Just Learn How To Love Krsna

71 , Los Angeles

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Prabhupada: If you want to understand Him, then you increase your attachment for Him. Everything will be all right. Just like the same story... not story, it is a fact. Caitanya Mahaprabhu...He was traveling in South India. He saw one brahmana reading Bhagavad-gita. And persons who knew him, that "That man was illiterate," it was not possible for him to read Bhagavad-gita... But still, he was trying to read it, and crying also. So while others were criticizing, Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to him, "Brahmana, what you are reading?" So he could understand that "This person, He's not come here to criticize me. He's serious." So he talked seriously, "Sir, I am reading Bhagavad-gita. Unfortunately, I am illiterate." Now see. He is illiterate and he is reading Bhagavad-gita. Caitanya Mahaprabhu inquired that "How is that, you're reading Bhagavad-gita and you say you are illiterate?" He said, "Yes, actually I am illiterate, but my Guru Maharaja asked me that 'You should read every day eighteen chapters.' So what can I do? (laughter) I have to carry out the order of my spiritual master. So I have simply taken this book. I am seeing it." Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, "Oh, you are not seeing it, simply. You are crying also." "Yes, Sir, I am crying also." "Then if you are not reading, how you are crying?" "Sir, I am not reading, but I'm feeling." "What is that?" "As soon as I take this Bhagavad-gita in my hand, immediately I feel Krsna and Arjuna sitting on the same chariot, and Arjuna is ordering Krsna that 'You drive my chariot between the two soldiers,' and Krsna is driving. So I am simply feeling how Krsna is nice, that He can work as a servant of His devotee. When I feel like that, I cry, how Krsna is so kind." Caitanya Mahaprabhu immediately embraced him, that "You are really studying Bhagavad-gita." So unless we develop our love for Krsna, there is no meaning of reading. And if we can develop our love for Krsna just like this brahmana, even without reading any book, that is wanted. That is wanted. Mayy asakta-manah. Therefore Krsna also confirms, mayy asakta-manah, "Simply by increasing attachment for Me." Mayy asakta-manah partha yogam yunjan mad-asrayah. Mad-asrayah. Mad-asrayah means "under the direction of Me or My representative." Mat.

So one who performs this yoga system, how to increase love for Krsna, that's all, then you understand everything. The Vedas, they confirm it. Yasmin vijnate sarvam evam vijnatam bhavanti. If you simply understand Krsna, then everything will be understood. Because Krsna is everything, God is everything. To understand Krsna, simply this attachment... Mayy asakta-manah. Asakti means attachment. So our, this Krsna consciousness movement is... We are teaching people, our students especially, how to increase attachment for Krsna. Why this temple? They are feeling that "We are sitting in Krsna's presence. Krsna is so nicely dressed. I am dressing." Otherwise, from atheistic point of view, you see that "Why these people are bothering like this? They have taken a brass idol and wasting time after it?" They can say like that. Because they have no love for Krsna. But one who has love for Krsna, he sees, "Krsna is so kind. He's accepting my dressing. I am crowning. I am garlanding." That is a feeling.

So the whole process is to increase our feeling of love for Krsna. That is required. Not anything else. Just (like the) gopis. They were not Vedantists. They were not scholars. They were village girls, and also low class. Brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, the third class. The fourth class is the sudra. They were neither brahmana nor ksatriya. Vaisya. Krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam vaisya-karma svabhava-jam [Bg. 18.44]. Vaisyas, they have to take three kinds of profession: agriculture, trade, and cow protection. As the ksatriyas were meant for giving protection to the human being, the vaisyas are understood to give protection to the cows. Go-raksya. Go means cow; raksya means protection. That is their business. So these Vrndavana people, they were... Nanda Maharaja, he had 900,000's of cows, and he was a big man amongst the agriculturists. So they were ordinary men, agriculturists, taking care of the cows. They were not Vedantists, not philosopher, not scientist. Ordinary. But what is their credit? The credit is nobody could love Krsna excelling them. That was their credit. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommended, ramya kacid upasana vrajavadhu-vargena ya kalpita: "There is no comparison of the method of worship which was adopted by the damsels of Vraja." Unalloyed love for Krsna. No bargaining: "By loving Krsna, I shall become a big man, I shall become a great philosopher, or great scientist," or "I shall improve my material condition." These are anyabhilasita. And bhakti begins when one is devoid of all these material considerations. Anyabhilasita-sunyam [Brs. 1.1.11]. Sunyam means when one makes zero all these material desires. Jnana-karmady-anavrtam: [Cc. Madhya 19.167] even uncovered by the resultant action of philosophical speculation and fruitive activities. Everyone is working to get some result. That is called fruitive activities. So a pure devotee has no such desires. He has no other desires. Anukulyena krsnanu-silanam. Their only business is how to please Krsna. That can be done by everyone, if he wants. Take, for example, if you want to please me, it does not require high education or great amount of riches or knowledge or beauty. Nothing. It is your business how to love me, how to please me. That you will know.

So if we want to love Krsna, Krsna will let us know. Krsna is within you. Simply we have to decide that we shall love Krsna only. That is wanted. Then everything is there. Aradhito yadi haris tapasa tatah kim, naradhito yadi haris tapasa tatah kim [Narada-pancaratra]. The kim word is used: "What is the use of?" That is kim. So the sastra says that if you have learned how to love Krsna, then what is the use of these books? There is no use. You can avoid anything, all this reading. But if you have actually developed your love for Krsna... And after reading all these books, philosophy, science, if you cannot love Krsna, then what is the use of it? Both ways. Useless. If you do not love, do not develop your love for God or Krsna, then what is the use of your philosophizing and scientific knowledge? This is all useless. And if you actually have learned how to love Krsna, or God, then there is (no) need of philosophy or science or books. So therefore the main point is how to develop. Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommends this. Prema pumartho mahan. Our greatest success of life is how to love God, Krsna. That is greatest success. Now you can do it. But there is prescribed method, given by great acaryas. Just like in this temple we are doing. We are timely giving. The atheist will say, "Oh, these are so foolish that they are taking so much labor for preparing food and offering and wasting time. Best thing would have been to go to some club and enjoy wine and playing cards." They'll waste time in that way, but when... We are not wasting, but they say we are wasting time. They will criticize. You see? They are prepared to waste time in a brothel, but if people are sitting nicely in a temple and talking of Krsna, serving Krsna, they will laugh. That is our position. So we have to become callous to all these criticisms. We have to go with our business, Krsna consciousness. That's all.

Thank you. (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Lecture Excerpt -- Los Angeles, July 5, 1971

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Chanting -- Universally Charming

28 June 71 , San Francisco

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Prabhupada: So I am very glad that you are following the footprints of the Gosvamis, six Gosvamis. Vande Rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau. Rupa Gosvami, Sanatana Gosvami, vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau, and two Raghunatha Gosvami -- one Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and one Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami. Vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau, four. Sri-jiva-gopalakau: and Sri Jiva Gosvami and Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. They were direct disciple of Lord Caitanya. There are thousands of disciples of Lord Caitanya, but they are prominent, who gave very prominent service to the Lord by executing the mission of Lord Caitanya. By the order of Lord Caitanya they went to Vrndavana, and the present city of Vrndavana is the contribution of the Gosvamis. First of all Sanatana Gosvami went there, then Rupa Gosvami. In this way the city was excavated. It was formerly, five hundred years ago, there was no trace where and how Krsna lila was performed in that tract of land. But when Caitanya Mahaprabhu went there, He first of all discovered Radha Kunda, the lake in which Srimati Radharani used to take bath and Krsna used to come. There is Syama Kunda also. The Syama Kunda, Radha Kunda, two lakes are still existing. Hundreds, thousands of people, devotees, go to see that lake every day.

So the six Gosvamis were, some of them were very prominent government officers. Just like Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami, they were two important ministers in the (indistinct) Muhammadan government, Nawab Hussein Shah, his government. They resigned their ministerial post and joined Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for propagating His mission of Krsna consciousness. So rupa-sanatanau, they are very responsible government officers, and raghu-yugau, two Raghunatha: one Raghunatha Bhatta and one Raghunatha dasa. Raghunatha dasa was the only son of his father and uncle, very big landholder, Bengal. Their father's income was twelve hundred thousands of rupees in those days. Now you can increase at least fifty times and then calculate what was the income of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami. But he left everything to join Caitanya Mahaprabhu's movement. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami also came from a very learned brahmana family. Similarly, Jiva Gosvami was the greatest scholar till now. Nobody can compete with Jiva Gosvami's scholarship in Sanskrit and philosophy. That is the verdict of all learned scholars. The world's best philosopher and Sanskrit scholar was Srila Jiva Gosvami. He happened to be the nephew of Rupa Gosvami. When Jiva Gosvami's father and uncles left home, he was only ten years old boy. He thought, "If my father and uncles have left, why shall I not leave home?'' So at the age of ten years he left home and went to Benares, the seat of Sanskrit scholars. He learned there Sanskrit very nicely, became a very great scholar, and then joined their uncles in Vrndavana. Of course, at that time Caitanya Mahaprabhu had passed. So Jiva Gosvami, he is also very learned scholar. His books are still adored by all spiritual sections. Sandarbas, six sandarbas, philosophical theses. And then vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, he was also learned scholar. So all rich men, rich politicians, scholars, great brahmanas, they joined Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It is so nice movement. It attracted thousands of people, just (as) it is attracting you, American boys and girls.

