25 May 2024
How Krsna reciprocates with his devotees 
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. Instantaneously I am instructed to deliver today’s Japa Talk. I was not prepared. How is the climate?Everyone is talking about the rise in the temperature. I was thinking about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastime. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu never took a leave from performing his pastimes.

tṛṇād api su-nīcena 
taror iva sahiṣṇunā
amāninā māna-dena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (CC Adi 17.31)

Translation: One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was returning from his quarters. It was very hot and he was very thirsty. While passing by the market he saw a dairy shop. He stood by the shop, the shopkeeper understood that he wanted something to drink. So he offered a glass of buttermilk. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s focus was on the big pot of butter milk.

The shopkeeper understood that he wanted that pot, so he permitted him to go ahead. Then Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took that pot and drank the complete pot of butter milk. And once finished he started to move ahead. The shopkeeper stopped him and asked for the payment.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu replied, I don’t have any money, I can’t make any payment. My followers are coming and there are some Grashtha’s also amongst them. You can ask them for the payment. The shopkeeper followed, as soon as followers passed by, he asked them for the payment.

But they also replied, we have nothing with us. We have been out for sankirtan for many days now. The shopkeeper then replied, tell your leader that I sponsored this pot of butter milk for him. Then he began to wonder, what would I tell my wife that how much did I earn today? Still he went on to close the shop and return back.

As soon as he went ahead to lift the empty pot of butter milk, he realized it was full of gems, gold coins, jewellery etc. Immediately he could realize this miracle was the mercy of that leader. So he immediately went to see Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and offered his obeisances unto his Lotus feet. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lifted him and embraced him.

Earlier he had filled his empty pot with wealth. And now he filled his heart with Krsna prema. There is a song which says, when will that day be mine, when I’ll get a taste for Harinaam. Also he expressed this in Shikshastakam.

nayanam galad-ashru-dharaya 
vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira
pulakair nichitam vapuh kada
tava nama-grahane bhavishyati (Shikshastakam 6)

Translation: O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?

ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam 
adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va 
yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato 
mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha  (Shikshastakam 8)

Translation: I know no one but Krishna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.

Either you accept me or reject. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself. So he gave his own prema to the shopkeeper. That shopkeeper was experiencing all the eight bodily transformations. Sometimes he would stand and dance and sometimes he would fall down. Now he wanted to go ahead with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. But Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had this policy.

On his way South India, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would embrace people, bless them with Krsna Prema and then they would want to travel with him.

kabe ha’be bolo se-dina āmār 
(āmār) aparādha ghuci’, śuddha nāme ruci, 
kṛpā-bale ha’be hṛdoye sañcār (Kabe Ha’be Bolo 1)

Translation: When, O when, will that day be mine? When will you give me your blessings, erase all my offences and give my heart a taste [ruci] for chanting the Holy Name in purity?

There were other followers heading towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They had noticed this shopkeeper running towards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and now he was returning back. They could feel the difference in his consciousness and they rejoiced.

Hari Haribol Haribol! They are associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu so they had an idea of what has happened and who Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is.

ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ 
kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam
indrāri-vyākulaṁ lokaṁ
mṛḍayanti yuge yuge (SB 1.3.28)

Translation: All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the theists.

Raya Ramananda had his darshans also as Supreme personality of Godhead. Thus the shopkeeper returned back to his shop. He was rich now both with material as well as spiritual wealth. Also he had a similar pastime at Nandagram. When that lady fruit seller had kept her basket full of fruits in front of Nanda Bhavan.

Krsna had given just handful of grains to her. But in exchange the fruit seller gave Krsna the entire fruit basket gradually. Though she should have just given a single banana ideally. And when she was going back, she could see that the entire basket was full of gold coins and gems etc.

Similarly though Sudama Brahmin was not personally willing to do this. But his wife pushed him to go to Krsna saying you may be poor but your friend is Dwarkadhish. She asked him to go to Dwarka and ask him to help.

Sudama took some chipped rice for Krsna. He was reluctant to offer that to Krsna, but Krsna knew he should have definitely brought something for him. Krsna snatched that cloth bag with chipped rice from him forcefully and he honored it.

Similarly Shabri offered Jujube fruit to Lord Rama. So such pastimes continue to repeat. Rukmini devi stopped Krsna from finishing all the chipped rice, she said these rice are very expensive, you will find it very difficult to pay back.

Recently I was in Ujjain, there we discussed these pastimes of Sudama and Krsna. They spent the entire night discussing their different childhood memories.

mach-chittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam 
kathayantaśh cha māṁ nityaṁ tuṣhyanti cha ramanti cha (BG 10.9)

Translation: With their minds fixed on Me and their lives surrendered to Me, My devotees remain ever content in Me. They derive great satisfaction and bliss in enlightening one another about Me and in conversing about My glories.

In the morning Sudama returned back. While returning back, Sudama immediately remembered, my wife had asked me to ask for Alms. Then he thought, it’s good that I didn’t ask anything from Krsna and neither did he give me anything in return.

I might have misused my accumulated wealth in unnecessary expenses and wasted my time. Sometimes, Krsna gives the fruits immediately, and sometimes he gives in subtle manner. To the Shopkeeper he gave immediately but to Sudama, he made a home delivery.

He gave him an extension of Dwarkapuri. Krsna can give and he can take away everything too. He is our father.

sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya 
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā (BG 14.4)

Translation: It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.

There is a verse in Shrimad Bhagavatam.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca 
yasyāham anugṛhṇāmi
hariṣye tad-dhanaṁ śanaiḥ
tato ’dhanaṁ tyajanty asya
svajanā duḥkha-duḥkhitam (SB 10.88.8)

Translation: The Personality of Godhead said: If I especially favor someone, I gradually deprive him of his wealth. Then the relatives and friends of such a poverty-stricken man abandon him. In this way he suffers one distress after another.

Krsna was not giving anything, instead he takes everything away. When Shrila Prabhupada was in Jhansi, Srila Prabhupada’s first disciples Prabhat Mishra received a telegram. Even when Srila Prabhupada was running his pharmacy in Prayagraj, he lost everything.

Prabhakar Mishra thought Srila Prabhupada will be sad to hear this. But Srila Prabhupada was smiling instead. He said, Krsna is being merciful towards me.

Similarly even Radharani is saying in this verse of Sri Shikshstakam (ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparaha (Shikshastakam 8)).

Accept me or reject. Real wealth is Krsna Prema. Real success of life is to accumulate and make fixed deposits of this wealth. A devotee of the Lord remains satisfied with Krsna’s wealth. They remain aloof from the material wealth of this world.

prema-dhana vinā vyartha daridra jīvana 
‘dāsa’ kari’ vetana more deha prema-dhana (CC Antya 20.37)

Translation: Without love of Godhead, My life is useless. Therefore I pray that You accept Me as Your servant and give Me the salary of ecstatic love of God.

yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo 
dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca
kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate (BG 4.22)

Translation: He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.

sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā 
lābhālābhau jayājayau 
tato yuddhāya yujyasva 
naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi (BG 2.38)

Translation: Do thou fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat – and by so doing you shall never incur sin.

He remains satisfied with the Lord’s name, form, pastimes and qualities. He has no other reason for satisfaction except the Lord. We also need to get over the effects of heat and cold. This material world is full of suffering and it’s temporary.

bhajahū re mana śrī-nanda-nandana 
abhaya-caraṇāravinda re
durlabha mānava-janama sat-sańge
taroho e bhava-sindhu re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 1)

Translation: O mind just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless. Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of worldly existence through the association of saintly persons.

śīta ātapa bāta bariṣaṇa
e dina jāminī jāgi re
biphale sevinu kṛpaṇa durajana
capala sukha-laba lāgi’ re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 2)

Translation: Both in the day and at night I remain sleepless, suffering the pains of the heat and cold, the wind and the rain. For a fraction of flickering happiness I have uselessly served wicked and miserly men.

e dhana, yaubana, putra, parijana 
ithe ki āche paratīti re
kamala-dala-jala, jīvana ṭalamala
bhajahū hari-pada nīti re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 3)

Translation: What assurance of real happiness is there in all of one’s wealth, youthfulness, sons, and family members? This life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal; therefore you should always serve and worship the divine feet of Lord Hari.

śravaṇa, kīrtana, smaraṇa, vandana, 
pāda-sevana, dāsya re
pūjana, sakhī-jana, ātma-nivedana
govinda-dāsa-abhilāṣa re (Bhaja Hu Re Mana 4)

Translation: It is the desire and great longing of Govinda Dasa to engage himself in the nine processes of bhakti, namely hearing the glories of Lord Hari and chanting those glories, constantly remembering Him and offering prayers to Him, serving the Lord’s lotus feet, serving the Supreme Lord as a servant, worshiping Him with flowers and incense and so forth, serving Him as a friend, and completely offering the Lord one’s very self.

We are dependent on the Lord.

arjuna uvāca 
naṣṭo mohaḥ smṛtir labdhā
tvat-prasādān mayācyuta
sthito ’smi gata-sandehaḥ
kariṣye vacanaṁ tava (BG 18.73)

Translation: Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.

Gaur Premanande Hari Bol.

26 May 2024
Preaching Krsna Consciousness
Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Hare Krsna. How was your japa? From the stage of remembering the Lord, two minutes prior to going to sleep and two minutes after waking up.

tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā 
amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ (Shikshastakam 3)

Translation: One should chant the Holy names of the Lord in a humble state of mind , thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than a tree devoid of all false prestige and should be ready to offer all respects to others . In such a state of mind , one can chant the Holy names of the Lord constantly.

So in total giving four minutes to the Lord. And remaining 23 hours 56 minutes for our own sense gratification. You understand from where I reached to this calculation. We need to get to a point of remembering the Lord always.

sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo
yato bhaktir adhokṣaje
ahaituky apratihatā
yayātmā suprasīdati (ŚB 1.2.6)

Translation: The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.

When we worship the Lord, we ask him for boons. We give them homework to complete. Ideal worship should be without any material motivation. We should render devotional service to the lordship, he is Adhokshaja. Devotional service can only be performed for the Lord. Worship to the demigods can’t be stated as devotional service.

arjuna uvācha

paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān
puruṣhaṁ śhāśhvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum (BG 10.12)

Translation: Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, the greatest. All the great sages such as Nārada, Asita, Devala and Vyāsa confirm this truth about You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me.

As soon as there is a desire for sense gratification, the material energy of the Lord maya steals the intelligence of this person. And blinded by the material desires he reaches at the shelter of other demigods leaving Krsna behind.

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ
prapadyante ’nya-devatāḥ
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya
prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā (BG 7.20)

Translation: Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.

Krsna has given a detailed description to everything. But who has time to go through it. After many births a person may develop some intelligence and such an intelligent person once again comes back to the shelter of the Lord.

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante 
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ (BG 7.19)

Translation: After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.

Demigods don’t incarnate. They remain in this world always. Incarnation is when the Lord comes to this material world from his Vaikuntha planets. There are 33 crore demigods. But the incarnations of the Lord are unlimited. So the number of demigods is very limited.

yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām (BG 9.25)

Translation: Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me.

ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthā 
madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā
adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ (BG 14.18)

Translation: Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.

Some demigods may be in the mode of Goodness and others in passion or ignorance. So the demigod worshipers may go to Swargaloka (Heaven), but those who worship Krsna will go back to Krsna loka. By misfortune our intelligence has been stolen that’s why people in general have no clue what is the difference between Swargaloka and Vaikuntha. They think it’s all one. They are not one, they are infinite. Demigods are like the workers.

They have some positions and tasks to perform. All the gyana Kanda and karma Kanda is part of demigod worship. Hinduism is full of gyana kand and karma kand. It’s based on the fulfillment of the material desires. Please bless us with a house by the side of the beach and a colour TV.

yāvat jīvet sukhaṁ jīvet ṛṇaṁ kṛtvā ghṛtaṁ pibet | 
bhasmībhūtasya dehasya punrāgamanaṁ kutaḥ bhavet ||

Translation: As long as you live, drink clarified butter (means enjoy a royal life). If you don’t have money then take loans and just enjoy. When the body gets destroyed then when does it comes again?

At least he is saying drink Ghee not wine. So we should be worshiping the Lord. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to teach this to us. The latest incarnation of the Lord, who appeared around 538 years back.

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśhāya cha duṣhkṛitām 
dharma-sansthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge (BG 4.8)

Translation: For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for establishing Dharma, I take birth in every age.

And whatever he donated to this world, you are taking benefit of that on this day. I am very happy to see this.

sarva-dharmān parityajya 
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ (BG 18.66)

Translation: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

You left your morning sleep and ran towards the temple. This is also like the activities of Vraja Gopis. You all have gathered here and not just you all but there are devotees on Zoom temple. And not just you but there are so many in Nagpur and around the world.

āpani ācari prabhu jīvere śikhāya
āpna vañcaka yei sei jirjane bhajāya (Apani Acari Prabhu Jivere 1)

Translation: The Lord sets example Himself to teach the spirit souls. The one who performs nirjana bhajana simply cheats himself.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead himself appeared disguised as the devotee. And he performed different pastimes.

mahaprabhoh kirtana-nritya-gitavaditra- 
madyan-manaso rasena
romancha-kampashru-taranga-bhajo
vande guroh sri-charanaravindam (Sri Gurvashtakam 2)

Translation: Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his bodily hairs stand on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

He was born and brought up at Navadip. Then he went to Jagannath Puri. Then for six years he went for a visit to South India. He performed Sankirtan in the forests of Jharkhand. He made the animals like lion, cat, deer etc to dance in Sankirtan. He made them chant the holy name.

The entire Jharkhand state wherever Chaitanya Mahaprabhu passed by, he made the animals dance and perform Sankirtan. They were chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra. It was like a crash course. Within a very short span of time they crossed over all the nine states from sraddha(strong faith) to prema. It can take up to many years or sometimes many lifetimes but here in the association of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, these animals developed all the different 9 stages in just a few hours. This pastime is very amazing. Though we have many pastimes which prove the lordship of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They prove that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna himself.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya, rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya

Translation: Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.

But this pastime is also a very significant pastime to prove his supremacy. There was a sight when a lion and a deer were walking side by side rubbing the shoulders. The Lion was not looking at the deer with an enemical sight, neither the deer was afraid of the Lion.

All the pairing of animals in this material world having enemical feelings for each other were dancing side by side or on the top. All the enemical feelings had gone. These tendencies are unnatural from the Lord’s point of view.

But they are natural in this material world. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu observed that the Lion and the deer were embracing each other. The snakes were dancing. They were offering obeisances to each other.

vancha-kalpatarubhyash cha 
kripa-sindhubhya eva cha
patitanam pavanebhyo
vaishnavebhyo namo namaha (Vaishnava Pranam)

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord. They are just like desire trees and can fulfill the desires of everyone, and they are full of compassion for the fallen conditioned souls.

They were embracing each other and what to speak of embracing they were kissing each other. And this sight reminded Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of the holy land of Vraja – Vrindavan. There was no lust, greed anger or any of the six anarthas. And he said, “This is Vrindavan”.

We continue to render many devotional services. We continue to have Radha Gopinath’s darshans, Read Srila Prabhupada’s books, honour prasadam, share our hearts with other devotees confidentially etc.

dadāti pratigṛhṇāti 
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva
ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam (NOI 4)

Translation: Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one’s mind in confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.

And in this way our lifestyle becomes completely different. And all our activities center around the chanting of Hare Krsna Mahamantra. Initially when I joined Hare Krsna Movement and there was a time I had to go back home to my village and looking at my lifestyle, the villagers used to comment. “Have you gone Crazy?” He was such a good child and later he joined Hare Krsna movement and now he has become mad.

cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam 
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambhdhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritasvadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate shri-Krsna-sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

Translation: Glory to the Shri Krsna sankirtana (congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names), which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. That sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

You can also experience such comments in your life. All this revolution in consciousness is coming  up in our lives because of Sri Krsna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. These activities gradually form our lifestyle. All this chanting of the holy name will reach all the towns and villages of this world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma 
sarvatra pracāra hoibe mora nāma (CB Antya-khaṇḍa 4.126)

Translation: As many towns and villages there are on the surface of the globe everywhere people will know My name.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did a lot and then Srila Prabhupada followed and contributed a lot. And our padayatra has travelled 3+ lakh kilometers, till now spreading the holy name. And this is just the beginning. All the different teams of padayatri’s will make sure that the holy name would reach each town and village of this world Param vijayate Sri Krsna sankirtanam (Shikshastakam 1)

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo 
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama (BG 18.78)

Translation: Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.

