Verse 1.9.48 (Uma Mji):
* A little about the austerities of Gandhari, how she followed her husband in all ways, how she blindfolded herself for her husband and how as an ascetic she withstood the wholesale killing of her 100 sons and then grandsons.
* What we need to understand here is, everyone has their own way of doing tapasya. But it should be done for the pleasure of the Lord. If we do it for our own sake, then there is no use.
* For us, tapasya means following the 4 regulative principles and following Srila Prabhupada's words. That will bring us out of the dualities and our focus will be Krishna and the Holy Name.
* We should regularly be chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, that is our tapasya.
Showing posts with label Canto1Chapter9. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canto1Chapter9. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Parmatma and atma...
Verse 1.9.47 (Puja Mji):
* The relation between the paramatma and the individual soul.
* For pure devotees, there is a special relation between the supersoul and the soul. In them, the supersoul is in direct communion with the individual soul and both try to please to listen to each other. Whereas for the conditioned souls, the individual soul wants to have its own freedom, hence does not listen to the supersoul and therefore gets entrapped more and more into material existence.
* Second part: All the sages were singing the confidential vedic hymns, trying to serve the Lord. Krishna says in BG, that from all vedas He only is to be known.
* From all vedic rituals, devotional service, He can be attained.
* So we can attain Him, through understanding the vedas. But it is too difficult. Fortunately for us, Sri CM came and gave us an easier way, simply by chanting the HK Mahamantra, one can attain to the loving devotional service of the Lord.
* Basically, Krishna loves His devotees very very much.
* The relation between the paramatma and the individual soul.
* For pure devotees, there is a special relation between the supersoul and the soul. In them, the supersoul is in direct communion with the individual soul and both try to please to listen to each other. Whereas for the conditioned souls, the individual soul wants to have its own freedom, hence does not listen to the supersoul and therefore gets entrapped more and more into material existence.
* Second part: All the sages were singing the confidential vedic hymns, trying to serve the Lord. Krishna says in BG, that from all vedas He only is to be known.
* From all vedic rituals, devotional service, He can be attained.
* So we can attain Him, through understanding the vedas. But it is too difficult. Fortunately for us, Sri CM came and gave us an easier way, simply by chanting the HK Mahamantra, one can attain to the loving devotional service of the Lord.
* Basically, Krishna loves His devotees very very much.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Judgement Day!
Verse 1.9.46 (YK Prji):
* The concluding moment is the grand final for Bhismadeva and it comes for everybody.
* The only thing we carry forward is devotional or pious credits.
* Here point is that even though he was a liberated soul, he was attached to his Pandava grandsons.
* Should we be attached to our sons, family etc. RNS: Be attached to everybody provided that attachment brings detachment to you from the material world. Eg: Kunti Maharani, who bought up her children by taking shelter of Krishna.
* You bring up your children, that they are Krishna's attachment, so bring them up nicely. Devotee is not hard-hearted.
* Likewise Bhismadeva was attracted to Maharaj Yudhistira, due to his genuine character and his standing on the side of dharma, on Krishna's side.
* We should also lead the life for the pleasure of Krishna.
* Difference between nondevotee and devotee, is making the right choices. Bad quality of Duryodhana, was he was envious to devotees, Pandavas. Material good qualities with devotional bad qualities is useless actually.
* Are we taking shelter of Krishna nicely, are we intensely praying to Guru and Krishna for removing our anarthas? We should check on this.
* The final judgement day, all this is counted, you want Krishna or maya. Maya means we have to come back, Krishna means we go back to Him. It's in our hands!
* The concluding moment is the grand final for Bhismadeva and it comes for everybody.
* The only thing we carry forward is devotional or pious credits.
* Here point is that even though he was a liberated soul, he was attached to his Pandava grandsons.
* Should we be attached to our sons, family etc. RNS: Be attached to everybody provided that attachment brings detachment to you from the material world. Eg: Kunti Maharani, who bought up her children by taking shelter of Krishna.
* You bring up your children, that they are Krishna's attachment, so bring them up nicely. Devotee is not hard-hearted.
* Likewise Bhismadeva was attracted to Maharaj Yudhistira, due to his genuine character and his standing on the side of dharma, on Krishna's side.
* We should also lead the life for the pleasure of Krishna.
* Difference between nondevotee and devotee, is making the right choices. Bad quality of Duryodhana, was he was envious to devotees, Pandavas. Material good qualities with devotional bad qualities is useless actually.
* Are we taking shelter of Krishna nicely, are we intensely praying to Guru and Krishna for removing our anarthas? We should check on this.
* The final judgement day, all this is counted, you want Krishna or maya. Maya means we have to come back, Krishna means we go back to Him. It's in our hands!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Remebering Krishna throughout....
Verse 1.9.45 (Sundari Mji):
* This speaks a lot about Bhismadeva.
* Why was Bhismadeva so qualified? He was a Mahajan and the disciple of so many exhalted Gurus.
* A person is not just a Mahajan due to all this, but because of the way he leads his whole life.
* Bhismadeva was chosen by the Lord to show that however exhalted one may be, when he is not on the dharma side, then he will be destroyed.
* In his previous life, he was one of the 8 vasus. Prabhas was one of them, who committed the mistake of stealing the kamadhenu cow from Sage Vasistha. Due to the curse of this sage, he was born on the earthly planet
* Whatever our occupation, our existence, our goal should be to only please Krishna.
* Krishna promises to protect the soul, always. The body may be destroyed, but the spirit soul is always protected.
* Here Bhismadeva is pierced with arrows, but still at that moment, he is trying to remember the pastimes of the Lord. So much for us to learn on how to live to please Krishna.
* For a devotee, if he is living of dying, he is always in KC, serving the Lord.
* Always be in the mood of thinking about Krishna. To think of Krishna while dying, it is a must that we practise that during the whole life. That is what SP's words and KC presents to us.
