Verse 1.13.29 (Srinivas Pendyala Pr):
* Thus Maharaja Dhrthrashtra, the scion of the family of Ajamīḍha, firmly convinced by introspective knowledge [prajñā], broke at once the strong network of familial affection by his resolute determination. Thus he immediately left home to set out on the path of liberation, as directed by his younger brother Vidura.
* We are in very similar position, we have so strong familial bonding to our family. Due to bodily
conception, we are so much attached to the family. Not about us, but about our family members we become so attached.
* Death is inevitable. It is right across the corner. It might appear to us in any moment. So many
examples in our lives we see that death can come any time. We never know when we will leave this body. Then whatever I am trying to attach to will be finished in one shot. All familial attachments will be gone in a moment.
* If we do not engage this tongue in chanting the holy names of the Lord, ultimately it will just be
useless.
* But our acharyas have given us Krishna Consciousness so nicely, we have to use it.
* Here also we see, Maharaj Dhrtrashtra so much attached to familial attachment, but with minutes of association with his brother Vidhura, quickly gave away everything and left.
* This is the effect of Sadhu's association. SP tells: sadhu is basically a pure devotee of the Lord.
* Further he says: We are not ashamed to admit that this fact was experienced in our practical life. Were we not favored by His Divine Grace Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja, by our first meeting for a few minutes only, it would have been impossible for us to accept this mighty task of describing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in English.
* Devotion service must be executed under the instructions of a Guru. Attributing entire service in connection with the Spiritual master or the siksha guru.
* Under their instructions, we can observe in our own lives, that our life has changed. That is the power of pure devotee's/vaisnava's association.
* Only a vaisnava can give Krishna to others, no one else. Sadhu is one who cuts, our bonds to the material illusion.
* chant and engaging our selves in KC, aspire for Sadhu'a association, for us to achieve self
realization, the purpose of our lives.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Goal of life...
Verse 1.13.28 (Saci Suta Prji):
* SB is so wonderful. SP has given it so wonderfully, reading it even one page will greatly benefit us.
* Short pastime about a Krishna Balaram temple in Vrindavan, India. One sadhu took the BG As It Is book, went into the temple and then want back.
- He came back and told that your acharya has written the BG in such a way as though he directly got it from Arjuna and Krishna.
- Difference as to how one advances rapidly is attachment. and that is got by association with devotees.
* Theme of this chapter
- duties of a sadhu
- qualities of a sadhu
* The dhīra stage is attained after prolonged practice of the yoga system, but by the grace of Vidura one can attain the stage immediately simply by willing to adopt the means of the dhīra stage, which is the preparatory stage for sannyāsa.
* SBSST: this material world is not for a gentleman. Just use it as a restroom and get out of here.
* Our goal is to achieve perfection of the life by self realization.
* "Fake it until u make it". Idea is to realize that by faking we are requesting Krishna to give it genuinely to us.
* Seek the mercy of acharyas.
* We don't have anything with us, what can we renounce. Everything belongs to Him, whatever we have grabbed, that has to be renounced before death comes and forces us to renounce.
* solution to increasing material desires is constantly engaging in the service of the spiritual master.
* SB is so wonderful. SP has given it so wonderfully, reading it even one page will greatly benefit us.
* Short pastime about a Krishna Balaram temple in Vrindavan, India. One sadhu took the BG As It Is book, went into the temple and then want back.
- He came back and told that your acharya has written the BG in such a way as though he directly got it from Arjuna and Krishna.
- Difference as to how one advances rapidly is attachment. and that is got by association with devotees.
* Theme of this chapter
- duties of a sadhu
- qualities of a sadhu
* The dhīra stage is attained after prolonged practice of the yoga system, but by the grace of Vidura one can attain the stage immediately simply by willing to adopt the means of the dhīra stage, which is the preparatory stage for sannyāsa.
* SBSST: this material world is not for a gentleman. Just use it as a restroom and get out of here.
* Our goal is to achieve perfection of the life by self realization.
* "Fake it until u make it". Idea is to realize that by faking we are requesting Krishna to give it genuinely to us.
* Seek the mercy of acharyas.
* We don't have anything with us, what can we renounce. Everything belongs to Him, whatever we have grabbed, that has to be renounced before death comes and forces us to renounce.
* solution to increasing material desires is constantly engaging in the service of the spiritual master.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Vidhura's instructions...
Verse 1.13.27 (Srinivas Acharya Pr):
* SP is mentioning here: One may live in the darkest jungle alone out of home, but a steadfast devotee knows very well that he is not alone. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is with him, and He can protect His sincere devotee in any awkward circumstance.
