punished him, he said thank you very much. Because Krishna is above the 3 modes, He is not inflicted by them, so His anger is also a blessing.
Second point is that when Arjuna is angry, his eyes are like red balls of copper, but Krishna's anger, his eyes are like lotus petals. Here Srila Prabhupada is making a nice point that Krishna's anger is not in the 3 material modes. Actually, the person whom Krishna is angry on, is also blessed.
Eg: Story - Audana sashti. Festival of giving new cloth to Jagannathji. Pundarika Vidyanidhi (in Krishna lila is Maharaj Vrshabhanu), Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Swaroop Damodar Goswami and others are there. Cloth with starch is being offered by the pujari's. Pundarika Vidhyanidhi thinks that there is an offense being committed. That night, Jagannath and Baladeva came in his dream and slapping him so hard, that never criticize my devotees. We have no problem, so why should u criticize. The next day morning, he woke up he realized how Jagannath was angry on him, but he was also happy that he received this special mercy of the Lord through His chastisement.
- Anger of Jagannath or blessing of Jagannath both are same. Becuase the Lord accepted him as a dear servant and punished him, he said thank you very much. Because Krishna is above the 3 modes, He is not inflicted by them, so His anger is also a blessing.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Struggle for Krishna!
Verses 1.7.31-32: Today, the points are: the energy is constant. Law of conservation of energy, energy cannot neither be created, not destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another.
This energy is material energy. But the point that SP is making is that no politician can destroy the whole world. It can only be destroyed by the will of the Lord.
In 999 AD, the Church told that everything will be destroyed on 1000 AD. Everyone started just enjoying since they taught they will die soon. But that day actually never came. This is the biggest problem, to enjoy independent of Krishna. And this will incriminate us into the cycle of birth of death.
But there are other examples too, Prahalad Maharaj, Prthu Maharaj, Ambarisha Maharaj, they were all kings, but they used everything for the service of Krishna. They took care of all their responsibilities, but still were able to do everything in service of Krishna. Unless, we are shaken up to the core, the original substance will not come out.
We have too things: philosophical atheism, psychological atheism. But in the purport it is given, Krishna is always watching us. He knows how much sincere we are. The tapasya of the great sages, was therefore the process of purification. And easier than that is just to chant everyday 2 hours for a few years, then we will be surely happy. If we struggle for Krishna, we will surely be happy. Struggle for material existence will only be suffering.
This energy is material energy. But the point that SP is making is that no politician can destroy the whole world. It can only be destroyed by the will of the Lord.
In 999 AD, the Church told that everything will be destroyed on 1000 AD. Everyone started just enjoying since they taught they will die soon. But that day actually never came. This is the biggest problem, to enjoy independent of Krishna. And this will incriminate us into the cycle of birth of death.
But there are other examples too, Prahalad Maharaj, Prthu Maharaj, Ambarisha Maharaj, they were all kings, but they used everything for the service of Krishna. They took care of all their responsibilities, but still were able to do everything in service of Krishna. Unless, we are shaken up to the core, the original substance will not come out.
We have too things: philosophical atheism, psychological atheism. But in the purport it is given, Krishna is always watching us. He knows how much sincere we are. The tapasya of the great sages, was therefore the process of purification. And easier than that is just to chant everyday 2 hours for a few years, then we will be surely happy. If we struggle for Krishna, we will surely be happy. Struggle for material existence will only be suffering.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Hankering should be there...
Verse 1.7.26-27: Topmost quality is forgiveness. One of the qualities of a brahmana is forgiveness. Here, first of Ashwatama killed so many children, which even Duryodhana did not agree with.
Ksatriya should protect, Vaishyas should give charity, Sudras should work for others and Brahmanas should be forgiving.
Actually, mantra's are very powerful. This brahmastra is a simple arrow, added with the Gayatri Mantra. But in this world today, the nuclear weapons are similar, but not the same.
