Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Our Forgotten Relationship with Krishna

Although we are part and parcel of Krishna, but still we suffer because we have forgotten our relationship with Krishna.

Supreme Lord Krishna has three energies – internal, marginal & external.  The Lord’s abode like Goloka Vrindavan or Vaikuntha planets and the ever-liberated devotees living there are part of his internal energy.  

This material world is his external energy. And we the living entities are his marginal energy.  Krishna has given us, the finite souls, the free will to choose to live with him in his spiritual kingdom or to live away from him in this material world.

When we decide to live separately from him in this world, we get overpowered by his material energy.  Although, the living entities and the material energy both are potencies of the Lord, but the Lord has gifted the material nature the power to overpower those jivas who do not want to be with him.

But the material nature cannot overpower the Lord because he is the Supreme. The Lord is the potent and both, the living entities and the material energy, are his potencies.

Jivas are like God but not God

Since we, the living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, so we have qualities like the Lord but quantitatively we are infinitesimal to the Lord. What Lord can do, we too can do but in small proportion. For example, the Supreme Lord Krishna can create oceans, we can also dig wells or create small reservoirs to store water.  The Lord creates huge planets which seamlessly float in the space, we create small planes which fly in the sky.

Lord gives us this material body which has the capability to give birth to another material body. The human intelligence too creates a robot, but the robot cannot give birth to another robot, neither it is conscious like us.

If we look around, we find each of the living beings have unique idsentity – their faces are different, they sound differently, they think and act differently. But robots are all the same – they look the same, they work as they are programmed. Living beings have feelings but not the machines.

As his potency, we can do things like him but in a small way.  Lord can be compared to an ocean, and we are like a drop of the ocean. He is like the sun; we are like the rays of the sun.  As we are minuscule, so we easily get influenced by the material energy which is also called his illusory energy. Illusory because this world makes us believe that we can be happy here forever without the Lord.

Curing our enjoying mentality

Now to live in this material world, we are given material bodies.  Confined within the material body, we, the spirit souls, gradually start misidentifying ourselves with this material body and with this material world. Pains and pleasures to the material body start affecting us. We forget that this material body is just an outer covering and we are aloof to it.

As we carry desires to enjoy, we are given different bodies.  Sometimes we get a human body and sometimes an animal body.  Just as in our present body we have father, mother, brother and sister similarly in our previous lives we had such relationships.

Srimad Bhagavatam tells the story of King Citraketu and his wife Kṛtadyuti who were in great distress as they lost their young son. Sage Narada by his spiritual potency made the departed soul re-enter the dead body of the boy. When the sage told him that the king and the queen are his father and mother, then the boy was confused. He asked, “In which body they were my father and mother because I had many such bodies. I was sometime born in a human species, sometimes in animal species, sometimes in heavenly abode and sometimes in lower planetary system.”

So, as a soul, we are on a never-ending journey in this world. But wherever we go miseries and death accompanies us.  We came to this world thinking we can enjoy here without Krishna and even more than Krishna. But the opposite happens here.  One of the reasons why the Lord allows us to come here is to make us understand that we can never be happy without him. The Lord mercifully wants to cure us from the enjoying mentality.  

Suffering due to misidentification with this material body

Whatever punishment or sufferings we are subjected to is to remind us that this place is not fit for us. Just like in a prison the prisoner cannot expect to live peacefully and happily, similarly in this prison of material existence peace and bliss is a phantasmagoria.

But as a soul, we are pleasure seekers but imprisoned in a material body we remain unhappy.  As a soul we always remain pure.  Just like the reflection of the moon on a river appear to quiver as the water in the river flows but in reality, the moon is still in the sky.

Similarly, the souls remain permanently pure and free from all contamination but in this material world it looks like it gets affected by material qualities like illusion, lamentation, distress and so on.

The suffering is only due to misidentification with this material body and material world. We must give up this misidentification. We should also be convinced that this material body and material world is not a safe place for us.  

Even Krishna wants to educate us about this. Although we choose to turn away from him, but he never leaves us. This is why he appears in this world time to time to remind us about our original home which is full of joy.

He gifts us scriptures to uproot our ignorance. The holy books help us understand who we are, why we are suffering and how we can free ourselves from all sufferings. 

Krishna underlines the importance of transcendental knowledge to Uddhava in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.11.4, “O most intelligent Uddhava, the living entity, called jīva, is part and parcel of Me, but due to ignorance he has been suffering in material bondage since time immemorial. By knowledge, however, he can be liberated.”

Reviving our forgotten relationship with Krishna

The most important knowledge is to know that we belong to Krishna, and our suffering is only because we are choosing to live separately from Krishna.  And being away from him for such a long time, we have forgotten our relationship with Krishna.

Once this understanding that we belong to Krishna percolates in our heart, our miseries will start dissipating.  

Jīva kṛṣṇa-dāsa, e viśvāsa, karle ta’ āra duḥkha nāi: “Please therefore accept yourself as the servant of Kṛṣṇa. Then you will be freed from all miseries.” Srimad Bhagavatam 4.26.8 Purport

For our own good we should revive our forgotten relationship with Krishna. Right now, we are helplessly overpowered by Krishna’s material energy. But Krishna, who is the master of the material energy, can easily free us from the material bondage.  

Not just that, he can even take us back to his kingdom where he enjoys with his intimate devotees.   

But the all-capable Krishna will not do so unless we want him to do so because he never interferes with our free will.  The choice is always with us – to be with him or not to be with him.

Surrender out of love to Krishna

My friend cringed when he heard that the final instruction of the Bhagavad-gita is to surrender to Krishna wholeheartedly. “Am I a criminal that I should surrender to Him? Better worship a God who is more humble and down-to-earth!”

The word surrender does not usually conjure good images in our mind. As the dictionary confirms, surrender is associated with defeat and despair, and loss of pride and prestige. When an army surrenders to the enemy, it brings disgrace to the nation.

A criminal or a terrorist is forced to surrender because he is a nuisance to the society. In this world we find that the winner becomes arrogant and want to humiliate the loser by forcing him to surrender, while the loser is seeking an opportunity to take revenge and settle scores.

But the surrender that Krishna demands in the Gita is far different from the forced surrender of a loser in life. Selective reading of the Bhagavad-Gita may make us think that Krishna is an egoistic God. Certain verses may sound like the speech of a politician, who while campaigning for election promises the voters to eradicate all sufferings of the people if voted to power.