Eg: HH Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj's passing away
* Supreme wealth is love of God. Every single opportunity we have, we have to utilize in Krishna's service.
* This speaks a lot about Bhismadeva.
* Why was Bhismadeva so qualified? He was a Mahajan and the disciple of so many exhalted Gurus.
* A person is not just a Mahajan due to all this, but because of the way he leads his whole life.
* Bhismadeva was chosen by the Lord to show that however exhalted one may be, when he is not on the dharma side, then he will be destroyed.
* In his previous life, he was one of the 8 vasus. Prabhas was one of them, who committed the mistake of stealing the kamadhenu cow from Sage Vasistha. Due to the curse of this sage, he was born on the earthly planet
* Whatever our occupation, our existence, our goal should be to only please Krishna.
* Krishna promises to protect the soul, always. The body may be destroyed, but the spirit soul is always protected.
* Here Bhismadeva is pierced with arrows, but still at that moment, he is trying to remember the pastimes of the Lord. So much for us to learn on how to live to please Krishna.
* For a devotee, if he is living of dying, he is always in KC, serving the Lord.
* Always be in the mood of thinking about Krishna. To think of Krishna while dying, it is a must that we practise that during the whole life. That is what SP's words and KC presents to us.
Eg: HH Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj's passing away
* Supreme wealth is love of God. Every single opportunity we have, we have to utilize in Krishna's service.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Partha-sarthi...
Verse 1.9.44 (Mohan Prji):
* Continuing the episode of Bhishmadeva leaving this material body, in the presence of the SPG. He was meditating on the Lord in the form of Parthasarthi.
* Chance of misunderstanding this verse. We need to understand SB through a pure devotee. SP confirms here what it means to enter back home, back to Godhead.
* Our function is to serve the SPG, without any connection to the SPG, we do not have any value.
* Bhīsmadeva, as a pure devotee of the Lord, entered the spiritual realm in one of the Vaikuṇṭha planets where the Lord in His eternal form of Pārtha-sārathi predominates over the unconditioned living beings who are constantly engaged in the service of the Lord.
* Continuing the episode of Bhishmadeva leaving this material body, in the presence of the SPG. He was meditating on the Lord in the form of Parthasarthi.
* Chance of misunderstanding this verse. We need to understand SB through a pure devotee. SP confirms here what it means to enter back home, back to Godhead.
* Our function is to serve the SPG, without any connection to the SPG, we do not have any value.
* Bhīsmadeva, as a pure devotee of the Lord, entered the spiritual realm in one of the Vaikuṇṭha planets where the Lord in His eternal form of Pārtha-sārathi predominates over the unconditioned living beings who are constantly engaged in the service of the Lord.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Death comes anytime, be prepared for it...
Verse 1.9.43 ( --- Mji):
* Chapter 9 tells how Bhishmadeva wrote and passed the examination of life.
* The moment of death is very painful. Life is a preparation. We should prepare for death. And for that, the 9 processes of devotional service are very important.
* Then our mind will be fixed on Krishna and hopefully at the time of death, we can remember Him.
* Also, in Bhagavad-gita Krishna says, do everything as an offering to Him.
* Death is serious, because it will come without a sign, without a warning. It is very important that we prepare for death.
* Chapter 9 tells how Bhishmadeva wrote and passed the examination of life.
* The moment of death is very painful. Life is a preparation. We should prepare for death. And for that, the 9 processes of devotional service are very important.
* Then our mind will be fixed on Krishna and hopefully at the time of death, we can remember Him.
* Also, in Bhagavad-gita Krishna says, do everything as an offering to Him.
* Death is serious, because it will come without a sign, without a warning. It is very important that we prepare for death.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
We are spirit soul not this body...
Verse 1.9.36 (Kavitha Mji):
* The initial half of the verse on how in the dwapara yuga, when there was a war, the Kings were ahead of the soldiers in the war ready to fight. This is in stark contrast of today, where the President is at home while the poor soldiers are dying there in the war field.
* Here, it is also described, how Arjuna seeing all these commanders/relatives, he becomes bewildered and says that he will not be able to fight. On the surface, it appears that Arjuna was talking like a common man. Because he was the devotee of the Lord, he had compassion and therefore was not willing to kill his relatives, on the conception of the body.
* But here Arjuna was deliberately put into this state, so that Krishna can deliver the BG, which could be useful for conditioned souls like us.
* Message: We are the soul and not the body. The Soul can never be killed and all details are in 2nd chapter of BG. From a practical day-2-day basis, we need to remember this and not forget our relationship with Krishna. That is our main responsibility.
* Also, when we realize we are not this body, we need to reduce our bodily needs as much as is required.
* The initial half of the verse on how in the dwapara yuga, when there was a war, the Kings were ahead of the soldiers in the war ready to fight. This is in stark contrast of today, where the President is at home while the poor soldiers are dying there in the war field.
* Here, it is also described, how Arjuna seeing all these commanders/relatives, he becomes bewildered and says that he will not be able to fight. On the surface, it appears that Arjuna was talking like a common man. Because he was the devotee of the Lord, he had compassion and therefore was not willing to kill his relatives, on the conception of the body.
* But here Arjuna was deliberately put into this state, so that Krishna can deliver the BG, which could be useful for conditioned souls like us.
* Message: We are the soul and not the body. The Soul can never be killed and all details are in 2nd chapter of BG. From a practical day-2-day basis, we need to remember this and not forget our relationship with Krishna. That is our main responsibility.
* Also, when we realize we are not this body, we need to reduce our bodily needs as much as is required.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Mood, Krishna is bhava-grahi...
Verse 1.9.34 (Srinivas Pr)
* 16th to 42nd verse, very wonderful prayers told by Sri Bhismadeva. We can always meditate on these prayers to help us pray better to the Lord.
* Very wonderful demonstration of how we should leave the body in a KC way, this episode of Sri Bhismadeva's passing away.
