One benediction of worshipping Demigods...

SB 2.3.11 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* The nature of the jivas is always remain happy. Always seeking material happiness.
* But unfortunately, their contact with material nature, they try to enjoy independent of the Lord. Therefore, they continue to struggle to lord over the material nature.
* BG very nicely explains this.
* Spontaneously, we have so many needs for the material things. No end to this want, and it does not end our desire to enjoy.
* And based on their desires, they worship different demigods. Karma kanda portion of the Vedas.
* This world is full of such examples.
* In our own heart too, we can see how we are trying to lord over the material nature.
* In spite of trying so very much, we can never be happy, cause the path is guaranteed not to give full happiness. Cause the path of senses is an unsatisfiable path.
* This world is temporary only, so all the things are also temporary, therefore, we end up with the fear of losing them. So even after we acquire, we get the fear of losing them.
* But here, Sukadeva Goswami is giving one advantage of worshiping Demigods. That they have at least some faith in the Vedic version. The people worshiping the demigods are at least one step ahead of the atheistic people. So they can through their faith, get some association of a pure devotee of a Lord and hence can finally come to the highest benediction, of solving the problems of birth, death, old age and disease. They can attain spontaneous attraction to the SPG and attain bhava.

Everything comes from the Supreme...

SB 2.3.10 (Sacisuta Prji):

* Here SG is telling MP that: A person who has broader intelligence, whether he be full of all material desire, without any material desire, or desiring liberation, must by all means worship the supreme whole, the Personality of Godhead.
* Bhakti can be followed by all.
* Even a person wanting impersonal liberation must be dependent on Krishna in getting it.
* Akamah is one who has no material desire.
* Further, SP is explaining what pure bhakti means.
* Every demigod can give any boon only under the sanction of Vishnu. So whenever we worship any demigod, it always starts with prayer to Vishnu. So any intelligent man should understand that if it is Vishnu, then as well pray to Vishnu directly.
* BG 7.20: Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.
* All material desires are sanctioned by Lord Vishnu only.
* BG 9.25: those worship demigods will go to them....
- the difference between planets of the demigods and that of Krishna is that Goloka is a place where there is no birth, death, disease or old age
* Pure DS should be practised with enthusiasm, faith and sincerity.
* Proper results will not get be got without offenseless chanting
- Story of yogi in freezing water, King and Minister.

Description of the form of the Lord continues...

Verse 2.1.29 (Ashish Prji):

* It is said that one can neither see, hear the SPG so easily. But with loving devotional service, it is possible for us to see Him.
* Only by His mercy, He can reveal Himself to us.
* Upon mental speculation, it is not possible for us to see Him.
* Foolish ppl say that Krishna is different from His mind, heart etc. But actually, He is absolute, so every sense and limb of Him is absolute too.
* In BG it is given: whoever knows His appearance and activities, will not take birth again in this material world.
* This verse is expansion of BG 11th chapter.
* Arjuna saw the Viraat rupa and was afraid, but only after seeing Krishna back in His transcendental 2-armed form was he back to being fine.
* ...

Goal of Life...

Verse 2.1.14 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* The goal of life is self-realization.
* Unfortunately, we are caught up in the mire's of life and we keep working hard day and night, so we have no time for self realization.
* The highest perfection of life is to remember the SPG at the end of life.
* Here it is also said: Only liberated souls take interest in the SPG.
- So here, Maharaj Parikshit was interested, so he was already a liberated soul.
- Then for us, we have to follow the regulative principles of spiritual life under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master
* To develop taste for hearing, glorifying Krishna, we need to follow the regulative principles.
* When SP was asked by a reporter: How many pure devotees you have in the organization? He answered, the number of devotees in the organization. Cause he knew all of them are pure devotees, the process has started, only time is
separating.
* Goal of life: always remember Krishna, never forget Krishna
* Here, MP had 7 days to perfect himself. For us, we don't know how much time we have. But good thing is, we can perfect our life in a moment too. Eg: King Katwanga.
* Human life is very rare. One should not waste one's life.
- Alexander the great's story, malaria shortened his life
* Sukadeva Goswami's instruction therefore is, one should engage in self realization, by following the 4 regulative principles. And remembering the SPG all the time.

More about the first two offenses against the holy name!

Verse 2.1.12 (Sacisuta Prji):

* In the previous verses, we have seen how Jiva Goswami is mentioning about the offenses of the Lord.
* In this purport, the first and second verses are discussed again.
* One should neither blaspheme the devotee of the Lord nor indulge in hearing others who are engaged in belittling a devotee of the Lord
- better to leave the place where such belittling is happening.
* We have to be very very grateful to all the devotees.
* Vaisnava aparadha is dangerous.
* Eg: Jagai Madhai did offense to Nityananda Pr, Caitanya M almost killed them with his chakra
* This vaisnava aparadha is like a mad elephant disease.
* Eg: Saci mata and Advaita acharya, here Saci mata offended the later
- Another eg: Haridas thakur and Gopal Chakravarthy, the later here abused the former
* Another ef: Gopala chapala tried to do Vaisnava aparadha against Srivas thakur. Result of this, the former suffers severs leprosy.
* At community level also, offense to holy name or devotees affects
eg: Ramachandra khan sending a prostitute to Haridas thakur. Another time, he offended Nityananda Pr. Because of his offense, entire village suffered
* Then, the second offense is also discussed
* As far as distinguishing the Lord's holy name from the names of the demigods, the revealed scriptures disclose (Bg. 10.41) that all extraordinarily powerful beings are but parts and parcels of the supreme energetic, Lord Kṛṣṇa. Except for the Lord Himself, everyone is subordinate; no one is independent of the Lord. Since no one is more powerful than or equal to the energy of the Supreme Lord, no one's name can be as powerful as that of the Lord.
* Message is, we should develop proper consciousness while chanting the holy name.
* Never be involved in Vaisnava aparadha
* Be conscious of Krishna and cautious of Maya!

More glorification of the SB!

Verse 2.1.8 (Mohan Prji):

* Here, before Srila SG begins to speak the SB, his introduction is being given.
* We also saw before that Suta Goswami was glorifying the SB.
* 3 primary points come forward here
- This SB is the ripened fruit of all the Vedic literatures.
* Quoted verses
- nigama kalpa taror...
- nasta prayershu abadreshe...
- And today's verse too.
* SP writes the Introduction of the SB and he quotes extensively about the life and pastimes of Lord Sri CM. He tells that Lord CM is the SPG Himself.
- One of his purposes to come to material world is He accepts SB as the post graduate study of the knowledge of the SPG.
* How should one learn the SB?
- SP explains: You cannot just read it and know it. One has to read SB under the guidance of a Spiritual Master.
* It is stated here that SB was narrated at the beginning of Dvapara Yuga. But we might question that it was spoken at the end.
- Here Srila Jiva Goswami very nicely explains this to us, through the example of a tree. Some say beginning is the top, some say beginning is the root.
* The purports of SP therefore, explain this wonderful literature so nicely.

Continuing about the glories of Hearing...

Verse 2.1.7 (Kasi Prji):

* Here we see that Srila SG is mentioning that glories of the Lord are transcendental.
* The proof is that the great transcendentalists always takes great pleasure in discussing such glories of the Lord.
* SB 1.10.- atmaramascha munayo....
* We see that the 4 Kumaras were simply attracted by the fragrance of the Tulsi leaves at the Lotus feet of the Lord and they became unalloyed devotees.
* Sukadeva Goswami (SG) also was similarly attracted to the pastimes of the Lord, although he was brahman realized.
* SB 1.5.10, persons most of the time...
* SP: Those who are in the lowest side, pastimes of the Lord will not be attractive.
* Eg: The storefront in NY, Matchless Gifts, was Vaikunta, in the midst of New York. Not many could see this Vaikunta.
* So slowly hearing the glories of the SB and chanting will slowly purify our heart.
* Sri CM: anandambudi vardanam...
- So this chanting will help us get to the nectar!

At the end of life, remembering Krishna is the ultimate!

Verse 2.1.6 (Naresh Prji):

* SP is saying here, ultimately at the end of life we have to remember the Lord.
* Srvanam, Kirtanam and remembering the Lord will help us do this.
* So making the kingdom of God as our goal is our primary thing.
* But remembering Krishna in the usual time itself is difficult, so how can we remember Him at the moment of death, which is so tough circumstances.
* So the priority is hearing and chanting. Then remembering will follow.
* Chanting sincerely in the mood of goodness is essential. It should not be a background chanting. Attentively listening to the holy name will give positive results in anyone life.
* Coming to the verse, understanding the purpose of human life. We have only intelligence, that which can help us enquire our relationship with God.
* Eg: of the Cat carrying the kitten or the mouse. We should also feel safe as the kitten, that will happen with proper shelter.
* And Krishna gives the method too: engage urself in my devotion ... (man mana bhava madbhakto...)
* After so many lifetimes we have reached to this stage where we are getting the boat to cross the ocean of material existence, through the help of a spiritual master. So we should endeavor to make this happen.
* But we may have just begun, for us also, Krishna is giving a guarantee: BG 2.40 neha bikramo...
* Even if I don't make it to the final point, the goal should be to get on the boat and keep trying. So then it is guaranteed that we will be in the safe hands of Krishna!

Hearing and Glorifying the Lord!

Verse 2.1.5 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* Srila SG, after giving the nature of the grhamedhi, he is now talking about what is the best thing to do for one who is trying for self-realization.
- It is hearing, glorifying and chanting the names of the SPG.
* SG: one who desires to be free from all miseries must hear about, glorify and also remember the Personality of Godhead, who is the Supersoul, the controller and the savior from all miseries.
* It is really difficult to understand that we are actually suffering in this material world. That's why we need the association of a sadhu. Sadhu is one who will remind us of this.
* By association of devotees and reading SP's books, we can realize the time we spend being grhamedi's. So in order to come out of these miseries, one must seize to work as karmi's.
* SP refers to BG 9.27: "One should not do anything, either good or bad, on his own account, but must execute everything on behalf of the Supreme Lord, the ultimate proprietor of everything that be. This process of doing work is recommended in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.27) also, where instruction is given for working on the Lord's account."
* Simplest process is always hear, glorify the SPG.
* We can see in our own life, hearing has brought in so much transformation.
* Hearing from authorities is the best shreyas.
* Another verse supporting this one: srunvatam sva katha krishna...