But Krishna is not a political leader that He wants to increase His number of followers. His call for surrender is not driven by egoistic claims of supremacy; it is actually impelled by His supreme compassion for all living entities.

Panacea for all sufferings

Krishna’ s Godhood does not need our backing as proof. All the Vedic literatures unequivocally declare that Krishna is the supreme. Here are some examples: isvarahparamah Krishna – “Krishna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead” (Brahma-samhita 5.1); Krishna tubhagavansvayam – “Lord Sri Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead” (Bhagavatam 1.3.38).

“Devaki’s son [Krishna] is the Supreme Lord” [Narayana Upanisad (4)]. Even Krishna Himself declares explicitly about His supreme position: mattahparataramnanyatkincidastidhananjaya – “0 conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me” (Bhagavad-Gita 7.7).

 Surrender to Krishna is a beautiful experience and the most wonderful concept in all of creation. It means to genuinely offer our love to Him. Those who are unwilling to surrender to Krishna with love have to surrender to Him at the time of death. Old age, disease and death are the weapons by which powerful time strangulates us.

All great emperors of the world – Alexander, Napolean, Hitler, Aurangzeb – have been swept away into oblivion by the force of time. To the degree we consider ourselves the controller and proprietor of things of this world, to that degree we suffer when we face Krishna in the form of death. That surrender is too painful and immensely horrible.

 On the other hand, if we understand our eternal position as the servant of Krishna and humbly accept it, all our miseries will cease to exist. Krishna immediately takes the devotee under His tutelage.

If we take one step towards Krishna, He takes hundreds of steps towards us. Krishna wants us to be happy and is always ready to shower His love upon us. He promises: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” Bhagavad-Gita (18.66)

Krishna the humblest waiting for us

I wish my friend understood how God, although the greatest person, is simultaneously the most humble. Imagine an employee who works for a multi-millionaire becomes inimical towards his boss and starts disobeying and demeaning him. Will the boss tolerate him?

Strangely Krishna does so; He allows the rebellious souls to rebel against Him, and creates the material world for them, so they can satisfy their gratuitous desires. Krishna tolerates all and patiently waits for the moment these souls will realize their folly and turn towards Him.

Krishna’ s pastimes with His devotees clearly reveal His humility. One time His childhood friend Sudama came to visit Him in Dvaraka, being very poor, Sudama was not dressed properly. His clothes were torn and dirty, and he was emaciated. When Lord Krishna came to know that his friend Sudama has arrived, He immediately rushed out of His palace to receive His friend. He embraced Sudama and made him sit on His own bedstead. He washed Sudama’s feet and personally offered him fruits and drinks.

 Although Krishna belonged to the royal Yadava family, He never forgot His poor brahmana friend. He treated Sudama as His equal.

Krishna is famous as the charioteer of Arjuna on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra, He didn’t mind taking such a humble position for His devotee although He was God Himself.

Thus, we see that the supreme proprietor, creator and master of the entire cosmic manifestation is eager to serve His devotees and take a secondary role. We rarely find such examples in the history of the world.

In spite of our brazenness Krishna is ready to accept us again and fervently hopes that one day we will return back to the spiritual world, our original home.

The Wonder of Surrender to Krishna

My friend abhors the word surrender because he thinks he is not a criminal. But as lawbreakers of the spiritual world, we too have acted criminally. Fortunately, Lord Krishna is merciful toward us and eagerly wants us to return back to Him.

Surrendering to Krishna, our original father, does not bring us any dishonor. Our surrender to Krishna is like a patient submitting himself to a doctor for treatment or a child taking shelter of his mother.

A patient agrees to abide by the prescription of the doctor for his own benefit; a child experiences love and care on the lap of his mother. Krishna’ s clarion call to surrender is for our salvation.

Not everyone surrenders; Krishna understands this: “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.” (Bhagavad-gita 7.19)

If we are not with Krishna, we are undoubtedly with maya, Krishna’ s material illusory energy. So either to Krishna or to His material energy, we must surrender. In fact, every day, knowingly or unknowingly, we surrender to the dictum of our mind and senses, to our insatiable desires, to the demands of our bodies, to our lower self, to so many people in our daily life.

My poor friend is a heavy smoker, smoking half a dozen cigarettes daily. He hardly realizes that he has surrendered his life to a life-threatening addiction.

Arjuna’s example

Arjuna was in acute anxiety before the Mahabharata war began, but after hearing Krishna’ s message he completely surrendered to Krishna and thus paved the way for his glorious victory.

Arjuna said: “My dear Krishna, 0 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. (Bhagavad-Gita 18.73).

Like Arjuna, there are many examples in history who achieved incredible fame and glory just by following Krishna’ s instructions and the instructions of His devotees. By surrendering to Krishna success is certain in our life; there will be no room for anxieties and miseries.

Surrendering to Krishna opens the door for a blissful and eternal life. “For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murari, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf’s hoof-print. Their goal is param padam, Vaikuntha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.14.58)”

Maha Satsang with Radhanath Swami in Kolkata: The Gateway to Mayapur and Srila Prabhupada’s Divine Mission

Maha Satsang with HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja was held on 19 April 2026 at Science City, Kolkata, the birthplace of Srila Prabhupada. More than 2000 devotees participated in this festival. th The program began with melodious Hare Krishna kirtan and Vaisnav songs sung by HG Swarup Damodar Prabhu. Prabhuji is famous for his kirtans and bhajans and his songs have millions of views on YouTube.

While the devotees were immersed in kirtan, Maharaja arrived. Everyone was excited to be in the association of Maharaja and Maharaja was also happy to see the devotees. Maharaja first paid obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and offered him a beautiful garland. After that Maharaja began his class.

Below is an excerpt from Maharaja’s class

How Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and Srila Prabhupada Transformed Kolkata into the Gateway of the Worldwide Sankirtana Movement

I am very grateful for this opportunity. It is a blessing upon all of us to come together to chant the holy names of Krishna and pray to Sri Sri Radha Govind so that we may receive the mercy of the Lord upon ourselves and upon the whole world.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Akshaya Tritiya. It is a very auspicious day to begin any seva for the Lord. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to perform bhumi-pujan at the place under the jackfruit tree where Srila Prabhupada appeared.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in 1486. At Bhakti Bhavan, Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote Life and Precepts of Lord Caitanya. It was published in English and sent to libraries and universities around the world. That was the first time the life and teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu were presented to the Western world.