* Athato brhama jijnasa, as soon as we get the human form of life, our only duty is to inquire into the SPG
* In BG Krishna mentions: there are 4 types of ppl who search for Him
- distressed - wanting wealth - inquisitive - searching for the absolute truth
* ...
* ...
* End result is assured by Krishna. If devotee keeps on practising as in BG 8.56, man mana ..., then by the grace of the SPG, the devotee will fully remember him at death and he will return back to Godhead.
* Another place in BG: He who meditates on Me, undeviated, will surely return to Me.
* In BG, Krishna says that one who pursues the path of sense gratification is not to achieve the goal of life.
* Only one who has taken to devotional service and has attained prema bhakti is the highest of all yogi's. Gopi's are the prime example.
* So when one leaves home, one should not forget that the SPG as paramatma is always with him and will protect him come what may.
Verse 1.13.23 (Pooja Mji):
* We have seen so far that Vidhura attained transcendental knowlegde from Maitreya rishi and now he has come back to Hastinapura to give the same to Dhrtrashtra.
* SP comments that there are types of Pandus:
- one who will just flatter for the money
- one who actually speaks the naked truth, especially meant to take the person towards self realization
* Here vidhura especially talks to Dhrtrashta about he living at Bhima's house, who had actually killed both his favorite sons. (This is the power of Maya, the attachment)
* Actually, Dhrtrashtra is within of all us. And the goal is to attain self-realization otherwise we might not get this chance for many millions of lifetimes.
* Krishna says in BG: abrahma bhuvanal lokha....na vidyate
* We have set number of moments in our life, even if we miss one moment without Krishna, we will never get it back.
* We have to work sincerely therefore towards this preparation so that we are able to follow our supreme occupation. "sa vai pumsam paro dharmo....su prasidate", from SB Canto 1 Chapter 1.
* SP is mentioning here: One may live in the darkest jungle alone out of home, but a steadfast devotee knows very well that he is not alone. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is with him, and He can protect His sincere devotee in any awkward circumstance.
* Athato brhama jijnasa, as soon as we get the human form of life, our only duty is to inquire into the SPG
* In BG Krishna mentions: there are 4 types of ppl who search for Him
- distressed - wanting wealth - inquisitive - searching for the absolute truth
* ...
* ...
* End result is assured by Krishna. If devotee keeps on practising as in BG 8.56, man mana ..., then by the grace of the SPG, the devotee will fully remember him at death and he will return back to Godhead.
* Another place in BG: He who meditates on Me, undeviated, will surely return to Me.
* In BG, Krishna says that one who pursues the path of sense gratification is not to achieve the goal of life.
* Only one who has taken to devotional service and has attained prema bhakti is the highest of all yogi's. Gopi's are the prime example.
* So when one leaves home, one should not forget that the SPG as paramatma is always with him and will protect him come what may.
Verse 1.13.23 (Pooja Mji):
* We have seen so far that Vidhura attained transcendental knowlegde from Maitreya rishi and now he has come back to Hastinapura to give the same to Dhrtrashtra.
* SP comments that there are types of Pandus:
- one who will just flatter for the money
- one who actually speaks the naked truth, especially meant to take the person towards self realization
* Here vidhura especially talks to Dhrtrashta about he living at Bhima's house, who had actually killed both his favorite sons. (This is the power of Maya, the attachment)
* Actually, Dhrtrashtra is within of all us. And the goal is to attain self-realization otherwise we might not get this chance for many millions of lifetimes.
* Krishna says in BG: abrahma bhuvanal lokha....na vidyate
* We have set number of moments in our life, even if we miss one moment without Krishna, we will never get it back.
* We have to work sincerely therefore towards this preparation so that we are able to follow our supreme occupation. "sa vai pumsam paro dharmo....su prasidate", from SB Canto 1 Chapter 1.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Miseries of the world...
Verse 1.13.21 (Krishna Patro Pr):
* ...
* This material world is a place of death. Irrespective of whether it is Brahma or an insignificant insect, everyone is subject to this struggle for existence.
* We all at every point of time take shelter of the Lord's energy.
* Krishna says in BG: The body is sure to be destroyed. But due to attachment to body, we always take shelter of protecting temporary objects
- fear is the main reason, leading to so many insurances. Life, wealth, car etc.
* On the other hand, let us see Yukta-vairagya
- Eg: Draupadi, initially she thought her husbands or uncle or grandfather will protect her. No one did, so she finally took shelter of Krishna and she was saved immediately.
* This human form is meant to understand and come out of the bodily conception of life. That is the purpose of life.