Our relationship to this world is temporary!

Verse 2.1.4 (Mohan Prji):

* One thing coming to the mind is the answer that Maharaj Yudhistira gave to the question asked by Yamaraja. Everyone is dying, but we don't believe it.
* Same is the case with our wife, relatives etc. Our connections will sooner or later be cut.
* Another story of the person going through the forest
- tiger is following him (which is death in our case)
- the deep well (well of material ignorance)
- the honey which is dripping nearby (is the false pleasures of this world)
Moral is we forget the tiger and the deep well that is imminent on us, but we go after the dripping honey.
* Another story: A person gets hired by a wood merchant. He is given an axe and asked to cut a tree. He cuts down 10 trees to make the merchant happy. Next day he cuts 8, next day he cuts 6. Merchant asks: when was the last time he sharpened his axe.
Moral: Each one of us we forget in this world to sharpen our axe. We may be working hard, but unless we use the scriptures, read them and sharpen our axe, we will be wasting our time.

Grhamedhi's Characteristics explained...

Verse 2.1.3 (Puja Mataji):

* Yesterday, we learnt about Grhastha's and Grhamedhi's. Grhastha's are the best.
* Today, a little more about Grhamedhi's is being told: The lifetime of such an envious householder is passed at night either in sleeping or in sex indulgence, and in the daytime either in making money or maintaining family members.
* Eating, sleeping, defending and mating, even animals do this. So what makes the human different. It is our ability to use our intelligence to know the absolute truth and going back to Godhead, that makes us different.
* In BG, Krishna tells Arjuna that the senses are so strong, that they forcibly carry away the mind of even a person who is trying to control them.
* Krishna also says, a person who fixes his consciousness upon Krishna, is a man of steady intelligence. This is the highest conception of Yoga, which means to connect.
- Eg: Ambarisha Maharaj. Durvas Muni although a great yogi, could not check his anger, although AM could do so, as he was a devotee of the Lord. This he did cause he had fixed his consciousness on the lotus feet of the Lord.
* Again, Krishna says in BG, the time of awakening for a self controlled person is night for a materialistic person and vice-versa. When the materialistic person is actively engaged in sense gratification, the self-controlled person is inactive, meaning not engaged in such things.
* When a person is engaged in such deep consciousness of Krishna, at the moment of death, then one can enter into the spiritual world.

Canto 2 Begins!

Verse 2.1.1 (Mohan Prji):

* We are starting the 2nd Canto here, where Sukadeva Goswami is going to start to explaing the Srimad Bhagavatam to Maharaj Parikshit.
* In today's verse, SG is glorifying that the question of MP is so appropriate and good for all kinds of people.
* Because this question was about Krishna!
* Krishna says in BG: manusyanam sahasreshu...
* SP comments: One should understand that he is not the body, but a spirit soul. The next step is to understand the position of the Supreme Lord and our relationship to Him. There are very few ppl who understand this concept.
* Krishna also says: Devotees are always discussing among themselves about Krishna.
- SB is the right text, where these interactions of devotees are very nicely described.
* Now, SG is going to open the doors for us to understand how to know and understand the devotees of the Lord and their interactions.
* The natural extension of the SB is the Caitanya Caritamrita, which is basically putting all theory into action.

Sept 16 2010:

Canto 2.1 Invocation

oḿ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya

Srila Prabhupada's Translation: O my Lord, the all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.

Sri Radhashtami Today, End of Chapter 19, End of Canto 1

Verses 1.19.38-40 (Sacisuta Prji):

* MP is asking Srila SG: Please let me know what a man should hear, chant, remember and worship, and also what he should not do. Please explain all this to me.
* We should meditate on this question so that we could also ask similar questions to acharya's.
* Also, the visit of saints and sages to our houses is very precious. It has to be utilized appropriately.
* Today is also Srimati Radharani's appearance day. So some pastimes.
* Mercy of the Supreme Lord cannot be obtained unless the mercy of His energy (internal), Srimati Radharani's mercy is on us.
* Pastimes: Raghunatha Goswami completely immersed in chanting, tiger comes, Krishna saves. Next time too, he was chanting in the sun. Srimati Radharani was herself protecting him from the sun using her saree palloo. Sanatana Goswami chastised him then for engaging the mother Herself in his service. But such is the causeless mercy of the Supreme Mother.
Another pastime: Srimati Radharani comes as a girl, cooks for Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. That sweet rice she cooked is so transcendental. Her mercy is so great.
Another pastime: She even bestowed her mercy on a jackal, in the groves of Vrindavan. This jackal was half burnt and crying miserably. Seeing this miserable condition of the jackal, Lalita Sakhi brings her to Srimati Radharani. She places her feet on the jackal and the jackal gets its eternal form as her associate.
* We are also burning in the fire of material existence. Only she can save us.
* Only her mercy can elevate us to chant offenselessly, only her mercy can take us back to Godhead.
* Our prayer today should be: Prayer of gratitude to Sri CM, our acharya's, to SP and to all the Vaisnavas.

Spiritual Master and Disciple....

Verse 1.19.37 (Mohan Prji):

* We can see how MP is surrendering to SG and asking him the best question: "I am therefore begging you to show the way of perfection for all persons, and especially for one who is about to die."
* Since every man is actually someway or the other dying, this is a question meant for everyone.
* In today's purport, SP is telling us more on the relationship of a Guru and disciple.
* When we ask a group of people as to why they are going to the temple, we will get different answers, cause they don't really know why they go to a temple
- The primary purpose is to acquire knowledge about ourselves, the SPG and the relationship between the both.
* Here, SP is giving why one should approach a SM. It is to acquire that knowledge.
* It is very important for us a to approach a bona fide SM to seek out the absolute truth.
- Second, surrender unto the SM is definitely required.
* If we refer to the scriptures, including the Supreme Lord Himself, He sets example. Eg: Lord Krishna, Lord Sri CM all had spiritual masters, they surrendered and served them to acquire knowledge from them.
* Here too, MP assuming to be a totally ignorant person, in a humble mood is asking Srila SG.
* Another ex: Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami, although they were materially rich and intellectually scholars, they still with a blade of grass in their mouth, requested Sri CM to teach them about the purpose of life.
* Very imp to understand the mood of being a disciple: I am an ignorant fool and only my SM can show me the path.
* Also in BG, Krishna says of the qualities of a divine person: surrendering to a spiritual master.
* Anything we do is due to the mercy of a SM.
- SM is of two kinds: diksa and siksa Guru
- Instructions of siksa Guru is same as that of the diksa Guru
* The connection between the SM and the disciple is the INSTRUCTION. As long as the disciple executes the instruction, he is at the shelter of the Guru.

Power of association with Saintly people!

Verse 1.19.33 (Mohan Prji):

* In CC, Ch 22 of Madya lila, here, Sri CM is glorifying the process of devotional service and concludes that worshiping Lord Krishna is the highest.
* Then he continues that attachment of devotees is also very important.
* He says: sadhu sanga sadhu sanga sarva siddi hoya... "even a moment's association with a saintly person is so beneficial"
* Story of Vishnu and Narada muni, about benefit of associating with a devotee. Worm to calf --- to son of a King.
- moral: how important even a little association is.
* The meaning is receptiveness. That is association, not just going and sitting with devotees. Willing to take instructions from senior devotees, that is association.
* In this verse also, SP mentions, one has to go to a holy place not just for the place, but to take association of saintly people living there.
* SP: A householder who dishonors such holy orders is a great offender. It is enjoined, therefore, that a householder who does not bow down before a saint at once must undergo fasting for the day in order to neutralize the great offense.
* Even instruction of spiritual master, it might be painful, but we still need to follow it so our material contamination will be removed.

Associating submissively...

Verse 1.19.32 (Mallikarjuna Prji):

* Ksatriya's in general were not having time for self-realization.
* So here, MP, when we came to know that he was going to die in 7 days, left everything and decided to engage in KC.
* MP is a wonderful example of how one can always remain in KC, whatever he is doing
- that is by answering the Q: Is this for Krishna or for my sense gratification. Every activity needs to the answered through this question
* Sri CM brought forward this consciousness to the world.
* Before Sri CM, people had to go to the forest and engage in meditation for attaining self-realization. But after Sri CM, we are going to cities and preaching and still remaining in KC. Eg: Best is Srila Prabhupada, who came to USA from Vrindavan, India.
* Best thing therefore, is to spread KC. But we always think whether we do it for Krishna or not.
* Krishna's enjoyment does not mean our suffering. Krishna enjoyment also means our enjoyment. All we need to do is to tune our self.
* EG's are Arjuna and MP, who are pure devotees. Always remembering Krishna, never forget Krishna.
* So here, in this verse, MP is welcoming Sukadeva Goswami (SG).
- Essence is that whole purpose of Vedas is to seek the favor of Vishnu. And it comes through the association of devotees.
- We don't receive mercy directly, it comes through servant of servant of servant.
- Real purpose of sadhu sanga is to invoke the Lord's mercy. And submissive spirit is very much required.
* This devotional attitude of approaching devotees with submissive mood, the success is guaranteed.
* Before going into Deity room, we pray to Guru to allow us to serve the Lord. Such devotional activity always attracts Krishna.
* Pure devotees always give credit to their Gurudeva. It is only by Guru's mercy, we can do devotional service.
* Even the ability to execute the order is within the order.

Importance of the Speaker...

Verse 1.19.30 (Mohan Prji):

* We have been seeing the introduction of Sukadeva Goswami (SG) to all the sages.
* Maharaj Parikshit had put forth two questions: What is the duty of the person who is about to die, specifically, what is the duty of a person?
* Generally, the speaker is introduced so that the audience knows the potency of the speaker. So here too, SG is being introduced, so that we all know how valuable are the words emanating from such a speaker.
* Krishna says, when one approaches a superior authority, one has to approach with humility.
- Prabhuji, sharing his personal experience about his encounter with his Professor
- Until and unless one has humility, the knowledge cannot be digested by us.
* Here, the primary reason why Srila SG is being introduced is to give us a clear understand that he is a very very respected person. Even brahmarishi's, rajarishi's and devarsi's assembled there were giving all respects to him.

Offering Obeisances...