Srila Prabhupada described the glories of this event. He appeared just a few kilometers away from Bhakti Bhavan in Tollygunj. He appeared to fulfill this divine purpose.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda expressed that the holy names of the Lord would be chanted all over the world. For four hundred years, our acharyas preserved this mission. It was Bhaktivinoda Thakura who first spread this message globally. He had a vision that people of all races, religions, and castes would gather together as brothers and sisters, chanting “Jaya Sacinandana!”

The three great Vaisnava acharyas performing pastimes in Kolkata

Bhaktivinoda Thakura established the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in a profound way. He personally composed thousands of poems and bhajans to propagate pure devotion. Alsom he wrote nearly one hundred books. He led the authentic Krishna consciousness movement before the British government.

Bhaktivinod Thakura delivered people from the misconceptions of the sahajiya sampradayas, who, in the name of Lord Caitanya, were teaching immoral principles. At the same time, he maintained a government position with the highest integrity, raised a family, and had fourteen children.

Against great opposition, he revealed the actual birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He prayed to Sri Sri Govinda to send someone to help spread the movement. In 1874, in Puri-dhama, his prayer was answered. A servant of Vishnu was born to Bhagavati Devi and Bhaktivinoda Thakura. His name was Vimal Prasad, who later became Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

In 1881, Bhaktivinoda Thakura acquired this property in Kolkata and moved with his family to Bhakti Bhavan in 1882 after renovating it. In 1892, he sent his books around the world. At that time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was also staying there. He was twenty-two years old.

Soon after Srila Prabhupada’s birth in 1896, he moved to 151 Harrison Road, which is approximately one kilometer from Bhakti Bhavan. What a wonderful time that was. Within one kilometer, Bhaktivinoda Thakura was preaching, meeting people, writing books and songs, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was hearing and learning, and Srila Prabhupada was performing Ratha-yatra as a child.

The instruction that changed the world

In 1922, Srila Prabhupada was married and had a child. He was a devoted follower of Gandhi’s movement to liberate India from British rule. His dear friend and relative, Narendra Mullick, told him, “There is a sadhu who gives wonderful classes. Let us go.” Abhay replied, “I have seen so many sadhus, and I do not see anyone practicing sincerely. I am not interested.”

Srila Prabhupada explained that among his friends he was considered the leader. Others wanted his approval. When Narendra Mullick repeatedly requested him, Abhay finally agreed to go. A few hours ago, Narendra Mullick’s grandson came and brought a photograph of both of them standing together.

It was at the Gaudiya Math, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had stayed for twelve years. He would reside there and come out to give classes from Caitanya-caritamrta.

In 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura gave Srila Prabhupada the instruction that would change the world: “You are an educated young man. Print the message of Lord Caitanya in the English language.” Srila Prabhupada said, “I was astonished. There was no formal introduction, yet he gave me this instruction.”

Srila Prabhupada initially gave practical reasons, as anyone would have, why India first needed political independence. But forty years later he would say, “I am happy to say that I was defeated by my Guru Maharaja.” Governments and political parties always change. In this material world everything is temporary, but one eternal truth remains: the soul is eternally part of Krishna, and to love and serve Krishna is the true nature of the soul. This message cannot wait.

Srila Prabhupada was akways eager to hear from his guru

The only true solution to any problem is Krishna consciousness — awakening our relationship with Krishna. Srila Prabhupada said that at that moment he accepted Krishna as his eternal father. The instruction seemed impossible. No one else in history had ever accomplished such a mission. Yet he made that instruction his life and soul.

Soon after that, he had to leave Kolkata. He later met his Guru Maharaja in places like Kosi and Vrindavan and eventually received initiation in Prayagraj.

This morning I heard a recording from 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, where Srila Prabhupada described meeting his Guru Maharaja in Kosi during parikrama. In the evening, announcements would be made that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would speak the next day. Everyone would go for darshana of Sesa-sayi Vishnu, but a few intimate disciples and Srila Prabhupada would remain behind.

Srila Prabhupada said, “He was speaking great philosophy. I could not understand everything, but I wanted to hear.” Later, when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura came to Prayagraj, Allahabad, the temple leader recommended Srila Prabhupada for initiation. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura responded, “I have taken note that he likes to hear and never goes away.”

Srila Prabhupada happily narrated this and said that because he was eager to hear, he later became eager to perform kirtana. Speaking the message of Krishna is also kirtana. He inspired generations to understand the importance of hearing and chanting.

In 1936, while living in Bombay, Srila Prabhupada wrote a letter to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who was then staying near Hatak Parvat in Puri. He wrote, “You have so many dedicated sannyasis and brahmacharis. I am a householder with many responsibilities. How can I serve you?”

Srila Prabhupada’s vision

Srila Prabhupada later said that only two weeks after the letter was written, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura left this world. The reply contained the same instruction he had received years earlier: “You are an intelligent young man. Take the message of Lord Caitanya in the English language to the people of the world for their benefit and for your own benefit too.”

In 1953, Srila Prabhupada started the League of Devotees in Jhansi on the day of Akshaya Tritiya for this purpose. It progressed nicely for some time, but later the property was taken away. He then moved to Vrindavan-dhama, staying at Vamsi-gopala Temple and later at Radha-Damodara Temple, where he prepared for his lifelong mission. He published Back to Godhead, wrote books, and composed purports for Srimad-Bhagavatam.

In 1965, carrying the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam in three volumes, he left Vrindavan for Bombay to request a ticket from the lady of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company for passage on her cargo ship. With great difficulty, he obtained a ticket and traveled by slow train to Kolkata. From there he boarded the cargo ship Jaladuta for a mission no one had ever attempted before.

During the voyage, he suffered from seasickness and heart attacks. He prayed to Krishna, expressing how deeply he felt separation from Krishna, from Radha-Damodara, from Radha-Madana-mohana, and from the devotees. He had no help, no resources, and no support, yet he said, “I am happy because I am fulfilling the instruction of my Guru Maharaja.”