So in those days, a scholarly section, learned section, rich section were attracted by Caitanya Mahaprabhu's movement. And what was their business? This business, as you are doing: krsna kirtana-gana-nartana-parau. Their engagement was krsna ut kirtanam. Krsna kirtanam, singing about Krsna, just like you are doing -- Hare Krsna. Krsnot-kirtana, very loudly chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, krsnot-kirtana-gana, and sometimes prayers, songs. Nartana. Naratana means dancing. These were their engagement: krsnot-kirtana-gana-nartana-parau premamrtambho-nidhi. And as soon as they chanted, immediately they were immersed in the ocean of bliss, prema, ecstasy of love of God, Krsna. Krsnot-kirtana-gana-nartana-parau premamrtambho-nidhi dhiradhira-jana-priyau. They were very much affectionate, or dear, to all classes of people. There are two classes of men: dhira, adhira. Dhira means sober, and adhira means just the opposite, debauchers. So they were dear to both classes of men. This is Krsna-kirtana, is so nice. It is dear to all classes of men. Dhiradhira-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pujitau. Because they are not envious. This Krsna consciousness movement is not meant for a particular class of men. It is meant for everyone. So... And what was their other qualification? Sri-caitanya-krpa-bharau... Dhiradhira-jana-priya-priyakarau nirmatsarau pujitau, sri-caitanya-krpa-bharau... They're very dear servitors of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu for delivering the fallen souls of this world. And we have to offer our respectful obeisances to the six Gosvamis, vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau.

Then their next qualification, next engagement was nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau. Sastra, all kinds of Vedic literature. Sastra means which governs. The Vedic literature governs. There is a verbal root which is called sast. Sast means to rule. The ruling, there are three kinds of ruling. One ruling is sastra, law codes. Just like every civilized country is ruled by the laws of the state, and the statute book which contains all the rules, that is called law books. That is also sastra. That is sastra. And then another sasdhatu is sastra. Sastra means weapons, that like guns, swords. Sastra and sastra. So there are two sections of people: those who are civilized, they are ruled by the sastra, by the law codes, and those who are law-breakers, they are ruled by the sastra, weapons. Both things are required, sastra and sastra. And sasam, sasam means government. The government has two department -- criminal and civil. Civil department is controlled by the sastra, law codes, and the criminal department is governed by the sastra, weapons. So this is the rule from time immemorial. Both things are required. Sometimes violence required, police force required for the unruly persons. They'll not care for the sastra, don't care for sastra, but you care for the sastra. So two things are there.

Similarly, Krsna says that "I am this and that.'' He says, raso 'ham apsu kaunteya [Bg. 7.8]. Those who are sober, those who want to understand Krsna, they can understand Krsna in very step of life. Just like raso 'ham apsu kaunteya, "I am the taste of the water.'' Water you have to drink. Just like I drank just a minute before and quenched my thirst. But that quenching active principle is Krsna. So we can realize Krsna every time we'll drink water. This is Krsna consciousness. Sas..., prabhasmi sasi suryayoh. Krsna is the sunshine, Krsna is the moonshine. Krsna is the fragrance of the flower. As soon as you take a flower and smell it, the fragrance is Krsna. In this way, every step we can understand Krsna. Even in sex life we can understand Krsna. That is also stated in the Bhagavad-gita: dharmaviruddho kamo 'smi, sex life which is not against the religious codes. What is that? Sex life for begetting children is allowed. That is not against the religious code, and that is Krsna. Krsna says, dharmaviruddho kamo 'smi. Kama, lust. Sex life is the business of lust. Krsna says "Yes, lust is also good provided it is not against the religious codes.'' So nothing is bad; everything is good, if it is for developing our Krsna consciousness. Nothing is bad, because everything is creation of Krsna. How it can be bad? It cannot be bad; it is good, provided we follow the rules and regulations. Everything is good. Therefore we are consult various sastras. Nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau, vicara. Vicara means to study them with careful attention. Vicara. Nana-sas... So these Gosvamis were studying many kinds of Vedic literatures. There are hundreds and thousands of Vedic literature -- primarily four Vedas, Sama, Yajur, Atharva, Rg, Atharva. Then from the Vedas, there are supplementary Vedas, which are called Puranas, eighteen Puranas. Srimad-Bhagavatam is one of the Puranas, Maha-Purana. Then there is, there are Mahabharata, "The Great History of India.'' Bharata means India, and Maha means greater, greater India. The greater India was the whole planet. The whole planet was Bharata-varsa. Now it is crippled. It has become a small tract of land. But originally everywhere, this portion of the world, America, it was also Bharata-varsa. Sapta-dvipa, seven islands. Seven islands. Actually the whole planet is full of water -- Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean. Full of water. And these are islands only -- Asia, Europe, America. There are seven islands, sapta-dvipa. The planet is sapta-dvipa, seven full, comprising of seven islands. That is Bharata-varsa.

So nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau. So we have to study the Vedic literature very carefully, following the footsteps of Gosvamis. Not only chanting. This is also required, krsnot-kirtana-gana. But this is meant, if you simply go on chanting without reading books, that is also good. Especially in this age, because nobody has got power to study books. Education is very less, so still, one who is able, they should consider all this. We have given in English translation. So many important books, you study, and chant this Hare Krsna mantra like this, and that is the following the footsteps of Gosvamis. Acaryopasana. We have to worship the acaryas. That is recommended in the Bhagavad-gita, for making advancement in spiritual life, acaryopasana. So this is acaryopasana, by reading their books, nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma-samsthapakau. Why studying so many books? For the sake of establishing real religious life. Sad-dharma. There are two kinds of dharmas, religious, religions: pravrtti-marga, nivrtti-marga. Pravrtti-marga means materialism, and nivrtti-marga means spiritualism. Pravrtti means because we had intention to enjoy this material world, therefore we have given this material body by the energy of Krsna, prakrteh kriyamanani [Bg. 3.27], by the..., for associating with this material world. We are spirit soul. We have been given this chance to associate with the material world, this material, which is called... So there is still the rules and regulation. You associate, you enjoy this material world under this instruction, then you'll not be fallen. You'll not be implicated. That's sastra. Sastra gives you codes. Just like when I immigrated in this land, they gave me one paper, welcome, and some immigration rules. That is sastra. Similarly, the Vedas means the rules and regulation which following they'll very happily live in this material world. Material world is not required by me or you. We are spirit soul. We have no business in the material world. Just like we are living entities of the land. We have no business with the water. But if anyone wants to cross over the sea, he must have a well-built ship to cross over. Similarly, we spirit souls we have no business in this material world, but because we wanted to enjoy it, leaving the association of Krsna, we have been given this ship, this body, to ply over this material ocean. So if you know how to ply the ship over the ocean there is no, I mean to say, fear of being drowned. If you have got a good captain of the ship and the ship is well built, then you'll have no danger. So the captain, he is the spiritual master, and this body is a very good ship. This is, these are the examples given. We have to cross over this material ocean. So we must have a captain and good ship, and favorable air. If the air is favorable, suppose you're going to the western side, and if the wind is blowing toward western side, it will automatically push your boat or ship. It will be favorable. If you go against the wind, it is difficult. So you have got a very good ship -- this human form of body -- and the captain is the spiritual master, and the favorable wind blowing, the instruction of the sastras. So taking this opportunity, if you cross over this material ocean, then there is no difficulty. So we should take opportunity of this body, of the instruction of Krsna, Bhagavad-gita, and the spiritual master, then very easily we cross over.

Nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma-samsthapakau lokanam hita-karinau. The Gosvamis were very much fond of doing welfare activities for the general people, just like this movement. This movement is the greatest welfare activities in this world. Lokanam hita-karinau. It is beneficial for all kinds of human being. Nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma-samsthapakau lokanam hita-karinau tri-bhuvane manyau. So if we execute this Krsna consciousness movement, following the footsteps of the Gosvamis, then tri-bhuvane manyau, you will be honored in the three worlds, wherever you go. Just like I am Indian, but you are honoring me. Why? Have I bribed you with my Indian money, currency? I came with forty rupees only, had no money. Why? Because you are having some message of Krsna consciousness. That is the state of being honored. Similarly, just like this time when I went to India, all my American students-forty students are still there -- they're being honored very nicely everywhere. In every city -- Calcutta, Bombay, Benares, Amritsar. Why? Many American tourists go there. They are not honored. But why these boys are honored? Only for this krsnot-kirtana-gana-nartana. They are chanting Hare Krsna mantra. So not only... This is the process. Any country you go, if you are strictly adhering to the rules and regulation and chanting sixteen rounds, that is your spiritual strength, and following the prohibitive rules, then you will be honored everywhere. Any part of the world you go, you'll be honored. It is not very difficult to chant sixteen rounds and following the regulative principles, but if you follow strictly, rigidly, you'll get spiritual strength and you'll be honored all over the world. Just take this secret. They'll not ask you to know how far you are educated, or that you have passed your M.A. examination or Ph.D. No. They will be charmed by this krsnot-kirtana-gana-nartana.