Verse 1.19.29 (Kasi Prji):

* All the sages had arrived at the place where Maharaj Parikshit had decided to spend this last 7 days. Then Srila Sukadeva Goswami also arrived there.
* Points from this verse
- offering obeisances to devotees
- taking association of devotees
- less intelligent people do not see the advanced position of pure devotees.
* Maharaj Parikshit (MP) offers full dandavat to Srila Sukadeva Goswami (SG).
* Full dandavat means 7 or 9 parts of the body should touch the ground. Half dandavat means 5 parts of the body should touch the ground
- one progresses spiritually when one offers full dandavats to all devoteess
- Skanda purana: if one does not offer obeisances to a devotee, the Lord does not look to that person for 12 years
- offering obeisances also implies one is offering respects to the supersoul within the opposite person
* We also see here that SG also bows down to pay obeisances to Vyasadeva, Naradamuni etc. He also exchanges greetings with everyone else.
* MP is also told here as visnu-raatah (always protected by Vishnu). One incident is that he is protected by Krishna from the Brahamastra.
- Such pure devotees are always under the shelter of the Lord
- In BG also, Krishna says, his first duty is protection of devotees
- Our task as sadaka's, is sarva dharman paritajya.... abandon all varieties of irreligion and surrender unto the SPG.

Appearance, Form, Youth, Features of Srila Sukadeva Goswami!

Verse 1.19.26-28 (Shiva Prji):

* We are learning so many things about the great sage Sri Sukadeva Goswami (SG).
* In these string of verses, we learn so much about the form, age, features of SG.
* At just 16, he was already a liberated soul, son of Srila Vyasadeva.
* In his previous life, he was a parrot of Srimati Radharani who used to take messages from her to Sri Krishna.
* When she went back from this earth, she asked him to stay back here in the material world. Upon his request, she told him to stay there where SB is being spoken.
* He went to Kailash and in camouflage heard SB from Lord Siva, when Lord Siva was narrating it to Parvati.
* Story continues how the parrot reached Vyasadeva's ashram, went into his wife's mouth Itika, did not come out for many years, finally was born 16 years later and was a self realized soul.
* So we learn from this that hearing SB attentively and preaching SB is so very important, as it will liberate everyone who comes in contact with it, cause anyone who hears SB attentively attains his spiritual position and becomes eternal.


Verse 1.19.21 (Srinivas Pendyala Prji):

* The current context is how the rishi's assembled there were discussing among themselves that they will all wait until MP goes back to Godhead.
* There are innumerable Vaikunta lokas, as SP is mentioning here.
* 3/4th of this creation is spiritual world, and 1/4th is material world, of which, this universe is an iota...
* In the spiritual world, everything is so animate. No power or electricity is needed there. There are innumerable Vaikunta planets there.
* Topmost of which is Goloka Vrindavan.
* 2nd point: Liberation, going back to Godhead. There is birth, old age, death and disease in all the material planets. Only in the spiritual planets, there is none of these.
* 5 different types of liberation
* Of all these 5, Sayujya mukti is something that a pure devotee never looks or aspires for.
* Pure devotee actually refuses to accept any of these 5 different types of liberation, cause Love predominates all these, they only want to serve the Lord always.
* Unique feature of Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya - they are saving ppl from the devouring mouth of liberation. Cause they want us to lead on the exclusive path of devotional service, which is the highest stage of reaching the lotus feet of the Lord.
* 3rd point: MP was destined to go to Goloka. Not to any other spiritual planets, but to the Suprememost of all Vaikunta planets. Cause he was always in loving thoughts of the Lord.
* 4th point: We cannot see a pure devotee so easily.
* It is only a Vaisnava who can give us Krishna, no one else.

Grinding wheel of materialistic life...

Verse 1.19.20 (Padma Mji):

* Very powerful purport Srila PRabhupada has given here. Talks about our materialistic life.
* Maharaj Parikshit (MP) made great choices at this last stage of life and all the sages assembled there were very happy with him.
* We are all so attached to the temporary material things of life. That we forget what should be the ultimate goal of life.
* We think we possess so much, but really we cannot enjoy it.
* Only Krishna gives the real truth. MP also wanted to see this real truth, that is why he decided to detach himself from all material things.
* Constant meditation on the name of the Lord will help us focus and go back towards him.
* Shelter of the holy name is the only way for us to go out of this grinding wheel of materialistic life.

Blessing in the form of a Curse!

Verse 1.19.19 (Ashish Prji):

* This verse highlights the blessing in disguise because of the curse.
* The wisest man in the world is actually a devotee of the Lord.
* Here all the sages are saying to MP that "very good", cause he was following their instructions so well.
* Material attachment along with taking shelter of the Lord does not go together.
* MP made the best use of a bad situation, he heard SB for 7 days!
* Hearing SB, we get free from material attachment.
* This material world is like a prison house. We are always entangled here. Liberation means getting free from all these anxieties, and that is got only through SB and association of pure devotees of the Lord.
* If we have the desire and try to follow the Lord, then Krishna Himself will preserve what we lack and carry what we have.

Using the human form for its right purpose...

Verse 1.19.15 (Saci suta Prji):

* Here, Maharaj Parikshit is expressing to the sages, that "just accept me as a completely surrendered soul, and let mother Ganges, the representative of the Lord, also accept me in that way, for I have already taken the lotus feet of the Lord into my heart."
* 3 pts wonderfully come out in this verse
- complete surrender
- association of saintly ppl
- fearlessness when having taken the complete shelter of the Lord
* We have seen how some great souls have left this material world, in association of devotees and their spiritual master too
- eg: How HG Sutakirti Pr's wife passed away due to cancer
* Sri Prahlada Maharaj also says
- One who is sufficiently intelligent, should use the human form of life from a young age itself....devotional service...leads to perfection
* Vedic scriptures clearly says why human form of life is above than all other species
* Interesting parable of the creation of this world
- God creating donkey first, dog next, monkey then and finally human being...
* Human form is most dear to the Lord too, cause, the human being can use their intelligence to search for Him.
* Srila Prabhupada, the greatest offering by him was that he presented the science of self-realization to the whole world.
* When our body is hale and hearty, we easily move around and do everything. We hardly remember to thank the Lord who has given us every thing. The moment our body starts failing, then we realize how small and insignificant we are.
* These are gentle reminders sent by the Lord before the final exam. So that we can prepare for that day.
* So we should use our senses and body, everything in the Lord's service. The homework needs to be done properly, so that the final exam of our life can done nicely too. So we need to use our life effectively!

Curse or boon...

Verse 1.19.14 (Srinivas Acharya Prji):

* Here, out of his great humility, Maharaj Parikshit is explaining that he was too attached to family life and that the Lord out of His causeless mercy, through the brahmana boy's curse, is detaching him from all material life.
* Karma is the only temporary thing, as told in BG.
* Karma can be used in to both ways - destructive and constructive
- Destructive, when we use karma for our own sense gratification
- Constructive, as told in BG, by employing everything in service to Krishna. The one can get out of this material world altogether.
* Eg: Bhishmadeva, cursed in previous life, but now liberated.
Eg: Arjuna also was cursed in the heavenly planets, but it became useful to him later
* When Krishna wants to reclaim his pure devotee, He can do so in any way He likes.
* When a conditioned soul becomes attracted to a pure devotee, then either curse or boon, will help him on his way to become close to Krishna!
* When a devotee takes to the path of KC, then whether curse or boon, will help him on his way to become close to Krishna!
* Here also, a curse is being used by Krishna to bring back MP back home.
* Krishna consciousness or karma yoga with complete surrender of results to Krishna, will bring one finally to bhakti yoga.
* As long as we have some attachment in this material world, Krishna respects that and leaves us back here in the material world.

Taking guidance at every Decision!

Verse 1.19.12 (Mohan Prji):

* How one has to approach authority and seek their permission, when making some decision. This is primarily because our senses are uncontrolled and we have imperfections. Because of this imperfection, we might or might not take good decisions.
* So the best thing is to take senior guidance in every decision that we take.
* If one is expecting name and fame, that is also one kind of sense gratification. It is very subtle.
* Similarly one should not engage in gambling, not just physically, but mentally too. So when one tries to take any decision in life without authority's permission, then we are gambling our life actually. Cause that decision might affect one's KC in the future.
* So on the subtle level, we should not engage in breaking this regulative principle.

Inviting Srimad Bhagavatam into our hearts!

Verse 1.19.11 (Ramana Prji):

* Yesterday, we heard how so many great sages assembled to meet Maharaj Parikshit.
* So we are reading this chapter named Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami. So we will need to know the greatness of him.
* We are usually always in kota nidra jago maya. So we need SB and BG everyday for us.
* This place where Srila Sukadeva Goswami met Maharaj Parikshit (MP), it is also there today, Sukathal in UP, India.
* So Srila Sukadeva Goswami gave to personally give SB to all of us also, in these 7 days that MP had.
* He is none other than the personal parrot of Srimati Radharani.
* Srimad == Radharani, Bhagavan == Krishna, ==> It is Radha and Krishna together.
* Of course Radharani's name is not mentioned cause Srila Sukadeva Goswami would go into ecstacy by taking her name, and he had only 7 days deadline to complete SB.
* Aparadha == that which is not of Radha.
* So welcome all these rishi's into our heart, then Srila Sukadeva Goswami will also come into our heart and SB will spoken within our heart itself.

Setting Stage for Srimad Bhagavatam!

Verse 1.19.9-10 (Mohan Prji):

* Translation: From different parts of the universe there arrived great sages like Atri, Cyavana, Śaradvān, Aristanemi, Bhrgu, Vasistha, Parāśara, Viśvāmitra, Ańgirā, Paraśurāma, Utathya, Indrapramada, Idhmavāhu, Medhātithi, Devala, Ārstisena, Bhāradvāja, Gautama, Pippalāda, Maitreya, Aurva, Kavasa, Kumbhayoni, Dvaipāyana and the great personality Nārada.
* What we can understand from this verse is that so many great sages were coming to the banks of the Ganges, just to set a sage to what is going to happen next.
* This is so because, when we read this, it is setting a stage that the message that is going to be delivered soon in here, is very very important. Cause otherwise, these great sages would not come to one place together.

The best process of self-realization: Bhakti!