In 1966, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON in a tiny storefront in New York. Very few people could understand what he was trying to accomplish, but Srila Prabhupada had a great vision for the world. Gradually, temples were established in Chicago, Montreal, and many other parts of the world.

Srila Prabhupada gave all credit to his spiritual master

In December 1970, Srila Prabhupada returned to India with his disciples. The first temple he established in India and the first deities he installed were in Kolkata.

So tomorrow, forty-nine years after Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance from this world, we will gather together to perform a groundbreaking ceremony in his memory. Srila Prabhupada would often say that Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur-dhama, the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the sankirtana movement.

Srila Prabhupada describes in Krishna Book the journey of Akrura on his chariot to Vrindavan. Throughout the journey, Akrura was absorbed in gratitude and anticipation for seeing and serving Krishna. He offered heartfelt prayers along the entire journey. When he finally arrived in Vrindavan and saw the footprints of Krishna, Balarama, and the cows, he fell to the ground in ecstasy.

Srila Prabhupada explained that this is the proper way to approach Vrindavan. One cannot see Vrindavan with ordinary material eyes. Krishna reveals Vrindavan within our hearts according to our surrender, eagerness, and gratitude.

I was meditating on the idea that Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur, which is nondifferent from Vrindavan. Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave all credit to his Guru Maharaja, Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja, and all the previous acharyas. At Bhakti Bhavan he was writing books, printing literature, and sending Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura to various parts of India to preach. He gave many instructions for developing Mayapur-dhama.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura gave all credit to his father and guru. And our beloved Srila Prabhupada risked his life, sacrificed everything, and accomplished what no one had done before, yet from the core of his heart he gave all credit to his Guru Maharaja. He would say, “My only qualification is that I am repeating the words of my Guru Maharaja.”

Difficulties which devotees faced in Mayapur

We have heard from Hari Sauri Prabhu and Hari Sauri Maharaja how Srila Prabhupada traveled around the world, facing countless difficulties and challenges. He established hundreds of temples, inspired thousands of devotees, and transformed people from all backgrounds into devotees of Krishna. He gave them faith, fearlessness, complete dedication, pure teachings, and pure devotion. Yet as a true Vaishnava, he always said, “My only qualification is the mercy of my Guru Maharaja.”

Once a devotee asked Srila Prabhupada, “What is our qualification to receive the mercy of Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityananda, and Goloka Vrindavan?” Srila Prabhupada, in his humility and to teach us, replied, “You had no qualification. I made your qualification.” This is the essence of guru-parampara. By his mercy, love, and compassion, we are today living on the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

From Kolkata, Srila Prabhupada sent His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja and Jayapataka Swami Maharaja to acquire land in Mayapur. At that time there was only a small hut there, yet Srila Prabhupada declared it the international headquarters of ISKCON.

At the Radha Govinda Temple, Srila Prabhupada first met His Grace Jnananivas Prabhu, who is sitting here today. He was later sent to the straw hut in Mayapur as the head pujari. Srila Prabhupada inspired devotees from all over the world to develop Mayapur. In the beginning, a few devotees were doing kirtana while trying to protect themselves from snakes. There were difficulties in obtaining prasada, and devotees had to travel by boat to Navadvipa to get grains because the place was so remote.

While sitting at 26 Second Avenue in New York, Srila Prabhupada envisioned devotees from all over the world gathering in that small straw hut in Mayapur to fulfill the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Kolkata is gateway to Mayapur

Everything Srila Prabhupada did seemed impossible, yet he still accomplished it. He was not physically healthy, but he had great compassion. When devotees were constructing a small lotus-shaped building, Srila Prabhupada was already speaking about the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Everyone was astonished, yet he continued inspiring them.

I believe that while in Detroit he instructed Ambarisa Prabhu to help build the temple. Ambarisa Prabhu dedicated his life to this mission. Vrajavilasa Prabhu is also here. Because of Dayaram Prabhu, the Radha Govinda Temple remained with us.

Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude and a desire to serve our Founder-Acharya. His mercy is our only qualification. Unless we offer loving service and gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to this mission, why would Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu grant us entrance?

Soon there will come a time when people traveling to Mayapur will first stay in Kolkata. They will perform parikrama of Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace, and a beautiful memorial will be built there. We can visit the Radha Govinda Temple, where Srila Prabhupada’s personal quarters and the deities he established are present.

We can visit Ultadanga and Bhaktivinoda Asana, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura stayed for twelve years and where Srila Prabhupada received his instruction. This is the place where Srila Prabhupada’s godbrothers and godsisters lived.

We can also visit Bhakti Bhavan, where Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave his heart and life. This is the place where he began his preaching, established his printing press, and where even his original bed is preserved. Bhagavati Devi also left her body there.

The only true purpose of life

We can go to the dock from where Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta with only forty rupees. We can visit Bagbazar Gaudiya Math, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura departed from this world. Radha Sundari Mataji and her husband are taking care of the shoes of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura there.

The whole world can come to Kolkata and then proceed to Mayapur. We can take darshana of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, and we can come to Kolkata to express our gratitude.

What I have spoken today is only an introduction.

Let us go back five centuries. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in this age of Kali, which is filled with quarrel and hypocrisy. Srila Prabhupada described the whole world as absorbed in jada-buddhi — the soul’s pathetic disconnection from its true spiritual identity while trying to enjoy separately from Krishna. We all want to become the enjoyer, proprietor, and controller.

At Bhakti Bhavan, Bhaktivinoda Thakura would sing manasa, deho, geho — offering the mind, body, and home to the Lord. This is bhakti. In a world where everyone wants to be the enjoyer and proprietor, Bhaktivinoda Thakura taught that whatever we do or possess belongs to Krishna. “I offer my mind and body in Your service.”

What is real bhakti? It does not necessarily mean renunciation. It means recognizing that everything belongs to Krishna. Whatever abilities, intelligence, resources, relationships, or wealth we have all belong to Krishna. The only true purpose of life is samsiddhir hari-tosanam — to love and serve the Lord. That alone is the true state of happiness.

Krishna wants to please his devotees

Bhaktivinoda Thakura prayed, “Maro bhi rakho bhi jo iccha tomara” — “Krishna, if You like, You may protect me; if You like, You may take everything away from me; if You like, You may even kill me. You have every right to do whatever You wish because I am Your eternal servant.”