So the Gosvamis showed us the way. Then next, sri-gauranga-gunanuvarnana-vidhau. They were very expert in describing the transcendental qualities of Lord Sri Caitanya, Gaurasundara, sri-gauranga-gunanuvarnana-vidhau. So in this way they passed their life in Krsna consciousness, and if we'll follow the footsteps of such mahajana, mahajano yena gatah sa panthah [Cc. Madhya 17.186]. Our business is, we haven't got to make research work. Everything is there, given by the Gosvamis and acarya. We have simply to follow. That's all. Who, what is Krsna, what is God, you haven't got to make research. Krsna is personally saying about Himself, Bhagavad-gita, "I am like this.'' Raso 'ham apsu kaunteya [Bg. 7.8], mattah sarvam pravartate. So these are thing there. You have simply to accept it, to know it and follow it. Then your life is successful. We are not so foolish that we are going to make research work. Why? When there are so many things present already, what is the use of research work? First of all assimilate what is already there. And what is research you can make? Your senses are faulty, imperfect. What research you can work? So that is not possible. That is humbug. You simply try to understand, without any malinterpretation, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and you understand what is Krsna, what is God. And you follow the acaryas, then your life is successful.

Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Lecture -- San Francisco, June 28, 1971

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Spiritualize Your Chariot

27 June 71 , San Francisco

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Prabhupada: When our eyes are anointed with love of God, we can see Him everywhere. That is the injunction of the sastras. We have to develop our seeing power by developing love of Godhead. Premanjana-cchurita bhakti-vilocanena [Bs. 5.38]. When one is sufficiently developed in Krsna consciousness, he can see the Lord every moment within his heart and everywhere, wherever he goes. So this Krsna consciousness movement is an attempt to teach people how to see God, how to see Krsna. Krsna can be seen if we practice. Just like Krsna says, raso 'ham apsu kaunteya [Bg. 7.8]. Krsna says, "I am the taste of the water.'' Every one of us, we drink water everyday, not only one, twice, thrice or more than that. So as soon as we drink water, if we think that the taste of the water is Krsna, immediately we become Krsna conscious. To become Krsna conscious is not very difficult job. Simply we have to practice it. Just like this is an example how to practice to become Krsna conscious. Whenever you drink water, as soon as you are satiated, your thirst is quenched, immediately you think that this thirsting, the quenching power is Krsna. Prabhasmi sasi suryayoh. Krsna says, "I am the sunshine. I am the moonshine.'' So during daytime, every one of us seeing the sunshine. As soon as you see sunshine, immediately you can remember Krsna, "Here is Krsna.'' As soon as you see moonshine at night, immediately you can remember, "Here is Krsna.'' In this way, if you practice, there are many instances, many examples given in the Bhagavad-gita, in the Seventh Chapter, if you read them carefully, how to practice Krsna consciousness. Then at that time, when you are mature in love of Krsna, you will see Krsna everywhere. Nobody has to help you to see Krsna, but Krsna will be revealed before you, by your devotion, by your love. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah [Brs. 1.2.234]. Krsna, when one is in service mood, when one understands that "I am eternal servant of Krsna, or God,'' then Krsna help you how to see Him.

That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita,

tesam satata-yuktanam
bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami buddhi-yogam tam
yena mam upayanti te
 [Bg. 10.10]

Krsna says, those who are constantly, twenty-four hours engaged in Krsna's service... Just like these students, the member of Krsna Consciousness Society, you'll find them twenty-four hours engaged in Krsna's service. That is the, I mean to say, significance of Krsna consciousness. They are always engaged. This Ratha-yatra ceremony is one of the item, so that at least, one day, all of you will be able to be engaged in Krsna consciousness. So this is only practice, and if you practice throughout your whole life, then at the time of death, if you can fortunately remember Krsna, your life is successful. That practice is required. yam yam vapi smaran loke tyajaty ante kalevaram [Bg. 8.6]. We have to give up this body, that is certain. But at the time of death, if we remember Krsna, immediately you are transferred to the abode of Krsna. Krsna is everywhere, but still Krsna has got a special abode, which is called Goloka Vrndavana. You can understand that our body, body means the senses, and above the senses there is the mind, which is very subtle, which is controlling the senses, and above the mind there is intelligence, and above the intelligence there is soul. We have no information, but if we practice this bhakti-yoga system, gradually we understand what I am. I am not this body. This, generally even big, big scholars, big, big philosophers, scientists, they are also in the concept of this body. Everyone is thinking, "I am the body,'' but that is mistake. We are not this body. Just I explain. Body means the senses, but the senses are controlled by the mind, and the mind is controlled by the intelligence, and the intelligence is controlled by the soul. That you do not know. There is no educational system throughout the whole world how to understand the existence of soul, which is the prime necessity of understanding for the human being. A human being is not meant for wasting his time like animals, simply eating, sleeping, mating and defending. That is animal life. The extra intelligence of human beings should be utilized how to understand "I am... What I am? I am a spirit soul.'' If we understand that "I am spirit soul,"' that this bodily concept of life, which has played havoc in this world... On the bodily concept of life I am thinking "I am Indian,'' you are thinking "American,'' he's thinking something, something. But we are all one. We are spirit soul. We are all eternal servant of Krsna, Jagannatha.

So today is a very nice, auspicious day. On this day Lord Krsna, when He was present on this earth, He attended a solar eclipse ceremony at Kuruksetra, and Krsna, along with His brother Balarama, and Subhadra, sister, came to visit the Kuruksetra field. That Kuruksetra land is still present in India. If someday you'll go to India you'll find that Kuruksetra land is there. So this Ratha-yatra ceremony is performed in commemoration of Krsna's visiting Kuruksetra with His brother and sister. So Lord Jagannatha, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, He was in ecstasy. He was in the mood of loving spirit like Radharani, so He was thinking, "Krsna, please come back again to Vrndavana.'' So He was dancing before the Ratha-yatra, and you will understand, if you read some of the books published by you..., published by our society. One of the book is known as Teachings of Lord Caitanya. It is very important book. If you want to learn this Krsna consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You can scientifically and philosophically study. But if you have no inclination to study, if you simply take to this chanting of Hare Krsna, gradually everything will be revealed unto you, and you will understand your relationship with Krsna.

I thank you very much for participating in this ceremony. Now let us chant Hare Krsna and proceed with Jagannatha Swami. Hare Krsna. (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Ratha-yatra -- San Francisco, June 27, 1971

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Krsna Will Bless You

11 June 68 , Montreal

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Prabhupada:This is the greatest drawback of modern education, that not only in your country or any country they have completely neglected what is meant by God. And in India, they are especially... Now, as soon as there is any question of God, they see phobia: "Oh, this is all nonsense." They have become so clever.

So anyway, my appeal to you, American people, that you are considered to be the leader of all nations of the world. You should take this Krsna conscious movement very seriously. It is good for you. It is good for the whole world. It is individually, collectively, without any consideration of caste, creed, or color. Everyone can chant Hare Krsna, anyone and everyone, at home, on the street. There is no expenditure. Suppose while walking if you chant Hare Krsna, there is no loss, there is no expenditure, but you see how much you are profited by chanting Hare Krsna. This is practical. We don't say that "You come to our temple and give us some subscription. Become our member." That is a secondary question. Our primary movement is that everyone may take advantage of this movement and simply chant wherever possible, at home, at work, on the street, anywhere. There is no regulation where you have to chant and how you have to chant. It is spontaneous. Simply chant Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. There are only three words there: Hare, Krsna, and Rama, but they are adjusted in a different position. There are sixteen words. So it is not very difficult. You can make an experiment. The children also may take pleasure. We have got our records. If you play those records and chant with it, you will find a transcendental pleasure in you. These are facts. So our request to you, that you take this movement a little seriously, and you will be happy by grace of Krsna.

Thank you very much. If you have got any question, you can ask. (pause)

Devotee: We should chant about five minutes. Then we'll serve milk.

Prabhupada: Yes. No, let, if there is any question, we shall answer. That is not yet one hour.

Devotee: Some of the older boys want to stay after, and you can discuss with them then. They may have some questions.

Prabhupada: So first of all you have to chant? All right. Please join with us and chant Hare Krsna. Yes?

Yamuna: Swamiji, may I say something before we chant?

Prabhupada: Yes.