* Here, SP explains how the Lord and His devotees exchange loving relationships, in the 5 different ways. Bhismadeva is in the mood of servitude. His throwing of arrows was accepted by the Lord as a service, because it was all in the mood of servitude. We can see that the
acts of the Lord and also the acts of the pure devotees of the Lord are transcendental.
* Krishna accepts the mood in which we do the actions, not just the actions itself. Eg: arjuna vs duryodhana during the war.
- similar is our sadhana of everyday. Am I doing my chanting for a show, for planning the day etc or for pleasing Guru and Krishna. Why am I chanting, for whose pleasure? We should ask this to ourself, so that our mood improves behind the chanting.
* The Lord's body is spiritual, transcendental. It cannot be affected by any material thing - even the arrows of Bhismadeva.
* The Lord was very very happy with the wounds caused by the arrows of Bhismadeva. The Lords mercifulness and the repentance of Bhismadeva are both unique out here.
* SP also writes: Transcendental bliss is of different varieties, and the variety of activities in the mundane world is but a perverted reflection of transcendental bliss. Because everything in the mundane world is qualitatively mundane, it is full of inebrieties, whereas in the absolute realm, because everything is of the same absolute nature, there are varieties of enjoyment without inebriety.
* Material and spiritual activities may externally appear to be the same, but the beauty of spiritual activities is the mood behind it. That is exactly the reason that it is not at all touched by the material elements. Whereas in material activities, we are bounded in this material world.
* Meditating on Krishna is the essence of this verse.
* 16th to 42nd verse, very wonderful prayers told by Sri Bhismadeva. We can always meditate on these prayers to help us pray better to the Lord.
* Very wonderful demonstration of how we should leave the body in a KC way, this episode of Sri Bhismadeva's passing away.
* Here, SP explains how the Lord and His devotees exchange loving relationships, in the 5 different ways. Bhismadeva is in the mood of servitude. His throwing of arrows was accepted by the Lord as a service, because it was all in the mood of servitude. We can see that the
acts of the Lord and also the acts of the pure devotees of the Lord are transcendental.
* Krishna accepts the mood in which we do the actions, not just the actions itself. Eg: arjuna vs duryodhana during the war.
- similar is our sadhana of everyday. Am I doing my chanting for a show, for planning the day etc or for pleasing Guru and Krishna. Why am I chanting, for whose pleasure? We should ask this to ourself, so that our mood improves behind the chanting.
* The Lord's body is spiritual, transcendental. It cannot be affected by any material thing - even the arrows of Bhismadeva.
* The Lord was very very happy with the wounds caused by the arrows of Bhismadeva. The Lords mercifulness and the repentance of Bhismadeva are both unique out here.
* SP also writes: Transcendental bliss is of different varieties, and the variety of activities in the mundane world is but a perverted reflection of transcendental bliss. Because everything in the mundane world is qualitatively mundane, it is full of inebrieties, whereas in the absolute realm, because everything is of the same absolute nature, there are varieties of enjoyment without inebriety.
* Material and spiritual activities may externally appear to be the same, but the beauty of spiritual activities is the mood behind it. That is exactly the reason that it is not at all touched by the material elements. Whereas in material activities, we are bounded in this material world.
* Meditating on Krishna is the essence of this verse.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thinking, feeling and willing for Krishna always!
Verse 1.9.32 (YK Pr):
* Here Bhismadeva is telling that throughout my life I was involved in so many material duties, but now I want to invest my thinking, feeling and willing completely in the all powerful Lord Sri Krishna.
* Human life is so very rare, if we lose it once we won't get it again for 8 million living entity lifetimes. Do we want to wait for that much time to again listen to this lecture. NO!
* We are fortunate that by the mercy of devotees, we are able to listen to this lecture. Eg: Srila Prabhupada planting the seed of bhakti in O.P. Nair's heart. He was chanting 16 rounds everyday at the end.
* Bhakti means serving Krishna.
* Other examples: Maharaj Katvanag, Maharaj Parikshit, all left their body focussing on the SPG, Sri Krishna.
* Utilize everything in Krishna's service, body mind and soul. Chanting nicely, with patience, enthusiasm, and tolerance, let us invite Krishna into our heart.
* Here Bhismadeva is telling that throughout my life I was involved in so many material duties, but now I want to invest my thinking, feeling and willing completely in the all powerful Lord Sri Krishna.
* Human life is so very rare, if we lose it once we won't get it again for 8 million living entity lifetimes. Do we want to wait for that much time to again listen to this lecture. NO!
* We are fortunate that by the mercy of devotees, we are able to listen to this lecture. Eg: Srila Prabhupada planting the seed of bhakti in O.P. Nair's heart. He was chanting 16 rounds everyday at the end.
* Bhakti means serving Krishna.
* Other examples: Maharaj Katvanag, Maharaj Parikshit, all left their body focussing on the SPG, Sri Krishna.
* Utilize everything in Krishna's service, body mind and soul. Chanting nicely, with patience, enthusiasm, and tolerance, let us invite Krishna into our heart.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tolerance and Determination in Chanting!
Verse 1.9.31 (Kasi Pr):
* Here Bhismadeva is concentrating on the SPG and is thus freed from all material consciousness.
* He is setting us an example of how to leave this material body. Krishna also says in BG: anta kale ca maam eva....
* So how can one remember Krishna at the end of life, that is by remembering all the time by chanting the Mahamantra.
* With DS, with Krishna, everyone else is also satisfied.
* We should be humble and tolerant while chanting the Mahamantra. Tolerance is very important, since there could be many impediments in this material world.
* Small story: King with a missing finger, good minister, whatever happens if for our good.
* So we should always take the shelter of Krishna, pray to Him sincerely and all contaminations will go away.
* Even representatives of Lord Krishna, we can their shelter too to get out of this material world.
* Story: the determined sparrow, which got help from Garuda. So for a determined person, some help will surely come some or the other way.
* Similarly if we are determined, then we will get the mercy of the Lord through Guru and Krishna or some other way for sure.