* Sukadeva Goswami explains how to be free from all miseries:
- Hearing about the glories of the Lord
- To glorify the Lord, by chanting
* Krishna also says in the BG, it is very difficult to come out of the modes of material nature. The only way is when one takes the shelter of Me (Krishna).
* That is by following the guidance of the spiritual master and also serving.
* Every year, we are losing one year of our life. But we are only looking at how we will accumulate more and more wealth.
* Theoretically we know many things, but how to apply. We have wonderful examples: Parikshit Maharaj. How easily he let go everything and took complete shelter of Krishna.
* Pure devotees of the Lord are always satisfied by chanting the holy name of the Lord. And they reach forward so much to bring back conditioned souls of the world, back to Krishna. They carry the same compassion which the Lord has for his children.
* So that is why Vidhura came back, to deliver Dhritharashtra, who was still taking shelter of the material opulence's. So without the mercy of such pure devotees, we have no other go.
* ...
* This material world is a place of death. Irrespective of whether it is Brahma or an insignificant insect, everyone is subject to this struggle for existence.
* We all at every point of time take shelter of the Lord's energy.
* Krishna says in BG: The body is sure to be destroyed. But due to attachment to body, we always take shelter of protecting temporary objects
- fear is the main reason, leading to so many insurances. Life, wealth, car etc.
* On the other hand, let us see Yukta-vairagya
- Eg: Draupadi, initially she thought her husbands or uncle or grandfather will protect her. No one did, so she finally took shelter of Krishna and she was saved immediately.
* This human form is meant to understand and come out of the bodily conception of life. That is the purpose of life.
* Sukadeva Goswami explains how to be free from all miseries:
- Hearing about the glories of the Lord
- To glorify the Lord, by chanting
* Krishna also says in the BG, it is very difficult to come out of the modes of material nature. The only way is when one takes the shelter of Me (Krishna).
* That is by following the guidance of the spiritual master and also serving.
* Every year, we are losing one year of our life. But we are only looking at how we will accumulate more and more wealth.
* Theoretically we know many things, but how to apply. We have wonderful examples: Parikshit Maharaj. How easily he let go everything and took complete shelter of Krishna.
* Pure devotees of the Lord are always satisfied by chanting the holy name of the Lord. And they reach forward so much to bring back conditioned souls of the world, back to Krishna. They carry the same compassion which the Lord has for his children.
* So that is why Vidhura came back, to deliver Dhritharashtra, who was still taking shelter of the material opulence's. So without the mercy of such pure devotees, we have no other go.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
TIME is running, last dice any time...
Verse 1.13.20 (Mohan Pr):
* Important verse
* Story about a person who is an expert gambler. He lets the opponent win and lose, carefully watching him all the time, but finally wins everything away from him.
- this person is time and the opponent is none other than us.
- his two eyes are compared to day and night, watching us how we are winning and losing.
- With every dice, we sometimes win, but most likely all the money that we earned is lost in one or more losses. Everything we possess will be taken away.
- When time throws the last round of dice, we cannot save ourselves.
* Time is continuously passing away. New year is approaching. Just now Y2K problem went by, and already 2010 is coming by.
* The last round of dice can be thrown for us anytime - in 2010 or 2009 itself. So we should be thinking on this.
* We need to think how much of time we spent in doing Devotional service, developing the 26 qualities.
* Only these activities come with us, not our energies or efforts in going after land, money etc.
* Important verse
* Story about a person who is an expert gambler. He lets the opponent win and lose, carefully watching him all the time, but finally wins everything away from him.
- this person is time and the opponent is none other than us.
- his two eyes are compared to day and night, watching us how we are winning and losing.
- With every dice, we sometimes win, but most likely all the money that we earned is lost in one or more losses. Everything we possess will be taken away.
- When time throws the last round of dice, we cannot save ourselves.
* Time is continuously passing away. New year is approaching. Just now Y2K problem went by, and already 2010 is coming by.
* The last round of dice can be thrown for us anytime - in 2010 or 2009 itself. So we should be thinking on this.
* We need to think how much of time we spent in doing Devotional service, developing the 26 qualities.
* Only these activities come with us, not our energies or efforts in going after land, money etc.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Depending on Krishna...
Verse 1.13.19 (Ramana Pr):
* In the last few verses, Vidhura is trying to make the same point to Dhristarashtra.
* Death will come surely at some point of time.
* Fear arises due to this.
* But knowledge of Krishna will help us go beyond this.
* If we depend on ourselves, we will never surrender. But if we depend on Krishna, surrender to Him, then surely He will protect us.
* Most effective remedy is to take shelter of Krishna.
* Another thing: taking association of wonderful Vaisnavas.