This is the Last verse of Bhagavad Gita. This is very important. And wherever we preach Hare Krsna movement all these things appear with time. We can see the transformation. Who used to come to attend Mangla Aarti 10 years back? And now we need a calculator to calculate. It’s houseful and flooded. And the transformation which we see here, this transformation is happening everywhere. Because I keep travelling everywhere. I was in Dehradun with HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. From there I went to Delhi then we went to Vrindavan and then back to Delhi.

Then Gaziabad, Faridabad, Noida. Then we went to Ujjain, Bhopal and now Nagpur. We at least went to 10 cities in the last 20 days. We as a preacher if we try a little bit, then Krsna awards us with so much. Krsna is the witness and permittor. This flood of devotees is the result of Lord’s mercy.

mayadhyaksena prakrtih 
suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate (BG 9.10)

Translation: This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and it is producing all moving and unmoving beings. By its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

And it’s not that we have reached Zineth that now we have a sign board out of the temple. It’s over no more. Krsna can engage any number of the living entities in his service. He can give employment and services to anyone. And remember Bhagavan is not limited to the people of any particular caste, creed or religion.

Dharma means the laws of the Lord and they are the same for all the living entities. Srila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada instructed Srila Prabhupada to go and preach in the western countries which Srila Prabhupada executed successfully. Srila Prabhupada used to travel throughout India and the world.

One day Shrila Prabhupada was sitting with a globe. And most of his disciples were foreigners. He was pointing out that we should have a temple at this place and that place. And also he mentioned, we should have one ISKCON temple at Nagpur also. This is like the last will of Srila Prabhupada.

 

 

Speaker:H.G Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu

Date: 27-05-2024

Main Theme: Importance of Association of Holyname and Lords Pure Devotees

Sub-Theme: Lord glorifying his devotees

Hare Krishna

HG Vaidanta Chaitanya Prabhu speaks, Prayers

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Lotus feet of Shrila Gurudev and all other devotees.

Today we will read from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. While Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was travelling towards South India. On his way he reached the banks of Godavari. He remembers the dialogues of Sarvabhaum Bhattacharya who has recommended Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to meet a devotee Ramananda Rayresiding near Godavri River. SarvabhaumBhattachary mentioned earlier we were not able to distinguish between as real devotee and ordinary personal but with Mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu we are able to understand difference and recommended to meet great devotee Ramanda Ray.

Now Chaitanya Mahaprabhu meets Ramananda Ray. And through various important conversation with him he is explaining the different mellows of the Devotional service. He is making him an instrument as had made Shrila Haridas Thakura an instrument in explaining the glories of Holyname. It is so strange the Almighty Lord himself is asking questions. In this conversation is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is asking some important questions and Ramananda Ray is responding, while speaking He is explaining the different mellows. Some of them we will discuss, it is in Chaitanya Madhya lila 8.251 verse

‘śreyo-madhyekonaśreyaḥjīverahayasāra?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-saṅgavināśreyaḥnāhiāra’

Translation

Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Out of all auspicious and beneficial activities, which is best for the living entity?” [CC Madhya 8.251]

Out of all auspicious activities which is best and which is best thing to remember.

‘kāṅhārasmaraṇajīvakaribeanukṣaṇa?’
‘kṛṣṇa’-nāma-guṇa-līlā — pradhānasmaraṇa’

 Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “What should all living entities constantly remember?”[CC Madhya 8.252]

RāmānandaRāya replied, “The chief objects of remembrance are always the Lord’s holy name, qualities and pastimes.”

tasmātsarvātmanārājan hariḥsarvatrasarvadā
śrotavyaḥkīrtitavyaś ca smartavyobhagavānnṛṇām

Translation

ŚukadevaGosvāmī concludes, “The business of the living entity is to always remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead in every circumstance. The Lord should be heard about, glorified and remembered by all human beings.”[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.2.36]

Sub-Theme: Importance of Devotee association

Ultimately best service of human is that Lord should be glorified and remembered by all human beings and association of devotees of Krishna.

Srila praphupada has mentioned it in this shloka. Ultimate goal of ISKCON is to attract common man to associate with devotees. That was Srila Prabhupada s mood and mission. The only motive of building such huge temples is to provide association of the devotees and will get benefitted. Similarly,the aim to establish this zoom temple is to facilitate devotee association.

There is no service bigger than this. H.H Radha Govind swami maharaj also says that association of pure devotees is the highest of all services and hear from them. Sometimes we think if we prepare any dish for the pure devotee that is highest service, but in contrary, just hearing in association of pure devotee is the highest order of service. And that pure devotee is the spiritual master.

Further in another Shlokas Mahaprabhu is saying

‘duḥkha-madhyekonaduḥkhahayagurutara?’
‘kṛṣṇa-bhakta-virahavināduḥkhanāhidekhi para’

Translation

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked, “Of all kinds of distress, what is the most painful?”ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”[CC Madhya 8.248]

Which is the top most painful distress.ŚrīRāmānandaRāya replied, “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.”

sva-jīvanādhikaṁprārthyaṁśrī-viṣṇu-jana-saṅgataḥ
vicchedenakṣaṇaṁcātranasukhāṁśaṁlabhāmahe

 Translation

“Out of all kinds of desirable things experienced in the life of a living entity, association with the devotees of the Lord is the greatest. When we are separated from a devotee even for a moment, we cannot enjoy happiness.”[Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta 1.5.44]

 Amongst all the endeavours to be performed to attain anything in this material world, the association of the devotees of Lord Vishnu is the most attainable. And a person who lost such association of pure devotees, from where will he get satisfaction. If we have developed any auspiciousness in our lives then it is because of the association of such pure devotees and the change starts happening in your life. As soon as we lose such association all our advancement in Krishna consciousness vanishes.

Sub-Theme: How Holyname helps to take poison of envy from us

And our life becomes filled with inauspiciousness. How can we manage to lose such a precious accent of the devotee association?To understand this we need to hear the story of Kaliya Snake

He was residing in Yamuna River. Vrindavan is considered as highest abode. But Kaliya Snake was so poisonous that because of him, the cows, calves and Vrajavasis were dying. And because he caused suffering to Lord’s dear devotees thus he asked him to leave. And instructed him to leave Vraja

Why was Kaliya Naag causing trouble to the Vrajavasis?

Because he is envious in nature. He is so envious that he would bite you even if you are not disturbing him at all.That is why even the Saints would ask you to kill the Snake as soon as you see him. Even Shrila Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada asked his disciples to kill a snake in the temple. Shrila Prabhupada was confused for some time, but later on he readand understood the reason.

So, if we are so envious then, Krishna will make such an arrangement that we ourselves will say, that I want to go away from here. So, we should be careful, and avoid committing offense towards the devotees. We saw how Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya Snake and took out all the poison from him

Before Krishna had to do it for us forcefully, we should leave it out ourselves. As Krishna danced on the hoods of Kaliya and then all the poison came out. Similarly,we should request Krishna in form of his Holyname to come and dance on our tongue. So that all the poison comes out and we could offer the required respects to the devotees of the Lord. Shrila Prabhupada used to say when we are chanting the Holyname. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, then Sri Sri Radha Krishna or Yugal Kishore are dancing in our tongue. So, we should also pray to them please remove this poison from my heart. We should sit in association of devotees and chant the holyname

kṛṣṇa – he kṛṣṇa, sva-bhakta-dvārābhajana-jñāna-dānena mac-cittaṁśodhaya

Gopāla Guru Gosvāmī’s explanation of the Mahāmantra—

Sva-bhakta-dvārā: Through the devotees (those who sincerely serve and worship the Lord).

Bhajana-jñāna-dānena: By engaging in devotional practices, gaining spiritual knowledge, and giving in charity.

Mac-cittaṁ śodhaya: Purify your mind and consciousness by focusing on Me (the Supreme Lord).

The verse encourages us to purify our hearts and minds by practicing devotion.

Krishna! O Krishna! Send me the association of your devotees who will purify my mind through instructions about your devotional service

śṛṇvatāṁsva-kathāḥkṛṣṇaḥ
puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdyantaḥ-sthohyabhadrāṇi
vidhunotisuhṛtsatām

 Translation

Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.[SB 1.2.17]

Oh! Krishna by giving us intelligence to associate with your devotees please help me to practice devotional service. This is my humble request unto your lotus feet. In this way a devotee should beg from the Supreme personality of Godhead. As we observe many a times a beggar comes to us to beg alms.

Just imagine if this beggar comes well-dressed will we feel obliged to give him alms?His pity look forces us to give alms. Sometimes they come with little kids on with them. Others with torn clothes etc. They continue to beg from every single person so that we get mercy to give some alms. They try from all end so that we take pity on them and donate some thing.

Sub-Theme: Taking Mercy of the pure devotees to progress in devotional service

Someone might refuse but at least someone will be merciful and give something. Similarly, we should continue to beg from the Lord and his devotees always. We should try our best to beg their mercy and touch the heart of the Lord taking the holyname. Same thing should be applied while praying to Lords pure devotee so that we touch their heart.

As King Kulashekhar prays to the Lord

majjanmanahphalamidammadhu-kaitabhare
mat prarthaniya mad anugrahaesaeva
tvadbhrtya-bhrtya-paricaraka-bhrtya-bhrtya
bhrtyasya-bhrtyamiti mam smaralokanatha—

 Translation

O Supreme Lord of all, slayer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha! Please be merciful to me and grant my prayer that You may remember me as a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of such a servant of Your servant’s servant, a servant of a servant of Your servant’s servant, and a servant of Your servant’s servant servant.[from Sri Mukunda mala stotram by Maharaja Kulashekara]

Maharaja Kulashekara is praying lord to be merciful. He repeats 6 times bhrityabhritya means servant of the servant of the servant. Only then will I relish Krsna’s holy names. Holyname is the personification of the Mellows of devotional service

Still, we are not getting any taste. What is the reason?Because we are not begging for mercy

nāmacintāmaṇiḥkṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥśuddhonitya-mukto
’bhinnatvānnāma-nāminoḥ

Translation

“ ‘The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.’ [CC Madhya 17.133]

Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure. Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. So we need to chant Lord name in full devotion in association of his pure devotee.

satāṁprasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvido
bhavantihṛt-karṇa-rasāyanāḥkathāḥ
taj-joṣaṇādāśvapavarga-vartmani
śraddhāratirbhaktiranukramiṣyati

 Translation

In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin.[ ŚB 3.25.25]

In case we are falling in sea and do not know swimming, then we will cry with all our senses to save our life. We understand the intensity of the situation. But while chanting same intensity is missing, we will get rid of the envious behaviour if we chant with same intensity. As Lord will be dancing on our tongue and we would request lord for his blessing to be in association of the devotees. If we stand in front of Lord He may forget us, but when you are in association of the pure devotee, He will help us to remember God.

Similarly we are fortunate to have Japa in association of our Guru Maharaj, Take this opportunity and get benefitted

Hare Krishna

 

 

Topic – Ramananda Ray Disappearance day

Date – 28th may 2024

HH Lokanath Swami – I am in Nagpur right now. You all know. I have to depart sometime. Today I was not supposed to give Japa Talk. We saw cows. When we see cows, naturally affection overflows. Although I was not supposed to speak, I have a heart to speak today. I will just short japa talk. I don’t know what to say. All glories to Ramananda Rai disappearance day.

He was a grihastha. But he was not less, in devotion, knowledge and renunciation, than sannyasis. Even Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya advised to Caitanya Mahaprabhu was about to leave for south India tour and Sarvabhauma Bhattachary said,”In your way, in Andhra Pradesh, Rama make sure you meet him.” he was the most important personality that is why sarvabhauma bhattacharya suggested. Sarvbhauma Bhattacharya was a renowned spiritual teacher.

One day Mahaprabhu left Jagannath Puri. And one day, without any endeavor, he met Ramanand Rai. Rai Ramananda saw Mahaprabhu at a distance. When he saw Mahaprabhu’s personality, His bodily effulgence at a distance, he started to run. He was naturally drawn towards Mahaprabhu just like a magnet is automatically attracted to iron pieces. Magnet does not put any effort but it is naturally attracted to iron. It has no option. Similarly, Ramananda Rai was attracted to mahaprabhu. All glories to Sri Caitanya mahaprabhu. Meeting has not happened yet. From a distance only, they saw and embraced each other. They don’t shake hands. Caitanya Mahaprabhu embraced Ramanand Rai. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is playing the role of devotee. They both are embracing each other with tears overflowing from their eyes. Their eyes were flooded with tears like torrents of rain. They are doing abhishek of each other with tears of love. Many things take place afterwards. It was a meeting of great personalities. We all have a right to have such a type of meeting with the Lord. you all have this right. But if embraces of this world is going on simultaneously with the desire to embrace the Lord – then it is not possible. Only one embrace is possible – either wordly people or worldly folks, man embracing woman or woman embracing man – then forget it. You are a soul and the Lord can embrace you. The bliss of embracing the Lord if we hear that, then we are in extreme bliss and all eight expressions of Love are visible in them. If we hear this only then our embrace to this world will be loosened. Then embracing this world will come to an end. Only if you want the Lord to embrace you.

Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu met Ramanand Rai. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has come to meet all of us actually. He has come in so many forms.

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Shikshashtakam vese 6

nayanam galad-aśru-dhārayā
vadanaṁ gadgada-ruddhayā girā
pulakair nicitaṁ vapuḥ kadā
tava nāma-grahaṇe bhaviṣyati

Translation:

My eyes are flowing with tears, My voice falters, choked with emotion, My body thrills with ecstatic shivers— When will that day be mine, When I chant Your holy name?

The result of that meeting of Ramanand Rai with Mahaprabhu, symptoms of devotion were easily visible there.

In Shikshashtakam, mahaprabhu says when that day will come when I will have the attraction to chant Holy names. Holy names are non different from Krsna. So when I will embrace the Holy names or Lord. This is the link. This is Bhakti yoga. Yoga means link. “Yuj” means link. Bulls are connected to each other with wood while plowing fields. That wood in “yuj”. When Holy names will embrace us. When we will meet Holy names so that one day all these symptoms are visible in us also just like mentioned in verse 6 of Shikshashtakam.

Similarly, if we do bhakti like this.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) 1.2.7

vāsudeve bhagavati
bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ
janayaty āśu vairāgyaṁ
jñānaṁ ca yad ahaitukam

Translation:

“By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world.”

The Bhagavatam states that when we perform devotional service to the Lord, the result is the acquisition of both knowledge and detachment. These two outcomes should naturally manifest as a consequence of sincere devotion.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Ramanand Rai had a conversation later after meeting. Conversation was going on for 1 week. One request of Ramanand Rai , Mahaprabhu stayed there for 1 week. Mahaprabhu has come as a devotee or sadhu.

“Caitanya-caritāmṛta,” Madhya-līlā 22.54

sādhu-saṅga’, sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

Translation:

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that even a moment’s association with a pure devotee brings all success in life”

SUpreme Lord has become teacher, devotee and giving his association to Ramanand Rai. In the end, he said, take early retirement. Rai Ramanand said,”My dear Lord, I am not satisfied with a few days’ association. It would have been better if I could get your association for many more days.” Mahaprabhu said,”That’s fine. When I return from the South India tour then you come to Jagannath Puri. Stay with me forever in Puri.” Why only 2-3 days or a few months. Stay with me forever or whole life. That’s what happened later. When  Mahaprabhu returned from the South India tour , again he came to the banks of Godavari. There is a place called Kohur where Rai Ramanand used to stay. Rai Ramanand is Vishakha devi also.

Narottama Dasa Thakura wrote song “Radha Krsna Prana mora verse 5”

lalita visakha-adi jata sakhi-brinda
ajnaya koribo seba caranaravinda

Translation:

With the permission of all the sakhis, headed by Lalita and Visakha, I will serve the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna.

Vishakha has appeared in the form of Rai Ramanand. She was playing the role of regular governor. She was a governor of Madras(Tamil Nadu). She took early retirement. Mahaprabhu when returned from a south India tour, He said to Rai Ramanand, “let’s go to Jagannath Puri.” Rai Ramanand said, “You go. I will come after you.” Sometimes people say that but never come. Even though they say that they’re just coming now. But in this case, Rai Ramanand came. He was with Mahaprabhu for the rest of his life. Today, he departed. Today is his disappearance day. He entered into the eternal pastimes of Mahaprabhu.