Material nature is very difficult to overcome. Srila Prabhupada warned us not to underestimate maya. What is there to be proud of when maya can destroy us at any moment? But when we take shelter of Krishna, He protects us and engages us in His service.

The only perfection in whatever we do is whether Krishna is pleased. Srila Prabhupada described how the gopis of Vrindavan had only one desire — how to please Krishna. He narrated the beautiful story of when Krishna had a headache. Great rishis, sadhus, and pandits were asked to offer the dust of their feet for Krishna’s relief, but they refused, saying, “It is a great sin. We will go to hell.”

But when the devotees approached the gopis, they immediately gave the dust from their feet. The gopis said, “We are willing to go to hell if it pleases Krishna.” This is pure love.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught, gopi-bhartur pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanudasah — “I am the servant of the servant of the servant of the maintainer of the gopis.” Among all the gopis, Srimati Radharani is the origin of love, the hladini-sakti of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada explained that in love for Krishna, one becomes spiritually beautiful. Krishna is Rasabihari — He desires to give pleasure to His devotees, and His devotees desire only to please Him. Their beauty increases through loving exchanges with one another.

During Maha-prakasha-lila, Lord fulfils devotees desire

This is the spiritual world — an unlimited ocean of love. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu told Ramananda Raya that even one drop of this love can flood the entire world. The loving exchanges between Radha and Krishna are the source of all pleasure. Even Krishna desired to experience what Srimati Radharani feels and the happiness She experiences in loving Him.

Krishna desired to taste the love of Radharani, which was beyond even His own understanding. Therefore, the same Krishna appeared in Kali-yuga in the mood and complexion of Srimati Radharani as Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Mayapur-dhama on the full moon day of Gaura Purnima. Krishna came with the love and golden complexion of Radharani. He appeared along with His brother Balarama as Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Together They gave what no incarnation had ever given before.

In Navadvipa-dhama They established harinama-sankirtana — kali-kale nama-rupe krishna-avatara — “In this age of Kali, Krishna has descended in the form of His holy name.” The Lord descended in His holy name with all His potencies. Although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is one great benediction: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has come to distribute the crest jewel of divine love through the chanting of the holy names.

The Pancha-tattva plundered the treasure of love of God and freely distributed it to everyone. After returning from Gaya to Mayapur, Lord Caitanya performed sankirtana day and night for an entire year in Srivasa Angana. During the Maha-prakasha-lila, He fulfilled the desires of all His devotees.

Kirtan of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at Srivas Angan

To Murari Gupta, He revealed Himself as Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana because Murari Gupta was Hanuman. To the simple banana seller, He revealed Himself as Krishna and Balarama of Vrindavan. In Mayapur, He revealed forms such as Varahadeva and Lord Nrsimhadeva. Krsna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami explains that the kirtana at Srivasa Angana was nondifferent from the rasa-lila of Vrindavan. In this way, Lord Caitanya filled people’s hearts with love of God.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught everyone: “Remember Krishna and chant His names while sleeping, while working, at all times.” People experienced His divine love. Wherever they were, they chanted harinama.

At that time, however, sankirtana was opposed because Chand Kazi, the ruler of the area, heard about the kirtanas and broke a mridanga drum. The devotees came to Lord Caitanya and said, “We cannot follow Your instruction here. Let us leave this place.”

Then Gaura-sundara declared, “Tonight we will perform a harinama procession to the house of Chand Kazi. Even death personified will stand before him.” At that time Lord Caitanya was only eighteen years old and had previously performed only private kirtanas, yet the people had complete faith in Him.

Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura describes that Lord Caitanya bestowed His mercy upon everyone. Materially speaking, it was a dangerous situation. Hundreds and thousands of people gathered together. Everyone witnessed Lord Caitanya’s beautiful dancing and received His loving glance. Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Srivasa Pandit, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara Pandit, and many others were present.

Loving exchange between Lord Chaitanya and his devotees

The descriptions say that it appeared as though millions of people had gathered there. As darkness fell, thousands of torches were lit, and the massive procession moved toward the house of Chand Kazi. Chand Kazi hid himself in fear. Eventually he came out and said, “Actually, I am the friend of Your grandfather. Please forgive me.” He then issued an order that there would never again be any impediment to the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu deeply experienced the suffering of all living beings. At the age of twenty-four, He accepted sannyasa, leaving behind His mother and wife for the welfare of the world. Soon afterward, He traveled throughout South India with Kala Krishna Dasa, expanding the sankirtana movement everywhere.

The same treasure that Lord Caitanya distributed can still be attained today by following the nine processes of devotional service. During His travels, He freely gave divine love to everyone. For two years He traveled through places such as Udupi and Nashik, giving Krishna-prema to all. His message everywhere was the same: “Chant the holy names of Krishna, share these teachings with others, and I will always be with you.”

Later, in Vrindavan and Jagannatha Puri, He continued giving the same love to everyone. During the Ratha-yatra festival in Puri, all who attended witnessed the loving exchanges between Lord Caitanya and His devotees. Everywhere one could hear the tumultuous roaring of harinama-sankirtana. Afterward, Lord Caitanya sent His devotees throughout Bengal and Orissa to continue spreading the movement.

Mahaprabhu’s instructions to Nityananda Prabhu

Once, in a secluded place, Lord Caitanya sat with Lord Nityananda and said, “You are moving happily with Me, but there are so many people bereft of Krishna-bhakti. Go to Bengal. Go to Navadvipa and preach.” Lord Nityananda never wanted to be separated from Lord Caitanya, but He accepted this instruction as His life and soul.

From Puri they journeyed toward the Ganges in ecstatic kirtana. Abhirama Thakura danced in ecstasy like a cowherd boy holding a flute for nine continuous hours. Everyone became completely absorbed in the spiritual world. Some danced on treetops and then jumped down while continuing to dance.

At one point they asked, “Where is the Ganges?” Others replied, “You passed it six hours ago.” Smiling, they continued their kirtana and unknowingly traveled many miles. By the potency of Yogamaya they eventually arrived at Panihati, where Lord Nityananda began preaching extensively.