* Then will come abhaya (fearlessness) and bliss.
* One who desires abhaya must meditate on the holy name of the Lord.
* Constant remembrance of Krishna should be our goal.
* Thus Vidhura was trying advise Dhritarashtra.
* In the last few verses, Vidhura is trying to make the same point to Dhristarashtra.
* Death will come surely at some point of time.
* Fear arises due to this.
* But knowledge of Krishna will help us go beyond this.
* If we depend on ourselves, we will never surrender. But if we depend on Krishna, surrender to Him, then surely He will protect us.
* Most effective remedy is to take shelter of Krishna.
* Another thing: taking association of wonderful Vaisnavas.
* Then will come abhaya (fearlessness) and bliss.
* One who desires abhaya must meditate on the holy name of the Lord.
* Constant remembrance of Krishna should be our goal.
* Thus Vidhura was trying advise Dhritarashtra.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Detachment and knowledge...
Verse 1.13.16 (Yugal Kishore Pr)
* Pure devotee mentality is given here. Maharaj Yudhistira is actually a pure devotee.
* In the war, he won the battle and started to rule of the world. Almost everyone other than the Pandavas were killed in the battle. But since he was a pure devotee, he continued under all the circumstances.
* In material world, always there is disturbance. "tams titiksva bharata"... Krishna says "tolerate".
* If we indulge in practicing Bhakti yoga, then what happens
- u will get Vairagyam (detachment) and gyanam (knowledge)
- like a wave, whether up or down, it continues towards the shore. Similarly, a devotee should always go towards Krishna.
* Because MY used his complete life as a service to Krishna, he acquired all the knowledge and detachment to not be affected by all the opulence's that he now enjoyed.
* Same with Maharaj Parikshit.
* If we do things in a very responsible way, then we are saved, if not the future is very uncertain.
* Pure devotee mentality is given here. Maharaj Yudhistira is actually a pure devotee.
* In the war, he won the battle and started to rule of the world. Almost everyone other than the Pandavas were killed in the battle. But since he was a pure devotee, he continued under all the circumstances.
* In material world, always there is disturbance. "tams titiksva bharata"... Krishna says "tolerate".
* If we indulge in practicing Bhakti yoga, then what happens
- u will get Vairagyam (detachment) and gyanam (knowledge)
- like a wave, whether up or down, it continues towards the shore. Similarly, a devotee should always go towards Krishna.
* Because MY used his complete life as a service to Krishna, he acquired all the knowledge and detachment to not be affected by all the opulence's that he now enjoyed.
* Same with Maharaj Parikshit.
* If we do things in a very responsible way, then we are saved, if not the future is very uncertain.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Padam padam yat vipadam...
Verse 1.13.14 (Saci suta Prj):
* From the purport of SP, significant points
* Saintly persons like Vidhura must be treated as denizens from heaven.
- We have to learn that Sannyasi's and senior Vaisnavas serving SP are also to be treated like denizens from heaven. Cause they are serving continously to please SP.
* Lesson from Dhritharashtra, who was too materially attached.
- Life teaches us so many lessons, but we do not realize still, cause that is due to conditioning.
- Padam padam yat vipadam, every step there is danger in this material world. R we realizing it.
* Message should be heard attentively, and when spoken by a realized soul, it will have effect on the dormant heart of a conditioned soul
- And by continuously hearing, one can attain the perfect stage of self-realization.
- But that is not the case today. Eg: TV is a major distraction in this disregard.
* But it is our fortune that we are introduced to this wonderful movement of Krishna Consciousness.
* BG 4.34
- Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master....truth.
* Conclusion is to chant very nicely every day!
* From the purport of SP, significant points
* Saintly persons like Vidhura must be treated as denizens from heaven.
- We have to learn that Sannyasi's and senior Vaisnavas serving SP are also to be treated like denizens from heaven. Cause they are serving continously to please SP.
* Lesson from Dhritharashtra, who was too materially attached.
- Life teaches us so many lessons, but we do not realize still, cause that is due to conditioning.
- Padam padam yat vipadam, every step there is danger in this material world. R we realizing it.
* Message should be heard attentively, and when spoken by a realized soul, it will have effect on the dormant heart of a conditioned soul
- And by continuously hearing, one can attain the perfect stage of self-realization.
- But that is not the case today. Eg: TV is a major distraction in this disregard.
* But it is our fortune that we are introduced to this wonderful movement of Krishna Consciousness.
* BG 4.34
- Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master....truth.
* Conclusion is to chant very nicely every day!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Annihilation of the Yadu Dynasty...
Verse 1.13.12-13 (Srinivas Acharya Pr):
* Vidhura was received by the Pandavas nicely and then they were asking him about his travels.