* Here Bhismadeva is concentrating on the SPG and is thus freed from all material consciousness.
* He is setting us an example of how to leave this material body. Krishna also says in BG: anta kale ca maam eva....
* So how can one remember Krishna at the end of life, that is by remembering all the time by chanting the Mahamantra.
* With DS, with Krishna, everyone else is also satisfied.
* We should be humble and tolerant while chanting the Mahamantra. Tolerance is very important, since there could be many impediments in this material world.
* Small story: King with a missing finger, good minister, whatever happens if for our good.
* So we should always take the shelter of Krishna, pray to Him sincerely and all contaminations will go away.
* Even representatives of Lord Krishna, we can their shelter too to get out of this material world.
* Story: the determined sparrow, which got help from Garuda. So for a determined person, some help will surely come some or the other way.
* Similarly if we are determined, then we will get the mercy of the Lord through Guru and Krishna or some other way for sure.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Remebering the Lord, every moment!
Verse 1.9.29 (Shalini Mji):
* Bhismadeva in the presence of the Lord, is getting ready to leave his body.
* More about Uttarayana and Dakshinayana, about the times when the mystic yogis who can leave their body on their wish. They use Uttarayana, as a perfect time.
* But thing to consider is, even if the time is chosen, but if the love for the Godhead is not there, then it is not useful. Unless and otherwise we develop the love and affection to the Supreme Lord, there is no point for all this yogic penances.
* Because even the Sun is performing its journey only on the order of the Supreme Lord Krishna.
* And Krishna Himself says in BG, that whoever remember Him at the time of death, then they will reach Krishna without any doubt. And once there, there is no possibility of coming back again.
* And how do we remember Krishna. This whole life should be a practise to do this. A, B, C and D of KC.
* In chanting the holy name, Srila Mahanidhi Swami writes:
- attraction, attention, absorption, attachment and affection, required for chanting. Thinking on these, definitely will help us.
* For Bhismadeva, the Supreme Lord Himself was there, but for us, we need to practise remembering the Lord.
* Bhismadeva in the presence of the Lord, is getting ready to leave his body.
* More about Uttarayana and Dakshinayana, about the times when the mystic yogis who can leave their body on their wish. They use Uttarayana, as a perfect time.
* But thing to consider is, even if the time is chosen, but if the love for the Godhead is not there, then it is not useful. Unless and otherwise we develop the love and affection to the Supreme Lord, there is no point for all this yogic penances.
* Because even the Sun is performing its journey only on the order of the Supreme Lord Krishna.
* And Krishna Himself says in BG, that whoever remember Him at the time of death, then they will reach Krishna without any doubt. And once there, there is no possibility of coming back again.
* And how do we remember Krishna. This whole life should be a practise to do this. A, B, C and D of KC.
* In chanting the holy name, Srila Mahanidhi Swami writes:
- attraction, attention, absorption, attachment and affection, required for chanting. Thinking on these, definitely will help us.
* For Bhismadeva, the Supreme Lord Himself was there, but for us, we need to practise remembering the Lord.
Monday, July 20, 2009
ABCD of Krishna Consciousness!
Verse 1.9.28 (Ashish Pr):
* Bhismadeva is explaining to his grandchildren about the different divisions of society, according to varnashrama dharma.
* But the Lord, Krishna does not fall under any of these categories.
* Dharma for grhastha is charity, brahmachari and sannyasi's have the dharma of austerity.
* How do we keep Krishna in the center? Train our dependents, support each, we get energy from Krishna, so just use it back in His service.
* Chant sincerely, associate with devotees, serve nicely, take prasadam diet only and read Srila Prabhupada's books, that is enough for us to progress.
Verse 1.9.27 (Puja Mji):
* Human energy is for self-realization. Our energy should be diverted to self-realization and not to be invested in acquiring and running behind material pleasures.
* As in SB 1.2.6, the Supreme occupation for us is devotional service, uninterrupted and unmotivated.
* Varna based on guna and karma and not on birth
* Our goal should be to conquer lust, anger, greed, pride and envy. That is possible only by chanting the Holy Name very very sincerely.
* This process of KC is simple but not easy. We need to work on this process and by Guru and Krishna's mercy, success will come.
* Bhismadeva is explaining to his grandchildren about the different divisions of society, according to varnashrama dharma.
* But the Lord, Krishna does not fall under any of these categories.
* Dharma for grhastha is charity, brahmachari and sannyasi's have the dharma of austerity.
* How do we keep Krishna in the center? Train our dependents, support each, we get energy from Krishna, so just use it back in His service.
* Chant sincerely, associate with devotees, serve nicely, take prasadam diet only and read Srila Prabhupada's books, that is enough for us to progress.
Verse 1.9.27 (Puja Mji):
* Human energy is for self-realization. Our energy should be diverted to self-realization and not to be invested in acquiring and running behind material pleasures.
* As in SB 1.2.6, the Supreme occupation for us is devotional service, uninterrupted and unmotivated.
* Varna based on guna and karma and not on birth
* Our goal should be to conquer lust, anger, greed, pride and envy. That is possible only by chanting the Holy Name very very sincerely.
* This process of KC is simple but not easy. We need to work on this process and by Guru and Krishna's mercy, success will come.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Duties of Grhastha, Brahmachari and Sannyasi...
Verse 1.9.27 (YK Pr):
* Here, Bhismadeva is instructing Maharaj Yudhistira, as to what the dharma of the different aashrams are.
* Grhasthas should give charity and keep Krishna in the center, while brahmacharis and sannyasis's must perform austerity.
* In grhastha life, unless Krishna is in the center of the life, it is a deep dark well. Unless one can deliver his dependents, one should not become a father, mother, husband or wife, or a Guru. So at least we should train our dependents in the path of KC.
* We all get our energy from Krishna, and our life is like a water drop on a lotus leaf. Life is very short, but if we utilize in Krishna's service, then we will be happy, otherwise we will become just sense enjoyers and fall down into this deep dark well.