Days are running away. Mind is still uncontrolled. The only way mind can be controlled is through spirituality. We should have that hankering (for service, for sincerely chanting). We should not take things for granted. (Hayagriva Prabhu, who wrote the book called "Hare Krishna Explosion". At the age of 37-40, contracted cancer. He said he has only one lamentation, I could have done so many things for Srila Prabhupada, but I couldn't do anything.) If we don't have anything to die for, we don't have anything to live for.
Are we realizing Krishna in the Holy Name. At least once in few months, devotees should try to chant 64 rounds, have deities, preach, should develop that hankering. Weekends, should chant extra rounds especially ppl who are free. Service attitude should be there.
Ksatriya should protect, Vaishyas should give charity, Sudras should work for others and Brahmanas should be forgiving.
Actually, mantra's are very powerful. This brahmastra is a simple arrow, added with the Gayatri Mantra. But in this world today, the nuclear weapons are similar, but not the same.
Days are running away. Mind is still uncontrolled. The only way mind can be controlled is through spirituality. We should have that hankering (for service, for sincerely chanting). We should not take things for granted. (Hayagriva Prabhu, who wrote the book called "Hare Krishna Explosion". At the age of 37-40, contracted cancer. He said he has only one lamentation, I could have done so many things for Srila Prabhupada, but I couldn't do anything.) If we don't have anything to die for, we don't have anything to live for.
Are we realizing Krishna in the Holy Name. At least once in few months, devotees should try to chant 64 rounds, have deities, preach, should develop that hankering. Weekends, should chant extra rounds especially ppl who are free. Service attitude should be there.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Krishna is impartial, but He specially protects the surrendered!
Verse 1.7.25: Krishna comes again and again to annihilate the miscreants and protect the devotees. Is God partial or not? Srila Narada muni explains that He is not partial. He gives Himself equally to the devotees and non-devotees. But whoever is surrendered to Him, He protects them, even if it is Hiranyakashyapu.
Here, Arjuna and Ashwatama both are spirit souls, jivas. But Arjuna is surrendered and Ashwattama is not. Therefore Krishna protects Arjuna.
Here, Arjuna and Ashwatama both are spirit souls, jivas. But Arjuna is surrendered and Ashwattama is not. Therefore Krishna protects Arjuna.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
How to pray to the Lord...
Verse 1.7.23: Arjuna is actually glorifying Krishna. In SB, the common thing we see is the prayers of the devotees of the Lord. So how to pray
- First, tell Him that we are fallen and sinful, but still u r letting me come before you and have your darshan
- Second, glorify the Lord, using the standard prayers of the Acharyas. We have to use the Acharya's prayers (Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Kunti Maharani, Arjuna etc.). From Canto 1 to Canto 10 we see so many wonderful prayers by His devotees. Eg: Brahma Samhita Prayers, Kunti's Prayers
(Bhaktivinoda thakur prays to be the dog of the Lord. What is the quality - Faithfulness. Kunti Maharani prays that again and again you give me troubles. Then I take shelter of your lotus feet strongly, so I will always be under your shelter)
- Third, we should ask the Lord to protect us against Maya, give us strength to overcome our temptations (Srila Prabhupada used to continuously pray to be protected from Maya, and that is why we see he was always unaffected by Maya)
So, here also we see Arjuna praying to the Supreme Lord by glorifying Him. But actually today we see that even in India, people have no interest in listening to this philosophy.
- First, tell Him that we are fallen and sinful, but still u r letting me come before you and have your darshan
- Second, glorify the Lord, using the standard prayers of the Acharyas. We have to use the Acharya's prayers (Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Kunti Maharani, Arjuna etc.). From Canto 1 to Canto 10 we see so many wonderful prayers by His devotees. Eg: Brahma Samhita Prayers, Kunti's Prayers
(Bhaktivinoda thakur prays to be the dog of the Lord. What is the quality - Faithfulness. Kunti Maharani prays that again and again you give me troubles. Then I take shelter of your lotus feet strongly, so I will always be under your shelter)
- Third, we should ask the Lord to protect us against Maya, give us strength to overcome our temptations (Srila Prabhupada used to continuously pray to be protected from Maya, and that is why we see he was always unaffected by Maya)
So, here also we see Arjuna praying to the Supreme Lord by glorifying Him. But actually today we see that even in India, people have no interest in listening to this philosophy.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Overcoming Fear is taught here...Shelter of Krishna!