* SP comments here that: Distress comes upon us in its own way by the laws of nature.
* Eg: Pandavas, Prahalad Maharaj etc, wonderful devotees were also in so many problems. But now that is standing as a wonderful example of how we can always depend on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
* Another such e.g. is Mahatma Vidhura. Full life, he was serving the Pandavas and Kauravas as their well-wisher.
* He came back only to take back his elder brother Yudhistira, so that he could leave his attachment to the material opulence (so was not following his varnashrama dharma).
* And also Vidhura could not stand to see the Pandavas distressed at any time. Therefore he did not disclose this unpalatable and unbearable incident of the Yadu dynasty being annihilated.
* Sri CM said: na dhanam, na janam, na sundarim... these are especially to be avoided if one has to follow the path of self-realization.
* Vidhura was received by the Pandavas nicely and then they were asking him about his travels.
* SP comments here that: Distress comes upon us in its own way by the laws of nature.
* Eg: Pandavas, Prahalad Maharaj etc, wonderful devotees were also in so many problems. But now that is standing as a wonderful example of how we can always depend on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
* Another such e.g. is Mahatma Vidhura. Full life, he was serving the Pandavas and Kauravas as their well-wisher.
* He came back only to take back his elder brother Yudhistira, so that he could leave his attachment to the material opulence (so was not following his varnashrama dharma).
* And also Vidhura could not stand to see the Pandavas distressed at any time. Therefore he did not disclose this unpalatable and unbearable incident of the Yadu dynasty being annihilated.
* Sri CM said: na dhanam, na janam, na sundarim... these are especially to be avoided if one has to follow the path of self-realization.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Everything you do...
Verse 1.13.11 (Ganeshan Pr):
* No matter what we do, we should always be meditating on the Lord.
* In BG Lord Krishna says: yat karosi yat asnasi.....mad arpanam.
* We tend to think that devotional service is other than office work or helping at home. But actually it is exactly opposite.
* Cause if u work to please the Supreme Lord, then everything is devotional service. And we will do it all more nicely then.
* And to do this, association with senior devotees is very much needed.
* With devotees and spiritual master, yatra etc, we can always remember Krishna.
* Arhtur Ash's story:"Why me?"
- always have faith in the Lord. Everything happens cause that is best for us.
* Many times we say, there is no time cause we have to take care of so many things.
- story about filling the jar with big and small stones. Similarly start everyday with chanting of the holy name, then everything else will fall in place naturally.
* No matter what we do, we should always be meditating on the Lord.
* In BG Lord Krishna says: yat karosi yat asnasi.....mad arpanam.
* We tend to think that devotional service is other than office work or helping at home. But actually it is exactly opposite.
* Cause if u work to please the Supreme Lord, then everything is devotional service. And we will do it all more nicely then.
* And to do this, association with senior devotees is very much needed.
* With devotees and spiritual master, yatra etc, we can always remember Krishna.
* Arhtur Ash's story:"Why me?"
- always have faith in the Lord. Everything happens cause that is best for us.
* Many times we say, there is no time cause we have to take care of so many things.
- story about filling the jar with big and small stones. Similarly start everyday with chanting of the holy name, then everything else will fall in place naturally.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sadhu sanga, Holy place and Parampara!
Verse 1.13.10 (Srinivas Pendyala Pr):
* Srila Prabhupada (SP) is explaining 3 aspects in this purport
* Sadhu Sanga
* Holy Place
* Importance of bona fide acharya
* All the above 3 are nicely packaged for us in the form of ISKCON or the Hare Krishna Maha mantra. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay!
* Srila Prabhupada (SP) is explaining 3 aspects in this purport
- sadhu sanga
- what is a holy place
- importance of parampara and acharya
* Sadhu Sanga
- SP is telling about association, especially of pure devotees, sadhus. This is cause they always carry the SPG in their hear.
- We can feel it in their presence.
- What it means to take association of a person? Association means sharing Krishna, in the form of prasadam, katha, identifying relationships and respecting them.
- In the association of sadhus, because of their compassion, the SL in their heart is ready to transform from their heart to ours.
* Holy Place
- holy place is not just checking into a hotel, visiting the Lord once, eat in some hotel and come back.
- Visiting a holy dhama is actually finding a sadhu in the holy place and taking lessons from them.
- Holy dhama is revealed through the instructions of the sadhus. It has to be seen through our ears.
- If we see externally, we will not see the holy dham at all. It will not be revealed to us by our own efforts.
- In ISKCON, such a nice facility provided in the form of yatras, to visit the holy place in the association of the acharyas and sadhus.