So like this, including myself, we should follow in the footsteps of Ramanand Rai. Especially, taking early retirement. We should think about it. Retirement for forever. Everyday you can take some retirement, like for a few hours and not just minutes. Increase your hours of devotional service. Come fast and rush to Gauranga and be with Radha Gopinath. Chant Hare Krsna in the association of devotees. Hear, remember, preach, deity worship in the association of devotees. Like that you can increase the number of hours like 2 hours then 4 hours. But the Lord is not pleased with this much. Krishna is not pleased with just what you give. He is pleased with what you’re giving from your purse, but He is looking at what you’re holding back in your purse. He wants, “Hey, whatever is there, give.” So, Lord will be satisfied completely, when there is “Atmanivedanam” – complete surrender.

Song “Manas deho geho” written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur:

manasa, deho, geho, jo kichu mor
arpilu tuwa pade, nanda-kisor!

Translation:

Mind, body, and family, whatever may be mine, I have surrendered at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda!

Bhaktivinoda Thakur said this and he lived this also. The live example of this is Ramanand Rai. He was a grihastha (householder), king, governor. He had a big post and position. We can also see the effect of association of devotees. It develops renunciation in heart and attachment to the Lord increases. This should happen. And we have to devote more and more time to the Lord, more and more time to the Lord, over which the Lord has a right. This is our religion and duty. Another name of religion is duty. Now HG Anant Shesh Prabhu will speak.

HG Padmamali Pr – Today we heard about the divine personality Ramanand Rai, His divine character and mood from our dear Guru Maharaj. We can hear in detail about Ramanand Rai from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu tomorrow. Today, time is over. We will stop our session today. This is a very nectarine topic. Few years back, Guru Maharaj gave a session on this topic – “Ramanand Rai “ in Pune.This is a very important topic also. Tomorrow, we will hear from HG Anant Shesh Prabhu. We should invite others to join Japa Session also.

Harinaam Prabhu ki Jai!

Hare Krsna Mahamantra ki Jai!

Ramanand Rai ki Jai!

Sri Ramanand Rai disappearance day ki Jai!

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu ki Jai!

Srila Gurudev ki Jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!

Anant koti Vaishnava vrind ki Jai!

 

 

 

Date: 29 May 2024
Speaker: HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji
Topic: Disappearance day of Ramananda Raya
HG Ananta Sesa Prabhu Ji:

How lord Chaitanya release and manage the energy and makes Sri Ramananda Raya speak.
Similarly, Gurumaharaj is empowering me to speak.
Yesterday was the Disappearance day of Sri Ramananda Raya and we heard the pastimes from Gurumaharaj. Today we will hear more for the pleasure of Guru Maharaj..

In this Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared to relish the love of Godhead and he came with his associates. The associates are from the pastimes of Krishna. On the Disappearance and appearance days, we usually glorify the vaishnavas. On these days their mercy intensifies. I have heard from Guru Maharaj says on the day of Srila Prabupada’s disappearance day, that on the day of appearance and disappearance, those vaishnavas enters more in our life and we become more conscious with their love and affection. So, when we gaudiya vaishnavas want to get the love of Godhead, Bhaktivinode Thakur says:

Vaishnav Song, Kabe Gaura Vane:

gauḏa-vraja-jane bhedanādekhiba
ha-ibabaraja-bāsī
(takhana) dhāmerasvarūpasphuribenayane
ha-ibarādhāradāsī

Translatrion:

When I cease to make distinctions between the residents of Gauda and Braj Dham, I will become resident of Braj. The Dham will then appear directly before my eyes and I will become Radha’s dasi.

The people resides in the abode of Gaursundar are called gauravane. When I factually observe that the transcendental land of Navadvipa is non different from Sri
Vraja-bhumi, then I shall be transformed into a Vrajabasi also. Then I will see the true form of
the transcendental realm opening up before my very eyes, and I will thus become one of the
maidservants of Srimati Radharani.

We not only get the adobe but also get the opportunity to enter in the pastimes of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Śrī Caitanya-Candrāmṛtam Chapter 4.22 &23:

ācaryadharmaṁparicaryaviṣṇuṁ
vicaryatīrthānivicāryavedān
vinānagaura-priya-pāda-sevāṁ
vedādi-duṣprāpya-padaṁvidanti

Translation:

[BhaktisiddhāntaSarasvatīṬhākura]: Even by following the rules of varṇāśrama-dharma, worshiping Lord Viṣṇu, visiting hundreds of holy pilgrimage places, and studying the Vedic scriptures, without serving the lotus feet of the dear devotees of Lord Gaura, no one can know ŚrīdhāmaVṛndāvana, the abode of Rādhā Govinda, which is rarely found by the Vedas or which is not understood by ordinary persons because it is very secretly described in the Vedic scriptures.

What is difficult to get even by the Vedas, the bhava of vraja.

The 4 things they do:

1. follow varnashram dharma
2. Worship Vishnu
3. Visit holy places
4. And read scriptures

Yet love Godhead will not come untill one takes the shelter of Gaura bhaktas

 

Caitanya Chandramrta chapter one:

dharmamkrdvisnusevi ca tirthati Veda paragah,
navettiVrajatatram hi gorabhaktarayam vina

When Lord was having his pastimes in Puri, on the banks of the ocean.

Harinam Chintamani:

lavanajaladhi tire nilacalesrimandire
daru brahma purusapradhana |
jive nistaritehari arca rupeavatari
bhogamoksakarenapradana ||2||

In the Sri temple, the lord has appeared as daru brahma, Jagannath to deliver all people. The Lord can give all the things of enjoyment and liberation.

sei dhamesricaitanyamanave karite dhanya
sannyasi rupetebhagavan |
kalite ye yuga dharma bujhaite tara marma
kasi misraghareadhisthana ||3||

The lord appeared in the same place in the form of a sanyasi Lord. The lord resides in Gambhira as the son of Mother Sachi and Jagannath Mishra.

nija bhakta vrndalayenijekalpataru haye
krsnapremadenasarvajane |
nana mate bhakta mukhe bhakta katha suni sukhe
jivasiksadenasuyatane ||4||

and he delivers all humans by teaching the glories of the holynamewithgout any prior qualification. He has become a desire tree. And through his devotees, he is hearing the glories. The Lord is here to spread the glories of Holy Name. Usually the lord appears to instruct his devotee, but here lord Chaitanya wants to make the people to become the best preacher.

Everyone one eager to speak, everyone has opened up the Youtube channel and create their own audience, but the lord is here trying to be an eager listener.
Only he who listens can be the best preacher. The lord who is all knowing is sitting and listening.

SB 1.1.1:

oṁnamobhagavatevāsudevāya
janmādyasyayato ’nvayāditarataścārtheṣvabhijñaḥsvarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdāyaādi-kavayemuhyantiyatsūrayaḥ
tejo-vāri-mṛdāṁyathāvinimayo yatra tri-sargo ’mṛṣā
dhāmnāsvenasadānirasta-kuhakaṁsatyaṁparaṁ dhīmahi

Traslation:

O my Lord, ŚrīKṛṣṇa, son of Vasudeva, O all-pervading Personality of Godhead, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You. I meditate upon Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa because He is the Absolute Truth and the primeval cause of all causes of the creation, sustenance and destruction of the manifested universes. He is directly and indirectly conscious of all manifestations, and He is independent because there is no other cause beyond Him. It is He only who first imparted the Vedic knowledge unto the heart of Brahmājī, the original living being. By Him even the great sages and demigods are placed into illusion, as one is bewildered by the illusory representations of water seen in fire, or land seen on water. Only because of Him do the material universes, temporarily manifested by the reactions of the three modes of nature, appear factual, although they are unreal. I therefore meditate upon Him, Lord ŚrīKṛṣṇa, who is eternally existent in the transcendental abode, which is forever free from the illusory representations of the material world. I meditate upon Him, for He is the Absolute Truth.

The lord instructed Rupa and Sanatan Goswami and got empowered them and sent them to Vrindavan.

CC Antya 5.87:

śrī-rūpa-dvārāvrajeraprema-rasa-līlā
kebujhitepāregambhīracaitanyerakhelā?

Translation:

Also, the Lord fully exhibited the ecstatic love and transcendental pastimes of Vṛndāvana through ŚrīlaRūpaGosvāmī. Considering all this, who can understand the deep plans of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the teachings to Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami. Everyone, who has to preach , must be empowered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The teachings given by Chaitanya mahaprabhu is compiled by Rupa Goswami in the scriptures, like, Nectar of Instruction, Nerctar of Devotion and Lalit Madhav etc., although the speaker is lord Chaitanya himself.

CC Antya 5.86:

haridāsa-dvārānāma-māhātmya-prakāśa
sanātana-dvārā bhakti-siddhānta-vilāsa

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu exhibited the glories of the holy name of the Lord through HaridāsaṬhākura, who was born in a Muslim family. Similarly, He exhibited the essence of devotional service through SanātanaGosvāmī, who had almost been converted into a Muslim.

 

Through Haridas Thakur he glorified the holyname and through Sanatana Goswami, he preached Bhakti shastras.
In Hari Bhakti Vilas, Sanatan Goswami explains the daily activities of a devotee; like, how to brush the teeth, how to go to toilet, how to do achamana, everything is described in the scriptures.

CC Antya 5.85:

‘bhakti’, ‘prema’, ‘tattva’ kaherāyekari’ ‘vaktā’
āpanipradyumna-miśra-sahahaya ‘śrotā’

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu preached about devotional service, ecstatic love and the Absolute Truth by making RāmānandaRāya, a gṛhastha born in a low family, the speaker. Then Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself, the exalted brāhmaṇa-sannyāsī, and Pradyumna Miśra, the purified brāhmaṇa, both became the hearers of RāmānandaRāya.

The philosophy of devotion is heard by Mahaprabhu from Raya Ramananda
Pradyumnya Mishra told Mahaprabhu that I’m most fallen so please tell me the pastimes of Krsna.

There are two references in Chaitanya Charitamrita: one is in Madhya lila and another one is in antyalila.

In Madhya Lila, chapter 8, where the lower devotional practices to the highest devotional practices are described, Sadhna- Sadhya Tatva, Varnashrama Dharma, Karma Mixed Devotion, Knowledge-Mixed devotion, Pure devotion and all the nectar of mellows, Shant Rasa, Servitor mellow, parental mellow, friendship mellow and conjugal love of Gopis to the topmost love of Srimati Radha Rani. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has heard all the pastimes from Ramananda Raya.

Another reference came in Antya Lila, where Pradyuman Misra reaches to Mahaprabhu and asked to tell him the pastimes. I am very fortunate to take the lotus feet of yours.

CC Antya 5.7:

prabhu kahena, — “kṛṣṇa-kathāāmināhijāni
sabe rāmānandajāne, tāṅramukheśuni

Translation:

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu replied, “I do not know about topics concerning Lord Kṛṣṇa. I think that only RāmānandaRāya knows, for I hear these topics from him.

Mahaprabhu humbly replies, i don’t know. All I know have heard from Ramanand Raya. Go to Ramananda Raya and listen from him. You are very fortunate that you have developed the taste for hearing the pastimes of the lord.

SB 1.2.8:

dharmaḥsvanuṣṭhitaḥpuṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsuyaḥ
notpādayedyadiratiṁ
śramaeva hi kevalam

Translation:

The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labor if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.

So, lord Chaitanya made Ramananda Raya the speaker of the essence of devotion.

CC Antya 5.8

bhāgyetomārakṛṣṇa-kathāśunitehaya mana
rāmānanda-pāśayāi’ karahaśravaṇa

Translation:

“It is your good fortune that you are inclined to hear topics regarding Kṛṣṇa. The best course for you would be to go to RāmānandaRāya and hear these topics from him.

BG 4.34:

tad viddhipraṇipātena
paripraśnenasevayā
upadekṣyantitejñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

Translation:

Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

What are the qualities of an ideal disciple:
There are three main qualities:

1. surrender completely to Spiritual Master
2. ask questions
3. Serve

Can everyone get a chance to ask questions?
Is there some thing less in those disciples who can’t question?
Pari prashna really means the Disciple is very eager to hear every word from the Guru. When we get knowledge we want to speak and hear less. We think only Maharaj speaks on the zoom. We should also speak sometimes. This is bad thoughts So, questioning means eagerness to hear.

BG 4.39:

śraddhāvāḻlabhatejñānaṁ
tat-paraḥsaṁyatendriyaḥ
jñānaṁlabdhvāparāṁśāntim
acireṇādhigacchati

Translation:

A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.

Lord Chaitanya has brought the Mahabhava of Radharani. But only 3 and a half
Devotees can see that Mahabhava:

• Ramananda Raya
• Svarup Damodar
• Sikhimahiti
• And his sister Madhavi is half

So, Bhakti Siddhant Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada said Gaudiya vaishnavas is one, who has heard the lord Chaitanya’s pastimes 100 times.

We should ask how can we be humble.

We can learn each quality of the devotee from the pastimes of Lord. The lord emphasises by his different associates.
So, by hearing again and again, their life will develop these qualities.

SB .18.12:

Yasyastibhaktirbhagavatyakincana
sarvairgunaistatrasanaste surah
haravabhaktasyakutomahad-guna
mano-rathenasatidhavatobahih

Translation:

All the demigods and their exalted qualities, such as religion, knowledge and renunciation, become manifest in the body of one who has developed unalloyed devotion for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāsudeva. On the other hand, a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Even if he is adept at the practice of mystic yoga or the honest endeavor of maintaining his family and relatives, he must be driven by his own mental speculations and must engage in the service of the Lord’s external energy. How can there be any good qualities in such a man?

Determination to chant by Haridas Thakur, and humility by Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami, etc.
So, when we hear about them on their appearance and Dissapearance day. They become pleased by us and then, by their mercy we get these qualities not by any artificial means.

Hare Krishna!

01 June 2024
The power of the holy name
Speaker: HH Radhe Syamananda Swami Maharaj

 

Hare Krsna. We welcome all the chanters. And I pray to Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar, Krsna Balaram and Gaur Nitai that this attraction of yours towards chanting the holy name keeps on increasing. Today’s topic that I have chosen is ‘The eagerness of the Lord to deliver the devotees’.

We know how Srila Prabhupada went to the western countries, in the advanced age of 70s to execute the instructions of his spiritual master out of his compassion for the fallen souls of this world. When a jiva can have such compassion that he is worried to such an extent then think about Krsna, how much worried he might be.

’saksat-darsane’ praya saba nistarila 
nakula-brahmacarira dehe ’avista’ ha-ila 
pradyumna-nrsimhananda age kaila ’avirbhava’ 
’loka nistariba’,–ei isvara-svabhava (CC Antya 2.5-6)

Translation: Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu delivered almost all the fallen souls by directly meeting them. He delivered others by entering the bodies of great devotees, such as Nakula Brahmacārī. And He delivered still others by appearing before them, as in the case of Nṛsiṁhānanda Brahmacārī. “I shall deliver the fallen souls.” This statement characterizes the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is telling Srila Haridas Thakur. Haridas Thakur is no other than Brahma himself. He is Namacarya, and in this age Krsna appears in the form of his holy name.

kali-kāle nāma-rūpe kṛṣṇa-avatāra 
nāma haite haya sarva-jagat-nistāra (CC Ādi 17.22)

Translation: In this Age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Simply by chanting the holy name, one associates with the Lord directly. Anyone who does this is certainly delivered.

harer nāma harer nāma 
harer nāmaiva kevalam 
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva 
nāsty eva gatir anyathā (CC Madhya 6.242)

Translation: In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu questioned, Haridas Thakura how these Yavanas will be delivered?

haridasa, kali-kale yavana apara 
go-brahmane himsa kare maha duracara (CC Antya 3.50)

Translation: My dear Thakura Haridasa, in this age of Kali most people are bereft of Vedic culture, and therefore they are called yavanas. They are concerned only with killing cows and brahminical culture. In this way they all engage in sinful acts.

iha-sabara kon mate ha-ibe nistara? 
tahara hetu na dekhiye,–e duhkha apara (CC Antya 3.51)

Translation: How will these yavanas be delivered? To My great unhappiness, I do not see any way.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is making Haridas Thakura an instrument. Haridas Thakura replied, as Ajamila was delivered just by chanting the holy name at the time of his death.

mriyamano harer nama 
grnan putropacaritam 
ajamilo’py agad dhama 
kim uta sraddhaya grnan (CC Antya 3.64)

Translation: While dying, Ajamila chanted the holy name of the Lord, intending to call his son Narayana. Nevertheless, he attained the spiritual world. What then to speak of those who chat the holy name with faith and reverence?

In the similar way the fallen souls of this generation can be delivered even though he was calling out for his son, whose name was Narayana. So if a person can reach the holy abode of the Lord just by calling out for his son then why can’t these people reach the holy abode. This Ajamila had no good qualifications. This verse from Narshimha Purana states,

damstri-damstraha to mleccho 
ha rameti punah punah 
uktvapi muktim apnoti 
kim punah sraddhaya grnan (CC Antya 3.56)

Translation: Even a mleccha who is being killed by the tusk of a boar and who cries in distress again and again, “ha rama, ha rama” attains liberation. What then to speak of those who chant the holy name with veneration and faith?