They came to the house of Raghava Pandita, where kirtana continued continuously. Lord Nityananda danced and cast loving glances upon the devotees. He told Raghava Pandita, “Please bring Me kadamba flowers.” Raghava Pandita replied, “It is impossible. This is the monsoon season. Kadamba flowers bloom only in summer.”

Lord Nityananda said, “Go and look in the garden.” Though bewildered, Raghava Pandita had faith. When he entered the garden, he saw a miracle — there was no kadamba tree, but a lemon tree had produced kadamba flowers. He made a garland from them and offered it to Lord Nityananda.

Everyone continued dancing in ecstasy. Then Lord Nityananda asked, “What is this fragrance?” Earlier there had been the fragrance of kadamba flowers, but now there was the fragrance of tamal flowers. Lord Nityananda replied, “Lord Caitanya has secretly come from Puri, wearing tamal flowers, because He is pleased to see this kirtana.”

Nityananda Prabhu’s ornaments

Sri Krishna Caitanya-caritamrta describes that whenever Lord Nityananda danced and chanted, Lord Caitanya would secretly come to watch. Lord Nityananda’s loving glance transformed everyone upon whom it fell. There was no trace of the material world there; everyone was absorbed in spiritual ecstasy.

Vrindavana Dasa Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explain that Lord Nityananda was distributing the love of the gopis. The devotees danced on leaves, branches, and stems as though untouched by gravity. Chanting loudly, they would leap from treetops and continue dancing. Tears flowed from their eyes, and ecstatic symptoms manifested in their bodies.

This kirtana in Panihati continued for three months. No one cared for sleeping, eating, or drinking. Everyone was completely absorbed in bhava-bhakti and the nectar of the holy name. Those three months passed as though they were only a single moment.

Lord Nityananda Prabhu desired ornaments, and immediately ornaments from the spiritual world appeared. The ornaments of Lord Balarama manifested, along with flowers from Vrindavan. Lord Nityananda would then go from house to house. Whoever saw Him would wonder how this avadhuta was adorned with such extraordinary ornaments.

One devotee approached Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and asked why Lord Nityananda was wearing such ornaments. Lord Caitanya explained that these ornaments were the personification of the nine processes of devotional service. In this way, Lord Nityananda spread the sankirtana movement throughout Bengal.

One of Lord Nityananda’s associates was Gadadhara Dasa. Externally he performed ordinary activities, but internally he was completely absorbed in the love of the gopis. At that time there was a cruel kazi who had stopped kirtana, and the people were afraid of him.

Gadadhara Dasa makes Kazi chant Hari

One night, Gadadhara Dasa was loudly chanting “Hari! Hari!” in ecstasy. Suddenly he ran directly into the house of the kazi. The guards became bewildered and confused as Gadadhara Dasa entered dancing and singing in the kazi’s residence.

Gadadhara Dasa loudly called out while the kazi was sleeping, “If you do not chant the holy names of Hari, I will cut off your head!” Hearing the noise, the kazi angrily came downstairs. But when he saw the simple and ecstatic Gadadhara Dasa dancing and chanting, he was astonished.

Gadadhara Dasa said to him, “Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda have descended to inspire everyone to chant the holy name of Hari. You are the only one who is not chanting. I order you to chant the name of Hari and become free from your offenses and sins.”

The kazi was deeply moved by Gadadhara Dasa’s simplicity and purity. He replied, “Gadadhara, it is the middle of the night. Please go home. Tomorrow I will chant Hari.”

As soon as Gadadhara Dasa heard the kazi say “Hari,” he joyfully exclaimed, “Why tomorrow? You have already chanted Hari now! You are already becoming freed from your sins and offenses!” Gadadhara Dasa immediately began clapping and dancing in ecstasy.

Lord Nityananda Prabhu and the devotees later went to Gadadhara Dasa’s house. From there they traveled to Khardaha, which became a major preaching center. From Panihati they also went to Saptagrama, a place filled with wealthy gold merchants.

Srila Prabhupada’s lineage

Lord Nityananda’s devotee, Uddharana Datta Thakura, transformed many people there into devotees of Krishna. Whether someone was a dacoit like Jagai and Madhai, a gold merchant, a shopkeeper, a Hindu, a Muslim, or even an atheist, Lord Nityananda freely gave love of God to everyone.

Srila Prabhupada mentioned that his family came from the lineage of Uddharana Datta Thakura, and they would regularly visit his home.

Dancing Kirtan & Delicious Prasadam

After the class, Maharaja began singing Hare Krishna kirtan and requested devotees to particiapte enthusiastically and dance. Hundreds of devotees joyfully participated in the dancing kirtan and immersed themselves in the holy name of the Lord. At the end there was delicious Krishna prasadam for all the devotees.

Srimad Bhagavatam at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata – May 2026

Below are important points from morning Srimad Bhagavatam class at Iskcon Newtown Temple, Kolkata given in May 2026.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Mukund Lila Prabhu on 1st May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.10.22
• Chapter Name: The Nature of Fruitive Activity

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• If one performs Vedic sacrifices and fruitive rituals without any mistake or contamination, one will achieve a heavenly situation in the next life.
• But even this result, which is only achieved by perfect performance of fruitive rituals, will be vanquished by time.
• Any material situation, from the worst to the best, is imperfect.
• Thus, one should strive only for pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Important Points from Class