Yamuna: I want everybody to listen very carefully. This is a new song that... It would be very nice if you should learn how to sing and learn how to sing it very well. And the only way you can do it is by listening very carefully, everybody, So give your attention to these words: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Now, if everybody will do this, and stand up, close your eyes very tight, put your hands up in the air and sing this song, so you really learn the words, and you can go home and teach it to your brothers and sisters and your mother and your father, and tell them what you learned today. You have to say you learned something. So if you teach them this song, that would be very nice. But you must learn it by listening. So listen to the words. Then get up, close your eyes and just sing. And you'll find it's a very nice song. But unless you try it, you won't learn it. Just like all the other songs you learn in your class. So try it. So I'm going to say the words, and then you say the words after me. We're going to practice it once. Okay. (with children repeating) Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Okay. Now we're going to clap our hands too. [break]

Devotee: Do you want this? It's pineapple.

Prabhupada: Distribute prasada. What is this?

Devotee: Pineapple. There's apples too.

Prabhupada: Pineapple? Oh. There is what? What is that?

Devotee: Oh, this is milk and bananas.

Prabhupada: Oh!

Devotee: Warm milk and bananas. (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Lecture at a School -- Montreal, June 11, 1968

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Covered By Sense Gratification

Feb 70 , Los Angeles

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Vedanta Sutra

Feb 70 , Los Angeles

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March Forward

Sept 70 , Los Angeles

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Prabhupada:Nrsimhadeva will give you protection in my absence. I am now going to Japan to get some books printed personally and after that my program is to go to India. Maybe I shall be able to establish some temples there. Of course in India there are many temples, but it does not mean that I shall not also establish some temples. Just like there is overpopulation. It does not mean that one should not beget child. Similarly, there may be many hundreds of thousand temples in India, still our this society, ISKCON, should have their own temples. That is the way since time immemorial. There are hundreds and thousands of temples. So my advice to you, I am old man. So even I may not return, you shall continue this Krsna consciousness movement. This is eternal and I shall request you to keep the standard as I have already given you the program. The Deity worship, the kirtana, the street sankirtana, distribution of literature, books. You should carry on this program with great enthusiasm. That is my request.

In the path of Krsna consciousness the first principle is enthusiasm. If you lack enthusiasm then other things will not happen. And you can keep enthusiastic if you follow the rules and regulation and chant regularly Hare Krsna mantra. Otherwise that enthusiasm also will dry. So six things are required for advancing Krsna consciousness. The first thing is enthusiasm. Utsahan dhairyat. And patient. And niscayad, with conviction, firm conviction. Utsahan dhairyat niscayad tat-tat-karma-pravartanat. Following the rules and regulation, chalked out plans. And sato vrtteh, dealing very straightforward. No diplomacy, no politics, no duplicity. That will not help. Sato vrtteh. Vrtteh, his profession should be very straightforward. No underhand dealings. Sato vrtteh and sadhu-sanga [Cc. Madhya 22.83], and in the association of devotees. Six things. Enthusiasm, patience, firm conviction, following the rules and regulations, dealing straightforward, no duplicity, and in association of devotees. If you can keep these six principles always in front then your progress in Krsna consciousness is sure. There is no doubt about it. So as far as possible I've tried to train you and you are doing nice. I'm satisfied. So keep the standard and go on. March forward and Krsna will bless you. Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. Chant. [break] (prema-dhvani) (end)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Purport to Nrsimha Prayers -- Los Angeles, August 2, 1970

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Get Some Land And A Cow

9 Nov 68 , Los Angeles

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Prabhupada: Govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami **. Govindam, Lord Krsna, adi-purusa, the original person. In the Vedanta-sutra it is said that Brahman... athato brahma jijnasa. What is Brahman? In this human form of life this is the business, to understand what is Brahman. Therefore Pariksit Maharaja says that apasyatam atma-tattvam grhesu grha-medhinam.

srotavyadini rajendra
nrnam santi sahasrasah
apasyatam atma-tattvam
grhesu grha-medhinam
 [SB 2.1.2]

Question and answer. Everywhere life means questions and answers. So those who are not interested or do not know what is the aim of life, they have got questions and answers only for sense gratification. That's all. They have no more any questions or answers. Whole field of questioning and answering is sense gratification. That's all. But the human life is not meant for that purpose. Animals, they are... Morning... Just like birds, just early in the morning, they began to chirp, "Where is food? Where is...? Where we have to go? Where we have to find out some food?" That is their business. The animals also. But human form of life, does it mean it is meant like that, that they should simply be involved in questions and answers for sense gratification? No. Therefore Vedanta-sutra says, brahma-jijnasa. Athato brahma jijnasa, atha: "After this, after the evolutionary process of lower than human being, when we have come, we have got this body, human form of body, the business is brahma-jijnasa," jivasya tattva-jijnasa. That is the Bhagavata. But there is no education. There are so many universities, they are going on simply how to advance the method of sense gratification. That's all. There is no education. Athato brahma jijnasa. The human form of life should be specially engaged for understanding what is Brahman. Otherwise it is simply spoiled.

Sankaracarya says... He was a sannyasi. Sannyasis's business is to travel all over the world, or as far as he can, and enlighten people about Brahman. That is sannyasis' business. So Sankaracarya is lamenting, balasya tavad kriya-saktah: "Oh, what I see? I see the boys are engaged in playing." Balasya tavad kriyasaktas tarunas tavad taruni-raktah: "Young boys, they are after young girls. That is their business. Boys are playing. Young boys are after young girls." And vrddhas tavad cinta-magnah: "And those who are old, they are absorbed in thought, 'Oh, what I have done? I could not do this. I have...' " Vrddhas tavad cinta-magnah, taruni, parame brahmani ko 'pi na lagnah: "Nobody is interested with the Parambrahman. Oh, what nonsense society it is." He analyzed the whole population -- boys, youths, old men -- and he saw nobody is, no rascal is interested with Brahman. So that is the position. But it is meant for Brahma-jijnasa. This is the defect of material civilization. The human form of life is being spoiled, simply spoiled. And they are... Maya is dictating, "Oh, you are making so much advancement. Thank you." What advancement you have made, sir? Bhagavad-gita says, janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi-duhkha dosanudarsanam [Bg. 13.9]. Your problem is birth, death, old age and disease. What you have made for these four problems? What solution you have got? Your scientific advancement? Is there any solution of controlling birth? They have invented so many contraceptive methods. Still, in every minute, there is three human increasing. Where is your birth control? You cannot control. So birth... Similarly, death. So many medicines, so many scientific research, this thing, that thing, they have invented. And what you have done? You have stopped death? "No, sir." Then? Birth, death, old age. What your scientific advancement of knowledge has done to stop old age? Everyone is trying to keep his youth by cosmetic, pomade, lipstick, but nature will not allow him. It is becoming flappy. (laughter) You see? One Marwari gentleman, he, in Calcutta, he spent eighty lakhs of rupees, or eighty-thousand, for changing his gland into monkey gland for increasing his sex life. These things are going on. The monkeys, they have got very good sex life. One monkey has got at least thirty wives, and anywhere, he is very enjoying sex life. Markata. So the science has discovered the monkey's gland is very strong for sex life. So kill them, you take out the gland and insert into man's... This is going on in medical science. So old age. They are doing... Science means they are trying to counteract the incapability, incapabilities of old age, but they are still failure. There are so many old men dying.

So janma, mrtyu, jara, and vyadhi, and disease. You are counteracting one disease; another disease is coming out. They complain that "India is poor. There are so many diseases," but here there are so many cancer. So you cannot stop this, the nature's way. Janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi [Bg. 13.9]. Your only business is to find out Brahman. That is your business. Nature has given you sufficient means to live very comfortably everywhere. If you get a piece of land and one cow, your whole economic question is solved. You haven't got to go fifty miles for working. There is no necessity. Wherever you are living, take little land and keep one cow. Your economic question is solved. So nature has given you all facilities.

prakrteh kriyamanani
gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudha atma
kartaham iti manyate
 [Bg. 3.27]

Everything is being supplied by the order of Krsna because prakrti is working, nature is working... How it is working? Mayadhyaksena [Bg. 9.10]. Mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa caracaram. "Under My order," Krsna says. Prakrti, nature, is not working blindly. You see? It has got its master, Krsna.

So this life is meant for brahma-jijnasa, inquiring, "What is Brahman?" Instead of inquiring Brahman, they are trying to kill Brahman. "There is no soul. There is no Supersoul. It is nature automatically becoming this." These nonsense things are being pushed within the, this rubbish brain of the human society. They cannot explain. They cannot give right understanding. Still, they will say, "I am scientist. I am philosopher. I am this. I am that." But your business... What is your business? Now, direct people wrongly, to go to hell. So this is not life. Life is athato brahma jijnasa: "This human form of life is meant for inquiring Brahman." And if you engage yourself in this Brahman business, for Krsna consciousness business, rest assured, Krsna will take care of you. Tesam satata-yuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham: [Bg. 10.10] "I take care personally for their necessities of life." Ordinarily, Krsna, or God, is taking care of everyone even if he's not in Krsna consciousness, and those who are coming to Krsna consciousness, what to speak of them? Special care by Krsna. Rest assured. Engage yourself rigidly to Krsna consciousness. Be happy. That is our program.