- On our own, in today's world, where is the facility to search for sadhus and take association. Not there. Therefore, every year we should try to visit these holy dhams through the yatras.
* Importance of bona fide acharya
- Symptom of acharya: has unalloyed service attitude to the SPG and is a pure devotee
- Main service is that they are extremely inclined to chanting and hearing.
- Eg: Parikshit Maharaj hearing from Srila Vyasadeva.
- How strongly they are attached to chanting and hearing is the symptom of an acharya.
- Who is a Vaisnava? Answer by Sri CM
- Anyone who chants the holy name, HK Mahamantra
- Anyone who constantly chants
- Anyone who constantly chants and in his association everyone will be enthused to chant is a Vaisnava.
- And we receive their mercy only by listening and following their instructions.
* All the above 3 are nicely packaged for us in the form of ISKCON or the Hare Krishna Maha mantra. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Plan our life...
Verse 1.13.9 (Yugal Kishore Prji):
* Here, MY is enquiring from Vidhura as to where all he visited, how he managed to eat, and what are the different holy places he visited and did service at.
* Not knowing Vidhura's exhalted position, Duryodhana insulted him and made him leave the house. But kind of Vidhura actually was happy with this. Why? Cause human life is meant for self-realization. We have to detach ourselves at least after 50 so that we can attach ourselves to Krishna. So Vanaprastha allows one to slowly get detached from house hold life and in some time become completely renounced.
* But in today's life, children are not taking care of mother, so Father cannot leave the house around 50. So they are continuing to work till 60-70. So we need to plan our life. If the children settle early, then parents get opportunity to serve nicely in the temple and hence detach theirselves from worldly matters.
* Here, SP is also telling: In the holy places of India, like Vṛndāvana, Hardwar, Jagannātha Purī, and Prayāga, there are many great devotees, and there are still free kitchen houses for persons who desire to advance spiritually. MY was inquisitive to learn whether Vidura maintained himself by the mercy of the free kitchen houses (chatras).
* Krishna provided kgs of food for the elephant, will not Krishna provide little prasad for His devotees. He will! We just need to have faith on Krishna!
* As we progress in our life, we need to become more and more internal, strong in our sadhana. Not just finishing our 16 rounds and done.
* Second priority to spiritual life is no priority at all.
* Here, MY is enquiring from Vidhura as to where all he visited, how he managed to eat, and what are the different holy places he visited and did service at.
* Not knowing Vidhura's exhalted position, Duryodhana insulted him and made him leave the house. But kind of Vidhura actually was happy with this. Why? Cause human life is meant for self-realization. We have to detach ourselves at least after 50 so that we can attach ourselves to Krishna. So Vanaprastha allows one to slowly get detached from house hold life and in some time become completely renounced.
* But in today's life, children are not taking care of mother, so Father cannot leave the house around 50. So they are continuing to work till 60-70. So we need to plan our life. If the children settle early, then parents get opportunity to serve nicely in the temple and hence detach theirselves from worldly matters.
* Here, SP is also telling: In the holy places of India, like Vṛndāvana, Hardwar, Jagannātha Purī, and Prayāga, there are many great devotees, and there are still free kitchen houses for persons who desire to advance spiritually. MY was inquisitive to learn whether Vidura maintained himself by the mercy of the free kitchen houses (chatras).
* Krishna provided kgs of food for the elephant, will not Krishna provide little prasad for His devotees. He will! We just need to have faith on Krishna!
* As we progress in our life, we need to become more and more internal, strong in our sadhana. Not just finishing our 16 rounds and done.
* Second priority to spiritual life is no priority at all.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Mahatma Vidhura...
Verse 1.13.8 (Surekha Mataji):
* From this verse, we can learn nice things about Mahatma Vidhura and his nice relationship with the Pandavas.
* Here Maharaj Yudhistira is thanking Vidhura for always protecting them from so many calamities.
* Vidhura was always equal to both Kauravas and Pandavas, though apparently slightly partial to the Pandavas.
* He protected them from the fire in Varnavata. He also used to chastise Dhritharastra for his intriguing plans.
* HH IDS: formula for any good relationship is to give more than you take. Eg: Gopi's always serving Krishna.
* We have to look everyone as a devotee of Krishna. Here Vidhura also saw everyone as a spirit soul, so was able to help the Pandavas all the time, cause they were devotees of Krishna.
* From this verse, we can learn nice things about Mahatma Vidhura and his nice relationship with the Pandavas.
* Here Maharaj Yudhistira is thanking Vidhura for always protecting them from so many calamities.
* Vidhura was always equal to both Kauravas and Pandavas, though apparently slightly partial to the Pandavas.