Verse 1.19.5 (Kasi Prji):

* "Maharaja Pariksit (MP) sat down firmly on the banks of the Ganges to concentrate his mind in Krsna consciousness, rejecting all other practices of self-realization, because transcendental loving service to Krsna is the greatest achievement, superseding all other methods."
* Here we see that MP did not care for all his attachments, he rejected all that and put all his concentration on the Supreme Lord. Because he knew very well that all these designations were temporary.
* Not only this body, even the material world is temporary.
* So he went to the banks of Ganges to concentrate his mind on the Krishna, the SPG.
* In SB, the definition of bhakti is given: savai pumsham paro dharmo....suprasidati. In the same way, MP was performing bhakti on the banks of the Ganges, continuously for 7 days and 7 nights, doing sravanam of the pastimes of the Lord.
* We should be grateful to him because it is because of him only we have this SB with us.
* One can understand the SPG only through Bhakti.
* Here it is also mentioned that MP rejected all types of self-realization and only concentrated on pleasing the SPG, Lord Krishna.
* Even if a devotee has some material desire also, it is still recommended that one worship the SPG, Lord Krishna, for complete perfection.
* It is also mentioned: kaler dosha nidhe rajan....
- Simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra, one can be releaved of all material conditioning's and go back home back to Godhead.

For a perfect civilization...

Verse 1.19.3 (Ashish Prabhuji):

* In this verse, the concept of Simple living and high thinking is emphasized.
* However, today in this world we are living without any thinking.
* Example: Company has some rules, above which there is the State Laws, above which are the laws of the Country.
But leaders forget that above all these are the rules of the Supreme Lord. The prime thing is that following the laws of the Supreme Lord, one will surely follow all other laws.
And such laws are given by the Brahmanas, the leaders established by the Lord.
* Protection of such brahminical culture is required.
* A devotee's life is one of prayojana.
* But today with technology, convenience, we are getting obese and have more and more problems in our body, so actually our condition is going down.
* Brahminical culture, cow protection, God consciousness are perfectly provided by the Lord for a perfect civilization.
* Bottomline: A Vaisnava is a para dukha dukhi.

Friday, August 13 2010

Verse 1.19.2 (Yugal Kishore Prji):

* Coming soon...

Qualities of Pure devotees: Repentance (contd).

Verse 1.19.1 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* In the previous chapter Shammik rishi explains the activities of Maharaj Parikshit and that he should not have been cursed by his son.
* In this chapter, Suta Goswami explains that the King, Maharaj Parikshit, was also feeling extremely bad about his action with the sadhu.
* Within us, it is so common that "I am faultless". It is very difficult to accept that I am at fault. It is only possible in the personality of great personalities.
* So here, Shammik rishi knew very well that Maharaj Parikshit is a great devotee. Therefore he says that such devotees will never find fault in another person's bad action against them. And he is just praying to the Supreme Personality of Godhead for his son's action.
* And exactly here, we see the repentance quality of Maharaj Parikshit. That is the quality of a devotee.
* Another quality the pure devotees have is: tithiksu savra dehinam (Forgiving all others).
* By acting in such a wonderful way...how a person remembers the SPG, how a person responds well to the any such situations is the quality of a devotee.
* Any unwillingly committed aparadha, we should repent it sincerely. Then the offenses is burned in the fire of repentance.

Qualities of Pure devotees: Repentance

Verse 1.19.1 (Phani Prji):

* Here, Srila Prabhupada was explaining in the translation and purport the importance of the repentance of a devotee for an action accidentally committed.
* Our intentions should be in service to Krishna. In our action, our intentions might be good, but still we may make the other person uncomfortable. So keeping Krishna in the middle is important.
* We should always try to avoid discussing bad about anything about anybody.
* Here too, MP was realizing that he might have done a wrong thing against a faultless sage. So he was repenting.
* We have to set the standards, to show example to the entire world.
* As practicing devotees, we should take responsibility to establishing standards, of first class brahmanas.
* If leaders get attracted to set standards according to KC, then people will follow for sure.
* 2nd Point: MP got distressed, as mentioned in this verse. How is it that MP is becoming distressed. That is so because he is worried about his service to Krishna. So his repentance is actually burning off any sins associated with it.
* Important thing is transformation of heart, of not doing the mistake again.
* What is needed is pure conditioned heart.
* The goal is to think of Krishna and always continue our journey.
* Without taking the shelter of Krishna, we most likely will end up in doing a mess for sure.
* In our day-to-day life, there will be so many complexities, only thing is if we stick to the principle of taking shelter of Krishna, then everything will work well.

End of Chapter 18

Verse 1.18.50 (Ganeshan Prji):

* Devotees of the Lord are always calm in all circumstances.
* Devotees of the Lord always know that everything that they undergo is the Lord's mercy.
* The proof of the pudding in the eating, so we should try it, then only we can experience the Lord's mercy.
* Serving the Supreme at all times, gives the ultimate satisfaction.
* By watering the roots, everything else is taken care of.
* All material so called happy situations are all short lived. They will soon be gone. The truth is, the only thing that is eternal is that we are part and parcel of Krishna. Only He will satisfy us always.
* The only thing that comes with us is the holy name of Krishna.
* This whole process of KC is like winning a multi-billion dollar lottery. Chanting Lord Krishna's names is something like this.
- It is our life jacket in the river of the material world.
* For truly sincere devotees, Krishna provides everything so they are not affected by any situation.
* Very nice example: Queen Kunti, who expressed to have all calamities again and again, so that they could always see the Lord always.
* The abode of the Lord is the only place which has no calamities.
* Devotional service is all gain for any one in this material world.

Wonderful Points to learn...

Verse 1.18.49 (Srinivas Pendyala Prji):

1. SB ==> is certainly meant for Realized Souls.
a. It changes the perspective from a materialistic vision to spiritual vision.
b. Otherwise, it is very difficult to understand what is good and bad, right and wrong.
c. Externally it appears that there is always injustice done to a devotee. Ex: Govind Pr ==> Vaishnavism is beyond beng right or wrong, beyond good or bad or justice or injustice.
d. Mundane vision, anyone can actually misunderstand MP for what he has done.


2. Sringi's cursing is sin.
a. Vaishnava aparadh
- To blaspheme the devotees who have dedicated their lives for propagating the holy name of the Lord.

3. Maharaj Parikshit taking full advantage of the situation.
a. easy to say than practice.
b.Reversals in our life will come and will be there.
c. But one can take full advantage of the situation. In fact, human form of life by itself one has to take full advantage.
d. The greatest reversal that can ever happen to human is ==> Death.
Nehabhikrama naasosthi, pratyavaayonav...
e. My friend who was really scared of death.

4. Great will of the Lord.
a. Lords arrangments and plans are extremely inconceivable.
b. MP, Samika Rsi, Sringi ==> were all instrumental in the Krsna's plan.
c. Ex: Sripad Aindra Pr departure.

5. So none of them were put into difficulty because everything was done in relation with the Supreme Person.
Srila Prabhupada ==> For a devotee, there is no suffering at all, in all circumstances. Even if they are suffering, it is only temporary. Just like a fan, when it is switched off, it still rotates.

Hungry and Thirsty...

Verse 1.18.46 (Yugal Kishore Prji):

* Krishna gives us some powers, but we should never exploit it.
* Power is a big intoxication. It is more intoxicating than the biggest alcoholic drink.
- Maharaja Nanda was arrested for taking bath in the river, apparently at a wrong time, by Varuna's servant, just due to intoxication of Power.
* 2nd point: We should never judge senior devotees and spiritual master. Their activities are beyond our reach. Shammik Rishi is telling that MP's actions were no wrong.
* King does no wrong, cause he is the representative of Krishna. MP is a rajarishi, protecting everyone so very well. And he is a pure devotee, self realized. Shammik rishi is thinking so well about MP.
- On the top, MP was hungry and thirsty at that time. So we should not find fault with such a person.
* One American President, in NYC, went and sat in a court. It was case of one grandmother who did some theft. Because she wanted to feed her hungry grandchildren. So the President sentenced her $10 fine. But because he was the President then, and under his rule this happened, he actually paid the fine on her behalf. Then he also sentenced the people sitting there that under their presence in NYC, a grandmother was not able to feed her grandchildren, so they should also pay a fine of $2. So in total, she got something like $47.
- when somebody is hungry, thirsty and tired, we should not find fault with them.
* Even with Srila Prabhupada - that's how Food for Life program started in ISKCON, distributing Prasad in over 110 countries for the poor, hungry and thirsty people.

Stages towards Death...

Verse 1.18.42 (Mohan Prji):

* 2 Imp points that is very useful to all of us.
* 1) What does this death really mean? What happens when we know that we are going to die?
- The process is divided into 5 stages
- First stage is Denial (means they immediately deny that they are going to die)
- Second stage, as the message starts to sink in, is Anger. The person will say: Why me. And he becomes angry on himself and all others around him. Then he realizes to come to the 3rd stage
- 3rd stage is bargaining. Bargaining with the Lord and all his friends for some extra time
- 4th stage is Depression. Cause he wants to disconnect with this world. If he stays in the same stage, then it's a problem. Then the final stage is
- 5th Stage, is Acceptance. For a vaisnava, it is the most glorious time. Cause he/she can fully concentrate on what death means.
* We see this in the life of Maharaj Parikshit, he immediately comes to the 5th stage, the best for a devotee.
* 2) Uddhava is lamenting that the most unfortunate people in the world were the Yadu dynasty. Cause they were thinking that Krishna is one of them. Why it is being told here is that in this verse too, Sringi thought that Maharaj Parikshit was also one among the ordinary.
* Only when the time of death comes, will we know who we are associating with. Cause we might also think the other devotees might be ordinary, like the Sringi mentality. They might be exalted devotees. Each and every devotee is very special. So we should be very careful not to offend devotees at all.

Son of a brahmana...

Verse 1.18.41 (Kavitha Mji):

* Here Srila Prabhupada is talking about Rajarishi's
* He also mentions how a King even though he might do a mistake, is not punishable.
- Even if there is something wrong with the king, he is never to be condemned. A medical practitioner may kill a patient by mistaken treatment, but such a killer is never condemned to death.
* MP was a great King and the kingdom was doing very nicely under his rule.
* Shammik rishi was regretting that his son had unnecessarily cursed the king.
* Shringi is compared to the kaliyuga brahmana, who is affected by all the faults of Kaliyuga.
* ...
* ...
* The greatest advantage of Kaliyuga, is to follow the sankirtana movement, as given by Lord Sri CM.
* Chanting of the holy name is the kaliyuga dharma.