Verse 1.7.22: When Ashwattama shot the brahmaastra, it started emanating a bright effulgence. Arjuna does not know what to do now, so he went to Krishna and asked him: O my Lord Sri Krishna, You are the almighty Personality of Godhead. There is no limit to Your different energies. Therefore only You are competent to instill fearlessness in the hearts of Your devotees. Everyone in the flames of material miseries can find the path of liberation in You only.
Here is the first quality, when a conditioned soul, despite having everything, he is always scared as to what will happen, what will happen. Even the President is worried, parents are worried, people are worried about security. So what is the cause of fear.
We are actually eternal, fully knowledgeable, and happy, but when we forget that and we start identifying with this material body, then we develop fear. So how to overcome this fear. The more and more we are engrossed in this body, and its challenges, we become scared. The more we are in the bodily platform, the more we are fearful.
How to overcome this fear? If we take shelter of Krishna genuinely, then we will overcome fear. Abhayacharanaravinda re. Krishna gives abhayam (don't worry, no fear no fear no fear, so many times he tells this in BG). So basically more and more we take shelter of Krishna, we become more and more fearless. And how to take shelter of Krishna, by chanting nicely, by devotional service, surrendering unto him.
Here is the first quality, when a conditioned soul, despite having everything, he is always scared as to what will happen, what will happen. Even the President is worried, parents are worried, people are worried about security. So what is the cause of fear.
We are actually eternal, fully knowledgeable, and happy, but when we forget that and we start identifying with this material body, then we develop fear. So how to overcome this fear. The more and more we are engrossed in this body, and its challenges, we become scared. The more we are in the bodily platform, the more we are fearful.
How to overcome this fear? If we take shelter of Krishna genuinely, then we will overcome fear. Abhayacharanaravinda re. Krishna gives abhayam (don't worry, no fear no fear no fear, so many times he tells this in BG). So basically more and more we take shelter of Krishna, we become more and more fearless. And how to take shelter of Krishna, by chanting nicely, by devotional service, surrendering unto him.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Brahmastra (Nuclear weapon)!
Verses 1.7.19 to 21: Dvija-bandhu, brahmana only by birth but no qualification. Character and quality determines the caste, not by birth.
Those days, nuclear weapons were given to a person who could control his senses. That is because he would use it only for the right purpose. But when you give power to unqualified persons, he abuses the facility. Here we see that Ashwattama abused the facility he had of using a nuclear weapons. Because he was not a brahmana, he also did not have the power to withdraw that weapon. He simply wanted to use it, without thinking of the consequences, just because he had it.
Intoxication: If we are abusing the powers given to us, then we are getting intoxication. It is both gross and subtle.
We should pray to Krishna very deeply that please Krishna do not let me get intoxicated in any manner. Chanting sincerely will help in this process.
Those days, nuclear weapons were given to a person who could control his senses. That is because he would use it only for the right purpose. But when you give power to unqualified persons, he abuses the facility. Here we see that Ashwattama abused the facility he had of using a nuclear weapons. Because he was not a brahmana, he also did not have the power to withdraw that weapon. He simply wanted to use it, without thinking of the consequences, just because he had it.
Intoxication: If we are abusing the powers given to us, then we are getting intoxication. It is both gross and subtle.
We should pray to Krishna very deeply that please Krishna do not let me get intoxicated in any manner. Chanting sincerely will help in this process.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Battle of Kurukshetra, ending...
Verse 1.7.13-14: In this chapter, Srila Prabhupada (SP) is making it very clear that SB (Spoken about Krishna) and BG (Spoken by Krishna) that these both are very very important, to make progress in spiritual life.