Once a Muslim was passing by the forest and he was attacked by the wild pig. He was shouting, “Haram”, “Haram”. By just calling in this way he received the credit of chanting the names of Lord Rama.

Sri Sri Shad-gosvamy-ashtaka 8 
he radhe vraja-devike ca lalite he nanda-suno kutah 
sri-govardhana-kalpa-padapa-tale kalindi-vane kutah
ghoshantav iti sarvato vraja-pure khedair maha-vihvalau
vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau

Translation: I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who were chanting very loudly everywhere in Vrindavana, shouting, “Queen of Vrindavana, Radharani! O Lalita! O son of Nanda Maharaja! Where are you all now? Are you just on the hill of Govardhana, or are you under the trees on the bank of the Yamuna? Where are you?” These were their moods in executing Krishna consciousness.

As we call “Hare Krsna!” loudly, similarly when they call out “Haram” they are delivered as its considered as Namabhas. Unknowingly they are chanting the Lord’s name. Lord Rama’s name is all powerful but when Hara, the name of Radha Radharani is added to this then it becomes much more potent.

`rama’ dui aksara iha nahe vyavahita 
prema-vaci `ha’-sabda tahate bhusita (CC Antya 3.58)

Translation: The word `rama’ consists of the two syllables, `ra’ and `ma.’ These are unseparated and are decorated with the loving word `ha,’ meaning `O.’

namera aksara-sabera ei ta’ svabhava 
vyavahita haile na chade apana-prabhava (CC Antya 3.59)

Translation: The letters of the holy name have so much spiritual potency that they act even when uttered improperly.

If any work contains Ra + Ma in any possible manner then it will be considered that this person is chanting Rama. For example “Rajamahishi”. This word indirectly has Rama so a person will be delivered just by speaking this world also.

And the Lord is so merciful, that in Kaliyuga even if a person chants the incomplete name still he will get the credit of chanting the complete name of the Lord. For example, If he said “Gopa” instead of Gopal still he will get the credit of chanting Gopal and his sins will get destroyed.

namabhasa haite haya sarva-papa-ksaya (CC Antya 3.61)

Translation: Namacarya Haridasa Thakura continued, “If one offenselessly utters the holy name even imperfectly, one can be freed from all the results of sinful life.

namabhasa haite haya samsarera ksaya (CC Antya 3.63)

Translation: Even a faint light from the hoIy name of the Lord ca eradicate alI the reactions of sinful life.

namabhase `mukti’ haya sarva-sastre dekhi 
sri-bhagavate tate ajamila–saksi (CC Antya 3.65)

Translation: Because of even the faintest rays of the effulgence of the Lord’s holy name, one ca attain liberation. We ca see this in aIl the revealed scriptures. The evidence appears in the story of Ajamila in Srimad Bhagavatam.

A good example of this is Ajamila. If a person remembers the holy name in any manner then he will get liberated. He might remember mentally or if he recites, then he will get the credit. But if a person is committing offenses while chanting the holy name then this person will not get immediate credit.

The fruits will get delayed though he will definitely get the credit. If a person is proud of his material qualification, or he has some duplicity then he won’t get a taste for chanting the holy name.

One may not get the taste in the holy name possibly due to the offenses committed in this life or the previous one. Thus we should be very careful of not committing the offenses while chanting the holy name.

bhaya kubhaya anakha alasaha 
nama japata mangala disi dasahu 
sumiri so nama rama guna gatha 
karau nai raghunathahi matha (Ramcharitmanas Balkand)

Translation: The Name repeated either with good or evil intentions, in an angry mood or even while yawning, diffuses joy in all the ten directions. Remembering that Name and bowing my head to the Lord of Raghus, I proceed to recount the virtues of Sri Rama.

That’s why Haridas Thakura said, do not worry Mahaprabhu. These people will gradually get delivered by calling out “Harama , Harama!”.

yavana-sakalera `mukti’ habe ana yase 
`ha rama, ha rama’ bali’ kahe namabhase (CC Antya 3.53)

Translation: Because the yavanas are accustomed to saying, `ha rama, ha rama’ [0 Lord Ramacandra], they will very easily be delivered by this namabhasa.

maha-preme bhakta kahe,–`ha rama, ha rama’ 
yavanera bhagya dekha, laya sei nama (CC Antya 3.54)

Translation: A devotee in advanced ecstatic love exclaims, `O my Lord Ramacandra! O my Lord Ramacandra!’ But the yavanas also chant, `ha rama, ha rama!’ Just see their good fortune!

Then Mahaprabhu questioned, I agree Muslims will be delivered but what about the animals, trees and creepers of this world, how will they be delivered?

Srila Haridas Thakura replied, when a person chants the holy name loudly then all the moveable and immovable living entities get delivered automatically.

ucca sankirtana tate karila pracara 
sthira-cara jivera saba khandaila samsara (CC Antya 3.76)

Translation: You have preached the loud chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-matra and in this way freed all moving and nonmoving living entities from material bondage.

prabhu kahe,–“saba jiva mukti yabe pabe 
ei ta’ brahmanda tabe jiva-sunya habe! (CC Antya 3.77)

Translation: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu replied, If all living entities were liberated, the entire universe would be devoid of living beings.

For example when you were passing by the forests of Jharkhand, at that time by the effect of your Sankirtan they left all their enviousness and they were dancing and kissing each other. Lion was hugging and kissing the Deer and also it was observed that the trees were trembling.

When a person chants Hare Krsna in the forest then we hear the echo of Hare Krsna. So it’s not an echo, it comes because the movable and immovable living entities are chanting in response.

Srila Suta Goswami speaks, as soon as Srila Sukhdev Goswami was born, he left for the forest. No Sanskara was performed for him. And his father, Srila Vyasdev was running after him calling out “Putra” , “Putra”.

sūta uvāca 
yaṁ pravrajantam anupetam apeta-kṛtyaṁ 
dvaipāyano viraha-kātara ājuhāva 
putreti tan-mayatayā taravo ‘bhinedus 
taṁ sarva-bhūta-hṛdayaṁ munim ānato ‘smi (SB 1.2.2)

Translation: Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī said: Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto that great sage [Śukadeva Gosvāmī] who can enter the hearts of all. When he went away to take up the renounced order of life [sannyāsa], leaving home without undergoing reformation by the sacred thread or the ceremonies observed by the higher castes, his father, Vyāsadeva, fearing separation from him, cried out, “O my son!” Indeed, only the trees, which were absorbed in the same feelings of separation, echoed in response to the begrieved father.

Srila Sukhdev Goswami gave no response but the trees were responding in return to his call in the voice of Sukhdev Goswami. Also he reminded that you had delivered the whole world when Vasudev Datta had prayed for all the living entities.

He asked Mahaprabhu, please give all the sins of these living entities to me and let them get liberated. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has fulfilled the desires of his pure devotees. And he had destroyed the sins of all the living entities at that time though those sins were not transferred to Vasudev Datta.

Similarly when the Lord appeared as Krsna, that time also he had delivered all the living entities who had come in contact with him in any way possible.

avatari’ tumi aiche patiyacha hata 
keha na bujhite pare tomara gudha nata (CC Antya 3.82)

Translation: My dear Lord, You have set a plan in motion by descending on the material world, but no one can understand how You are acting.

purve yena vraje krsna kari’ avatara 
sakala brahmanda-jivera khandaila samsara (CC Antya 3.83)

Translation: Formerly, when Lord Krsna descended in Vrndavaa, He freed all living entities in the universe from material existence in the same way.

Sometimes a question arises, that if a person is liberated by uttering the names but doesn’t have love for the God, then? Irrespective whether he has love or not, the name is all potent. Gopis are an example. They did not love Krsna as the Supreme Personality.

They considered Krsna as their husband. A Gopi was locked by her husband who would not allow her to go when Krsna played his flute. So she remembered Krsna and left her body and went to Krsna in her spirit.

Just like fire has its nature of burning. Whether a person touches it knowingly or unknowingly, he will get burnt. Similarly the holy name will show its effect irrespective of your mood and faith. For example Shishupal, though he was cursing Krsna for his entire life still he chanted his name. And as a result when he left this world, he immersed in the body of the Lord and continued his service as Jaya Vijaya at Vaikuntha.

This is the potency of the holy name. If the Lord liberated everyone then why isn’t the world empty?

Srila Krsnadas Kaviraj Goswami says that it is true that everyone is liberated and taken back home. But there are innumerable jiva’s present in Karanodaksayi Visnu and they are lying there in subtle bodies. According to their karma they are born here. So as soon as the jiva’s are liberated the next batch comes and the universe gets full once again. Lord Rama delivered Ayodhya and Krsna delivered the whole universe.

haridasa bale,–“tomara yavat martye sthiti 
tavat sthavara-jangama, sarva jiva-jati 
saba mukta kari’ tumi vaikunthe pathaiba 
suksma-jive punah karme udbuddha kariba (CC Antya 3.78-79)

Translation: Haridasa said, “My Lord, as long as You are situated within the materiaI world, You will send to the spirituaI sky all the deveIoped moving ad nonmoving living entities in different species. Then again You will awaken the living entities who are not yet developed and engage them in activities.

sei jiva habe ihan sthavara-jangama 
tahate bharibe brahmanda yena purva-sama (CC Antya 3.80)

Translation: In this way all moving and nonmoving living entities will come into existence, and the entire universe will be filled as it was previously.

purve yena raghunatha saba ayodhya lana 
vaikunthake gela, anya-jive ayodhya bharana (CC Antya 3.81)

Translation: Previously, when Lord Ramacandra left this world, He took with Him all the living entities of Ayodhya. Then He filled Ayodhya again with other living entities.

But we see there are souls still present. So this cycle will continue to happen. So basically the Lord is beyond the limited understanding of living entities in this material world. It’s not possible to overcome him.

Mandodari was explaining this to Ravana. But Ravana still continued to have enmity towards Rama. The fools are not able to recognize, like Shishupal and Duryodhan could not understand. They come disguised as a human. But devotees always recognize them.

namo mahā-vadānyāya 
kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāya te 
kṛṣṇāya kṛṣṇa-caitanya- 
nāmne gaura-tviṣe namaḥ (CC Madhya 19.53)

Translation: O most munificent incarnation! You are Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and You are widely distributing pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.

We always offer our obeisances unto the lotus feet of the Lord. We can take some questions.

Q:- Can a person be delivered by Namabhas?

A:- Yes, Namabhas possesses the potency to liberate a person.

naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu 
nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā 
bhagavaty uttama-śloke 
bhaktir bhavati naiṣṭhikī (ŚB 1.2.18)

Translation: By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.

Similarly the holy name can liberate anyone except a person committing sins on the strength of the holy name. Even though Durvasa Muni took the shelter at the Lotus feet of Lord Narayana but Narayana asked him to beg forgiveness from Ambarish Maharaj.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca 
ahaṁ bhakta-parādhīno 
hy asvatantra iva dvija 
sādhubhir grasta-hṛdayo 
bhaktair bhakta-jana-priyaḥ (ŚB 9.4.63)

Translation: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said to the brāhmaṇa: I am completely under the control of My devotees. Indeed, I am not at all independent. Because My devotees are completely devoid of material desires, I sit only within the cores of their hearts. What to speak of My devotee, even those who are devotees of My devotee are very dear to Me.

Similarly unless we continue to commit offenses against the devotees of the Lord till then this holy name will not show it’s complete effects. We should surrender unto Naam prabhu and pray to him for getting relieved of our sins.

Q:- When I chant, I get many bad thoughts?

A:- There are bad impressions present in your consciousness already. To take them out you need to work on it. As soon as you chant the holy names, their sitting place is distributed and those impressions will come to your mind. We have a huge tunnel where terrorists are hidden in our heart. Only thing is that we need to continue our practice with conviction. Just like in this Japa Talk its always said, control your mind. With patience, try to control.

Q:-How to understand the presence of the word “Harama” in the Purana? Though Islam is just 1200 years old. So this word Harama came to existence may be just around 1200 years back?

A:- There are certain words which exist for a long time as Sanskrit is very old. This word Harama originates from Sanskrit which is the mother of all the languages in the world. Like its said here, damstri-damstraha to mleccho ha rameti punah punah (CC Antya 3.56). This word Rama is very old. It doesn’t matter in what language you call it.

 

 

03 June 2024

Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Theme: Chanting like a crying baby

Hare Krsna!

On the auspicious occasion of Apara Ekadashi, do extra rounds with extra attention. Hear the holyname with attention. It’s the day to increase the quantity as well as quality of chanting. We should give our efforts. Today when we were performing Tulasi aarti, I was contemplating upon:

mora ei abhilasha, vilasa kunje dio vasa
nayana heribo sada yugala-rupa-rasi

Translation

My desire is that you will also give me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna. (Text 3, Sri Tulasi Aarti)

What a prayer! We can pray like this while chanting. Tulasi aarti is a very special prayer for all of us. It’s very dear to me.

ei nivedana dhara, sakhira anugata koro
seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasi

Translation

I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant. (Text 4, Sri Tulasi Aarti)

We should chant in a prayerful mood. We should call out the Lord like Rukmini, Gajendra or Śrīla Haridāsa Thākura. Srila Prabhupāda says, we should chant like the crying of a baby.

kabe ha’be bolo se-dina amar
(amar) aparadha ghuci’, suddha name ruci,
kripa-bale ha’be hridoye sancar

Translation

When, oh when will that day be mine? When my offenses ceasing, taste for the name increasing, when in my heart will your mercy shine, when, oh when will that day be mine? (Text 1, Kabe Ha’be Bolo, Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura)

kṛṣṇa tvadīya-pada-pańkaja-pañjarāntam
adyaiva me viśatu mānasa-rāja-haḿsaḥ
prāṇa-prayāṇa-samaye kapha-vāta-pittaiḥ
kaṇṭhāvarodhana-vidhau smaraṇaḿ kutas te

Translation

O Krsna! Please allow my mind to immediately yield to Your lotus flowerlike feet, just as the flamingo enters into the labyrinth of the lotus flowers’ stems. When at the moment of my last breath my throat becomes constricted by the action of the bodily humors air, bile, and phlegm, how will I be able to remember You? (Verse 33, Mukunda Mala Stotra)

Theme: Gopal Guru Goswami commentary on Hare Krsna Mahāmantra

Now, we will play the commentary of Śrīla Gopal Guru Goswāmī on Hare Krsna Mahāmantra which will help in improving the quality of our chanting. Then we shall hear from HG Istadeva prabhu who will speak about Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura on his appearance day.

(1) hare – he hare, mac-cittam hrtva bhava-bandhanan mocaya

(2) krsna – he krsna, mac-cittam akarsaya

(3) hare – he hare, sva-madhuryena mac-cittah hara

(4) krsna – he krsna, sva-bhakta-dvara bhajana-jnana-danena mac-cittam sodhaya

(5) krsna – he krsna, nama-rupa-guna-liladisu man-nistham kuru

(6) krsna – he krsna, rucir bhavatu me

(7) hare – he hare, nija-seva-yogyam mam kuru

(8) hare – he hare, sva-sevam adisaya

(9) hare – he hare, sva-presthena saha svabhista-lilam sravaya

(10) rama – he rama, presthaya saha svabhista-lilam mam sravaya

(11) hare – he hare, sva-presthena saha svabhista-lilam darsaya

(12) rama – he rama, presthaya saha svabhista-lilam mam darsaya

(13) rama – he rama, nama-rupa-guna-lila-smaranadisu mam yojaya

(14) rama – he rama, tatra mam nija-seva-yogyam kuru

(15) hare – he hare, mam svangikrtya ramasva

(16) hare – he hare, maya saha ramasva

Translation

 1) Hare! O Hari, steal my mind and deliver me from bondage to this material world.

2) Krsna! O Krsna, attract my mind.

3) Hare! O Hari! Capture my mind with the sweetness of your name, form and pastimes.

4) Krsna! O Krsna! Send me the association of your devotees who will purify my mind through instructions about your devotional service.

5) Krsna! O Krsna! Give me unflinching faith in your name, form, qualities and pastimes.

6) Krsna! O Krsna! Give me a taste for your name, form, qualities and pastimes.

7) Hare! O Hari! Make me worthy to engage in your service.

8) Hare! O Hara, Radha! Order me personally in the service you wish me to perform.

9) Hare! O Hara, Radha! Give me the opportunity to hear about your own favorite pastimes with your beloved Lord.