Thank you. (end)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Sri Brahma-samhita, Lecture -- Los Angeles, November 9, 1968

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I Teach What You Have Forgotten

15 Sept 69 , London

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Prabhupada: (chants mangalacarana prayers) Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you very much for coming to this meeting, sankirtana movement. This sankirtana movement is very authorized, according to Vedic literature. Most of you are well acquainted with the studies of Bhagavad-gita. And in the Bhagavad-gita also you'll find,

satatam kirtayanto mam
yatantas ca drdha-vratah
namasyantas ca mam bhaktya
tusyanti ca ramanti ca
 [Bg. 9.14]

Satatam kirtayanto mam. Those who are mahatmas... Mahatma means great soul. Mahatma is not created. Mahatma means... That is also explained in the Bhagavad-gita, who is mahatma. Krsna says, bahunam janmanam ante: [Bg. 7.19] "After many, many births." Of course, at the present moment they do not believe whether there is birth after birth. But it is not the question of whether you believe or not believe. The truth is truth. So there is birth after death. Na hanyate hanyamane sarire [Bg. 2.20]. You do not die after finishing this body. You accept another body. That you can experience daily. In your childhood... You can remember that you had a body just like this child. Now you are grown up. Where is that body? That body is gone. Now you have got a new body. But you know that "I had a childhood body like this. I was attending such and such meeting," but that body is now no longer existing.

So this transmigration of the soul is very simple subject. Any sensible man can understand. And in the Bhagavad-gita, in the very beginning of the instruction, Krsna says,

dehino 'smin yatha dehe
kaumaram yauvanam jara
tatha dehantara-praptir
dhiras tatra na muhyati
 [Bg. 2.13]

Dhira, those who are sober, intelligent, they are not bewildered when a living entity changes his body. So change of body is going on in every moment, in every second, imperceptibly. Medical science also accepts that in every second we are changing our blood corpuscles. That is a fact. We are changing body every moment. And the final change is called death. But actually, there is no death. Na hanyate hanyamane sarire [Bg. 2.20]. You accept another body. Therefore Krsna says, bahunam janmanam ante [Bg. 7.19], "After many, many births," bahunam janmanam ante jnanavan, "when a man or a living entity becomes actually wise and intelligent..." Not fools. Fools cannot understand. One has to become very intelligent. Bahunam janmanam ante jnanavan. Jnanavan means very intelligent, wise man. Bahunam janmanam ante jnanavan mam prapadyate. Krsna says that "After many, many births of struggle, or attempt for acquiring knowledge, when one comes to the summit point of understanding, he understands that vasudevah sarvam iti [Bg. 7.19], the origin of everything is Vasudeva, Krsna." Vasudeva. Origin of everything is Krsna.

The Vedanta-sutra says, the first aphorism of Vedanta-sutra, athato brahma jijnasa: "Now this human form of life is meant for inquiring about Brahman." And the Veda says that aham brahmasmi: "I am Brahman. I am not this body. I am spirit soul." And when one understands that he is spirit soul, brahma-bhutah prasannatma [Bg. 18.54], at once he becomes joyful. That is the sign of brahma-jnana. Brahma-bhutah. These are the versions of Bhagavad-gita. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma. As soon as one realizes that "I am Brahman. I have nothing to do with this material world," his all anxieties immediately finished. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati na kanksati. In the Vedanta-sutra you'll also find, anandamayo 'bhyasat (Vedanta-sutra 1.1.12). The spirit soul or the Supreme Soul, both of them are anandamaya. Ananda means blissful, by nature blissful. Always wants to enjoy. That is the nature of spirit. But at the present moment, because we have forgotten that I am..., we are spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, mamaivamso jiva-bhutah [Bg. 15.7], identifying ourself with something else which is transitory, we are suffering. This is the cause. There are many places. Bhayam dvitiyabhinivesatah syad isad api etasya viparyayo 'smrtih. Viparyayo 'smrtih means converted thinking. I'm not this, any product of this material world, but I am thinking, "I am American," "I am Indian," "I am Englishman," "I am German," "I am Chinaman," "I am Russian," or "I am cats and dogs." There are so many. These are all designations. These are all designations. My real identity is aham brahmasmi: "I am Brahman. I am the part and parcel of the Supreme Brahman. Qualitatively, I am one with God." Just like a particle of gold is also gold. A small particle of the ocean is also salty. The chemical composition of the small particle of ocean water is the same as the big ocean. So qualitatively, I am one with God, or Krsna.

When we speak of Krsna, you'll please understand that I am meaning God. Because Krsna means all-attractive. Without being all-attractive, there cannot be God. God must be all-attractive, all-opulence, all-powerful, all-wise, all-renounced, all-beautiful. These are the qualifications of God. So bahunam janmanam ante [Bg. 7.19]. After cultivation of knowledge, many, many births... Cultivation of knowledge is also not easy for everyone. That is also stated in the Bhagavad-gita. Manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye: [Bg. 7.3] "Out of many millions of persons, human beings, one may be interested to know 'What is the aim of life? Why I am suffering?' " Everyone is suffering. That is the fact. In the material world nobody can be happy. If one is thinking that he's happy materially, he's a fool. Nobody can be happy. This is the place for distress. It is certified by miseries, as well as it is temporary. Even if you accept, "All right, it is a miserable place. I shall stay here. Never mind," but nature will not allow you to stay even. One day it will come, immediately kick you out. You have seen the great President of United States, Mr. Kennedy. He was supposed to be the happiest man in the world, but within a second he was kicked out, immediately. In our country Mahatma Gandhi was very popular leader, but in a second he was removed from the field. So we do not know when we shall be removed immediately by the freaks of nature. Therefore the intelligent man should try to know, "What is my constitutional position? Why I want to stay, but some superpower kicks me out of this stage?" Why? This is question. This is called brahma-jijnasa. Athato brahma jijnasa. The Vedanta-sutra instructs that every human being, not the animals but human being, you should not be bewildered. You should question, "Why I am suffering threefold miseries? Why... I do not want death. Why death overcomes me?" Janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi-duhkha-dosanudarsanam [Bg. 13.9]. An intelligent man should always keep before him four principles of material miseries: birth, death, old age, and disease. These are instructions of the Bhagavad-gita. One who is making progress in knowledge, he must keep before him these four problems -- birth, death, old age, and disease. You may be very much proud of your scientific advancement of knowledge, but here is the real science. If you can overcome birth, death, old age and disease, then you can say your science is triumphant.

The Bhagavata says, therefore, that,

dharmah svanusthitah pumsam
visvaksena-kathasu yah
notpadayed yadi ratim
srama eva hi kevalam
 [SB 1.2.8]

Srama eva hi kevalam. After executing your proper service or duties... Everyone is entrusted with some kind of duties. So if, after properly executing your duties as Indian or as American or Englishman or scientist or businessman or father or mother... So many duties we have got. Dharmah svanusthitah pumsam visvaksena-kathasu yah, notpadayed yadi ratim [SB 1.2.8]. After executing your duties, if you do not develop your anxiety to inquire about Brahman... Athato brahma jijnasa. This is the beginning of Vedanta-sutra. People are indulging in studying Vedanta, but Vedanta-sutra is not a matter of speculation. It is to be studied from the authorities. Tad vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet [MU 1.2.12]. So if, after executing your duties very properly, if you do not develop your consciousness to know about yourself or the Supreme Self, then whatever you have done, it is simply waste of time. That's all. Srama eva hi kevalam. Simply laboring after nothing. That's all. That means spoiling human life.

So this message of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Hare Krsna movement, is to warn you, "Don't spoil this opportunity of human form of life. Don't spoil it." Ahara-nidra-bhaya-maithunam ca samanyam etat pasubhih naranam. Eating, sleeping, mating and defending, these things are common to the animals and the human being. You eat; the animals eat. You sleep; the animals sleep. You mate; the animals mate. You are also afraid of your enemy; they are also afraid of their enemy. So by discovering very palatable dishes to eat, or fashionable dresses for sex life, or atom bomb for defending... Eating, sleeping, mating and defending, these four principles, if you advance in these four principles only, that does not mean that you are better than animals. You are as good as animals. [break] ...under the control of this material nature. They are under the control of the spiritual nature. Daivi-prakrtim asritah. And what is the symptom of such persons, that he is under the control of spiritual nature? That is also explained in the Bhagavad-gita:

mahatmanas tu mam partha
daivim prakrtim asritah
bhajanty ananya-manaso...
 [Bg. 9.13]

Bhajanti. This bhajan, that is the sign of mahatma. You cannot create a mahatma by rubberstamp or by votes. Mahatma's symptom is that he's fully surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead and always engaged in glorifying His activities. His activities. Satatam kirtayanto mam yatantas ca drdha-vratah [Bg. 9.14]. He's always very much careful about executing devotional service. Namasyantas ca mam. He's always offering obeisances. Tusyanti ca ramanti ca. In this way they enjoy, tusyanti, and they're satisfied. These are the signs of mahatma.