• Srila Prabhupada explains that when fruitive goal is the focus then one transports himself into a tottering plane where there is every chance of gliding down from the direction of the Vedas.
• Vedic sacrifices are royal road but there can be accidents on royal roads too.
• Fruitive activities are injected into the heart as slow poison.
• For e.g. if one’s goal is to get daily bread, then one get it easily by going to a shop rathe than going to a temple or performing meditation.
• Fruitive mentality is dangerous and risky.
• Person infected with fruitive mentality keeps on doing the same thing again and again – punar api marnam, purn api jananam.
• In Australia I saw, people marry at 22-23 and divorce by 27-28. I thought it is nice that they free themselves from ghastly experiences of material life at an early age.
• But then I found that they again marry at 32-33. And the chain continues. Once I saw a marriage ceremony was going on beach and I thought that what the grandfather & grandmother are doing on the stage but then I found that they are the bride & the groom.
• In BG 2.55 Krishna explains that all material desires arise from mental concoction. Mental concoction is illusion. Something arising from illusion will lead to only one result i.e. illusion.
• Something coming from reality leads to 3 results– reinstate one to further reality, one may mistake to some other reality, one may go into illusion.
• If one is not properly guided, then reality may lead to illusion. For e.g. Krishna Consciousness is joyful but people get fried out. How is it possible? This happens when we do not take proper guidance.
• From illusion there is not much option. An illusioned person may go into more suffering and will forever continue to suffer.
• Reality is specific, illusion is infinite. For e.g. to become proud is very easy.  One can be proud that he gave 10 BG to temple 10 years back. One can be proud of one’s humility.
• sthita-prajñaḥ stage is when a person is done with illusion. At this stage steadiness comes.
• Sage Narada says, “What is present in this 14 planetary system is not worth endeavoring.”
• Dukha (sufferings) comes without wanting and it keeps us haunting. Similarly, material happiness too will come to us on its own.
• What modern day technology has given us? It has accelerated death, disease and old age. Automobile causes death. Pollution causes disease. Today young people are getting old.
• Accelerating suffering with the endeavor to remove suffering.
• For e.g. when we start using mobile, then our consciousness goes into it. Mobile is a trap; it’s like a black hole. Anything that goes into black hole is lost forever.
• Srila Prabhupada never compromised on his sadhana, on his preaching. Prahlada Maharaja never compromised. As a sadhaka, we should also not comprise. All our time and energy should be used for cultivating Krishna Consciousness.
• Illusion to reality happens by the causeless mercy of pure devotees.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Radharaman Prabhu on 2^nd May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.10.23 – 29
• Chapter Name: The Nature of Fruitive Activity

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• Until his pious results are used up, the performer of sacrifice enjoys life in the heavenly planets.
• When the pious results are exhausted, however, he falls down from the pleasure gardens of heaven, being moved against his desire by the force of eternal time.

Important Points from Class

• In the beginning knowledge and renunciation helps to develop foundation.
• But important point is desire, sincerity for devotional service. Sincerity is more important than knowledge and austerity.
• We may have some sincerity, but our sincerity is mixed with other desires.
• Vallav Bhat or Valabhavacharya was a great scholar, but he started thinking that his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam is better than Sridhar Swami. This displeased Lord Chaitanya.
• Spiritual master’s heart is as soft as rose petals and also hard as a thunderbolt.
• Bhakti Vinod Thakura says, devotees are introspective and non-devotees are speculative.
• When Vallabh Bhatt got into introspective mood, he understood his fault, he then has transformation of heart.
• Vallabh Bhatt was scholarly, had done lots of preaching but Lord Chaitanya only wanted humility from him.
• Spiritual master is there for us to relieve us from the great burden of false ego.
• Srila Prabhupada would chastise HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja and Maharaja never complained. In fact Maharaja would say to Prabhupada that if you do not chastise me then who will correct me.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Prem Gopal Prabhu on 4^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.10.31
• Chapter Name: The Nature of Fruitive Activity

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• The material senses create material activities, either pious or sinful, and the modes of nature set the material senses into motion.

Important Points from the Class

• One does not get addicted to liquor in a day.
• Many people do not drink liquor because they like drinking; they drink because they do not have anything better to do.
• We may not get all the answers, but by chanting constantly, we will get revelation.
• Activities that enhance our goodness are very few in this world. Most things in this world are in passion and ignorance.
• This is why one may be a devotee but still practice bhakti in ignorance or passion.
• The first quality required for bhakti is humility.
• Most devotees begin practicing devotional life because they got the association of a devotee.
• To change society, internal transformation is required. This is why Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started Harinam.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu on 5^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.10.32
• Chapter Name: The Nature of Fruitive Activity

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• According to the karma-mīmāṁsā philosophers, there is no transcendental living entity who is the background of all existence.

Important Points form the class

• In Catur Sloki Bhagavatam, Krishna says that before creation I existed, in middle I exist and at the end I will exist – SB 2.9.33
• Nothing is of value without connection to supreme Lord – SB 2.9.34
• Krishna says to Brahma, always search me.
• Biggest loss is when we forget Krishna even for a moment. If we do so, then we are in maya.
• One should try to see Lord everywhere and in everything.
• Anyone who sees this world separate from Krishna is in maya. Earth, water, fire, air, ether are Krishna’s energy.
• For e.g. Srila Prabhupada explains that if you see my spectacles, you will remember me.
• Material energy, spiritual energy everything comes from Krishna. We should see everything in relation to Krishna. If we do so we will be saved from maya.
• This land, this earth does not belong to us.
• It belongs to Krishna – aham sarvasya prabavo. One who understands this worships, Krishna.
• Krishna is the essence of everything, Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, “I am strength of the strong, intelligence of the intelligent.” He says, “I am the taste of water, light of sun and moon.”
• Krishna is the best dancer, fighter, philosopher. He can satisfy us completely.
• Krishna is the best cheater. If we try to cheat Krishna, we get cheated.
• In Krishna book, George Harrison, is writing, “Everyone is looking for Krishna, some know it and some do not know about it.”
• It is advertised by LIC – Jivan ke sath bhi, jivan ke bad bhi. But who can be there after death? Only, Krishna can be there, no one else.
• There is an ad which say, “Complete man.” But can one be complete by wearing Raymond dress. Definitely not.
• HH Loknath Swami Maharaja attended cross maidan program of Srila Prabhupada and became a devotee.
• George Harrison after meeting Prabhupada, wrote songs related to Krishna.
• Yugaetma nimisena – feeling deep separation. George Harrison has written..
• People have false pride. But we devotee should have real pride, we should be proud that we are connected to guru parampara.
• Real luxury is to have trustworthy friends and proper shelter which is possible in Krishna Consciousness.
• People want happy and eternal life; this is possible only in the kingdom of God.
• Kingdom of God is that place where there is always hearing and chanting the names of Krishna.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Rajgopinath Prabhu on 8^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.10.34
• Chapter Name: The Nature of Fruitive Activity

Important Points from Class

• Once some devotees had gone to Prabhupada asking him if he would like to write an article for Back to Godhead magazine. Prabhupada asked, “Are you writing the same what you hear from me?” Devotees said, “Yes.”  Prabhupada said, “Then my writing and your writing is same.”
• Mayavadis says Brahman is satya, truth, and the world is illusion. If we do not understand that this creation is non – different from the Lord, then we will become Mayavadi.
• Or else we will be come under Abrahamic religion like Islam and Christian. They say that this world and the Lord is completely different.
• Once Narada Muni asked Brahma about the creator, sustainer, destroyer of the Universe.
• Narada said, “I think that you only know the truth. But then I see you meditating, so want to know what the source of your knowledge is. Is there anyone controlling you or are you independent?
• Brahma then tells to Narada that Krishna is above me and he is the real creator, sustainer and destroyer.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Sri Ram Raghav Prabhu on 11^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.1
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• Due to the influence of the material modes of nature, which are under My control, the living entity is sometimes designated as conditioned and sometimes as liberated.
• The living entity imagines a false connection with the three modes of nature and accepts the material body as the self.
• The living entity therefore suffers the consequences of his own imagination, just as one suffers the illusory activities of a dream.