10) Rama! O Rama! Give me the opportunity to hear about your own favorite pastimes with your beloved Radha.

11) Hare! O Hara, Radha! Give me the opportunity to see your intimate pastimes with your beloved Lord.

12) Rama! O Rama! Give me the opportunity to see your intimate pastimes with your beloved Radha.

13) Rama! O Rama! Engage me in hearing, chanting and remembering your name, form, qualities, pastimes.

14) Rama! O Rama! As I enter into those pastimes by the path of meditation, make me worthy to engage in your service.

15) Hare! O Hari! Please accept me and take pleasure from the service that I offer you.

16) Hare! O Hari! Take pleasure in me and enjoy with me.

Speaker: HG Istadeva Prabhuji

Theme: Appearance day of Śrīla Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura 

I am grateful to get the opportunity to speak today. Any person who gets to speak or hear the pastimes of Śrī Krsna Caitanya Mahāprabhu is very fortunate.

Sub-theme: Magnanimity of the names of Caitanya Mahāprabhu

gaurangera duti pada, jar dhana sampada,
se jane bhakati-rasa-sar
gaurangera madhura-lila, jar karne pravesila,
hridoya nirmala bhelo tar

Translation

Anyone who has accepted the two lotus feet

of Lord Caitanya can understand the true essence of devotional service.  If one is captivated by the pleasing pastimes of Lord Caitanya, the dirty things in his heart will all become cleansed. (Text 1, Gaurangera Duti Pada, Narottama Dasa Thakura)

There are many scriptures that speak about the pastimes of Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Nityānanda Prabhu like Caitanya Caritāmrta, Caitanya Bhāgavata, Caitanya Mangal, Caitanya Candrodaya, Murari Gupta Kharcha. Krishna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī explains the magnanimity of the names of Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Nityānanda Prabhu over the name of Krsna in Caitanya Caritāmrta, Adi lila, chapter Eight but this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t chant the Mahāmantra.

Sub-theme: Meaning of Upavāsa

Today is the auspicious day of Ekadashi or Mādhava tithi, the day of Madhava. Upavāsa means to stay close to the Lord or the names of the Lord. When we chant, hear and remember the names of the Lord, it means we are staying close to the Lord. Upavāsa doesn’t only mean to refrain from having grains on this day but it also means to stay close to the Lord. We must get so busy in chanting and serving the Lord that we should not remember food or not get time for food. On the days of Janamashtami or Radhashtami, we get so engrossed in the loving services of the Lord that we forget to eat. In Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva Goswāmī observes fasting or stays close to the Lord by continuously preaching to Parikshit Maharaj. We were seeing the meaning of Hare Krishna mahamantra of Gopal Guru Goswāmī. The second last Hare means, O Krsna! please make me Your servant and engage me in your services as you may like. When Śrīla Prabhupāda went to America, he would ask the Lord to use him as He would want for His services. This is a wonderful day. And to engage in the process of chanting on this day with such a wonderful prayerful mood is a great fortune. It is by the mercy of Srila Gurumaharaj that we all have assembled in such a huge number and are chanting. It is a great fortune for all of us. In Mayapur, many devotees chant 64 rounds on this day by getting the inspiration from Guru Maharaj. This is the mercy of Guru Maharaj.

Sub-theme: Importance of Panca Tattva Pranam Mantra

adyāpiha dekha caitanya-nāma yei laya
kṛṣṇa-preme pulakāśru-vihvala se haya

Translation

Whether he is offensive or inoffensive, anyone who even now chants śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu-nityānanda is immediately overwhelmed with ecstasy, and tears fill his eyes. (CC Ādi 8.22)

nityānanda’ balite haya kṛṣṇa-premodaya
āulāya sakala aṅga, aśru-gaṅgā vaya

 Translation

Simply by talking of Nityānanda Prabhu one awakens his love for Kṛṣṇa. Thus all his bodily limbs are agitated by ecstasy, and tears flow from his eyes like the waters of the Ganges. (CC Ādi 8.23)

kṛṣṇa-nāma’ kare aparādhera vicāra
kṛṣṇa balile aparādhīra nā haya vikāra

 Translation

There are offenses to be considered while chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Therefore simply by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa one does not become ecstatic. (CC Ādi 8.24)

We tend to chant the holyname with offenses, that’s why we chant the Panca Tattva Mahamantra at the end which is not just a formality but is most important.

jaya sri-krishna-chaitanya
prabhu nityananda
sri-adwaita gadadhara
shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda

Translation

I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Nityananda, Sri Advaita,

Gadadhara Pandit, Srivas Thakur, and all the devotees of Lord Caitanya. (Panca Tattva Mahamantra)

We should pray to the Panca Tattva to bestow Their mercy upon us so we can chant the holyname with love and attention.

doyā koro sītā-pati adwaita gosāi
tava kṛpā-bale pāi caitanya-nitāi

 Translation

 

My dear Advaita Prabhu, husband of Sītā, You are so kind. Please be merciful to me. If You are kind to me, naturally Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda will also be kind to me. (Text 4, Sri Krsna Caitanya Prabhu Doya Karo Moro, Narottama Dasa Thākura) 

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya-dayā karaha vicāra
vicāra karite citte pābe camatkāra

Translation

If you are indeed interested in logic and argument, kindly apply it to the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. If you do so, you will find it to be strikingly wonderful. (CC Ādi 8.15)

We hear the pastimes of Sri Krsna and Sri Rama. But it is the greatest fortune to get to know the pastimes of Śrī Krsna Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Caitanya Caritāmrta, Caitanya Bhāgavata, Caitanya Mangal are very important scriptures. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts Caitanya Caritāmrta to be the first degree scripture as without it, we would have not been able to understand the glories of Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Nityānanda Prabhu.

Caitanya Bhāgavata was written before Caitanya Caritāmrta. Caitanya Bhāgavata was earlier named as Caitanya Mangal but when Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura got to know that Caitanya Mangal name had already given by Locana Dāsa Thākura to a scripture in Sripad Shrikhand, he changed the name to Caitanya Bhāgavata.

Theme: Ved Vyasa as Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura in Caitanya lila

Today is the appearance day of Śrīla Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura. He appeared in a place called Mamgacchi in Modadrumadwip. Moda means ananda or ecstasy or pleasure and druma means a tree. Modadrumadwip is the ocean where Sri Rama is taking pleasure with Mother Sita beneath a tree.  Śrīla Vrindāvana Dāsa Thakura’s father’s name was Vaikuntha Nath. The mother of Śrīla Vrindāvana Dāsa Thakura was Sri Narayanidevi, the niece of Srivasa Pandit and the daughter of Nalin Pandit. She was a great devotee of Caitanya Mahāprabhu since childhood. In his Sri Caitanya Bhagavata, Vrindāvana Dāsa has described how his mother attained the affectionate favour of Sri Gaurasundara. Narayani devi would receive the entire remnants of Mahāprabhu’s meal. Though she was only an insensible child, He bestowed His mercy on her in this way. Gaura Ganodesh Dipika explains that she was Kilimbika, the younger sister of Ambika in Krsna lila. She and her sister would help mother Yashoda in performing services. She was so intelligent that she would eat the remnants of Sri Krsna. Ved Vyasa, who wrote Srimad Bhagavatam, is Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura in Caitanya lila. One friend of Sri Krsna is also Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura of Caitanya lila. Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura was born four years after Mahāprabhu took sannyasa. He was initiated by Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu and was apparently the last disciple whom Sri Nityananda accepted. Krishna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī explains the reason why he compiled Caitanya Caritāmrta after the advent of Caitanya Bhāgavata and Caitanya Mangal. He reveals that this is the order of Krsna and Guru. Śrī Krsna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī has glorified Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura as the Veda Vyasa of the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. We will try to know more about him by Krsna Dāsa Kavirāja in Caitanya Caritāmrta. He writes

kṛṣṇa-līlā bhāgavate kahe veda-vyāsa
caitanya-līlāra vyāsa — vṛndāvana-dāsa

Translation

As Vyāsadeva has compiled all the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Ṭhākura Vṛndāvana dāsa has depicted the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. (CC Ādi 8.34)

vṛndāvana-dāsa kaila ‘caitanya-maṅgala’
yāṅhāra śravaṇe nāśe sarva amaṅgala

Translation

Ṭhākura Vṛndāvana dāsa has composed Śrī Caitanya-maṅgala. Hearing this book annihilates all misfortune. (CC Ādi 8.35)

bhāgavate yata bhakti-siddhāntera sāra
likhiyāchena iṅhā jāni’ kariyā uddhāra

Translation

In Śrī Caitanya-maṅgala [later known as Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata] Śrīla Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura has given the conclusion and essence of devotional service by quoting the authoritative statements of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.  (CC Ādi 8.37)

‘caitanya-maṅgala’ śune yadi pāṣaṇḍī, yavana
seha mahā-vaiṣṇava haya tatakṣaṇa

Translation

If even a great atheist hears Śrī Caitanya-maṅgala, he immediately becomes a great devotee.  (CC Ādi 8.38)

Śrīla Prabhupāda has given such a great example of this when he converted all the atheists into a devotee just by the holyname.

manuṣye racite nāre aiche grantha dhanya
vṛndāvana-dāsa-mukhe vaktā śrī-caitanya

Translation

The subject matter of this book is so sublime that it appears that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has personally spoken through the writings of Śrī Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura.  (CC Ādi 8.39)

We are aware that Srila Govind Bhasya was written by Baladev Vidyabhushan overnight by inspiration/ dictation from Sri Govinda Devji in Jaipur. Similarly this is spoken by Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu Himself. Even Śrīla Prabhupāda says that I have written whatever Krsna spoke to me. Hence, the Lord makes His devotees a medium whenever He wants to convey something.

vṛndāvana-dāsa-pade koṭi namaskāra
aiche grantha kari’ teṅho tārilā saṁsāra

Translation

I offer millions of obeisances unto the lotus feet of Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura. No one else could write such a wonderful book for the deliverance of all fallen souls. (CC Ādi 8.40)

tāṅra ki adbhuta caitanya-carita-varṇana
yāhāra śravaṇe śuddha kaila tri-bhuvana

Translation

What a wonderful description he has given of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya! Anyone in the three worlds who hears it is purified.  (CC Ādi 8.42)

Here, Krishna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī is bribing us that this will happen if we hear the pastimes of Caitanya Mahāprabhu because we don’t do anything till the time we don’t get anything in return. It is called Śruti fala. We even chant to get love of Godhead, become liberated and return to Back to Godhead.

ataeva bhaja, loka, caitanya-nityānanda
khaṇḍibe saṁsāra-duḥkha, pābe premānanda

Translation

I fervently appeal to everyone to adopt the method of devotional service given by Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda and thus be freed from the miseries of material existence and ultimately achieve the loving service of the Lord. (CC Ādi 8.43)

 vṛndāvana-dāsa kaila ‘caitanya-maṅgala’
tāhāte caitanya-līlā varṇila sakala

Translation

Śrīla Vṛndāvana dāsa Ṭhākura has written Śrī Caitanya-maṅgala and therein described in all respects the pastimes of Lord Caitanya. (CC Ādi 8.44) 

sūtra kari’ saba līlā karila granthana
pāche vistāriyā tāhāra kaila vivaraṇa

Translation

He first summarized all the pastimes of the Lord and later described them vividly in detail. (CC Ādi 8.45)

vistāra dekhiyā kichu saṅkoca haila mana
sūtra-dhṛta kona līlā nā kaila varṇana

Translation

He saw them to be so extensive that he later felt that some had not been properly described. (CC Ādi 8.47)

nityānanda-līlā-varṇane ha-ila āveśa
caitanyera śeṣa-līlā rahila avaśeṣa

Translation

He ecstatically described the pastimes of Lord Nityānanda, but the later pastimes of Caitanya Mahāprabhu remained untold. (CC Ādi 8.48)

 sei saba līlāra śunite vivaraṇa
vṛndāvana-vāsī bhaktera utkaṇṭhita mana

Translation

The devotees of Vṛndāvana were all very anxious to hear those pastimes. (CC Ādi 8.49)

Because Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s pastimes remained untold, all the Vrajavasis requested Krishna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī to complete the pastimes of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Caitanya Mangal was based upon the Kharcha of Murari Gupta which describes the pastimes of Mahāprabhu. Caitanya Mahāprabhu lived 18 years in Jagannath Puri, out of which for 16 years, Raghunātha Dāsa Thākura had close association with Mahāprabhu. Krsna Dāsa Kavirāja Goswāmī heard the pastimes of Mahāprabhu at Radha Kund from Raghunātha Dāsa Goswami everyday for 4 – 4 hours. On that basis, he has written Caitanya Caritāmrta as a compilation. He was requested by other devotees to do so. Just like Sukadeva Goswami heard the katha and then narrated to Parikshit Maharaj at Naimisharanya. Krishna Dāsa Kavirāja was a Shrutidhar who would just listen and grasp everything. He didn’t need to note anything like us.

Śrīla Vrindāvana Dāsa Thākura went to Dhenur village where he wrote the Caitanya Bhāgavata. Along with him, Jahnva mata also went to Dhenur. When he was a child his father passed away, then he and his mother used to come at Śrīvāsa Thākura’s. Once Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Narayani to call “Krishna”; as she called, she started having ecstatic symptoms.

It is the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that today this nectarian book is available to every house in the entire world.

Jei gaura sei radha krsna

The pastimes of Mahāprabhu are very magnanimous. Just by chanting Gauranga we get the benefit of chanting names of both Radha and Krsna. By Gurumaharaj’s mercy we are getting to hear these wonderful pastimes on this Zoom platform. Ask others to join this zoom conference to please Guru and Gauranga. I spoke from CC adi 8.30 – 8.45. I shall stop here now.

Hare Krishna!

Topic – How should a Vaishnav behave?

Date – 4th June 2024

HG Padmamali Pr- Hare Krishna. PAMHO. Today, On Dwadashi, we have Hg Keshav Murari prabhu from ISKCON rohini for a japa talk. He is in the important position of ICC and ISKCON Rohini. It is our good fortune that a realised soul is in between us and following Prabhupada teachings strictly and faithfully. Recently, there was an opening of ISKCOn rohini and it was inaugurated by HH Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj. He has taken out time from his busy schedule to give us association. We are very grateful and would like him to start the Japa Talk.

HG Keshav Murari Prabhu – Hare Krsna. Dandavat Pranam. All glories to HH Lokanatha swami maharaj. It is my fortune that I got darshan of so many vaishnavas in the morning.

“Vānchā-kalpatarubhyaś ca kṛpā-sindhubhya eva ca,
patitānāṁ pāvanebhyo vaiṣṇavebhyo namo namaḥ.”

Translate:

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Vaishnavas, who are just like desire trees and can fulfil the desires of everyone, and who are full of compassion for the fallen souls.”

I am amazed to see that for so many years devotees are coming together to chant in one forum. It is very difficult to gather devotees or Hindus together in India. There is a saying ,”Uniting Hindus is like weighing frogs.” It  describes the difficulty in bringing Hindus together due to their diverse beliefs and practices. There are almost more than 2000 devotees everyday gathering.This is a big achievement. All glories to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.

I am supposed to speak on Vaishnava behaviour. I will try to speak according to my qualifications. It is not  possible to chant all the glories of Krsna – even Ananta shesha can not do so. But Krsna says that He can be defeated by His devotees. By looking at their surrender, humility and behaviour, Krsna’s heart also melts. Krishna says, “I am sold out by my devotees. I dance to their tunes because the Supreme Lord, to whom everyone is surrendered, is Himself sold out to His devotees. These devotees are worshipable by everyone, including the Lord Himself.”

In our sampradaya, every acharya is exceptionally great. It is not easy to run this movement. This Hare Krishna Movement is going on, nurtured and protected by these acharyas only. Sometimes we may think, “I did this” during our services. Sometimes devotees feel they should get some recognition for the devotional service that they have done.” I should get some position because of my services” we may think like that. No doubt, our acharyas purify us from time to time and relieve us from this ego. Still we are conditioned, and this is Kaliyuga. So it is natural to think like that. Sometimes when deities are brought somewhere, they go on chariots. And at every place, deities are being worshipped, bhoga is offered so horses of that chariot may think”we are being worshipped”. Similarly if a devotee feels that he is doing something for the movement, we should realise that all the empowerment to do these services is coming from the disciplic succession, our acharyas. We are very fortunate that we are connected to this bonafide authentic sampradaya and it is the Topmost. In our sampradaya, Krishna Himself came in the mood of Srimati Radharani, became an acharya. Mahaprabhu is the best example of an acharya. He has shown the right standard of a renunciant, a spiritual master and a devotee. Similarly In this lineage there are so many great acharyas – Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati thakur, Srila Prabhupada and present guru. They all carry the same mood. We are all well protected.