So to become mahatma and liberated... There are so many theories how to become liberated, how to become mahatma, how to become religionist, how to become philosopher. There are many thoughts and theories, but real success of life is to become a mahatma, broader, broad-minded. Mahatma means broader-minded. They are not, I mean to say, short-minded, that "I am this," "I am that" -- "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim," "I am Christian," "I am Indian," "I am German," "I am Englishman" -- no. Mahatma is sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam [Cc. Madhya 19.170]. He is freed from all designation. These are all our designations. When I think, "I am Englishman" or "I am Indian," this is my designation. Because as soon as I change this body, I accept another body. Then all my philanthropy as Englishman or Indian -- immediately finished. Just like President Kennedy's presidentship and philanthropy all finished. Now we do not know where is Mr. Kennedy and what he is doing. But he has got a body. That's a fact. That I have already explained. But neither you know, neither he knows that "I was President," or "I was this or that." Therefore this is called illusion, maya. So Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, keno mayara bose, yaccho bhese: "My dear friends, my dear brothers, why you are being washed away by the waves of this illusion? Don't be wasted. Don't be washed away." Just like if you are thrown into the ocean you are washed away by the waves, similarly, by the waves of this material nature, prakrteh kriyamanani gunaih karmani sarvasah [Bg. 3.27], we are being washed away from one body to another, in this way. But actually we do not want this. Actually every one of us, we want a permanent body, a permanent situation, a permanent life, a blissful life, a life of knowledge. That is our hankering. But we do not know, do not know because we do not care to know. Otherwise everything is explained. You haven't got to study many books. You just simply study Bhagavad-gita As It Is. We have therefore published this Bhagavad-gita As It Is without any nonsensical interpretation. "As It Is." Then you'll get all the knowledge and you'll know what you are meant for. So this movement is just to revive your consciousness, original consciousness. Original consciousness is Krsna consciousness. And all other consciousness which you have now acquired, these are superficial, temporary. "I am Indian," "I am Englishman," "I am this," "I am that" -- these are all superficial consciousness. Real consciousness is aham brahmasmi.

So Lord Caitanya, who started this movement five hundred years ago in Bengal, India, He immediately informs you that jivera svarupa haya nitya krsna dasa [Cc. Madhya 20.108-109], that our real identity, real constitutional position, is that we are part and parcel of Krsna, or God. Therefore you can understand what is your duty. Just like this hand is part and parcel of your body. Now, what is the duty of this hand? To serve the body, that's all. The hand cannot enjoy independently. It is not possible. If you cut off this hand from this body and throw into the street, nobody will care for it. But so long it is attached with this body, it has got millions and trillions of dollars' value. If there is any trouble, you will be prepared to spend any any amount. But when you are detached, this hand is detached from this body, you don't care for it, even it is trampled down by any man. So this is our position. We are part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. There are many examples I can give you. Just like a machine part, a screw. If it is fallen down from the machine, it has no value. But if the machine is in trouble for want of that screw, you'll purchase that screw to set in and spend many dollars. Similarly, we are part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. If we remain attached with the Supreme Lord, then we have got value. Otherwise we have no value. Therefore Krsna says in the Bhagavad-gita, that sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja: [Bg. 18.66] "You just be attached to Me. Then your all problems are solved."

So this Krsna consciousness movement is... Just like you are part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. You are now detached. We are trying to dovetail you. That's all. Nitya-siddha krsna-bhakti sadhya kabhu naya. This is not an artificial imposition on you. The Krsna consciousness is there. The living example you can see, that I have got now branches, twenty branches in Europe and America. They are neither Hindus nor Indian. How they are accepting Krsna consciousness? In our society, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, perhaps I am the only Indian. Perhaps I am the only Indian. Perhaps it is fact. But why, how they are taking it? Because it is there, Krsna consciousness is there, within you, within me, within everyone. Simply we have to invoke it. That's all. And that invoking process is the sankirtana movement. Ceto-darpana-marjanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. If you chant this simple process, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, you'll very quickly clear up your heart and you will understand, vasudevah sarvam iti sa mahatma su-durlabhah [Bg. 7.19]. You'll understand that Krsna, Vasudeva, is everything. So this movement is neither manufactured nor bogus nor bluff, but it is genuine. It is authorized and it is natural, constitutional. Try to understand this philosophy. We are teaching nothing, no new philosophy. Bhagavad-gita as it is, that's all. Unfortunately, Bhagavad-gita is read all over the world, but there are many rascal interpreters. They have spoiled the whole thing. Simply spoiled. So we are struggling against them. You try to understand Bhagavad-gita as it is, and you get the thing. The thing is immediately delivered. That is our request. And in the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated by Sukadeva Gosvami. He says, kaler dosa-nidhe rajann asti hy eko mahan gunah: "My dear King..." He was explaining Srimad-Bhagavatam to King Maharaja Pariksit. So he says... Before saying this, he described about the condition of this age of Kali. It is very... At the end of this age the condition will be very horrible. So... Of course, there is not much time. Otherwise I would have explained something. But you know. You are experiencing about this age. So after explaining the difficulties of this age, Kali-yuga, of which five thousand years we have already passed, and still, 427,000's of years are still remaining... So we have to pass through. So he says, "My dear King, I have explained to you the difficulties and miserable condition of this age, Kali-yuga. But there is a great opportunity." Asti hy eko mahan gunah: "A very nice thing is there," mahan gunah, "very great opportunity, great boon." And what is that? Kirtanad eva krsnasya mukta-sangah param vrajet: [SB 12.3.51] "Simply by chanting this Hare Krsna mantra, one can become freed from all contamination and he'll be eligible to be promoted to the spiritual param." Param means beyond this dark region. This material world is called tamah, darkness. Just like there is no sun now. It is dark. We have to illuminate by electric light, by moonlight, by so many things. Actually the nature is dark. Therefore the Vedic injunction is tamasi ma jyotir gama: "Don't try to remain in this dark region. Go to that effulgent region." Tamasi ma jyotir gama. The Bhagavad-gita also says the same thing. Yad gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama [Bg. 15.6]. Paras tasmat tu bhavo 'nyo 'vyakto 'vyaktat sanatanah [Bg. 8.20]. Everything is there in the Bhagavad-gita.

So our request is that you read Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Here there are many Englishmen and Indians. That is my request. I am not charging anything. I am not making a profession. This sankirtana movement, we are chanting freely. You can hear. There is... Not that it is a secret thing -- if you pay me something, then I shall disclose. No. It is open secret. Anyone can take, and there is no loss. If you chant Hare Krsna, there is no loss, but there is great gain. You can try it. So we are freely distributing it by chanting. You can join with us, you try to understand us, what is our philosophy. We have got monthly magazine, Back to Godhead. We have got many publications, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you want to understand this movement through philosophy, science argument, we are prepared. There is ample opportunity for you. But if you simply chant, there is no need of education, there is no need of philosophizing. Chant Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, and you gain everything.

Thank you.

Devotees: Haribol! [break]

Prabhupada: ...mantra, you'll have Krsna consciousness as soon as... The process is to cleanse your heart. So when your heart will be clear, then you'll understand your own position, your relationship with Krsna, and your relationship with this world. Then you'll be able to chalk out your plan, what to do. But without knowing your identity, whatever you are doing, that is simply waste of time.

Guest (1) (Indian man): Would you say that Krsna is God or Krsna is love?

Prabhupada: Well, without love how Krsna can be God?

Guest (1): No, I ask you.

Prabhupada: Yes. That is the real position. Krsna means all-attractive. Anything which is all-attractive you generally love.

Guest (1): So the particle of man of the Supreme Being is all-love.

Prabhupada: Yes. You are part and parcel of Krsna. You want to love somebody, and Krsna wants to love you. This is loving exchange. But instead of loving Krsna, you are trying to love something else. That is your trouble. The love is there in you and Krsna, and when the love will be exchanged between you and Krsna, that will be perfection of life.

Guest (1): Thank you.

Guest (2) (Indian woman): Would it matter if I worship any other? Would it matter whether I worship Krsna or Siva or Christ or Buddha? Would it matter? As long as... [break]

Prabhupada: If you worship Siva, you'll get Siva. If you worship Krsna, you'll get Krsna. Why do you expect Krsna by worshiping Siva? What is your idea?

Guest (2): My idea is, would it matter, I mean, if instead of...

Prabhupada: Suppose if you purchase ticket for India, you'll go to India. How you can go to hell?

Guest (2): That is not the point.

Prabhupada: This is the point. That is explained in the Bhagavad-gita. Yanti deva-vrata devan pitrn yanti pitr-vratah [Bg. 9.25].
Guest (2): But my point is...

Prabhupada: Your point you understand. Why you don't understand? This is the description of the Bhagavad-gita. If you worship demigods like Siva and others, you will go there. And if you worship Krsna, you'll go to Krsna. What is the difficulty to understand?

Guest (2): Do you mean that Siva is demigod?

Prabhupada: Yes, why not?

Guest (2): Because according to the philosophy...

Prabhupada: What is that philosophy?

Guest (2): Krsna says that it doesn't matter the way you worship Him. All means has the same goal, reaches to the same goal. "You can take the different paths, but you will come to Me eventually." Then why you are saying that Siva is...