* Sadhana bhakti, whether u like it or not, perform the devotional acts and services, just for our own purity and Krishna's pleasure.
* "No pain, no gain". Time is running out, the condition which we will are in this world in this body, will make another body for the next life.
* Body is vulnerable to so many things, but we are not the temporary clay bodies, where we are worried about all these things like sharp objects etc. Truth is that we are not this body. We need to chant nicely, follow the instruction of Guru nicely.
* When we surrender to authority, then life becomes peaceful because someone else is taking care of our life.
* Sadhana and all, it should make our heart soft. If it makes us proud, then definitely something we are doing is wrong.
* But the world is going down, so it becomes important for us to preach. If you are saved, then help save others. SP's mercy needs to be given to all.
* Our life is very short, we have to utilize it in the right way.
* Here, Bhismadeva is instructing Maharaj Yudhistira, as to what the dharma of the different aashrams are.
* Grhasthas should give charity and keep Krishna in the center, while brahmacharis and sannyasis's must perform austerity.
* In grhastha life, unless Krishna is in the center of the life, it is a deep dark well. Unless one can deliver his dependents, one should not become a father, mother, husband or wife, or a Guru. So at least we should train our dependents in the path of KC.
* We all get our energy from Krishna, and our life is like a water drop on a lotus leaf. Life is very short, but if we utilize in Krishna's service, then we will be happy, otherwise we will become just sense enjoyers and fall down into this deep dark well.
* Sadhana bhakti, whether u like it or not, perform the devotional acts and services, just for our own purity and Krishna's pleasure.
* "No pain, no gain". Time is running out, the condition which we will are in this world in this body, will make another body for the next life.
* Body is vulnerable to so many things, but we are not the temporary clay bodies, where we are worried about all these things like sharp objects etc. Truth is that we are not this body. We need to chant nicely, follow the instruction of Guru nicely.
* When we surrender to authority, then life becomes peaceful because someone else is taking care of our life.
* Sadhana and all, it should make our heart soft. If it makes us proud, then definitely something we are doing is wrong.
* But the world is going down, so it becomes important for us to preach. If you are saved, then help save others. SP's mercy needs to be given to all.
* Our life is very short, we have to utilize it in the right way.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Varna and Ashrama....
Verse 1.9.26 (Hareesha Mji and Sundari Mji):
...
...
...
* Self-realization is distinguished from the life of the lower animals engaged in eating, sleeping, fearing and mating. Bhīṣmadeva advised for all human beings nine qualifications: (1) not to become angry, (2) not to lie, (3) to equally distribute wealth, (4) to forgive, (5) to beget children only by one's legitimate wife, (6) to be pure in mind and hygienic in body, (7) not to be inimical toward anyone, (8) to be simple, and (9) to support servants or subordinates. One cannot be called a civilized person without acquiring the above-mentioned preliminary qualities.
* Here Bhishmadeva is giving explanation of the varanashrama system and its 4 divisions.
* It is actually based on guna and karma and not on the birth. Today it is deteriorated, because of its misuse.
* Even if a person is born in the family of a chandala, but if he is a great devotee of the Lord, then he is fit to become the SM.
* One's life is perfect only if one performs his duty in such a way so as to please Lord Krishna. Otherwise, then his life is a waste. what really matters is that at the time of death, all wealth etc does not matter, only how much we love God and what is our propensity to love God, that only matters.
* Krishna says...antakale ca maam eva smaram muktva kalevaram.
* Human life is just meant for one purpose, to raise ourself towards the love of Godhead, through following the process of chanting, hearing etc.
* Pastime from SB: Svayam bhuva Manu
- if one is a devotee of the Lord, it doesn't matter where we are, the only thing is we have do everything as a service to the Lord, we may be in any aashram, but we need to do everything as a service to the Lord, then it is the same as being a renunciate.
- real renunciation is accepting whatever is favorable to KC and rejecting things that are unfavorable.
...
...
...
* Self-realization is distinguished from the life of the lower animals engaged in eating, sleeping, fearing and mating. Bhīṣmadeva advised for all human beings nine qualifications: (1) not to become angry, (2) not to lie, (3) to equally distribute wealth, (4) to forgive, (5) to beget children only by one's legitimate wife, (6) to be pure in mind and hygienic in body, (7) not to be inimical toward anyone, (8) to be simple, and (9) to support servants or subordinates. One cannot be called a civilized person without acquiring the above-mentioned preliminary qualities.
* Here Bhishmadeva is giving explanation of the varanashrama system and its 4 divisions.
* It is actually based on guna and karma and not on the birth. Today it is deteriorated, because of its misuse.
* Even if a person is born in the family of a chandala, but if he is a great devotee of the Lord, then he is fit to become the SM.
* One's life is perfect only if one performs his duty in such a way so as to please Lord Krishna. Otherwise, then his life is a waste. what really matters is that at the time of death, all wealth etc does not matter, only how much we love God and what is our propensity to love God, that only matters.
* Krishna says...antakale ca maam eva smaram muktva kalevaram.
* Human life is just meant for one purpose, to raise ourself towards the love of Godhead, through following the process of chanting, hearing etc.
* Pastime from SB: Svayam bhuva Manu
- if one is a devotee of the Lord, it doesn't matter where we are, the only thing is we have do everything as a service to the Lord, we may be in any aashram, but we need to do everything as a service to the Lord, then it is the same as being a renunciate.
- real renunciation is accepting whatever is favorable to KC and rejecting things that are unfavorable.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Real samadhi...
Verse 1.9.25 (Mohan Pr):
* Prabhuji describing the scene of this verse.
* In this verse, Maharaj Yudhistira is asking Bhismadeva about the principles of religion.
* Srila Prabhupada makes 3 points here
- Krishna inspired Maharaj Yudhistira to ask this question here in this verse.