This ship of ISKCON may sway in the material ocean sometimes. Sometimes devotees may think, “why is this ship wavering? I hope this ship doesn’t sink.” But when the ship’s captain is Srila Prabhupada and protected by all ISKCON gurus, the favourable air.” Sometimes there may be strong winds when an acharya left just like when Prabhupada left, many people jumped from the ship thinking that it would sink. And now they are sitting in small boats and seeing that the ship is strongly protected, expanding then they regret. But they are not able to come back.

Sometimes, we also try to take short cuts and go to different sadhus (out of ISKCON). We forget that we are in a ship which is protected by Srila Prabhupada, the pre-eminent acharya. When we are not in devotion, we do not know philosophy so that time we all know what we did in the name of spirituality? We used to go to so many temples, so many gurus etc. Our philosophy was not clear. We used to eat everything and do whatever we like. We came into Krsna consciousness, we understood what bhakti is, about Lord and His incarnations, position of demigods and ISKCON and other institutions. But now after knowing the philosophy of Krsna consciousness we are safe. After knowing all this, we still go to other gurus (outside ISKCON) just by looking at their videos on Youtube. We think,”oh this guru said a very nice thing” but we should know everything is given in the books and purports of Srila Prabhupada. His disciples are saying the same things as it is. Acharya means to present Krsna consciousness as it is, the same knowledge he has received from his spiritual master- he is giving to his disciples as it is. This is the quality of an acharya. And to see whether they’re following it properly or not. Sometimes people see that there are many rules and regulations in ISKCON and they go left and right. They commit offence unto the lotus feet of Prabhupada and spiritual master. Once Srila Prabhupada’s followers in Vrindavan went to other gurus, Srila Prabhupad had tears in his eyes. He said,”I have given everything in my books.”

The problem is that when we are in the wrong association then we have shortcomings. Today this social media is a good platform to interact with one another but this can also be a reason for our fall down. That’s why, whatever Srila Prabhupada has given in his books and the way Vaishnavas lived their life,we have to see that only. There’s no better principle than this. But we have shortcomings because we don’t have to read 4 vedas, 18 puranas, 108 upanishads. We just heard Prabhupada lectures and read his golden purports, we got everything. We understood everything but we still want shortcuts. We got the biggest shortcut. What did you know before coming into Krsna consciousness? We are looking for a spiritual organisation where there are no regulative principles or maybe just 3 or 2 or 1 regulative principles. We want an organisation where the spiritual master does not interfere in our lives. Who wants a spiritual master like this? This is the age of Kali. Who wants a spiritual master who wakes us up in the morning at 5 am and asks to chant with him on zoom. Nobody wants it. He won’t allow us to be in mode of ignorance or mode of passion. He would teach us through his behaviour that i wake up and chant, you also wake up and chant with me, hear the lecture. So this way if we get influenced by any youtube video of sadhus outside ISKCON, then we may leave this ship of ISKCON.this is the greatest loss of life. We should be alert. Follow regulative principles properly, chant Hare krishna mahamantra attentively, hear the mantra properly while chanting and read Srila Prabhupada books, hear the Prabhupada disciples. If we continue to come together and chant like this everyday in the morning and hear philosophy then our spiritual path will be safe, clear, protected and surely we will advance. And one day we will attain Krsna prem in our heart.

Bhakti is a science. As you’ll move forward, you’ll see the results.Initially it takes us away from gross materialism or bad habits. This is the beginning of bhakti. Gradually, when we chant and avoid vaishnava offences or chant attentively, then we start to acquire divine qualities which Lord Krsna tells in Bhagavad Gita or mentioned in Nectar of devotion. Gradually we see that our humility, tolerance is increasing and lust, anger, greed or material desires are decreasing. Then it makes a beautiful chart of our life. We start appreciating good qualities in Vaishnavas.This way, by continuously practising, we will start respecting Vaishnavas more. We will be inspired by them and will see the good qualities in them. One begins to follow acharays. Srimad Bhagavatma tells us who is a vaishnava?

A Vaishnava is a person who remains unaffected in any situation, even if disrespected, beaten, or criticised by everyone. Despite such treatment, they do not retaliate. This level of humility is cultivated in Vaishnava. So first of all, Krishna won’t allow any situation like this in a devotee’s life but sometimes if Krsna does that, then a Vaishnava shows complete surrender to the Lord in those situations. They show “Krsna ek sharanam”- Krishna is the only shelter. They completely surrender from mind, words and body to Krsna.This way, through their behaviour, they show that everyone should follow this behaviour.

Our life seems to be like 100 years but nowadays it is approximately 70 years. Still we don’t know when death will take place. That’s why, whatever time we have, we should be serious. We see, in cities, people are getting serious diseases from the age of 35 or 40. We have seen that our ancestors died while enjoying only and now also in old age, they say that there is no peace of mind, we have unfulfilled desires. When we see this all around us that people, although engaged in sense gratification, are highly miserable then “A word to the wise is sufficient.” Sometimes there is a jam and we arr moving in the same direction on road, then we see a car coming from frog after taking a U turn and gives a sign to us that “dont go forward – there is jam, take a u turn”. If we understand that sign, then that is intelligence. Similarly, Lord Krishna is giving a sign in Bhagavad Gita,

[Bg. 13.9]

Janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi-

Duḥkha-doṣānudarśanam

Translation:

the perception of the evil of birth, death, old age and disease.

All the acharyas are giving the same sign. But if we still say that i want to enjoy, want to eat, earn, drink etc. i dont want to give donation. Sometimes we become devotees but still our children are studying in the same demoniac schools. So they dont understand what parents are doing. They see parents as aliens. First duty of parents is to take their children to ISKCON temples, send them in gurukula or sunday programs so that from childhood they will get right assocaitiong and right knowledge. We areb not able to open schools like that in society. A lot of energy we spent on children to make them devotees. With this there is discrepancy between parents and children. Ultimately one gives up.

SB 5.5.18

gurur na sa syāt sva-jano na sa syāt

pitā na sa syāj jananī na sā syāt…

na mocayed yaḥ samupeta-mṛtyum

Translation:

One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.

So this world runs of fellowship, what one follows , everybody follows. But they have wrong Heros in this world. Real heroes are our acharyas who have controlled their senses, mind and body. They are real acharyas. These acharyas have protected dharma, society, devotional principles. Because of them, we are able to be pure. In Bhagavatam Krsna walks in Goloka, dust (saffron particles) comes when he walks, it enters into the heart. Acharyas when speak about Krsna, sing Krsna’s glories enters into the heart of a conditioned soul. In CC

CC Ādi 1.1

vande gurūn īśa-bhaktān īśam īśāvatārakān tat-prakāśāṁś ca tac-chaktīḥ kṛṣṇa-caitanya-saṁjñakam

Translation:

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the spiritual masters, the devotees of the Lord, the Lord’s incarnations, His plenary portions, His energies and the primeval Lord Himself, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya.

Krishna comes in six forms-  Caitanya Maharpabhu, Vaishnava, guru, energies, incarnations and Himslef Acaryas are also Krsna’s represntatives, we should respect them contemplate and remember them. If we remember them then we will be purified. When they will come and if we serve thenw think of the benefits. This si our only asset taht we have earned- avishnava sang their teaching. We just have to dedicate our time in this. Whatever time we have , we should engage in devotional services, hearing acharyas instrcutions, chanting and preaching to others so that they can be inspired. Then our life will also be successful. Otherwise, if we miss this opportunity and leave the ship then we will be very unfortunate. In spiritual life, A and Z of Bhakti is onyl Vaishnavas.

chadiya vaisnava-seva nistara payeche keba:

without being a devotee of a devotee, one cannot be released from material entanglement.

So if we commit any offense towards Vaishnava or Krishna, krishna maynot forgive but if we glorify and serve Vaishnavas then Krsna will be pleased and if vaishnavas are pleased with us then they will request Krishna to accept you and Krishna cannot deny anyone if  His dear vaishnavas request anything. A to Z of spiritual life and everything is dependent on vaishnavas and acharays.Or else if one neglects this opportunity then one will fall in the material pool. If devotees are pleased with us , Krsna is pleased.

We start our morning by glorifying and sprayers to Vaishnavas. From morning till evening, we glorify and pray to vaishnavas this helps us to grow in our devotional life. That’s why our morning starts with samsara dava nala lidha  Loka- guru puja. Devotees should always glorify vaishnaavs and remember vaishnavas in heart.

Hg Padmamali Prabhu speaks – Thank you prabhuji. We can take some questions from today’s talk.

Q-I am in devotional life but my child is not inclined ? What to do ?

A- We have started Bhakti very late. And for children it’s a drastic change. They see the outside world and get attached. Children may be fearful that their friends may make fun of them. Second reason is, One doesn’t have a community of devotees also. Nevertheless one can stay near the temple and have different classes at least half a day, once a week. Slowly they may change. There should be programs for children where they can do numbe of activities.  When they grow older , they can be told about philosophy of Krsna consciousness. About death and mishaps. We have answers to all questions. You could do more hearing and chanting. And also educate them. Serve them Prasadam. We should do our job of putting efforts to make them Krsan cosnciosuness.  And make them understand that this  material world is temporary. It is a place of misery. No matter how hard you try, there will be disappointment in this material world.  When the children realise this they will definitely take a u turn.

Q- Some are good devotees in temple , but they leave association of temple devotees due to some misunderstandings. They practise in solitude. How to bring them back?

A- all devotees have a different mind set. Many people come into ISKCON. There 84 lakh varieties of devotees also not just species. There will be difference of opinion. One should be worried when one doesn’t get Prasadam for more than two times a day , or snatches away ones japa mala , or is nit allowed to attend Bhagavatam class. They think that my ideas are nice and whatever i say is important for the mission. Second, we should not expect. Third, you should give your opinion and ideas without any attachment that this will happen. We should not be worried till we are not geting prasadam, no clothes to wear, not able to chant, they have snatched beads, not leeting you attend Bhagavatam class, not giving opportunity to serve in temple then we should be worried in all these cases. There can be many services which are no tin temple like book distribution, sankirtan etc. if you are not able to do these things then you talk to management authority. If you are getting all this and more than this then be grateful to Lord and management and serve selflessly. If theres more problem then dance in kritan for hours and hours. Those devotees who are upset with some aspects of other devotees , they wait for other devotees to come and call me or appreciate me so we should do that. We must be called them back. If leaders are sensitive then what can be done. We should be busy in chanting, hearing Bhagavatam and serving vaishnavas.

Hg Padmamali Prabhu Question- Sometimes congregation devotees feel that there is a lot of favouritism, politics in temple. They feel our group is the best. They feel that they must chant in their homes. As going to temple  will create a lot of conflicts. There is no need of going to temple and vaishnavs. Because not going near to vaishnavas can save us from vaishnav offense. But how can one save such devotees?

A- In our Rohini temple, all are connected to temple. Some Devotees make their own groups. But they are connected to temple. Sometimes sincere soul gets hurt and they begin their own group. Now that sincere devotee is happy and others are also happy. But if you’re away from temple, not serving directly. They have their own concerns which hould be heard.Initially they also feel nice about the same. But gradually Maya Devi takes charge.And she makes the devotee realise that they are the best. You’re not getting proper respect.And then get detached from the temple. Then again Maya enters and says if no body is asking you from temple and so many followers are listening to you, then there lectures change gradually. They tell people that what all wrong happened with me and then those people went to a different group. This happened in Punjabi Bagh. main leaders had a conflict with management. All 200-300 devotees left the temple and now they are completely off the track. They are in radhakund and names liek Manajri are given to them. Now they have opened shops in vrindavan or driving autos there. They are not even chanting 2 rounds. Later people realise what mistake we have committed. There should be discussion always in meetings. So every  preacher , authority must have a leader above them to always guide. No matter how big a preacher is, but there should be someone on his head. Independent preachers mostly have s chanc to deviate if there no one to chastise or correct or guide. Because they’ll feel that they are lord. Who is your authority in this big ISKCON. There should be someone. Of someone is following noone, then they should not follow spiritual life. Becasue that perosn will be doomed.  Having a leader canl save them from a lot of trouble. This has come form ISKCON.

Q- How to regulate our life so that we can always be enthusiastic in spiritual life. Because if a husband is not devotee then it is difficult to be enthusiastic always.

Ans- If all are devotees then one should sit together and discuss how to progress spiritually, but if not all are dveotees then we have to adjustments. And sometimes for there happiness, we can go for their happiness to malls or shopping. Once a girl, devotee and her husband , both were devotees. So this girl’s sister and husband’s brother had a love affair from 7 years then they got married. But they were so nice devotees. But boy had a habit to eat meat. Girl was good devotee. She denied eating meat eating, alcohol adked to go for movies. Then they got divorced. Husband asked her to cook meat bu tnot to eat. So I asked her, to have a successful married life, you could have made adjustments. You’re not chanting 16 rounds so you could have managed. You could have gone to see a movie and then in return, once asked him to come to temple. Then you’re chanting and uplifting him also. I  asked her should i see a good devotee match for you? She said, yes but not so good devotee because then there will be problem. So she wants a little bit of spiritual life an dlittle material life also. this shows your mentality. Because you dont know what do you want. Initially we should make adjustments and try to make family also devotees. We can also make some clarifications with them that i am followifn this path and i am facing this problem. If we communicate then that can also solve problems.

HG Padmamali Pr- We are very grateful to Prabhuji for taking out time from their busy schedule. He missed darshan aarti and gru puja because eof us. We should also take benefit of such association. I would like to express sincere gratitude on behalf of all. We would request to come again. We are looking forward for your guidance in future again.

Sri harinaam prabhu ki jai.
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai.
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj ki Jai.

 

Date: 05 June 2024

Speaker: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj

Topic: Meditation

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj:

The Rainy Season is here! Birds are understanding and they are chirping. You are not the devotees attending the KanyaDaan, but you are attending this zoom conference. Just listen and chant.

A chanter is a soul himself. You can say, I chant with my mouth. But if there will be no soul within this body, then can you chant?  The soul makes the body to chant. The soul will be delivered by chanting. We have to make our soul a devotee. The body can be delivered by Fire sacrifice at the time of death. We have experienced this many times. But the endeavor of delivering the soul is still remaining.

BG 7.19:

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ

Translation:

After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.

Amṛta-bindu Upaniṣad 2; Viṣṇu Purāṇa 6.7.28:

mana eva manuṣyāṇāṁ
kāraṇaṁ bandha-mokṣayoḥ
bandhāya viṣayāsaṅgo
muktyai nirviṣayaṁ manaḥ

Translation:

“For man, mind is the cause of bondage and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage, and mind detached from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.” (Amṛta-bindu Upaniṣad 2)(Viṣṇu Purāṇa 6.7.28)

The mind is the only cause of our good and bad deeds. Mind plays an important role in our life. Mind is the cause of attachments as well as detachments.

 

When we chant attentively, then we will become devotees and be delivered. We have to chant thinking that these names are the lord himself. Who? Krishna!

This meditation will make us liberated and a devotee also.

CC Madhya 17.133:

nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ
pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto
’bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ

Translation:

‘The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Kṛṣṇa Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure.

Kṛṣṇa’s name is complete, and it is the form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under any condition, and it is no less powerful than Kṛṣṇa Himself. Since Kṛṣṇa’s name is not contaminated by the material qualities, there is no question of its being involved with māyā. Kṛṣṇa’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the name of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa Himself are identical.’

The chanters are called Japa yogis. This chanting is also a type of yoga, like bhakti yoga, Dhyan yoga. Another name for the eightfold yogas especially when it is done with love and devotion, the crane bird stands still, like he is meditating and sometimes on one leg for a long time. Externally we may think this is meditation or Dhyan yoga but he is pretending that he is not interested in any of the bugs and little fishes. But really he is thinking only about them. So, he is not undergoing meditation So, all of us are also thinking but about material objects; ; like touch, smell, sight, etc

BG 2.62:

dhyayato visayan pumsah
sangas tesupajayate
sangat sanjayate kamah
kamat krodho ‘bhijayate

Translation:

While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.

We get trapped in the thoughts of seeing television, newspapers or any saree or refrigerator.Our minds get attached to the contemplated objects very fastly and then lust arises. We all are lusty. We are all thinking always, but, about material things in every step, in every life. When the desire is not fulfilled, then one is frustrated and anger arises.

BG 2.63:

krodhad bhavati sammohah
sammohat smrti-vibhramah
smrti-bhramsad buddhi-naso
buddhi-nasat pranasyati

Translation:

From anger, delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.