Prabhupada: Well, same goal, you just try to understand. Same goal. Suppose you have to go to the forty-second or hundredth story. Now, you are stepping one after another. The goal is there, the forty-second story, but you cannot claim, after going a few steps, you say that "I have come to the forty-second story." The path is one. That's all right. But you have to reach the ultimate goal. You do not know what is the ultimate goal. You simply say all paths reach to this goal, but you do not know what is goal.

Guest (2): Because what I meant... I would like to know... Suppose... This is the point that we want to recommend. We are like drones(?), and we could go to Gokula in any way, in any other way.

Prabhupada: No. That is not explained in the Bhagavad-gita, and that is your wrong interpretation. Any way, no. The same way you have to go. Just like in the Bhagavad-gita it is said, mama vartmanuvartante manusyah partha sarvasah: "Everyone is trying to come to Me," but someone has come a few steps, another has come to another few steps, another step. Ultimately... That was... I explained it. You have to reach that Vasudeva. That comes to the..., or that is possible after many, many births. It is clearly said, "After many, many births," bahunam janmanam ante [Bg. 7.19], "one comes to this point." Another verse in the Bhagavad-gita, it is said that kamais tais tair hrta-jnanah prapadyante 'nya-devatah [Bg. 7.20]. Anya-devatah. Those who are bewildered by lust, material lust, they go to worship other demigods. So these things are there. How can you deny it?

Guest (2): I'm sorry, I couldn't agree with you that Siva is a demigod. I couldn't believe it.

Prabhupada: That is stated in everywhere. You have to learn it.

Guest (3) (Indian man): ...consciousness, then what is that other Krsna? Or, other than Krsna, what ... And wherefrom...?

Prabhupada: Yes. I quite follow you. Everywhere is sunshine, but still, the sun's situation is a particular place. The sunshine is everywhere, but still, the sun planet is situated at a particular localized place.

Guest (3): It is manifested locally. It is not localized. It is manifested locally.

Prabhupada: But do you distinguish between sunshine and the sun planet? Or you say because the sunshine has come within your room, therefore sun planet has come within your room? Do you think like that?

Guest (3): It is a conception of the mind.

Prabhupada: Why mind? It is a fact. Why do you say "mind"? Can you say that "Oh, because the sunshine has come within my room, the sun planet has come"? Everyone will say you are a fool. It is not mind. It is a fact. The sunshine is light, and the sun globe is light. So light is there, both, but still, there is difference between sunshine and the sun globe. That difference. Krsna and Krsna's energy everywhere. That is explained in the Bhagavad-gita.

maya tatam idam sarvam
jagad avyakta-murtina
mat-sthani sarva-bhutani
naham tesv avasthitah
 [Bg. 9.4]

"Although everything is resting on Me, still I am not there."

Guest (4) (Indian man): Is this world a real place? Is this world a real place?

Prabhupada: What do you mean by real?

Guest (4): According to what you were saying, it's illusion.

Prabhupada: Yes. Illusion in this way, that when you take it as a fact, but it is something else. It is not a fact. Maya. Mya means ma-ya: "It is not this." Just like you are thinking that you'll be happy in this material world by adjustment, but you'll never be happy. That is called maya. So whatever you are struggling for, that is illusion.

Guest (4): If this is an illusion, then why is it here? What's it doing here?

Prabhupada: Illusion is temporary existence. This is also explained in the Bhagavad-gita, bhutva bhutva praliyate [Bg. 8.19]. It comes into existence, just like cloud. Of course, we Vaisnava philosopher, we do not say actually illusion. We say temporary. Actually we say temporary. Anitya. Anitya. The exact word is anitya. Anitya means... Nitya means eternal, and anitya means temporary. So we say this material world... (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Conway Hall Lecture -- London, September 15, 1969

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Prabhupada: It is stated, catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah [Bg. 4.13]. The Lord says that "The four divisions of social order -- namely the brahmanas, the ksatriyas, the vaisyas, sudras -- these divisions were created by Me," and guna-karma-vibhagasah, "not by birthright but by identification of qualities and actual work." In the similar way, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam also, it is stated that yasya hi yad varnabhivyanjakam, laksanam syat. Yasya hi yad laksanam syad varnabhivyanjakam, tat tenaiva vinirdiset [SB 7.11.35]. The whole Vedic system is to pick up qualitative persons. There is no such thing as birthright qualification. And Sridhara Swami, the greatest commentator on Srimad-Bhagavatam, he has commented on this verse, yasya hi yad laksanam syad varnabhivyanjakam tat tenaiva vinirdiset, yad anyatrapi drsyeta tat tenaiva vinirdiset: [SB 7.11.35] "If such qualities are found in another platform, then he should be designated in that position." Just like if a boy born of a brahmana family, he has got the qualities of a sudra, he should be indicated as sudra. And if a boy born of a sudra family but he has got the brahmana's qualities, then he should be accepted as brahmana.

So this Krsna consciousness movement is accepting persons who are developing the qualities of brahmanas and Vaisnavas. It is not that because they were not born in India and not born in Hindu family... It is not... There is no such consideration. Anyone. Ye krsna-tattva-vetta sei guru haya. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said that,

kiba sudra kiba vipra nyasi kene naya
yei krsna-tattva-vetta sei guru haya
 [Cc. Madhya 8.128]

It doesn't matter whether a man is a sudra or a brahmana or a sannyasi or a householder. It doesn't matter. If he actually knows the science of God, Krsna-tattva... Krsna means God, the Supreme Lord, and tattva means scientific knowledge. Yei krsna-tattva-vetta sei guru haya. And another place Lord Caitanya says that amara ajnaya guru hana tara sarva desa [Cc. Madhya 7.128]. To become a spiritual master, one may think it is very difficult job. Yes, it is very difficult job, but it is also very simple thing. Very difficult job in this way: If one cannot assimilate the Vedic knowledge, veda-vada-parah partha nanyad astiti vadinah, if they become simply Vedic student only, without assimilating, then it is very difficult. But if one can understand what is the idea of Vedic principle, then it is very easy. So what is the idea of Vedic principle? The Lord says, vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah [Bg. 15.15]. By different scriptures, Vedic literature, Ramayana, Mahabharata... There are so many allied scriptures. The whole aim is, target is, Krsna. Vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyam. So actually the Vedas are searching Krsna. In the Brahma-samhita also it is stated,

advaitam acyutam anadim ananta-rupam
adyam purana-purusam nava-yauvanam ca
vedesu durlabham adurlabham atma-bhaktau
govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami
 [Bs. 5.33]

It is very difficult to find out Krsna within the Veda. But if you are fortunate enough to contact a devotee of Krsna, then he can deliver you. And if one understands Krsna, then he understands the whole Vedas.

So this merciful benediction was given by Lord Krsna, er, by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is incarnation of Krsna. Krsna-varnam tvisakrsnam [SB 11.5.32]. He is Krsna. Categorically, He is Krsna, or chanting Krsna. But by complexion He is akrsna. Tvisakrsnam. So He gave us this greatest benediction, that you simply chant Hare Krsna mantra and you get all knowledge. The greatest impediment of acquiring knowledge is congestion of our heart with dirty things. And Lord Caitanya says that if you chant without any offense very nicely, then your heart becomes cleansed of all dirty things. Ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. And then you are liberated. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati [Bg. 18.54]. So this Krsna consciousness movement is based on Lord Caitanya's teachings and teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. It is not a new thing. Of course, in this country it is being presented for the last two years, but the thing is not new. It is the oldest because, if we take the version of Bhagavad-gita, Lord (Krsna) says, imam vivasvate yogam proktavan aham avyayam: [Bg. 4.1] "This yoga system, Bhagavad-gita, was spoken by Me to Vivasvan, the sun-god." Vivasvan manave praha: "And the sun-god said to his son Manu." Manur iksvakave 'bravit. Evam parampara-praptam: [Bg. 4.2] "In this way it is coming." So kaleneha yogo nastah parantapa: "But unfortunately that link has been broken; therefore I am speaking again to you the old philosophy, yoga system, Bhagavad-gita, unto you, Arjuna." "Why You are speaking to me? I am not a Vedantist. I am not a sannyasi. I am not even brahmana. Why You want to teach me?" Bhakto 'si: "Because you are My devotee." Therefore the first qualification of understanding the Vedas or Bhagavad-gita is to become a devotee of Krsna; otherwise it is blocked. Just like if you take a bottle of honey and lick it on the bottle, you won't get the taste. It has to be opened, who has got the key. Then you get the taste of honey. So Bhagavad-gita cannot be understood by academic scholarship. It is not possible, the same bottle-licking. But it has to be opened by the devotee, just like Arjuna opened it: param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam bhavan, purusam sasvatam adyam [Bg. 10.12]. He understood Krsna. So we have to follow the opener of the bottle, honey bottle. Then you will taste what is Bhagavad-gita.