- Pure devotees are not in the bodily platform at any time. "His pure devotees are always sound in body and mind by dint of spiritual enlightenment"
- Krishna likes to see his devotees to be more glorious than him
* Elaborating on the second point
- that is samadhi, from within always enlightened
- mystic power is different from the real samadhi Eg: many so called yogi's in samadhi, that is just a mystic power
- In BG, Krishna clearly describes samadhi - x.55
- One in full samadhi has realized all 3, the brahman, paramatma and bhagavan. And one realizes that one's highest realization is to always establish oneself in service to the Supreme.
- We are very fortunate that we have been introduced to KC, where the perfect understanding of the soul, the supersoul and their relation is present. And this understanding is very rare
eg: how rare it is for a tortoise to find a log with a hole of its right head size, so that it puts itself in there and floats to land from the ocean, that much is the rarity of achieving this KC.
- Also rare is that we came in here when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself is giving Krishna prema, happens very rarely
* How to achieve the state of samadhi
- First step is to control the senses
- first 4 verses of the NOI, practically implement in our life
* Prabhuji describing the scene of this verse.
* In this verse, Maharaj Yudhistira is asking Bhismadeva about the principles of religion.
* Srila Prabhupada makes 3 points here
- Krishna inspired Maharaj Yudhistira to ask this question here in this verse.
- Pure devotees are not in the bodily platform at any time. "His pure devotees are always sound in body and mind by dint of spiritual enlightenment"
- Krishna likes to see his devotees to be more glorious than him
* Elaborating on the second point
- that is samadhi, from within always enlightened
- mystic power is different from the real samadhi Eg: many so called yogi's in samadhi, that is just a mystic power
- In BG, Krishna clearly describes samadhi - x.55
- One in full samadhi has realized all 3, the brahman, paramatma and bhagavan. And one realizes that one's highest realization is to always establish oneself in service to the Supreme.
- We are very fortunate that we have been introduced to KC, where the perfect understanding of the soul, the supersoul and their relation is present. And this understanding is very rare
eg: how rare it is for a tortoise to find a log with a hole of its right head size, so that it puts itself in there and floats to land from the ocean, that much is the rarity of achieving this KC.
- Also rare is that we came in here when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself is giving Krishna prema, happens very rarely
* How to achieve the state of samadhi
- First step is to control the senses
- first 4 verses of the NOI, practically implement in our life
Monday, July 13, 2009
Daily activities of a Devotee!
Verse 1.9.24 (Sacisuta Pr):
* Here Bhismadeva though is certain to go back to Vaikunta, still in his humility is asking the Lord to be present before him when he passes away.
* Imp points SP is giving us here:
- Humble, being a devotee. CM gave us: trnad api...
- practise remembering the Lord, Krishna, at all times. It should be the highest ambition of a devotee. BG: antakale ca maameya....
* Rememberance of Krishna will not come without being pure. So how to purify ourselves
- Chanting the Mahamantra sincerely all the time.
* So how can one die in a proper state of mind
- one's thoughts during the course of life accumulate to create one's thought during the moment of death
- so if we always be in the mode of goodness, absorbed in Krishna's service, chanting His holy name, then it is possible to remember the Lord at the end
- Krishna says always think of Him and carry out the activities with our mind and intelligence fixed on Him. This will free one from material contamination.
- Eg: catepillar transforms into butterfly in its same life. Same for us.
* Only one way of deliverance - harer nama harer namiva.....
* How can we do our things so that we can always remember Krishna
- Morning getting up, thank you to guru and Krishna
- mangala arati, 16 rounds, tulasi arati
- when travelling, always listen to SP and other lectures
- at work, use headphones and listen to lectures
- Have Krishna's picture at our desk so we can remember him
- To practise again and again thanking Guru and Krishna, whenever we get success or failures during the day
- Keep taking prasadam
- End of day, thank guru, gauranga and Krishna
- Associate with devotees, with bhakti-vriksa, conference calls, with senior devotees
- develop a good reading habit
- play kirtan and lecture always at home, brings auspiciousness
- get involved in service and chanting, which strengthens our relationships with other devotees
- In all things that come, say "Krishna Krishna" at good or bad moments
* Difference between mechanical chanting and sincere chanting, is putting the heart in it. Very important!
* Here Bhismadeva though is certain to go back to Vaikunta, still in his humility is asking the Lord to be present before him when he passes away.
* Imp points SP is giving us here:
- Humble, being a devotee. CM gave us: trnad api...
- practise remembering the Lord, Krishna, at all times. It should be the highest ambition of a devotee. BG: antakale ca maameya....
* Rememberance of Krishna will not come without being pure. So how to purify ourselves
- Chanting the Mahamantra sincerely all the time.
* So how can one die in a proper state of mind
- one's thoughts during the course of life accumulate to create one's thought during the moment of death
- so if we always be in the mode of goodness, absorbed in Krishna's service, chanting His holy name, then it is possible to remember the Lord at the end
- Krishna says always think of Him and carry out the activities with our mind and intelligence fixed on Him. This will free one from material contamination.
- Eg: catepillar transforms into butterfly in its same life. Same for us.
* Only one way of deliverance - harer nama harer namiva.....
* How can we do our things so that we can always remember Krishna
- Morning getting up, thank you to guru and Krishna
- mangala arati, 16 rounds, tulasi arati
- when travelling, always listen to SP and other lectures
- at work, use headphones and listen to lectures
- Have Krishna's picture at our desk so we can remember him
- To practise again and again thanking Guru and Krishna, whenever we get success or failures during the day
- Keep taking prasadam
- End of day, thank guru, gauranga and Krishna
- Associate with devotees, with bhakti-vriksa, conference calls, with senior devotees
- develop a good reading habit
- play kirtan and lecture always at home, brings auspiciousness
- get involved in service and chanting, which strengthens our relationships with other devotees
- In all things that come, say "Krishna Krishna" at good or bad moments
* Difference between mechanical chanting and sincere chanting, is putting the heart in it. Very important!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bhakti yoga, chanting: the only rescue!