* He protected them from the fire in Varnavata. He also used to chastise Dhritharastra for his intriguing plans.
* HH IDS: formula for any good relationship is to give more than you take. Eg: Gopi's always serving Krishna.
* We have to look everyone as a devotee of Krishna. Here Vidhura also saw everyone as a spirit soul, so was able to help the Pandavas all the time, cause they were devotees of Krishna.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Guests and Vedic Culture!
Verses 1.13.5-7 (Krishna Patro Prji):
* Vidhura had returned to the palace after his pilgrimage. He was the uncle of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
* Vidhura was a great personality, even Lord Krishna accepted his service when He came to Hastinapura.
* Throughout their life, the Pandavas were always under the protection of their Uncle Vidhura.
* So when he came back, he was wonderfully received by the Kuru family.
* How to receive a guest is very wonderfully described here in by SP. When we receive a guest, we should actually see the supersoul in that person.
* Even if the guest is an enemy, we should receive a guest with all respect and treated so.
* " With great delight they all approached him, as if life had returned to their bodies. They exchanged obeisances and welcomed each other with embraces. After Vidura ate sumptuously and took sufficient rest, he was comfortably seated. Then the King began to speak to him, and all who were present there listened."
* A guest should be received as Krishna's representative.
* Athiti devo bhava: a thiti means equal to narayana, so we have treat like that. eg: Krishna meeting Sudhama vipra in Dvaraka.
* Vedic culture is serving guests very nicely. Actually guests also are very cultured.
* Vidhura had returned to the palace after his pilgrimage. He was the uncle of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
* Vidhura was a great personality, even Lord Krishna accepted his service when He came to Hastinapura.
* Throughout their life, the Pandavas were always under the protection of their Uncle Vidhura.
* So when he came back, he was wonderfully received by the Kuru family.
* How to receive a guest is very wonderfully described here in by SP. When we receive a guest, we should actually see the supersoul in that person.
* Even if the guest is an enemy, we should receive a guest with all respect and treated so.
* " With great delight they all approached him, as if life had returned to their bodies. They exchanged obeisances and welcomed each other with embraces. After Vidura ate sumptuously and took sufficient rest, he was comfortably seated. Then the King began to speak to him, and all who were present there listened."
* A guest should be received as Krishna's representative.
* Athiti devo bhava: a thiti means equal to narayana, so we have treat like that. eg: Krishna meeting Sudhama vipra in Dvaraka.
* Vedic culture is serving guests very nicely. Actually guests also are very cultured.
Friday, December 4, 2009
About Mother Gandhari!
Verse 1.13.3-4 (Yugal Kishore Prji):
* Srila Prabhupada (SP) very nicely described the good qualities of Mother Gandhari.
* Saintly persons themselves are holy places. Wherever they go, it becomes a holy place. SP, wherever he went, there is a temple now. Because he carried Vrindavan in his heart.
* Same is the case with Vidhura.
* If we become a devotee, keep Krishna always in our heart, then we can also become like that.
* Bilvamangala thakur says: Krishna can slip off from my hands cause I am blind, can He slip off from my heart. That is love for Krishna. He is always present in the hearts of pure devotees.
* Mother Gandhari had many very good qualities, but had the natural frailties of a woman. SP is not speaking about a particular gender, but the nature of living entity. Whoever is envious, had frailties like a woman.
* You may have so many good qualities, but still at the end she came to curse Krishna, the SPG. So all the characteristics is a show if we don't recognize the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the height of envy!
* Familiarity is a problem of this world.
* But Gandhari was very faithful to her husband and because of that Dhritharastra attained paramatma realization of the Lord. And she also passed away following her husband, in the himalayas.
* Srila Prabhupada (SP) very nicely described the good qualities of Mother Gandhari.
* Saintly persons themselves are holy places. Wherever they go, it becomes a holy place. SP, wherever he went, there is a temple now. Because he carried Vrindavan in his heart.
* Same is the case with Vidhura.
* If we become a devotee, keep Krishna always in our heart, then we can also become like that.
* Bilvamangala thakur says: Krishna can slip off from my hands cause I am blind, can He slip off from my heart. That is love for Krishna. He is always present in the hearts of pure devotees.
* Mother Gandhari had many very good qualities, but had the natural frailties of a woman. SP is not speaking about a particular gender, but the nature of living entity. Whoever is envious, had frailties like a woman.
* You may have so many good qualities, but still at the end she came to curse Krishna, the SPG. So all the characteristics is a show if we don't recognize the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the height of envy!
* Familiarity is a problem of this world.