Understanding the behavior of Sringi...

Verse 1.18.38 (Mohan Prji):

* Question is why did Sringi do such a thing to MP
- 1) He did not understand the position of MP and He did not know his own position,
- 2) the behavior of MP offended him
* Similar example in another place of Prajapati Daksha
- He wanted his sons to become nice grhasthas, but they became brahmachari's under the instruction of Narada muni
- So because they did not behave according to his ideas, he got angry and cursed Narada muni, thus causing a Vaisnava aparadha
* Coming to our context
- We also don't understand the position of other devotees
- And we expect them to behave in a certain way and if they don't, then we get upset
* So for this, we can nice instructions from NOI
- One should always honor the devotee who is always engaged in chanting of the holy name, or is in Deity worship
- One should always honor a pure devotee
* There are 3 types of devotees
- Kanishta, Madhyama and Uttama adhikari
- Based on their position, a devotee should always behave in the appropriate way
- One has to always mentally honor the kanishta adhikari
- One has to pay obeisances and physically honor too the madhyama adhikari, who is initiated and performing service unto Deities
- And for an Uttama adhikari, we must serve them very nicely
* SP in this purport, again mentions, that a devotee must be intelligent enough to distinguish these 3 types in devotees and a devotee must also never try to imitate a higher devotee's position
* Meditating on this verse, we can try to avoid offending devotees
- by understanding our own position and knowing the position of the other devotees
* Because offending devotees will be offending the holy name and that will make us lose our KC very soon
* From the book - Art of Chanting
- The main cause for offending devotees is asat sangha, the association of materialistic people
- It increases our envious nature
- As a solution, it is told that one has to give up material associations
* Sri CM: first business of a vaisnava is that he gives up materialistic association
* In this verse too, Sringi was in association with inexperienced boys, so we can see how his bad behavior came out.

Pride is the problem...

Verse 1.18.36 (SaciSuta Prji):

* As we know, the vedas are divided into 4.
- in Atharva veda, many mantras are given using which we can create or destroy things.
* Here, SP is mentioning the brahman boy to be impudent
* Qualities of APACHE,, which will surely bring our downfall.
* Story: Rooster, fighting, eagle - Pride comes before the fall.
* Unless we act according to the will of the Lord...
* One should not be puffed up with one's qualities. It is all the power of the Supreme Lord only and He can
withdraw them at any time.
* Realize that whatever we may do is due to the mercy of Guru and Krishna only.
* Pride is the reason why we might be not doing sadhana well. Pride is the reason why we may not be getting up early to greet the Lord at Mangala arati.
* The mood of a devotee, he never takes credit for anything
- Eg: Lord Brahma, Yamaraja in Ajamila story
* When you take credit for everything, you lose your common sense.
- nice panchatantra story of the brahmana who had a nice garden, killed the cow, Indra came down...
* Whatever position we may have, is to be used for the well-being of others.
* If one engages his possessions in the service of the Lord, then he will always be happy. Cause wealth in Mother Lakshmi and she will be happy only in service of the Lord, Krishna!

Kaliyuga Brahmanas

Verse 1.18.34 (Srinivas Pendyala Prji):

1. Justification -
Anything we do, we philosophize and give justifications including giving lectures, quoting wrong contexts etc.

2. Characteristics of Kaliyuga brahmanas :
In kali yuga, bramhanas are practically not seen.

3.Insulting : compared King to a watchdog.
- End result of vaishnava aparadh.
- another sign of sadhakas.
- quality and quantity of chanting decreases.
- slowly previous habits will start surfacing…
ex: eating outside, watching movies. ==> justification.
- finally, we start criticizing devotees.

4. Mentality of false prestige ==> cause of downfall of society.
- devotional service ==> is a show.

Apparent bewilderment of Maharaj Parikshit

Verse 1.18.30-31 (Mohan Prji):

* Here, Maharaj Parikshit is placed into bewilderment into putting a garland of a dead snake around the sage.
* Here Srila Prabhupada is mentioning about Srila Viswanath Chakravarthy Thakur who tells why he behaved like that.
- They do not believe that the King's action was due to his past misdeeds. The arrangement was so made by the Lord just to call the King back home, back to Godhead.
* If we perform such a thing, we should always repent for it. But if another devotee performs this, we should be much tolerant.
* The Lord puts forth His pure devotees in such difficulties just to bring out something good for the mankind.
- The Pandavas being put into so much frustration, just so that BG can come about
- Another situation, HG Aindra Pr leaving his body. Krishna surely has his ways to bring devotees back to Him.
* The Lord performs such actions just to give us some benedictions.

Ordained by the Lord...

Verse 1.18.29 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* Here the sages are coming to know why and how MP met Sukadeva Goswami.
* In this verse, it is being told as to why MP became angry on the sage.
* When MP was born, the brahamanas and the sages prophesied about the wonderful qualities of Maharaj Parikshit (MP).
* The only justification for MP's anger against the sage was that this was ordained by the Lord Himself.
* Another questions ppl can ask is how come pure devotees also appear to be suffering from old age etc.
- the answer is that they are always in the shelter of the spiritual energy and all the suffering is all arrangement of the Lord for specific purposes.
* Lord is all auspicious.

Receiving Guests in Vedic Times...

Verse 1.18.28 (-- Prji):

* Srila Prabhupada is explaining the law of reception, according to Vedic times.
- Example of Jarasandha honoring Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna is described here.
* To practically how do we apply this
- if a person is unkind to us, then how can we receive him
- if our KC will be affected by their presence, then we can reject their association
* If we are on the receiving end, just apply "trnad api...", so we don't have any attachments
* Next, Srila Prabhupada is telling about how a pure devotee is always protected by the Lord.
* Here too, in MP's case, everything is by the will of the Lord, not a karmic reaction of some sort. Here, Krishna's will was now MP should detach himself from all attachments, so he can completely surrender to the Lord.
* Frustration is also taken by the pure devotees as the mercy of the Lord.
* Activities of a pure devotee cannot be easily understood, cause Krishna is actually acting through them.
* Here, MP knew that in 7 days he is going to die. But how many of us know when we are going to die, we might in the next moment.
- So we have to be very serious in KC and apply in our day to day life.
* WE are enjoying the material comforts of this world and forget the urgency to surrender to Krishna. But it is very important. So we must be very serious.

Yoga Ladder explained...

Verse 1.18.26 (Ganesh Prji)

* Srila Prabhupada says this yoga system can be treated as a stepped ladder. Different yogi's on the different rungs are on different levels.
* Not all of them have achieved the absolute Truth.
* Yoga ladder
- only involved in sense gratification of eating, sleeping, mating and defending
- karma kanda (Fruitive activies for a better life in the next life by going to heavenly systems)
- karma yoga (two types - sakama karma yoga (attached to the fruits and work), niskama karma yoga (detached to fruits, but attached to work)
- gyana yoga (spiritual and philosophical knowledge to merge with the Lord)
- astanga yoga ( concentrating on the paramatma through physical yogic processes)
- bhakti yoga (topmost yoga system, devotional service to the Lord)
* All the rungs of the yoga ladder lead to Bhakti yoga.
* If one is fortunate enough to come to the bhakti yoga stage, then it is confirmed that he has already gone through all the other rungs of the ladder.
* Personality of Godhead, sat-chit-ananda vigraha.
* SP also gives eg: sun, sunshine and sun planet. Realization of impersonal feature, paramatma feature and bhagavan feature of the absolute truth.
* Bhakta's who have realized the bhagavan feature of the absolute truth are topmost.
* We should have superior engagement, that is devotional service.
* Mother Yasoda, ultimate prema bhakti's example!

Greatness of a person...

Verse 1.18.24-25 (Sundari Mji):

* Here Srila Prabhupada is talking about the reason why we suffer. The reason is our attachment to material things.
* Chewing the chewed, as told by Prahlada Maharaj.
* ...
* ...
* But for surrendered devotees, Krishna takes care of everything. Krishna says in the BG that he will preserve what we have and carry what we lack.
* Krishna has given us determination, qualities, will power. So if we use it 100% in his service, then even if we lack in something, He will provide that also to us. IMP
* Another nice example: of the sage who gives his blessing to the prince, the brahmachari, the butcher and a vaisnava.
* Dying means the false ego should die.
* How do we really make progress? Greatness of a person has to be estimated by how one tolerates provoking situations.
* In today's verse, we see how Maharaj Parikshit was tolerating the provoking situation which was apparently brought by Krishna's yogamaya potency.
* Nothing happens by chance, everything happens by Krishna's mercy.
* We cannot make any spiritual progress unless we forgive anyone who has troubled us.
* Humility and tolerance is required, for taking shelter of the holy name.
* At difficult situations, how we take shelter of the Supreme Lord, makes our progress stronger in Krishna Consciousness.

Description of the Lord by His devotees...

Verse 1.18.23 (Ashish Prji):

* Krishna says in BG: tesam satata yuktanam...
- about Buddhi Yoga
* The great rishi Suta Goswami tells that he will explain about the Lord as much as he knows
* The supreme truth is realized in 3 phases
- impersonal brahman, localized paramatma and personal bhagavan
* The supreme truth is self-sufficient. Srila Vyasadeva explains in SB that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead (SPG), the cause of all causes.
* It is only by Him that everyone is placed in illusion. All the demigods work for Him alone.
* Only by reading Vedic literature, all the illusion goes away. Only through devotional service will Krishna reveal Himself to His devotees.
* So the best way is: satatam kirtayanto maam....

Self-control leads to Renunciation and Nonviolence!