Verse 1.9.23 (Uma Mataji):
* This verse mains talks about Bhakti yoga and tells how we can remember the Lord when we are leaving this body.
* Death is an inevitable truth that all of us have to face.
* We need to perform akarma, so the person is not bounded by any activity. How we can perform this, is bhakti yoga.
* Yoga is to relink the individual consciousness with the Supreme consciousness. If this connection is forgotten, then we lose our identity.
* General Bhismadeva is referring to Bhakti yoga and that is why at the time of his death, the Lord is directly present before Him.
* We need to understand who God is, what is our relationship with Him, then pure love of God can be realized. And do so, the 9 processes of devotional service must be followed. Eg: Ambarish Maharaj perfected his life with all these processes.
* Krishna is the only friend who can help us at the time of death.
* Always we need to think of the Lord within our heart and that is the best yogi.
* In this age, the only recommended method is chanting the Holy name. Pure DS attracts even the Lord.
* We should have determination and faith to progress in DS. And this full faith is surrender unto the Supreme Lord and for this chanting should be the center of our life.
* Mind is a mad monkey, very difficult to control it. We should genuinely strive to chant the Holy name. Minute to minute, it is our choices which decide whether we stay in KC or not. If chanting is not well, hypocrisy also comes in. Time is running out for everybody, we should understand the need to chant well.
* You get lot of mercy by preaching this message. Preach to ur relatives too.
Verse 1.9.22 (Siva Pr):
* We all know that this body is a property of the SPG, who is the creator, maintainer and destroyer of everything. And how do we serve Him?
* The 9 processes of devotional service.
* In this translation, SP clearly says that we need to take shelter of a Guru and learn from him. So who is a Guru?
* Om ajnana..., one who brings us out of ignorance through the light of knowledge. So who saves us from all kinds of sufferings. And there are 3 kinds of sufferings: adyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika klesha.
* So we need to surrender to the Guru, serve him and through his mercy get out of this cycle of birth and death. "Tasmad Guru..."
* By the mercy of Guru, we will get the shelter and mercy of Lord Krishna. "Yasya prasadad bhagavad prasado..."
* And who will desire a Guru, one must be very serious of this subject matter, searching for God.
* Serving Krishna, following the directions of guru, then how will Krishna reciprocate. Just as we see here, Lord Krishna might become visible to us before we leave, or we might get back to Goloka Vrindavan, or we might meet our siksa gurus there. So it all wonderful.
Verse 1.9.21 (Yugal Kishore Pr):
...
* This verse mains talks about Bhakti yoga and tells how we can remember the Lord when we are leaving this body.
* Death is an inevitable truth that all of us have to face.
* We need to perform akarma, so the person is not bounded by any activity. How we can perform this, is bhakti yoga.
* Yoga is to relink the individual consciousness with the Supreme consciousness. If this connection is forgotten, then we lose our identity.
* General Bhismadeva is referring to Bhakti yoga and that is why at the time of his death, the Lord is directly present before Him.
* We need to understand who God is, what is our relationship with Him, then pure love of God can be realized. And do so, the 9 processes of devotional service must be followed. Eg: Ambarish Maharaj perfected his life with all these processes.
* Krishna is the only friend who can help us at the time of death.
* Always we need to think of the Lord within our heart and that is the best yogi.
* In this age, the only recommended method is chanting the Holy name. Pure DS attracts even the Lord.
* We should have determination and faith to progress in DS. And this full faith is surrender unto the Supreme Lord and for this chanting should be the center of our life.
* Mind is a mad monkey, very difficult to control it. We should genuinely strive to chant the Holy name. Minute to minute, it is our choices which decide whether we stay in KC or not. If chanting is not well, hypocrisy also comes in. Time is running out for everybody, we should understand the need to chant well.
* You get lot of mercy by preaching this message. Preach to ur relatives too.
Verse 1.9.22 (Siva Pr):
* We all know that this body is a property of the SPG, who is the creator, maintainer and destroyer of everything. And how do we serve Him?
* The 9 processes of devotional service.
* In this translation, SP clearly says that we need to take shelter of a Guru and learn from him. So who is a Guru?
* Om ajnana..., one who brings us out of ignorance through the light of knowledge. So who saves us from all kinds of sufferings. And there are 3 kinds of sufferings: adyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika klesha.
* So we need to surrender to the Guru, serve him and through his mercy get out of this cycle of birth and death. "Tasmad Guru..."
* By the mercy of Guru, we will get the shelter and mercy of Lord Krishna. "Yasya prasadad bhagavad prasado..."
* And who will desire a Guru, one must be very serious of this subject matter, searching for God.
* Serving Krishna, following the directions of guru, then how will Krishna reciprocate. Just as we see here, Lord Krishna might become visible to us before we leave, or we might get back to Goloka Vrindavan, or we might meet our siksa gurus there. So it all wonderful.
Verse 1.9.21 (Yugal Kishore Pr):
...
Verse 1.9.20 (--- Mji):
* We need to remember that Krishna is our Supreme Lord, and that our duty is to completely serve Him all the time. As a grhasta too, we need to serve family and devotees ...
* From NOI, pure devotional service ...
* As a blazing fire can burn any amount of fuel into ashes, similarly pure DS unto the Supreme Lord will burn down all impurities down to ashes.
* Krishna remained with the Pandavas due to their love, friendship and their service attitude towards the Lord.
* In this verse, Bhishmadeva is trying to get Yudhistira Maharaj out of the illusion that although Krishna might appear like a cousin to him, but He is actually the SPG.
Verse 1.9.19 (Shrawan):
* Essential point: Tribulations will be there, the Lord gives them as His mercy. As a devotee, our devotion must only increase with the trials and tribulations the Lord presents to us, since we know that He gives everything for our ultimate good only.