So this Krsna consciousness movement is to purify the human society. And the purification process, simply by chanting, is sufficient. But still, our Gosvamins, they have given us some ritualistic ceremonies. That will help the process of purification. Sacrifice, offering, these things are there. But the main thing is chanting Hare Krsna mantra. That is sufficient. So in our society we want to establish divine society. Therefore there is need of all classes of men and all classes of social orders. Our Vedic conception is varnasrama-dharma. The "Hindu" term is not found in any Vedic literature. It is a name given by the Muhammadans, so far I know. It is not... Real term is varnasrama-dharma, sanatana-dharma, four varnas and four asramas. Four varnas: brahmana ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, according to qualification... And Bhagavad-gita also says these are the qualification, brahmanas: satya sama dama titiksa arjavam, acaryopasanam, brahma-karma svabhava-jam [Bg. 18.42]. Similarly, there are indication of the ksatriyas, vaisyas; and sudras' one qualification: paricaryatmakam karmam sudra-karma svabhava-jam [Bg. 18.44]. Paricarya, to serve others. And in this age, because everyone is after employment -- without employment he cannot survive -- therefore it is said, kalau sudra sambhava. In the Kali-yuga... A brahmana is not expected to serve anyone. A ksatriya is not expected to serve anyone, nor the vaisyas. Only the sudras. So kalau sudra sambhava. Therefore actually there is no Vedic ritualistic performance for the sudras. It is meant for the brahmanas only. But there is pancaratriki-viddhi for this age, when sudras can be elevated to the position of brahmana or Vaisnava by the Vaisnava-viddhi. That viddhi is a voluminous book by Sanatana Gosvami. But there is everything, how a brahmacari will live, how a grhastha will live, how a vanaprastha will live. The summary is being practiced. And we are holding now, today, two ceremonies. Some of the boys and girls will be initiated, primarily, and one couple will be married. So according to Hindu rites, there are many kinds of marriage, eight kinds of marriages. So in this age, as we find in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, marriage can be performed simply by agreement. Svikaram eva hi udvahe. That is sufficient. And actually it is being carried on in every country. The boys and girls go to a magistrate and give their statement and agree. That is marriage. Here also the same principle will be carried under some Vaisnava rites, chanting Hare Krsna and offering prayers to the acaryas and Deities.

So we have got all the Vedic arrangement, varnasrama-dharma, but our only aim is to preach Krsna consciousness, to understand the science of Krsna. It doesn't matter whether one is householder or a sannyasi or a brahmacari or a brahmana or ksatriya or a vaisya, sudra. Sva-karmana tam abhyarcya samsiddhim labhate param [Bg. 18.46]. Everyone should engage his energy to satisfy the Supreme Lord. That is samsiddhir hari-tosanam.

atah pumbhir dvija-srestha
varnasrama-vibhagasah
svanusthitasya dharmasya
samsiddhir hari-tosanam
 [SB 1.2.13]

You never mind in whatever condition you are. You may be a brahmana. You may be a ksatriya or a sudra or... You have got particular duty. That's all. That makes you a brahmana and a sudra or a brahmacari. But whatever particular duty you may have, just try to see whether by your duty this Supreme Lord is satisfied. Then it is perfect. Svanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhir hari-tosanam [SB 1.2.13]. That is the test: if you have satisfied Krsna through His representative. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasadah **. Just like we work in some big establishment, and if we can satisfy our immediate boss, that is the satisfaction of the whole company. You haven't got to see whether all the members of the company have become satisfied. Simply the immediate boss under which you are working, if he is satisfied, then you know the company is satisfied because he will submit the report of his work. Similarly, Krsna is very kind. He is helping you in different ways. He is within your heart. Krsna is within your heart. Antaryami. Caitya-guru. And is presenting Himself as spiritual master both ways, externally, internally. He is trying to help you. And when you are actually taking the advantage of that help, and if you are engaged with love and affection in the transcendental service of the Lord, then you can talk with God from within. God is within you. You haven't got to find out God in so many places. Anywhere you can sit down. But if you are sincere, if you are actually wanting to offer your service to the Lord -- tesam satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam, dadami buddhi-yogam tam [Bg. 10.10] -- He will give you intelligence. Simply we have to become sincere servitor.

So it doesn't matter whether one is householder or a brahmacari or sannyasi. He has to become first of all sincere servitor of the Lord. Then everything is complete. The Lord is within you. He will give you all knowledge, all enlightenment, all dictation, and He will make your life progressive. Adau sraddha tatah sadhu-sangah tato bhajana-kriya, anartha-nivrttih syat tato nistha tato rucis tato bhavas tato prema [Cc. Madhya 23.14-15]. In this way your life will be sublime. Yam labdhva caparam labham manyate nadhikam tatah. And if you can contact the Supreme Personality of Godhead by some way or other by discharge of this devotional service in any position, never mind, then you will feel no more profit. Everyone in the material world, they are working hard day and night for some profit. But if you can be engaged in the service of the Lord, you will feel that you are so much profited that you will say, svamin krtartho 'smi varam na yace: [Cc. Madhya 22.42] "I don't want any more profit. I have got all the profits now. I am fully satisfied." That is required. Yayatma suprasidati. Sa vai pumsam paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhoksaje [SB 1.2.6]. You can... If you can develop that stage of life, yato bhaktir adhoksaje... Adhoksaje. The Lord is beyond your sensual perception; therefore He is called Adhoksaja. Avan-manasa gocarah. But He can reveal Himself. That is His power. Naham prakasah sarvasya yoga-maya-samavrtah [Bg. 7.25]. He reveals Himself. Premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena santah [Bs. 5.38]. You cannot reach the Absolute Truth simply by mental speculation because He is beyond your mental speculation. Avan-manasa gocarah. Sadaiva hrdayesu vilokayanti. If you are absorbed in love of Godhead, then you will see God everywhere, within your heart and outside. Premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena [Bs. 5.38]. That real purpose is bhakti. So anywhere you be situated, you take this process of loving service to the Lord, and the Lord will reveal Himself. Lord will reveal Himself.

So, kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati [Bg. 9.31].

kim punar brahmanah punya
bhakta rajarsayas tatha
anityam asukham lokam
imam prapya bhajasva mam
 [Bg. 9.33]

Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru [Bg. 18.65]. So the aim of life should be to become a pure devotee of the Lord. Then your life is successful. In whatever condition you may be, it doesn't matter. You will be situated in the highest stage.

yam labdhva caparam labham
manyate nadhikam tatah
yasmin sthite gurunapi
duhkhena na vicalyate
 [Bg. 6.20-23]

If you are situated in that position, then if you are put into the test of severe difficulties, you will not be moved. You will be steady. Na vicalyate. Just like we have got many instances. Prahlada Maharaja, he was a little boy, five years old, and his only difficulty was that he became a devotee of the Lord. His father became enemy, atheistic father, Hiranyakasipu. He tortured him like anything, but he was not to be moved. He was stuck, sticking to his own position. This is... And you have many instances in your, this part of the world. Lord Jesus Christ, he was crucified, but still, he remained steady in his position. Haridasa Thakura, he was Muhammadan. When he took up this Krsna consciousness, the Muhammadan government chastised him like anything. He remained steady. So these religious persecution, this and that, that is the history of the whole world. But if one sticks to the position of becoming pure devotee of the Lord, he has nothing to be afraid of. He will be steady, and he will prosecute his business steadily. Krsna will help him. There is no doubt about it.

Thank you very much.

(ceremony follows, repeating prayers) [break] You shall begin here, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Then you go to the next bead. In this way come to this side. Again begin from here. Come to this side. And do sixteen rounds. And you know the four rules and regulations? What is that?

Sri Caitanya: The four rules? No gambling, no meat-eating, no sex out of marriage... [break]

Prabhupada: Then other offenses he will give you, ten kinds of offenses. There is a list. So you should take from him now. Bow down.

nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta svamin iti namine

(devotee repeats) So your name is Sri-Caitanya dasa. I think there is no...

Devotees: Oh!

Prabhupada: Come on. Now here. Give me this. [break] ...bhu-tale srimate bhaktivedanta svamin iti namine. Thank you very much.

Devotees: Hare Krsna! Haribol! [break] (fire sacrifice)

Arundhati's father: Arundhati.

Prabhupada: (Arundhati's father repeats) "...was so long under my care. Now I give you a charge. You please take and accept her as your wife." (Pradyumna repeats:) "Yes, I accept Arundhati as my wife and I take charge of her life in all conditions. I will never separate with her and jointly we shall execute Krsna consciousness."

Devotees: Jaya! Haribol!

Prabhupada: You say, (Arundhati repeats) "I accept you as my husband, Pradyumna, and I shall help you in the matter of Krsna consciousness throughout my life. I shall never separate from you in all conditions, in happiness or distress." Now you change the garland. Hare Krsna. Jaya. Now you... You put this cloth upon... Now cover the head. Yes. And give her head vermillion, red. [break] (prayers continue) Put silently on this. Now chant, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. (devotees repeat) (Prabhupada repeats) (end)

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Initiation of Sri-Caitanya dasa and Wedding of Pradyumna and Arundhati -- Columbus, May 14, 1969

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