Verse 1.18.22 (Yugal Kishore Prji):

* Wonderful shloka emphasizing on sense control.
* One of the reasons why people hesitate to come to ISKCON is this.
* But sincere people who are attracted to good qualities naturally come to ISKCON. The advantage is you develop renunciation, causeless knowledge and
* Probably, many or all of us might have heard the word sense-gratification, first time in ISKCON only. Until then, we might have not even known the word, although we were engaged in the same.
* So if we want self-realization, we need to practice self-control, you will get lot of energy, then use it in Krishna's service. Then you will be able to make progress.
* Then what happens, when time comes, u will be able to connect to Krishna only and disconnect from everything else. eg: Maharaj Parikshit, since he was always in service to Krishna, when he was cursed to die in 7 days, he relinquished everything in a moment and left to listen to the pastimes of Krishna.
* That is possible due to renunciation developed through Krishna consciousness.
* Renunciation means developing attachment to Krishna and connecting everything (children, money, etc) to Krishna.
* In our movement, even grhasthas are so self-controlled. They are able to do this because they have a strong attachment for Krishna.
* This makes you progress to the highest stage.
* If you become a devotee of Krishna, all the good qualities manifest in you, SB says.
* With self-control, pridelessness, freedom from envy comes (nonviolence). Irrespective of which ashrama, they are becoming paramahamsa's.
* Genuinely control the senses, on the other hand, the energy that we get must be used in service for Krishna, develop love and attraction for Krishna.
* Chant the rounds nicely, sincerely, vaishnava seva and humility of course!

Conception of the Supreme Personality of Godhead!

Verse 1.18.21 (Mohan Prji):

* Analogy of unlearning and learning the right thing.
* Similarly, we had all different conceptions
- like trumurti, Krishna is incarnation of Vishnu, etc.
* But however Srila Prabhupada mentions that if one wants to know who one's father is, one must ask the mother.
* Similarly, the Vedic literature reveal our eternal father, the SPG.
* Krishna is the SPG. And it is important for us to understand how Krishna is the SPG.
* For that, we need to inquire who we are, what is our relationship, then we will come to know the position of Krishna.
* From the chatur-shloki Bhagavatam
- Initially Krishna spoke these verses to Brahma
- Here, Krishna is saying that He alone is the end of self-realization
* If Krishna is the SPG, then He must be the origin of everything.
- to prove Krishna is the beginning of everything, it is from BG
- aham bija pratapita...
- "neither the hosts....i am the source of all the demigods and all the sages"
* Within all avatars of Krishna
- again SB explains clearly that Krishna is the source of all incarnations.
* So we come to the conclusion that who is the SPG and why is He so!
* BG As It Is: so how is it we know that it is "as it is"
- Arjuna at the end of BG concludes that Krishna is the supreme (parabrahman....) and therefore engages in His service. Similarly, when we read SP's BG As It Is and if we come to the same conclusion, then definitely it is "As It Is"!

3 Qualities of the Lord...

Verse 1.18.20 (Sacisuta Prji):

* 3 Points come out from this verse
- the Lord is unlimited
- no one is equal to Him
- He is full in Himself, He has nothing to accept from anyone
* ...
* BG 5.29, bhoktaram....
* BG 9.4
* Opulence of the Lord is also seen in the 10th chapter of the BG.
* Krishna is yogeshwara, the Lord of all mystic processes.
* Describing the glorious departure of HG Achyuta Jagannath Prabhu, father of HG Gauranga Prabhu from Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple.

Varnashrama Dharma and Chanting!

Verse 1.18.19 (Srinivas Acharya Prji):

* Srila Prabhupada is explaining two things here
- the apparent implementation of varnashrama dharma in modern society and its exploitation
- how powerful and purifying is the chanting of the holy names.
* First thing he mentions about is the dvija-bandhu's. One section of the society was exploiting this varnashrama dharma for their own benefit.
* To explain how Lord Krishna only sees the qualification, not birth, SP explains the story
- of the cobbler and the brahmana, and Narada muni....threading an elephant through the eye of the needle.
- Moral: what Krishna sees is the heart, not the external designation
* In history too, both CC and SB, so many stories are there of devotees born in lower caster, they were able to put more influence than the upper caste. Haridas Thakur, Ambarish and Durvasa muni.
* Unfortunately this dharma established by the Lord is exploited by humans, which was actually meant to elevate people in their consciousness.
* Second, how purifying is the chanting of the holy name.
- Chanting under the direction of a pure devotee is automatically offense-less. Then the person will surrender to Krishna for sure. This is most important.
- The holy name is non different from the Lord Himself.
* In Kaliyuga, the Hare Krishna Maha mantra is the best method. It will remove all the disqualifications of a lower birth and we can achieve the same level of perfection as the rishi's of the previous ages and finally attain to the lotus feet of Krishna!

Association of Pure Devotees!

Verse 1.18.18 (Ramana Prji):

* Srimad Bhagavatam full of nectar.
* This sampradaya is giving us so many values.
* It really doesn't matter who is speaking as long as he is speaking about Krishna!
* Whether born as brahamanas, ksatriyas, vysasa's or sudra's, in Kali Yuga, everyone is a sudra. But the essence is that even a sudra can be heard from, if he is qualified or if he knows the science of Krishna.
* Pure devotees change everything for us in a few minutes association with them. They are walking places of pilgrimage.
- Association of pure devotees is totally purifying. We become energized and we enjoy such association.
- Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur says, just drag your bodies to their association. Just a few minutes of their association can cleanse your heart like anything.
* SP also is telling that Sri Suta Goswami had this association in both hearing and speaking.

Coming to the Right Conclusion...

Verse 1.18.17 (Mohan Prji):

* "Thus please narrate to us the narrations of the Unlimited, for they are purifying and supreme. They were spoken to Mahārāja Parīksit, and they are very dear to the pure devotees, being full of bhakti-yoga."
* Srila Prabhupada is hearing telling that it is Srimad Bhagavatam (SB).
* SB is called puranam amalam. The ripened fruit of Vedic literature is SB!
* Sri Iso - Mantra
- somebody who is trying to cultivate knowledge is worse. Why? Because if he does not conclude that Krishna is the SPG, then such a person is worse than one who is involved in material sense gratification.
* Coming to the right conclusion that Krishna is the SPG is most important.
* We are actually very lucky that we have come in contact with the SB.
* Even here we saw that Vyasadeva was unhappy until he wrote SB. All this is because SB is glorifying the pastimes of the Lord.

Authoritative and Attentive Hearing!

Verse 1.18.16 (Kasi Prji):

* Here we see that the sages in Naimisharanya are very interested in hearing Krishna Katha from Suta Goswami.
* It is also seen how Maharaj Parikshit hears so well from Sukadeva Goswami that he becomes a Maha-bhagavatha.
* Sravanam and Kirtanam are very imp for the ppl of this age of kaliyuga.
* Key points from this verse
- hearing from authoritative sources, through bona fide disciplic succession
- being very attentive in hearing Krishna Katha
* Authoritative sources is very important
* Nice pastime of Srila Prabhupada narrated: of a small boy giving paratha to his elder brother who had jaundice.
- similarly, if we hear from an authority, then chance of misinterpretation is lesser
* Second, is attentively hearing Krishna katha
- then holy name will cleanse the desire of our material enjoyment
* One should therefore practice hearing the holy name attentively, then all anartha's will be cleansed out.
* All other activities which does not favor service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are basically useless acts.
* Krishna also says in BG: one who knows the transcendental......attains my eternal abode O Arjuna.
* SP also says: Impersonalists became devotees, but no devotee so far has become an impersonalist.
* Eg: Sukadeva Goswami, Dhruva Maharaj
* Atmarama verse of SB, the Lord can attract even impersonalist devotees.
* Compassion of a Mahabgavatha is also discussed here, in giving Krishna to others. Eg: Srila Prabhapada is a the best example in this regard.

Speaker and Audience Benefitted!

Verse 1.18.15 (Sacisuta Prji):

* We notice that the sages of Naimisharanya was asking Suta Goswami to describe the pastimes of the Lord because he is a pure devotee of the Lord. And for him, personality of Godhead is his only object of service.
* Essence is knowing the difference between maya and absolute truth. That is knowledge!
* Spiritual shelter, following the instructions of the Guru is required.
* As audience, we need the eagerness to hear.
* In BS, Lord Brahma says:...worship the Supreme Lord...
- so we cannot capture the Lord by material endeavor, but by devotion only
* Here, another point mentioned by SP: speaker and audience must be qualified, then that discussion will lead to transcendence.
* NOI: 3 types of bhakti
- sadhana bhakti, bhava bhakti, -
* We are not in the process of defeating others, but to transform them.
* Nice pastime of Sri CM and Sarvabhowma Battacharya. Same with Prakashananda Saraswati.
* Rupa Goswami - humility and eagerness to serve, Sri CM instructed him for 10 days in Prayag
* Sanatana Goswami - Sri CM instructed him for 2 months
* A preacher doesn't talk for name and fame, only for the service of the Lord and His pleasure.
* Another eg: Thakur Bhaktivinoda, SBSST, Srila Prabhupada.
* SP took the message of Rupa, Sanatana, all the acharya's, prayed to them and wrote them in English for all of us.
- Unless we read, we will fall down. Read SB in morning and BG in evening.
* To make us strong spiritually - reading, listening and chanting is most important.
* Message: We have this greatest treasure available to us. We should be a good audience and make every effort to listen to our acharya's.

Supreme Lord Krishna, the Demigods!

Verse 1.18.14 (Srinivas Acharya Prji):

* Here Suta Goswami is trying to explain the supremacy of Lord Krishna while explaining the positions of Lord Brahma and Lord Siva.
* SP mentions in many places, especially we know that is one of the namaaparadha to consider the demigods equal to or greater than Lord Krishna.
* In the scriptures too, there are so many references of how Lord Krishna time and again saves Lord Brahma and Lord Siva from their own actions
- Boon given by Lord Brahma to Hiranyakashipu, Lord Krishna had to finally come to save the world
- Lord Siva giving boon to Banasura and Basmasura, then Krishna had to come down
* In this purport, the glories to Lord Siva is also being mentioned by Srila Prabhupada, just to show the power of Lord Siva, then what to say of the power of Lord Krishna who is far greater than him.
- Lord Siva being called Neelakanta
* Similarly, the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedic knowledge from Lord Brahma, Lord Krishna killed the demons and saved the world.
* So we see from all these are that these demigods are practically invincible, but still when they cannot solve the problem, Lord Krishna is the ultimate savior.
* All Vishnu-tattva are equivalent to Lord Krishna!

Chanting of the holy Name!