In this verse, When the respective warriors of both camps, namely the Kauravas and the Pandavas, were killed on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra and the dead warriors obtained their deserved destinations, and when the son of Dhritarashtra fell down lamenting, his spine broken, being beaten by the club of Bhimasena, the son of Dronacärya [Ashvatthämä] beheaded the five sleeping sons of Draupadi and delivered them as a prize to his master, foolishly thinking that he would be pleased. Duryodhana, however, disapproved of the heinous act, and he was not pleased in the least.
At that time, Duryodhana who was so impious, did not allow children being killed. And now, in this current age, every 3rd child is killed in the womb itself. From this we can understand, it is a very serious sin.
Anyway, anything that we hear from SB, is about Krishna, it is pure devotional service and we make lot of progress. Srila Gour Govind Maharaj (left us 13 years ago), a very pure devotee, was telling that we should listen or read SB every day for 1 hour. The vibration is so potent, that cleansing of the heart will take place. That's why SP, at a very advanced age, took upon himself to translate SB for us. Whenever we get time, we should make a serious attempt in reading and understanding this treasured literature.
In this verse, When the respective warriors of both camps, namely the Kauravas and the Pandavas, were killed on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra and the dead warriors obtained their deserved destinations, and when the son of Dhritarashtra fell down lamenting, his spine broken, being beaten by the club of Bhimasena, the son of Dronacärya [Ashvatthämä] beheaded the five sleeping sons of Draupadi and delivered them as a prize to his master, foolishly thinking that he would be pleased. Duryodhana, however, disapproved of the heinous act, and he was not pleased in the least.
At that time, Duryodhana who was so impious, did not allow children being killed. And now, in this current age, every 3rd child is killed in the womb itself. From this we can understand, it is a very serious sin.
Anyway, anything that we hear from SB, is about Krishna, it is pure devotional service and we make lot of progress. Srila Gour Govind Maharaj (left us 13 years ago), a very pure devotee, was telling that we should listen or read SB every day for 1 hour. The vibration is so potent, that cleansing of the heart will take place. That's why SP, at a very advanced age, took upon himself to translate SB for us. Whenever we get time, we should make a serious attempt in reading and understanding this treasured literature.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Appearance Day of Lord Ramachandra, Sri Rama Navami!
* Very very auspicious appearance day of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Ramachandra.
* 9th Canto, SB, Sukadeva Goswami was speaking to Parikshit Maharaj about Lord Ramachandra.
* Lord Ramachandra comes in the Raghu Vamsa. Though they are kings, literally they are Rajarishi's.
* They are known for their behaviour and qualities. In this dynasty, Lord Ramachandra is born.
* One name of Lord Rama = 1000 names of Lord Vishnu
* Sitadevi = internal potency of Lord Rama. She has equivalent qualities of Lord Rama. When Hanuman was asked who is better, he said they are the same, but Sitadevi has an extra quality that her eyes never became red. Always soothing rays would emanate from her eyes.
* Ramachandra behaved like a ordinary human being, but was a ideal husband, ideal son, ideal king, ideal brother ==> Maryadapurshottam Ram.
* Today, we should genuinely pray to Sita Ram, Lakshman Hanuman, only Lord Rama has the weapon that can remove the demon of lust from our heart. So we pray to then sincerely today, we can become free from lust, thus proceeding towards Godhead.
* 9th Canto, SB, Sukadeva Goswami was speaking to Parikshit Maharaj about Lord Ramachandra.
* Lord Ramachandra comes in the Raghu Vamsa. Though they are kings, literally they are Rajarishi's.
* They are known for their behaviour and qualities. In this dynasty, Lord Ramachandra is born.
* One name of Lord Rama = 1000 names of Lord Vishnu
* Sitadevi = internal potency of Lord Rama. She has equivalent qualities of Lord Rama. When Hanuman was asked who is better, he said they are the same, but Sitadevi has an extra quality that her eyes never became red. Always soothing rays would emanate from her eyes.