What is the end result?

Krishna says that this will end up with hell. The doors of hell will open. These doors are anger, lust, illusion etc.

BG 14.18:

 ūrdhvaṁ gacchanti sattva-sthā
madhye tiṣṭhanti rājasāḥ
jaghanya-guṇa-vṛtti-sthā
adho gacchanti tāmasāḥ

Translation:

“Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds.”

The sinful activities will then lead us to hell and we will get entangled. So, this is the way the mind binds us and takes us to hell.

So, become a Japa Yogi. Yoga means link. Link like a bullock is yoked to the cart. The root in Sanskrit is yuj. By yoga, we establish our relation with the Lord. Spiritual life begins from relation with lord. Sambandha, then abhideya and then prayojana. These are philosophies. We should learn when we chant we should reach our worshipable lord, Ishta deva. Harinam is our Ishta deva. For the japa yogis, harinam is our foremost worshipable lord. How?

By understanding that hari and harinam is the same everyone has their Ishta deva-worship able lord. We should make the Lord our worshipable God. Lord Sri Caitanya says:

Caitanya-manjusa:

ārādhyo bhagavān vrajeśa tanayas tad dhāma śrī vrṇdāvanam
ramyā kācid upāsanā vrajavadhū vargeṇa vā kalpitā
śrīmad-bhāgavatam amalaṁ purāṇaṁ
śrī-caitanya mahāprabhor matam idaṁ tatrādarāḥ na paraḥ

Translation:

The Personality of Godhead Śrī Krishna, Who is known as the son of the King of Vrajadhāma i.e. Śrī Nanda Mahārajā, is the ultimate worshipful Lord of all Lords. Similarly His residential abode namely the holy place of Vṛndāvana is as much worshipful as the Lord is Himself. The ways of His worship maybe various but the one which was conceived by the circle of the damsels of Vrajadhāma is unsurpassable by any other devotee. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purāṇam is the unalloyed guidance for this purpose of approaching the worshipful Lord and that is the sum total opinion or cultural philosophy of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

We have to meditate on the holy name and reach to our worshipable lord. He can be in Pandharpur or in Mayapur, and anywhere? Can it be demigods?

BG 4.12:

kāṅkṣhantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ
yajanta iha devatāḥ
kṣhipraṁ hi mānuṣhe loke
siddhir bhavati karmajā

Translation:

In this world, those desiring success in material activities worship the celestial gods, since material rewards manifest quickly.

Kamis or the people, who have desires, make demigods their Ishta deva, just to fulfill their desires.

BG 7.20:

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ
prapadyante ’nya-devatāḥ
taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya
prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā

Translation:

Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.

So, how can we understand who is really worshipable? By reaching a guru.

om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya
caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah

Translation:

I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto him.

This is the arrangement of the lord.

BG 4.34:

tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

Translation:
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

What do we do there?

Many times our eyes are open but we still can see. As we are blinded by lust, anger, envy etc
and our entire life is spent without seeing the lord. So, we can reach our worship-able lord wherever they are.

But, the reality is we don’t know where our lord is. Lord says himself that I reside in your heart, go here and there and remember the lord there. It is good so we think this is far that is near, forget the distance when we meditate we will not be here. But we will be with whoever we are thinking about or he will be here. So, in reality there is no distance, like Srila Prabhupada would say even though i’m in New York, i feel like i’m in Vrindavan. The Supreme Personality of Godhead says:

Padam Puran:

nāhaṁ tiṣṭhāmi vaikuṇṭhe
yogināṁ hṛdayeṣu vā
tatra tiṣṭhāmi nārada
yatra gāyanti mad-bhaktāḥ

Translation:

“I am not in Vaikuṇṭha nor in the hearts of the yogīs. I remain where My devotees engage in glorifying My activities.”

It is to be understood that the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not leave the company of His devotees. The gopis were thinking where are you oh lord! but when they came together and started singing the Gopi Geet, Krishna appeared there. As his song is non different from him, he appeared so.

Upon whom we meditate, we worship by meditating he is with us. Lord’s name is Aradhya-worshipable. This is not speculation. This is truth or tattva.

Cc. Ādi 17.21:

harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā

Translation:

‘In this Age of Kali there is no other means, no other means, no other means for self-realization than chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name, chanting the holy name of Lord Hari.’

As sadhu, guru and sastra says this. then we wont take birth again and go back home to godhead.

BG 4.9:

janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ’rjuna

Translation:

One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.

So, there are various tattvas or truths. So, we should learn from tattva darshis- knowers of the truth coming in the Parampara. My Godbrother HH Sacinandana Swami says your lord is with you in your heart. So reach your heart. There is a beautiful courtyard. Take your mind along and there is the lord. Pay obeisance to the lord. This is all meditation. Wake up the lord in the morning with prayers as he is a small boy who has to be lovingly woken up. Open the door and sing and request in sweet words and worship them.

Uthi Uthi Gopala

Wake them up sweetly and worship them.

Uthishtothishta Govinda
uthishta garudadhwaja
Uthishta kamalakantha
thrilokyam mangalam kuru (Twice)

Translation:

Sri Govinda! all the three worlds are under your rule; they have to prosper.  Wake Up!

So, while you are chanting you are worshiping him in your heart. We shouldn’t worship deities without mantras. Jiva goswami says harinam and pancharatrika Vidhi should go together. So, while we are chanting we are waking up the lord and bathing him with water from all the holy rivers in golden pots putting sandalwood paste.

Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati |
Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||

Translation:
O Holy Rivers Ganga and Yamuna, and also Godavari and Saraswati, O Holy Rivers Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri; Please be Present in this Water (and make it Holy).

We chanters can chant and service the deities simultaneously. Then you dress the lord, and feed the lord.

So, this becomes the topic of meditation. We have to understand that the Holyname is the lord’s form, qualities, abode, pastimes.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare – Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama rama Hare Hare

So, chanting attentively means chanting equipped with these meditations of his form, his qualities, his abode, his pastimes, his devotees like Haridas Thakura. Is this mundane to remember Haridas Thakur?

Your mind should be in the mantra and mantra should be in your mind. Mantra means man-mind, tra-trayate- mann(Mind) also means manan or what we have heard to meditate on it and contemplate on it. By doing so, the mantra delivers the mind and thus this becomes the path of our deliverance.

There is no hard and fast rule. We can make some rules and sankalpas in our hearts.

We can meditate in this way, go to your heart’s courtyard and worship the lord, and sing for them. So chant and meditate. All mantras are there in the Hare Krishna mahamantra. We can’t meditate on zero. Some meditate on a flame that will burn your life. The impersonalist, what can they meditate on? Just by seeing the rays of the sun. Can we know the sun in its entirety? Sun is a planet. Sun is a Demigod too.

Sb 1.2.11:

vadanti tat tattva-vidas
tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam
brahmeti paramātmeti
bhagavān iti śabdyate

Translation:

Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Paramātmā or Bhagavān.

We should understand and learn according to the parampara.

BG 4.2:

evam parampara-praptam
imam rajarsayo viduh
sa kaleneha mahata
yogo nastah parantapa

Translation:

This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.

 

JapaTalk :7 June, 2024
Speaker: H. G. Parthsarathi Das
Theme: Importance of Morning Program
Sub Theme: Introduction
Hare Krsna!!

Due to the causeless mercy of Sri Guru and Gauranga we get an opportunity to get up daily in the morning, perform Japa (remembering the Supreme Lord), kirtan (bhajan),aarti and getting the association of transcendental devotees. Why should we perform all these activities? What is the importance? We will try to understand this with the help of a slide show.

Morning program is very essential for our devotional service. It is known as prime time or Brahma-muhurta. It is a very important part of the day. How do we spend this time day, is very essential for us to understand? Srila Prabhupada has given a lot of stress on morning programs. We will try to understand some of the quotes of Srila Prabhupada.

I will share it right now. Why is – the morning time so essential for us?

Sub Theme: Importance of morning program.
As you are aware, that we have Mangal Aarti every morning in all our ISKCON temples. (Mostly at 4.30am and some temples depending on the surroundings at 5am). 4.30am is our prime time.

The second aarti in the temple takes place at 7.30am.

A day consists of 24 hours which has 8 prahars (sub divisions in a day). Each prahar is made up of 3 hours. You can see that from 4.30am to 7.30am is one prahar consisting of 3 hours. SrilaP rabhupada has given us all this after a lot of thought process, based on proper understanding of the disciplic succession and whatever is right for us. We donot have to search for it more here and there in other sampradaya. Whatever Srila Prabhupada has given us it is sufficient for us to go back to Godhead. This is essential for us – to know the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

This morning program is held in every temple. You can visit any of the ISKCON temples. You will hear the sound of the conch shell. Some people wake up and glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

We begin by glorifying the spiritual master by singing vandegurohsri-charanaravindam (Sri Gurvashtakam). The spiritual master has opened our eyes by giving us this transcendental knowledge. (Various gurus in the form of diksha guru, shiksha guru, chaitya guru and path pradarshak guru). We have a feeling of humbleness towards them. We offer our respectful obeisance’s at the lotus feet of the spiritual master.

Then we sing prayers the NarsimhaArti (we have received the mercy of the spiritual master). We pray to Sri Narsimha deva to remove the obstacles from the path of our Bhakti and save us from the attacks of maya.

namastenarasimhaya
prahladahlada-dayine
hiranyakasiporvakshahsila-
tanka-nakhalaye

Translation:
I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chiselson the stonelike chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.[Verse No 1- NarsimhaArti]

All glories to VignavinashakNarsimha Deva Bhagwan!!

After praying for the removal of obstacles from the path of our devotional service – then we pray for the enhancement of our Bhakti.

We pray to Srimati Tulsi Maharani.

(om) vrindayaitulasi-devyaipriyayaikeshavasya ca
vishnu-bhakti-pradedevisatyavatyainamonamah

Translation:
I offer my repeated obeisances unto Vrinda, Srimati Tulasi-devi, who is very dear to Lord Keshava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Krishna and you possess the highest truth. [Tulsi Pranam Mantra]

Then after offering obeisances to Tulsi Maharani, we begin with our Japa.

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇaṁ
śreyaḥ-kairava-candrikā-vitaraṇaṁvidyā-vadhū-jīvanam
ānandāmbudhi-vardhanaṁprati-padaṁpūrṇāmṛtāsvādanaṁ
sarvātma-snapanaṁparaṁvijayateśrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam

Translation:
Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step. [CC Antya 20.12]

After cleansing the mirror of our heart we recite the 10 offences to the holy names and then start.

Hare Krsna Hare KrsnaKrsnaKrsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare

Srimad Bhagavatam is Shravan Bhakti – as told to us by our acharyas. What is Bhagawad Gita? It is also Shravan Bhakti.

Shravanam is very important.

Sub Theme: Just hear (Knowing Krsna by hearing about Him)
Lord Himself has told.

śrī-bhagavānuvāca
mayyāsakta-manāḥpārtha
yogaṁyuñjan mad-āśrayaḥ
asaṁśayaṁsamagraṁmāṁ
yathājñāsyasi tac chṛṇu

Translation:
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Now hear, O son of Pṛthā, how by practicing yoga in full consciousness of Me, with mind attached to Me, you can know Me in full, free from doubt.[BG 7.1]

Lord tells if –you want to be attached to Me and take My shelter. You have to hear Bhagavad Gita and SrimadBhagavatam.Hence, in our morning programs we hear and sing various aartis and perform Japa. What is its significance?
It is a big seminar. I will try to cover it in brief.

The benefits of morning program and the challenges we face while attending the morning program and its solutions. We have to understand its various aspects. We have to understand – what will we gain if we donot attend the morning programs. Then we will understand the significance of morning programs.

Our intention is to develop attachment and love for morning programs.
Some of you might be having doubts, why is it necessary to get up early in the morning. We can take rest or sleep right now and do our japa later when we wake up.

What will be consequences (harmful results)? What will we lose? We will discuss this today. We have to keep this in mind always that – to wake up early, cleaning, performing puja in the temple – has to be done in the morning. To continue doing these activities we have to take certain precautions. The most important is to chant – 16 rounds of Japa daily alongwithaarti and kirtan – with complete dedication. As we have promised – our Gurumaharaj, before the sacrificial fire in a dham in the presences of Vaishnavas. What was that promise? We will chant 16 rounds and follow the 4 regulative principles.

Sub Theme: Letters by Srila Prabhupada
SrilaPrabhupada – on 10th January, 1972 – had written a letter to Premananda Kulusekhara prabhuji in Bombay. Chanting 16 rounds is very essential and we should always maintain this highest level of Krishna Conscious standard. This will help us to advance in Krishna Consciousness. Which things? routine work—such as rising early, cleansing, chanting, temple worship, reading, sankirtana, etc. We should chant 16 rounds regularly. Srila Prabhupada had laid down these standards and the same has been followed by our Gurudeva in parampara and is followed by other devotees too in continuation.

Please think – why do we take part in the morning program? What are its benefits? Why should we take part in it?
Guest come or do not turn up – we should follow our morning program. Is your temple a part of ISKCON? Who is your spiritual master? – In this way, Srila Prabhupada once scolded a disciple. Disciple – replied “I am your disciple”. This has been wriiten by H. G. BhurijanaDasa. Then – Srila Prabhupada asked – “Why don’t you follow the morning program?” Srila Prabhupada – showed me my faults or limitations. Sometimes we have sevas or guests or utsavs but why don’t we have the morning programs. Morning programs are very essential. Srila Prabhupada has stressed a lot on its implementation. In the book titled “My Glorious Spiritual Master” H. G. Bhurijana Dasa has written his experiences. Srila Prabhupada – has often stressed that all the ISKCON temples to have morning programs.

Srila Prabhupada tells that all the devotees should take part in Mangala Aarti else no prasadam. Now-a-days many temples in ISKCON have laid down the rules that if you donot attend – morning program then no prasadam. I have heard in some – temples if you are late for Mangal Aarti then no chapatti, and still more late then no rice and dal and complete fasting. This has been written by SrilaPrabhupada – if you are ill and you miss – MangalAarti then you have to skip prasadam. Do not sleep during ManglaAarti time, we fall ill during the morning program. We are not ill during prasadam. Where does the disease go at that time? Sickness is in the mind. We have a false ego – I will not go for the morning program. Practise mind control, else we cannot attend morning programs. If we are seriously ill consult a doctor. Normally, the mind tells – I donot want to wake up I donot want to go. If we endeavour to wake up – Lord will bestow his causeless mercy upon us. Srila Prabhupada tells that if one – doesnot attend morning programs then he should be punished. It is necessary, as this time is very important.

Srila Prabhupada in Prabhupada Lilamrita – Chapter 49 mentions that Srila Prabhupada – was cautious about the attendance of the devotees in the morning programs daily. Srila Prabhupada called a temple President and asked him why certain devotees were – absent during Mangal Aarti daily? Srila Prabhupada told morning programs are very essential. He would enquire about devotees. A spiritual – master takes us back to Godhead. We should follow his instructions. Srila Prabhupada would observe some devotees are not coming for Mangal Aarti. Like Gurumaharaj also often tells us that we should be ready at 5am. This zoom temple is going on since the last 5 to 6 years. In spite of Gurudeva’s extensive travelling by train or bus or car, Gurudeva joins the zoom temple. We too should participate on time.

2 things are important in Bhakti – regularity and cleanliness. A slight neglect in following these processes – will lead to making all other devotional processes a failure.

The name of the chapter is Backbone of our Spiritual life. Morning program is our backbone of our spiritual life. If we donot wake up in the morning – it will become a mourning program. We will keep on crying this is not done that is not done throughout the day. (Blaming, wailing and mourning. It is known as BMW). We will shout and blame others or will be sad or will run after solutions.