Verse 1.18.12 (Padma Mataji):

* ...
* Kali, no religious principles
* The sages doing the sacrifices, suffering from the smoke of the sacrificial fires
* Nice pastime from Krishna's pastime
- Brahamanas doing sacrifice, but their wives left everything just to satisfy Krishna by giving Him all kinds of foodstuffs.
* In DS, satisfaction is immediate.
* Therefore focus is always concentrate on Krishna. Then knowledge and detachment automatically come.
* In this age, Krishna has incarnated in His holy name!
* ...
* ...
* ...

Attaining perfection by Hearing!

Verse 1.18.10 (Krishna Patro Prji):

* Here, perfection of life is attaining loving service of SPG.
* Systematic hearing about the SPG will help in this way.
* Krishna as paramatma within the heart, cleanses our material contamination. When we develop the urge to hear the activities of the SPG, then paramatma cleanses our heart.
* Then one gradually comes to know of the Absolute Truth.
* Even Lord Brahma and Lord Siva cannot understand the SPG, so knowing Him is not easy. It is only by hearing about Him, will He reveal Himself to us.
* The remedy to birth, death, old age and disease, is to hear and chant the Lord's holy name.
* In the previous verse, Suta Goswami was explaining about MP, but still it is transcendental because Krishna and Krishna's devotees present the same remedies.
* So MP pastimes is also transcendental because it is connected to the Supreme Lord.
* SP's pastimes too, very special. He transformed the hippies into happies.
- One pastime of when Jagannath's Deities were originally installed. Devotees took Jagannath out without his permission. But he corrected them in such a nice way. Now, when we hear it, it is so sweet.
* How to attain perfection?
- By surrendering oneself to the Spiritual Master.
- MP also understand the SPG only after he surrendered to Srila Sukadeva Goswami.

Time ran out!

Verse 1.18.9 (Yugal Kishore Prji):

* Jayananda Prabhu executed Bhakti for probably 10 years. But his devotional quality is so high, that Srila Prabhupada (SP) when he departed in 1977, SP wrote a message: your spiritual master cries at your departure. And SP said that Jayananda Pr's appearance and disappearance should be celebrated.
* Krishna includes his devotees in His entourage always.
* If you execute pure transcendental bhakti, you are glorious. Whatever you have in this world, beauty, education etc is all 0's. Krishna is the 1 in front of all of these 0's.
* Anything we do materially, it has no value wrt eternity, wrt our eternal constitutional position. That's why we should do everything for the pleasure of Krishna.
* Why, after so many life times we have got this opportunity.
* We are awake now, cause it is Paramatma who has woken us up. When we are in swapna or sushupti, we do not know how we are. As soon as we come to Jagruti, we remember all of our family members and everything connected to us.
* If we carefully check, we are sleeping almost 50% of our life. So jagruti is just 50%. So our life becomes successful, only if we becoming conscious of Krishna.
* Every life, we have everybody, the only one missing is Krishna!
* After having shelter of human life, if we don't take shelter of Radha and Krishna, then we are willfully committing suicide.
* We have to wake up to the reality. Time is not running out. Time ran out.
* We have to genuinely take shelter of the Spiritual Master and Krishna.

Advantages of the age of Kali!

Verse 1.18.7 (Mohan Prji):

* Maharaj Parikshit was never envious of the age of Kali.
* Very nice verse, giving us a lot of positive aspect of the age of Kali.
* In this verse, MP is compared to the bees, which goes for the essence of the flower, not the external beauty.
* Even though this age of Kali is full of quarrel, the essence here is that it gives us an very good opportunity to be Krishna Conscious. Because, auspicious things produce good effects immediately, whereas inauspicious acts must be actually performed [to render effects] in this age.
* In previous ages, just thinking about a sinful activity in the mind, one would get the consequences of it.
* As we go ahead, SP is mentioning what is the best thing that can be done in this age.
- it is said that even though all nefarious activities of the personality of Kali are present, there is a great advantage in the age of Kali. One can attain salvation simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord.
* SP then explains the second advantage of Kali
- In the beginning of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam it is also said that by the recitation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the Supreme Lord becomes at once arrested within one's heart.
* Purpose of ISKCON is just to facilitate the association of devotees for chanting and hearing from Srimad Bhagavatam.
- So the process and the facility is also given. It is just up to us to decide whether we want to continue in our materialistic life or enjoy the nectar of the spiritual life.

Krishna is the Light!

Verse 1.18.6 (Ashish Pr):

* If we imagine living in an open field without any source of light other than the sun, then we cannot see anything as soon as the sun goes down.
- So something external is needed for us to see. Otherwise this is darkness.
* But Krishna, within us, makes us complete, makes us see everything. No Krishna means ignorance.
* ....
* Spiritual energy is the only way to come out of any crisis.
* ...

Process of revelation, through the Spiritual Master!

Verse 1.18.3 (Mohan Prji):

* For one who is in Krishna Consciousness, unless one realizes that we cannot understand Krishna easily. He is inconceivable. Krishna is unconquerable even with knowledge.
* BG: there are very rarely people who take to Krishna Consciousness.
* Even in them, it is very rare to actually find a person who actually knows the absolute truth.
* SP goes one more step, it is even rare to find a person who is practicing devotional service.
* Process of understanding spiritual knowledge is revelation. Krishna reveals it to the sincere seeker.
* After one goes through all the Vedic scriptures, one comes to the conclusion that Krishna is inconceivable.
* So how to know Krishna through this revelation process.
- That is possible through one who has realized this. That is the Spiritual Master. It is through the mercy of the spiritual master that we can conceive the inconceivable
* 3 prayers that summarize this
- Guruvastaka prayers: Samsara dava prayers
- Guruvandana prayers: Sri Guru charana
- Gurudeva by SBVT
- We should meditate on these prayers often
* Spiritual master is the external manifestation of the internal SM, the SPG as paramatma.
* The disciple should beg the spiritual master for the mercy of the spiritual master. We don't have any qualification on our own.

Solution to all Fear...

Verse 1.18.2 (Mohan Prji):

* Maharaj Parikshit (MP) is constantly surrendered to the SPG, due to which he is neither afraid nor..
* He always sees everything as the Lord's blessing.
* Narayana Parayana
* So today, the primary key word we will concentrate on is Fear.
* Fear = Expectation - Reality!
* Root cause of fear
- Symptomatic Causes
- Afraid of being ill, losing a relationship, losing money or not having money, losing respect, losing power, afraid of leaving beauty, afraid of being defeated by someone, of being exposed, or of losing the body
- Today's verse, MP is never afraid although he knows that the snake-bird is going to kill him soon. Completely dependent on Krishna.
* Very reason of fear
- as soon as it becomes envious of Krishna and began rebellion against Krishna
- so we came from spiritual to material world, but here limited resources, so many people wanting it, so fear to lose comes in
* ...
* Anything happening in my life is by the will of the Supreme Lord.
* Then we have no fear.
* Flexibility will be achieved by regularly practicing devotional service.
* Chanting + Hearing to SB is the solution to fear.

Practical Lessons from Srimad Bhagavatam!

Verse 1.17.43-44 (Kasi Prji):

* Here we see that Maharaj Parikshit practically drove out kali and he ruled the world with great success.
* SP is saying that by following the 4 regulative principles, we can establish the principles of dharma well.
* This will take us to the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
* Story about Dhanurdas, a favorite disciple of Sri Ramanujacharya, from Sri Rangam.
- Ramanujacharya showing the glory of Dhanurdas
- He tore his disciple's clothes a bit, too much fighting erupted. Then after two weeks, he asked his two disciples to steal Dhanurdas's wife - Hemambi's jewels.....
- Moral: If we all can also endeavor to have such qualities as Dhanurdas, his surrender to his Guru, then we can also attain the mercy of the Supreme Lord.
* In this verse, SP talks about the modern administrators. Modern administrators want to banish corruption from the state, but fools as they are, they do not know how to do it. They want to issue licenses for gambling houses, wine and other intoxicating drug houses, brothels, hotel prostitution and cinema houses, and falsity in every dealing, even in their own, and they want at the same time to drive out corruption from the state. They want the kingdom of God without God consciousness. How can it be possible to adjust two contradictory matters?
* Recently in Andhra Pradesh, government auctioned licenses for liquor, to get money. So here we can see how Gov. is encouraging this irreligious activities.
* Bribery, prostitution also is becoming so common in these days.
* That's why SP is saying that administrators first of all organize society to accept the principles of religion, namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness, and to make the condition favorable we must close all places of gambling, drinking, prostitution and falsity.

Checking the progress of Kali...

Verse 1.17.42 (Yugal Kishore Prji):

* Here Srila Prabhupada is explaining the way to prevent Kali to enter the society.
* Today Kali has infiltrated all over the world. People of Kaliyuga are actually experiencing the ill effects of kaliyuga coupled with the illusion of Maya. - Like fire mixed with air devastates everything.
* So here SP is making a point here (most probably from NOI). You don't want Kali to enter into your house, then: one's accumulated wealth may be divided into three parts for distribution, namely fifty percent for the service of the Lord, twenty-five percent for the family members and twenty-five percent for personal necessities. Spending fifty percent for the service of the Lord or for propagation of spiritual knowledge in society by way of the sankirtana-yajna is the maximum display of human mercy.
* Srila Rupa Goswami wrote this same thing in NOI, but also set an example by following it too.
* Happiness is within. When we identify with body, fear comes, then we look for happiness through accumulating money.
* Where there is illicit money, there is kalah, fights, quarrel. They are not happy, fights etc.
* To the best of our ability possible, we should practice these above mentioned principles are followed - austerity, mercy, cleanliness and truthfulness.
* If we don't want our children to be confused, then we should strictly practice devotional service, as mentioned above.
* Problems come, but if we are fully Krishna Conscious, we will learn quick lessons what Krishna is giving to us to help us get rid of our material conceptions. Then we will be able to fight with the onslaught of Kali and Maya.
* We have to check the advance of Kali, at least in our personal life.

Truthfulness is the basis of all religions!