* Ramachandra behaved like a ordinary human being, but was a ideal husband, ideal son, ideal king, ideal brother ==> Maryadapurshottam Ram.
* Today, we should genuinely pray to Sita Ram, Lakshman Hanuman, only Lord Rama has the weapon that can remove the demon of lust from our heart. So we pray to then sincerely today, we can become free from lust, thus proceeding towards Godhead.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Birth, activities of Parikshit Maharaj begins here...
Verse 1.7.12: The story of Maharaj Parikshit and the Pandavas (the devotees of Krishna) begins today. Srila Prabhupada (SP) comments that Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) is a narration of pure devotees and it relishes this. Even pure devotional nectar from other puranas are picked up and put in here. If we therefore listen to it everyday (Jananivas Pr, from Mayapur listens to SB lecture everyday, be it in whatever language, for the past 38-40 years).
Wonderful point: SP kept all the purports in the first and second Canto's. It has so much nectar, all our lust, anger, greed, pride, envy and illusion can be removed by carefully studying these two canto's.
People sometimes just want to listen to the 10th Canto, Krishna's pastimes of the Gopi's. But SP here strongly comments that the first 9 canto's are equally important and are a foundation for us to get to the 10th Canto.
We have to churn the nectar from Srimad Bhagavatam. We really need to read, study, hear with a proper mood and understand the nectar in SB. It is not just a 10 minute call, but at least we can begin here.
Wonderful point: SP kept all the purports in the first and second Canto's. It has so much nectar, all our lust, anger, greed, pride, envy and illusion can be removed by carefully studying these two canto's.
People sometimes just want to listen to the 10th Canto, Krishna's pastimes of the Gopi's. But SP here strongly comments that the first 9 canto's are equally important and are a foundation for us to get to the 10th Canto.
We have to churn the nectar from Srimad Bhagavatam. We really need to read, study, hear with a proper mood and understand the nectar in SB. It is not just a 10 minute call, but at least we can begin here.
Attraction to Srimad Bhagavatam!
Verse 1.7.11: Here Suta Goswami is explaining to Saunaka rishi as to why Sukadeva Goswami was himself so attracted and attached to the Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous verse, it is said that the personal features of the Lord, since transcendental, attracts even the self-realized souls.
Now, in this verse, SP is explaining that due to the mercy of devotees, it is a key thing, for helping us understand the personal form of the Lord. So what is this association of devotees? It is clearly explained in NOI
- Associating with worldly people is DO NOT
- Associating with senior devotees is a DO. That is, association mean senior association. Without ISKCON, we would not be having this association.
So, when Sukadeva Goswami realizes the personal form of Krishna, he is expressing two things
- regretting that he has wasted so much time just in the impersonal conception of the Supreme (this is a key component, regret that we have wasted so much time, we are not completely utilizing the association SP has provided us, this is always required)
- gratitude that due to all other devotees we are having this chance to progress in our spiritual life.
In today's verse, the question of as to how Sukadeva Goswami was attracted to the message of the Bhagavatam is thus completely answered.
Now, in this verse, SP is explaining that due to the mercy of devotees, it is a key thing, for helping us understand the personal form of the Lord. So what is this association of devotees? It is clearly explained in NOI
- Associating with worldly people is DO NOT
- Associating with senior devotees is a DO. That is, association mean senior association. Without ISKCON, we would not be having this association.
So, when Sukadeva Goswami realizes the personal form of Krishna, he is expressing two things
- regretting that he has wasted so much time just in the impersonal conception of the Supreme (this is a key component, regret that we have wasted so much time, we are not completely utilizing the association SP has provided us, this is always required)
- gratitude that due to all other devotees we are having this chance to progress in our spiritual life.
In today's verse, the question of as to how Sukadeva Goswami was attracted to the message of the Bhagavatam is thus completely answered.
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