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.