We are neglectful due to our carelessness. Then mayadevi will attack us. Many times during driving – if is said that if we are not alert then there are chances for accidents or losses. Someone could lose his life. A sanyasi tells that one sense is sufficient – for a devotees fall down. We have to be alert at every moment. Eg there is a bridge or flyover, a small crack in it if neglected – can lead to its collapse. It began with a small crack. Similarly, we need to be alert in the practise of our bhakti. As we sing during our Guru Puja,

sri-guru-carana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma,
bandomuisavadhana mate
jaharaprasadebhai, e bhava toriya jai,
krsna-prapti hoy jahaha’te

Translation:
The lotus feet of the spiritual master are the abode of pure devotional service. I bow down to those lotus feet with great care and attention. My dear brother (my dear mind)! It is through the grace of the spiritual master that we cross over this material existence and obtain Krsna.[Verse No. 1 Sri Guru Vandana]

Our mind should be careful. Why? Our mind will be purified only if we are careful else there would be some catastrophe. Srila Prabhupada says that even the small things should be given utmost importance. Why? If we neglect them then we will have to face severe consequences in the future. Eg.: a gold chain – due to some structural issues – might break and fall down. We have to focus on the weak link in a gold chain. It’s breakage will lead to a financial loss for us. Attention to details is a sign of love. If we love somebody – we need to focus on the minute details. Like – an ocean is created by many droplets of water. But if there is a leakage and water droplets are slowly coming out of the ocean. It can end the ocean or sea. Hence, Srila Prabhupada tells us that if we donot – take part in morning programs we will fail in all other devotional services. It we donot do chanting during brahma muhrat we will be illusioned by various thoughts or worries and we will be entangled.

In Srimad Bhagavatam it is mentioned that – association is very meaningful. Hence ISKCON wants to make all its devotees complete or perfect. The association of devotees should always remember that this is – not a place for free Prasadamseva. We need to – carefully follow our spiritual duties – so that by seeing us the neophyte devotees also imitate the same and they alsocan attain the Paramdham.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!

If we want to attain the Supreme Lord’s abode in this lifetime, then Srila Prabhupada has stressed on the importance of association. Why do we stress on joining this zoom temple? Some devotees stay at different places in India and abroad, they cannot visit the temple (as it is far off or due to rainy season). Our house turns to a temple through the medium of our mobile phones. Association is very important as we get strength. Things become easy. Srila Prabhupada tells if we want to make ISKCON a perfect institution, like a big building – each brick is very important. Each foundation is very important. What is this foundation? Our foundation is the morning program. It helps us to connect. ISKCON is not just a free eatery. Devotees have to carefully, cautiously follow their spiritual – duties. Any neglect could lead to disruption or creation or evolution of problems. We get guidance in the association of devotees. It leads to our fencing of our compound. Our foundation is devotees or the Supreme Lord. They support us. We can easily attain the Supreme abode in their association.

Waking up at 4am – Following the regulative principles a devotee is connected to the Supreme Lord’s abode. To connect with the Supreme Lordwe have to get up early. 2500 devotees are associating daily. Contact, care and connection. When we connect then there is care. If we are not careful, maya will fool us. We have to be careful and alert. Maya will give us reasons “I am tired or we have the whole day”.

There is a proverb which tells do your tomorrow’s activities day, todays activities now. When will you do the activities if there is pralaya right now.

In Kaliyuga – the motivational speakers teach us– do your today’s activities tomorrow and tomorrow’s activities day after tomorrow. There is no hurry as you have a long life. When such a person is in emergency situation he is baffled and confused and cannot find the way. We procrastinate our japa. Then we are engaged in some work or somebody comes to meet us. Then finally we end up doing our Japa at 12 mid-night. SrilaPrabhupada mentions that 99% of our advancement in spiritual life depends on our chanting. 1% is our remaining activities (our seva, our relationship, sadachar) depends on our chanting. When we wake up early and connect with the Supreme Lord, Lord is happy as his devotee is performing austerities for Him. In the initial days of our spiritual life a devotee wakes up early due to his spiritual master’s instructions and performs bhakti. Later he develops attachment for the process and wake up on our own. We should not take it cheaply. Be careful always – do not think if I donot get up for 3 or 4 days in the morning what will happen. We have to practise.

Teachings of Queen Kunti – In America, sometimes it can be very cold. Please hear attentively these are – instructions of Srila Prabhupada for our overseas devotees. It will be difficult to take a bath in the morning. A faithful devotee – in spite of cold weather should –take bath daily. Should faithfully perform his duty even though he might have to face difficulties. This is known as tapasya. Tapasya means one has to face danger or challenging – situations with the only – motive of spreading Krishna Consciousness.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!!
Hurdles will come – but we should not stop or be tired. We have to continue our journey. There are many senior devotees here – they are attending morning programs and also performing various sevas. Obstacles will come we have to overcome it. We should not be frightened of it. One who is frightened has lost the battle. Fight it.

During winters and then during rainy season, we have to be – ready with our morning program. We have to fight. Srila Prabhupada mentions that we should not stop taking bath in the winters. Cleanliness is essential. Our duty is to wake up early, take a bath, offer obeisance’s to the Supreme Lord. Appytilak on our forhead and be present before the Supreme Lord. When we take the Lord’s darshan. Lord gazes on us.

Eg : if a boy – comes before his parents with scattered hair. Will the parents be happy. No. If a child is neatly cleansed and decorated, the parents take the daughter or son in their lap. Similarly, if we come before the Lord well decorated in sarees or dhotis with proper tilak Supreme is Lord is very happy, He will think this wandering jiva wants to come back to me I should give him My mercy. This is our duty and it is a form of tapasya. In one of the purports Srila Prabhupada mentions that-a woman does not hesitate to cook in the kitchen in the months of May and June, the hottest part of the summer season. Delhi is currently 52 degrees the matajis prepare bhoga for the Supreme Lord either in the temple or at home. It is her duty she has to graciously tolerate the fire. She is not telling it is very hot today I will not cook prasadam. Let us – all perform Ekadashi today. This is not true. The mataji prepares – food as a part of her grahastha responsibility.

Prepares bhoga for the Lord – gives tiffin to her husband and kids. We too should think it is our duty or our tapasya – and perform duty as per time, place and situation. Tapasya is essential for our bhakti. The devotees staying in the ISKCON temple and outside follow this daily. They wake up early for Mangalarti. You might have seen many devotees running to attend Mangalaarti and perform kirtan and japa together and hear the classes held on Srimad Bhagavatamand honour prasadam with the devotees. Chanting, feasting and dancing. Morning programs gives us strength and hence we can preach the non-devotees. The devotees give them the Lord’s mercy in the form of spiritual books, prasadam. This means the strength which we get is distributed through this medium of book distribution, peaching, harinaam etc. The morning program makes us strong hence we cannot do our seva. This is essential.

Srila Prabhupada mentions on the basis of Yuga dharma and Narada Muni sutra that he founded ISKCON for Krishna Consciousness. Srila Prabhupada is often –known as Jet age Narad Muni (Narad Muni of Kali Yuga). He has preached the entire world. ISKCON is now – all over the world. He has preached – much beyond our reach. We cannot physically see or visit all the ISCKCON temples. SrilaPrabhupada has done it alone. Why?

kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana
kṛṣṇa-śaktivinānahetārapravartana

Translation:
The fundamental religious system in the Age of Kali is the chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Unless empowered by Kṛṣṇa, one cannot propagate the saṅkīrtana movement.[CC Antya 7.11]

All the disciples of Srila Prabhupada chant 16 rounds daily and in the morning/evening engage in preaching, kirtan and follow the 4 regulative principles. The 4 regulative principles are meant for our spiritual trainning, we gradually restrain ourselves from performing sinful activities. Narada Muni has promised that one who glorifies the Lord – will get the Supreme Lord’s mercy irrespective of his social position.

narada muni, bajayvina
‘radhika-ramana’-name
namaamani, uditahaya,
bhakata-gita-same

Translation:
When the great soul Narada Muni plays his stringed vina, the holy name of Radhika-ramanadescendsand immediately appears amidst the kirtana of the Lord’s devotees. [Verse No 1 – Narada Muni BajayVina].

It is mentioned in the Narada Bhakti Sutra that one who glorifies the Lord either in the morning or evening he will get the causeless mercy of the Supreme Lord. SrilaPrabhupada with his own example shows us that he was 70 years – and he had faced 3 major heart attacks. He had no acquaintances abroad. The circumstances were unfavourable for him. He faced severe cold. Inspite of these adversities – SrilaPrabhupada got the divine blessings of the Supreme Lord. He was on his mission to fulfil the orders of his spiritual master. Lord Himself provided him strength, hence he was successful. The task Srila Prabhupada accompanished is much beyond our understanding. Why did he establish ISKCON/ so many devotees who are chanting/book distributing? Lord has assured that one who preaches the Supreme Lord’s message and chants the holy names, gets the Supreme Lord’s mercy.

In the Chaitanya Charitamrita it is mentioned that to –attain the holy name one should discuss about one’s purification, morning duties, remembering the Lord, cleanliness and washing the face and other organs of the body. The qualifications for a devotee to get a mantra is – devotees purification. Washing one’s face in the morning. It is mentioned by – Srila Prabhupada in Chaitanya Charitamrita – that it is essential to wash one’s face and other bodily parts. Cleanliness and regularity is very essential in bhakti. Cleanliness means to clean the body and the mind slowly. Which gradually leads to our purification. Then we will be able to chant properly and we will be influenced by it.

Srila Prabhupada mentions in a letter that– I have received your congratulation message. Please accept my thank you. Please – follow the 4 regulative principles and chant 16 rounds attentively and continue your Krishna Conscious practises. We have to follow this daily. This is the foundation which will make us strong against maya. Hence, we can fight against maya. Else you will have to face the consequences. Lord is always ready to help us. Lord is more anxious than us to get us back. Hence, the Supreme Lord sends his causeless mercy to us in the form of Sri Guru, Hari and Vaishnavas. This situation in which we are currently is also the Supreme Lord’s mercy.

We cannot go to the temples, please get connected through the zoom temple. Cannot go to the temple for Bhakti Shastri, you can now attend it online. Lord is much more anxious to get us back. We take one step towards the Supreme Lord he takes 1000 steps towards us. We have to take the help of the Supreme Lord’s hands. Then we will be able to get rid of all our anxieties. Hoping this finds you in good health. Your ever well wisher. Srila Prabhupada.

sarva-dharmānparityajya
māmekaṁśaraṇaṁvraja
ahaṁtvāṁsarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmimāśucaḥ

Translation:
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.[BG 18.66].
Lord is ready to help us, when we use our morning time/prime time/brahma murhat – in remembering and chanting Lord’s names. This time is not wasted but it is invested. This time will help us in attaining the Supreme Lord’s mercy and help in our progressive spiritual advancement. We get the association of devotees and senior vaishnavas who have done a lot of austerities and seva, this is not an easy thing. It is not attainable by the general public easily. Only a few selected rare devotees like 2000 or 3000 of them get this mercy. The world population is 800 crores, so here in this zoom japa temple 2000 devotees have joined. We are fortunate, so grab this opportunity of associating with the devotees. Morning programs are necessary for us. When we give our morning time to the Supreme Lord He too gives his entire day to us.
(Param Sunder Keshave Pr.) Q. Morning program is okay. How to take care of health along with morning program, we need to do exercises- like walking in the morning?

Answer :- Health is very important. Bhakti Siddhant Thakura tells us that focus on your health, sadhana and seva (HSS). When health is good then we will be able to chant. Keeping good health is essential.We need to focus on health not for our sense gratification but it is essential for our bhakti. Morning 4am to 9am is 5 hours. For doing exercises 20 minutes are sufficient for good health. Our goal is not to become body builders, our goal is to maintain good health. H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and H. H. Lokanath Swami Maharaj and also Srila Prabhupada would go for morning walk with their beads. We have to connect with the Supreme Lord – also with the medium of exercises. Maharaji and other sanyasis go for morning walks with their beads. Health is important, one should have a healthy mind and body else we will be always bein anxiety like loans, not feeling like chanting, I had a fight with so and so devotee. Mind will trick us by saying invest money in so and so bank. How will I get money? We have to eat to live and not vice versa. Some people eat so much that they fall sick. Some devotees join body building courses. For maintaining our health -30 minutes of exercises is enough. Good health leads to good sadhana. Good sadhana leads to good seva. (Balance HSS-this is essential). If you want to have good body then Supreme Lord might make you an elephant in your next birth. Our focus should be on Krishna Consciousness.

(Nar Kesahari Pr.) Q- We desire to get up early in the morning daily. But we have a hard working and tiring job, how to get up early?
Ans :- In this world everyone has to perform austerities. If you feel you are working hard, the brahmacharis also attends – congregational programs at odd times. Just see Maharaji, he is an aged sanyasi plus he manages to travel so much. He preaches so much then too he is daily in front of us. Why? He has a responsibility. When we know its importance then we can wake up prabhuji. We are earning for our family. Lord is also our family. We must know its importance. I understand we all get tired. We must take care of our health and endeavour as much as we can. If our health is excellent, when we perform hard work we will get strength. If our health is not good, then we will be tired. Finally, we might fall ill and then waking up in the morning would be difficult. To get up early we must practise to go to bed early. Those having night duty can rest during the day or can rest after their chanting. Bhakti VinodaThakura had so many sevas. (Like various cases and family). He woke up early performed japa and rested for 30 minutes at 10am. We must try to balance our time in such a way, so that we can get association of devotees and can take some rest in the afternoon. Sleeping for 6 hours in a day is sufficient as per Vastu Shastra. For one who does hard work it is 7 hours and one who sleeps more than that is a sick person.

(Pihu Mataji from Chandigarh) Q – I do not have a problem in waking up early. I get up at 3am daily so that I can have my morning program. I attend Mangalaarti in the temple daily. I have a choice to complete 16 rounds before going to office as I have to leave by 8am daily for office. Or do deity worship. What should I prioritise prbji. As it is 7.30am and I have to leave at 8am. Always 3 or 4 rounds are left. I am in confusion do I do my deity worship which takes 20 minutes or complete my remaining 4 rounds of chanting. If I donot complete my 4 rounds now else it will be completed by 10pm today?

Ans:-Thank you mataji, you get up early and complete all your duties. If we have a choice or options in front of us, please remember what promise have you made to your spiritual master. We have promised for 16 rounds of japa and 4 regulative principles. We have to stress on it. Not for building new temples, devotees or brahmacharis. Chanting is our priority. We have not vowed for deity worship or fund collection. It is also important. It is not that we should ignore it. Prioritise your japa. It is foremost essential. We can do chanting in the afternoon or while travelling. 16 rounds of Japa is the most important. Time management. Chanting in the morning is the best. We can do deity worship later or do it in the mind or ask our kids to do it. We cannot tell others to do japa for us. We cannot tell others to eat prasadam for us. This chanting is our spiritual food or nourishment. We have to do it ourselves. We have taken a vow in front of our spiritual master. Deity worship we can delegate it to our kids, husbands or neighbours. Lord is kind and forgiving. He understands our intensions.

Chinmaya Devi Mataji Q- I am speaking from Bihar. Very few devotees chant here. People tell you have money so you stay at home and chant. What is the meaning of all this? When we tell them to chant they – tell we do not have time?

Ans:-People tell brahmacharis also that you donot have families hence you can visit dhams. Brahmacharis have a lot of sevas. You have a family of 4 members. Sanyasis and brahmacharis have a family of entire material world under them. Vasudeva Kutumbakam. You have holidays on Saturday and Sunday but the temple devotees are more busy on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, people feel they donot have any work. We must make them understand –that they are connecting us with the Supreme Lord. If the Prime Minister of India comes to our house, we need to give him time. We are giving time to the Supreme Lord that is a big thing, there is a lot of ignorance about it as it is unseen. Gradually, there will be awareness. We have to – ignore things spoken by them as they are seeing the Macro picture. Eg when an elephant goes for shopping thousands of dogs will bark. Elephant will ignore things and just move ahead. We have to progressively move ahead in Bhakti. Donot focus on the negatives. Continue to chant and move ahead. It is their duty to speak about the good and bad deeds. Our duty is to accept the favourable and reject the unfavourable.

Yashwant Mahajan Prabhuji Q) What happens when we worry and what happens when we contemplate? When the devotees meet they discuss their family matters (loan outstanding/children’s marriage/this is not happening). Please clear?

Ans:- Contemplation is on the Supreme Lord and worry about material or worldly things. We have to postpone the worries or anxieties for 2 hours while we are doing japa. Keep the things aside. I had asked Gurumaharaji once – while doing japa many thoughts are coming to my mind. What should I do? Maharaji – told we should not contemplate or meditate or do japa of material things. Always contemplate and focus your mind on Japa. We should focus on Supreme Lord’s i.e. chintan and not focus on our anxieties or worries. If we do not focus for 1 hour things will not change. Work while you work and chant while you chant. Focus on one thing at a time. Donot focus on 2 things. When we contemplate on the Supreme Lord it reduces our anxieties and when we focus only on our anxieties it increases. We have to tell our mind – like a small child we will give it a thought later. If a child tells – Mummy I want to go to school. His mummy will tell – Please wait we will go to the school tomorrow.

Hare Krishna
Hari Naam Prabhu ki Jai
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai
Ananta Koti Vaishnav vrinda ki Jai
Gaur Premanande Hari HariBol!!