Verse 1.17.40-41 (Ramana Prji):

* Without the moral principles, human life is equal to animal life.
* Maharaj Parikshit was talking to Dharma personified as a bull, whose 3 legs were broken.
- Austerity, Cleanliness and Mercy
* But now, with Kaliyuga rising, the 4th leg is also being broken - Truthfulness
* SP comments, that in Kali, even truth does not win many times.
* It is better to face bitter consequences by speaking truth than facing it later in a bad way.
* If we lie before coming to KC, then it is very likely that after too we might lie.
* So the point is to follow the 4 regulative principles.
* How
- Fasting, rising early
- Clean, being bodily and mentally clean
- Mercy, show others by teaching others, by being kind
- Truthfulness, speaking about absolute truth
* More about this Truthful property
- Pastime of Maharaj Yudhistira, Dronacharya, in the war of Kurukshetra. Krishna asking MY to lie
* For us, whatever Krishna says is the Truth. Dharmam tu saksad...pranitam
* Facts should not be misrepresented
- Funny story: About the tailor and King, such nice dress (empty), was wearing nothing at all, small child spoke the truth
- So as devotees, we should be childlike and speak truth only
* SP: Speak truth, truth is truth even if it is unpalatable.
* "Truthfulness is the basis of all religions"!

Gold Standards...

Verse 1.17.39 (Ramana Prji):

* Govinda Prji once told, in American currency it is said: In GoD we trust.
- This is not the actual GOD, but it is basically Gold, Oil and Defense.
* ...
* In Krishna's service, everything is automatically achieved. But again that must only be used in Krishna's service.
* In Kaliyuga, people are so ready to quarrel all the time, without knowing that Kali is the main reason behind it.
* Story as told by Sachinandan Maharaj - Mr. and Mrs. Patel
* Another eg: India and China fought for a useless piece of land where people could do nothing. All this is because of Kali.
* SP knew that Kali would weaken the movement so he set
- asat sanga tyaga, harinam, as set by SP
- nama hatta, as said by SBVT
- SBSST, too nice sanga, but strict
* SP, first established league of devotees and then went to establish ISKCON on these principles.
* Solution to all quarrel is humility, selfless service. Keeping Krishna in the center, we should aspire for
* Gold means actually greed. The more and more we reduce it, the better and happier we will be.

Detachment and Surrender...

Verse 1.17.37 (Mohan Prji):

* In this verse, Kali personified is seeking shelter from Maharaj Parikshit.
* SP comments: A surrendered soul should be given all protection, even though he may be an enemy. That is the principle of religion.
* How can one be Krishna Conscious in Kali's environment
- From BG, these modes of nature are very hard to overcome, but just by surrendering unto Sri Krishna, we can cross over it
- the only two ways out are chanting of the holy name and association of devotees
* The enemy usually takes out the strongest post first. Similarly, Maya is trying to take out these two strong points for the devotees.
* Maya can use other devotees as an instrument or us also as an instrument. The only thing that will help is detachment - from anything we do. Because if we have attachment to services or activities, there is all chance of offenses.
* In this verse, we see that Kali personified is taking shelter of Maharaj Parikshit. Imagine much faith Kali has in him. Do we have similar faith in the holy name, Krishna!
* Surrender can be in the footsteps of the Vrajavasi's. They prayed for the protection of the cows, cause they are very dear to Krishna.
- Same our case, we should pray that, Krishna if it is your desire, then please give us nama ruchi, jiva daya and vaisnava seva, and that too if we can pray like that for other devotees, then He will be very happy.

Kali cannot coexist with a Vaisnava!

Verse 1.17.36 (Srinivas Pendyala Prji):

* ...
* Wherever there is a Vaisnava (pure devotees of the Lord), Kali cannot be present there.
* Eg: Maharaj Parikshit, Srila Prabhupada.
* A vaisnava is also very merciful, so is the merciful nature of the Supreme Lord.
- Eg: Lord Rama in terms of Ravana
* Another aspect to the whole story
- as long as we don't surrender to the will of the Lord, we are in the shelter of Ravana or Kali.
- So only by inviting the Supreme Lord in our heart through the process of chanting, then the Supreme Lord will win over all our Ravana like tendencies and make us pure.
* Kali cannot have its influence on a Vaisnava. As we see in this verse, Kali is so scared of the presence of a Maharaj Parikshit
- So best and easiest way to protect ourselves is by Vaisnava association.

Kali being excused...

Verse 1.17.35 (Ashish Prji):

* (Summarizing the chapter so far.)
* At this time Maharaj Parikshit could have finished Kali off.
* But being a compassionate ksatriya, he does not do, but asks Kali to not remain in any part of his kingdom.
* Bad association is very bad
- Eg: Mantara in Ramayana
- Eg: Shakuni in Mahabharat
- Eg: associations of drugs and ppl using them will only bring about the same addiction in us
* Implicating Kali would be a low side on the bull's side.
* Good will not come about when we are in the association of people with bad habits.
* It will come only in Krishna consciousness.
* We will see in the future shloka's as to the fate of Kali.

Yatra to Badrinath!

HG Yugal Kishore Prabhuji, sharing about the yatra::

* Vyas Guha and Ganesh Guha, this is where Vyasdeva wrote SB.
* Adjacent to this Vyasdeva Cave, there is a very nice Saraswati River, falling down from the top of the mountain.
* Next to the cave is a big rock, called Bheem Pool.
* Little distance between Ganeshji's cave and Vyasdeva's cave.
* In Kaliyuga, ppl's memory is less, age is reducing, so many faults.
* Here, Saraswati mixes with Alkananda and then goes underground, finally, at Prayag we can see her and then she goes to the ocean.
* As Kaliyuga progresses, all rivers will slowly go underground. Only one river will stay to purify the kaliyuga world. That is Srimad Bhagavat river, the Ganga of SB.
* Making it available for the anxiety ridden ppl of Kali yuga.
* The only medicine in Kali yuga is
- nama ruchi, chanting the holy name
- jiva daya
- vaisnava seva, service to devotees
* Mother Ganga comes about in the Himalayas and her goal is to reach the ocean. But there are so many rocks on the way, it is also not straight. But still she goes up, down, side, underneath, somehow manages to go forward.
- Similarly, even in our KC, problems will come. We have to face them, and somehow continue forward towards realizing the self. Krishna gives these problems so we can come out of the bad habits and influences we have.
- Let me progress no matter what.

To whom the demigods also pray!

Verse 1.17.34 (Shalini Mji):

* From childhood, almost all Indians, have worshipped so many demigods on the altar, not knowing what we are doing actually.
* Here, in SB, a clear explanation is being given:
- In all sacrificial ceremonies, although sometimes a demigod is worshiped, the Supreme Lord Personality of Godhead is worshiped because He is the Supersoul of everyone, and exists both inside and outside like the air. Thus it is He only who awards all welfare to the worshiper.
* So if we get the understanding that the demigods are themselves getting their power from Krishna only, then it becomes all clear to us as to who is ultimate beneficiary of all our sacrifices.
* In BG also Krishna says: bhoktaram yajna tapasam....
* Here He says that He only is the ultimate beneficiary and ultimate controller of everything!
* Another shloka SP mentions from BG:
- Whatever a man may sacrifice to other gods, O son of Kuntī, is really meant for Me alone, but it is offered without true understanding.
* Avidipurvakam, SP mentions this many times, without a true understanding we do so many things.
* In another shloka from BG, it is further confirmed: yanti deva vrtam devan....
- So if we worship demigods, finally we will go to them alone. Similarly worshipping ghosts will lead us there. But Krishna says those who worship Him, will go to Him, from where alone no one needs to come back.
* Even in Brahma samhita it is said that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Krishna is present in each and every atom one and same time. ==> Krishna is present everywhere, inside and outside as well.
* Another pastime to confirm all this: Krishna's Govardhan Lila, how Krishna taught Indra a nice lesson!
- Where finally Indra himself acknowledges how Krishna is the supreme controller of all controllers. His prayers to Lord Krishna are also so important in this regard.
* By the example of Indra, we can see that the demigods themselves are praying to Lord Krishna!

Sankirtana Yajna, easiest method!

Verse 1.17.33 (Mohan Prji):

* We are looking at the conversation between Maharaj Parikshit and Kali personified.
* "Therefore, O friend of irreligion, you do not deserve to remain in a place where experts perform sacrifices according to truth and religious principles for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
* SP is giving 3 points:
1) Sacrifice means to accept the supremacy of the Lord and thereby perform acts by which the Lord may be satisfied in all respects.
- first step is to understand that the SPG exists (sambanda gyana)
- second is to perform acts for pleasing the SPG
* If the supreme Lord is Supreme and He does not need anything, then why should we perform yajna's to please Him
- No, that is not the point
- He does not need anything, but we surrender to Him. In that process, we are the benefactors actually, not the SPG.
- Eg: Father and son
- Because if the son is obedient to the father, then it is just the son who gains all the time.
2) There are different countries in different parts of the world, and each and every country may have different types of sacrifice to please the Supreme Lord, but the central point in pleasing Him!
- Different religions are taught to different classes of men based on time, place and circumstance.
3) Then SP is talking about what is the yajna which is meant for this age of Kali. It is Sankirtana Yajna, brought forward by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Sukadeva Goswami finally tells MP: Even though everything is going to be bad in the age of Kali, but the process of yajna is going to the easy - Sankirtana Yajna! And it is so easy, no paraphernalia required etc.

Stressing the importance of the principles of religion!

Verse 1.17.32 (Kavitha Mji):

* 4 religious principles are the topic of today;'s verse. They are the basis of Dharma, or religion.
- Cleanliness
- Truthfulness
- Austerity
- Mercy
* They are made by the Supreme Personality of Godhead only. Not even the demigods can make it. So what to say of mere human beings creating principles of religion.
* SB 6.3.19 dharmamtu saksad bhagavat pranitam - Religious principles are those that have been spoken by the Lord Himself.
* So it is very important to adhere to these principles and not make up our own principles.
* The SPG gave 12 people the authority to speak and propagate these religious principles
- the 12 Mahajanas - Brahma, Narada, Prahalad Maharaj, Bheesma, Bali Maharaj, Mahatma Vidhura etc.
* And we want to stress here is that Religion is not faith. Religion is the eternal occupation of the living entity, not any particular faith like Hinduism or Islam or Christianity etc.
* A secular state may be impartial to any particular type of faith, but the state cannot be indifferent to the principles of religion as above-mentioned.
* Sa vai pumsam paro dharma...
- Supreme most religion is whatever that teaches us love of God!
* SP also is explaining here, that w/o religious principles, there will be greed, falsehood, cheating and pilfery, will naturally follow, and so there will be no meaning to propaganda crying to stop corruption in the state.