Eg: Srila Prabhupada's life and pastimes, Pandavas life, Prahalad Maharaj
* We need to remember that Krishna is our Supreme Lord, and that our duty is to completely serve Him all the time. As a grhasta too, we need to serve family and devotees ...
* From NOI, pure devotional service ...
* As a blazing fire can burn any amount of fuel into ashes, similarly pure DS unto the Supreme Lord will burn down all impurities down to ashes.
* Krishna remained with the Pandavas due to their love, friendship and their service attitude towards the Lord.
* In this verse, Bhishmadeva is trying to get Yudhistira Maharaj out of the illusion that although Krishna might appear like a cousin to him, but He is actually the SPG.
Verse 1.9.19 (Shrawan):
* Essential point: Tribulations will be there, the Lord gives them as His mercy. As a devotee, our devotion must only increase with the trials and tribulations the Lord presents to us, since we know that He gives everything for our ultimate good only.
Eg: Srila Prabhupada's life and pastimes, Pandavas life, Prahalad Maharaj
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Confirming Lord Krishna as the SPG!!!
Verse 1.9.18 (--- Mji):
* From this purport, we should have no doubt that Lord Krishna is the SPG.
* There are many pastimes that confirm this. Eg: Brahama vimohana lila, where Brahma accepts the Lord as one from whom all the other Narayana's expand.
* Lord Krsna is born by His own sweet will, not under the force any other thing.
* Also when CM was present in this earthly planet, many ppl did not believe that he was the SPG Himself.
* We should also never think that as devotees we are better than the non-devotees. Also, while doing our rounds and even after that, we should never be complacement. We should always keep all our senses engaged in Krishna's service. Always be in association of devotees, eat prasadam and always try to follow the example of the devotees of the Lord: Bhismadeva.
* Also, we should remember that death will come for sure. Time and tide don't stop for anybody. So if we should surrender to the Lord so that at the end, we might remember Him and thus go back to Godhead.
* When attacked by Maya, initial symptoms: we will not have faith in process and chanting, we will find vaisnavas as ordinary, we will find taste in material things and bad habits come back to us.
* From this purport, we should have no doubt that Lord Krishna is the SPG.
* There are many pastimes that confirm this. Eg: Brahama vimohana lila, where Brahma accepts the Lord as one from whom all the other Narayana's expand.
* Lord Krsna is born by His own sweet will, not under the force any other thing.
* Also when CM was present in this earthly planet, many ppl did not believe that he was the SPG Himself.
* We should also never think that as devotees we are better than the non-devotees. Also, while doing our rounds and even after that, we should never be complacement. We should always keep all our senses engaged in Krishna's service. Always be in association of devotees, eat prasadam and always try to follow the example of the devotees of the Lord: Bhismadeva.
* Also, we should remember that death will come for sure. Time and tide don't stop for anybody. So if we should surrender to the Lord so that at the end, we might remember Him and thus go back to Godhead.
* When attacked by Maya, initial symptoms: we will not have faith in process and chanting, we will find vaisnavas as ordinary, we will find taste in material things and bad habits come back to us.
Verse 1.9.17 (Krishna Patro Pr):
* Here Bhismadeva is coming to a conclusion to explain to Yudhistira Maharaj that everything is working under the Supreme will of the Lord. As a living entity, it is inconceivable, we might not understand the plan of the Lord.
* And how much the Lord loves the devotees, is also not easily understood by us.
* The jiva's responsibility is to surrender to the plan of the Supreme Lord.
* Here, the subjects were all waiting for the Pandavas to rule and hence protect them. So Bhismadeva is addressing Yudhistira Maharaj to accept the will of the Lord and administir the helpless subjects.
* Good or bad, we should accept without being disturbed, the situations presented to us by the Lord.
* Why the Lord does such arrangements, it is also explained here. Just to teach us, the conditioned souls, about dharma. The popular saying is that a housewife teaches the daughter-in-law by teaching the daughter. Similarly, the Lord teaches the world by teaching the devotee. The devotee does not have to learn anything new from the Lord because the Lord teaches the sincere devotee always from within. Whenever, therefore, a show is made to teach the devotee, as in the case of the teachings of Bhagavad-gita, it is for teaching the less intelligent men.
* So Krishna might act like an ordinary man, but that is to just set an example for us. He really does not have to do anything, but He does just for the pleasure of devotees and to teach the conditioned souls.
* By surrendering body, mind, all possessions that we have, as a household dog we should surrender at the lotus feet of the Lord, this is what is told to us by the acharya's, who have themselves exemplified this.
* Here Bhismadeva is coming to a conclusion to explain to Yudhistira Maharaj that everything is working under the Supreme will of the Lord. As a living entity, it is inconceivable, we might not understand the plan of the Lord.
* And how much the Lord loves the devotees, is also not easily understood by us.
* The jiva's responsibility is to surrender to the plan of the Supreme Lord.
* Here, the subjects were all waiting for the Pandavas to rule and hence protect them. So Bhismadeva is addressing Yudhistira Maharaj to accept the will of the Lord and administir the helpless subjects.
* Good or bad, we should accept without being disturbed, the situations presented to us by the Lord.
* Why the Lord does such arrangements, it is also explained here. Just to teach us, the conditioned souls, about dharma. The popular saying is that a housewife teaches the daughter-in-law by teaching the daughter. Similarly, the Lord teaches the world by teaching the devotee. The devotee does not have to learn anything new from the Lord because the Lord teaches the sincere devotee always from within. Whenever, therefore, a show is made to teach the devotee, as in the case of the teachings of Bhagavad-gita, it is for teaching the less intelligent men.
* So Krishna might act like an ordinary man, but that is to just set an example for us. He really does not have to do anything, but He does just for the pleasure of devotees and to teach the conditioned souls.
* By surrendering body, mind, all possessions that we have, as a household dog we should surrender at the lotus feet of the Lord, this is what is told to us by the acharya's, who have themselves exemplified this.
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