* But Gandhari was very faithful to her husband and because of that Dhritharastra attained paramatma realization of the Lord. And she also passed away following her husband, in the himalayas.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Summom-bonum of knowledge...
Verse 1.13.2 (Shalini Mataji):
* Vidura was a pure devotee of the Lord. We see here that due to Duryodhana's insults, Vidhura was forced to go out of Hastinapura.
* Even in this distressed situation, he chose the right path of going on a pilgrimage.
* In there, he met Maitreya Muni and was enquiring about knowledge of the soul, the SPG.
* After posing many questions on creation etc, he enquired as to what is the topmost of all
* Finally Maitreya Muni says this to Vidhura: "Devotional Service is the ultimate means to remove all miserable life of material existence". "Vidura was successful in approaching such a spiritual master like Maitreya, and he got the ultimate goal of life: bhakti unto Govinda. Thus there was nothing to be known further about spiritual progress."
* Also we see that Vidhura approached a spiritual master to enquire from him. Similarly, we should also approach, serve and enquire from a bona fide spiritual master to achieve :bhakti unto Govinda.
* Vidura was a pure devotee of the Lord. We see here that due to Duryodhana's insults, Vidhura was forced to go out of Hastinapura.
* Even in this distressed situation, he chose the right path of going on a pilgrimage.
* In there, he met Maitreya Muni and was enquiring about knowledge of the soul, the SPG.
* After posing many questions on creation etc, he enquired as to what is the topmost of all
* Finally Maitreya Muni says this to Vidhura: "Devotional Service is the ultimate means to remove all miserable life of material existence". "Vidura was successful in approaching such a spiritual master like Maitreya, and he got the ultimate goal of life: bhakti unto Govinda. Thus there was nothing to be known further about spiritual progress."
* Also we see that Vidhura approached a spiritual master to enquire from him. Similarly, we should also approach, serve and enquire from a bona fide spiritual master to achieve :bhakti unto Govinda.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Understanding the self...
Verse 1.12.36 and 1.13.1 (Ashish Pr):
* Vidura received knowledge about the destination of the self, from sage Maitreya.
* In today's world, we really don't think on the questions of who am I, why am I here etc.
* We want to be happy and we keep doing things for that, but we are not. Why? Cause we are not what we think we are.
* To understand who I really am, I need to give up the bodily conception of life. I am a spirit soul, a part and parcel of Krishna.
* And in reality, nothing belongs to me, everything in this world belongs to Krishna. There is no thing in thinking, this belongs to me, that belongs to me.
* I am here simply to serve the Lord. And He has given the manual, it is all there in the BG.
* He is there within us all the time. In one step He can protect us completely. Eg: We know how big one step of Vamanadev was. So we have to take shelter of the Lord, to understand the self.
* Vidura received knowledge about the destination of the self, from sage Maitreya.
* In today's world, we really don't think on the questions of who am I, why am I here etc.
* We want to be happy and we keep doing things for that, but we are not. Why? Cause we are not what we think we are.
* To understand who I really am, I need to give up the bodily conception of life. I am a spirit soul, a part and parcel of Krishna.
* And in reality, nothing belongs to me, everything in this world belongs to Krishna. There is no thing in thinking, this belongs to me, that belongs to me.
* I am here simply to serve the Lord. And He has given the manual, it is all there in the BG.
* He is there within us all the time. In one step He can protect us completely. Eg: We know how big one step of Vamanadev was. So we have to take shelter of the Lord, to understand the self.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Twice-born Qualified Brahmanas
Verse 1.12.35 (Sacisuta Pr):
* As the ruler of the entire world, Maharaj Yudhistira was taking responsibility of all the things that happened to get him on the throne.
* SP says that everyone at every moment is actually committing many sins, even in walking.
* But the goal is not to abstain from walking, but to do everything for the satisfaction of the Personality of Godhead. Act according to the standard given in BG.
* In this verse
- The Lord is willing to act according to the orders of His devotees
- The once-born brahmanas are not qualified to do any Vedic sacrifices. Only a twice-born brahmana is qualified
Eg: SP made so many wonderful brahmanas based on qualification
* As the ruler of the entire world, Maharaj Yudhistira was taking responsibility of all the things that happened to get him on the throne.
* SP says that everyone at every moment is actually committing many sins, even in walking.
* But the goal is not to abstain from walking, but to do everything for the satisfaction of the Personality of Godhead. Act according to the standard given in BG.
* In this verse
- The Lord is willing to act according to the orders of His devotees
- The once-born brahmanas are not qualified to do any Vedic sacrifices. Only a twice-born brahmana is qualified
Eg: SP made so many wonderful brahmanas based on qualification
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
