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.
Showing posts with label Canto1Chapter18. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canto1Chapter18. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, August 6, 2010
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.
* 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.
Monday, August 2, 2010
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.
* 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.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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.
* 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.
Friday, July 30, 2010
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.
* 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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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!
* 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!
Monday, July 26, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, July 23, 2010
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.
* 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.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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.
* 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.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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.
* 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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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!
* 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!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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.
* 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.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
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....
* 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....
Friday, July 16, 2010
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!
* 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!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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"!
* 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"!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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.
* 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.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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!
* 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!
Monday, July 12, 2010
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.
* 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.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
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.
* "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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