Important Points from Class

• Because we identify with this body, we are conditioned.
• Material body is dead; spirit soul is aloof.
• Who is suffering? Who is feeling happiness and distress? It is our false identification.
• Liberation is when we keep ourselves aloof from the body.
• Spiritual activities are bliss producing but because of our conditioned life we consider it pain producing.
• Since we have been in this material world for millions of lives, we think not engaging in spiritual activities is bliss giving.
• HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja says that free time means danger. Because material modes are very strong, it will drag us down especially during free time.
• Krishna says that we can transcend the modes of nature by engaging in Krishna Conscious activities.
• “One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman.” Bhagavad Gita 14.26
• When the living entities give up this false identification that I am this body but thinks himself as spirit soul then
• Once while travelling on a train, I saw everyone had same 2 hours. I was reading Bhagavatam, but someone was watching cricket match, someone was sleeping, someone was busy watching reels and so on.  We have to decide how to utilize our time.
• We can free ourselves from entanglement when we absorb ourselves in hearing, reading and chanting.
• When Nityananada Prabhu came to Bengal, they forgot hunger and thirst because they had so much absorption in holy name.
• Vakreswar Pandit continuously danced for 72 hours in sankirtan.
• When a devotee Parmeswar Thakura was dancing joyfully, then some threw dead fox on sankirtan party. Parmeswar Thakura glanced at the fox and the fox came to life. Fox too began dancing and ran away from the place. Parmeswar Thakura is an associate of Nityananda Prabhu.
• Spirit soul is never conditioned. Because of false identification, spirit soul gets conditioned.
• During festivals devotees get absorbed in service and forgets to take prasad, still do not feel any misery.
• Madhavendra Puri would take little milk in the entire day but was happily serving the devotee.
• Material activities and inconveniences will not disturb us if we are absorbed in Krishna Consciousness.
• HH Jaypataka Swami Maharaj once said, “I am not feeling happy with this material body but I am feeling bliss in Krishna Conscious activity.”
• One time Maharaj had not taken prasad, when devotees requested him to first take prasada and then give class then Maharaja said, “No class no prasad.”
• We cannot imitate pure devotees.
• But by genuinely practicing Krishna Conscious activities we will immediately feel we free from pain.
• Lord never comes under the modes. He is the controller of the modes – mayadaksena prakriti. We should never think that when Lord comes to this world, he is under the influence of the modes.
• Sometime to bewilder the atheistic people, who want to say that the Lord has material body, it looks like lord is under the influence of material modes, like Lord Krishna being shot by the hunter.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that we should not be lazy in reading scriptures.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Maharasa Prabhu on 12^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.2
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• Just as a dream is merely a creation of one’s intelligence but has no actual substance, similarly, material lamentation, illusion, happiness, distress and the acceptance of the material body under the influence of māyā are all creations of My illusory energy.
• In other words, material existence has no essential reality.
• Although material objects are subject to transformation and thus have no permanent existence, the material energy is real because it comes from the supreme reality, Lord Kṛṣṇa.
• It is only our false acceptance of the material body as the factual self and our foolish dream that the material world is meant for our pleasure that have no real existence.
• They are merely mental concoctions.

Important Points from Class

• A person in dream may become millionaire but what is its use.
• Yoga sutra of Patanjali, says, there are 3 types of suffering –
• 1^st is parinamvad, changing. Everything transforms in this world. Like relationship transforms.
• 2^nd suffering is tapa which means everything ultimately is exhausted. Old age takes away our ability for enjoyment. Rockefeller contracted a disease. He had difficulty in passing urine. When someone asked him, “How he is feeling?” He said, “I am feeling horrible.” Similarly, situation is of Dhritrashta, SB 1.13.22
• 3^rd suffering is samskara – everything we try to enjoy gives an impression in the mind, so normal life becomes miserable. Eg. Pururva.
• Once after HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja’s class, a person said to Maharaja, “After hearing your class, I am feeling miserable and hopeless.
• Maharaj said, “In Krishna Consciousness there is so much hope.”
• When we meet a person more qualified than us then we should offer service. When we are happy, we want to do something. Vaisnava naturally thinks that everyone is more qualified than him. Generally, in this world natural tendency is to become envious. So, if we serve than envy eventually goes away.
• Envy is painfully acknowledging that someone is more qualified than me.
• Correction should be done with compassion.
• What it means to be servant of servant by HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja? Servant of servant means genuinely being well-wisher of everyone. It also means to be respectful & encouraging to everyone.
• We should appreciate devotees’ contribution even if it is small.
• We should have friendship with those who are equally qualified.
• Human beings are social.
• Psychologists say, need to be understood by others is as important as taking breath.
• When Dhruva expressed his vengeance then Narada did not first correct him but first, he heard him then offered solution.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Nila Kamala Prabhu on 13^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.3
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• Uddhava, both knowledge and ignorance, being products of māyā, are expansions of My potency.

Important Points from Class

• Prabhupada, in one lecture, says, “The Krishna Consciousness movement is to bring the nitya-baddha to the nitya-siddha stage.”
• To understand Krishna, we have to know maya.
• How to become free from maya is explained in CC Madhya 20.120.
• No one is naturally attracted to Krishna-katha, but by serving the spiritual master and Vaishnavas, one gets mercy and can begin to develop a taste for hearing Krishna-katha.
• The ears are now blocked with anarthas, so Krishna-katha is not entering our hearts. But when we surrender to Vaishnavas, our anarthas start going away, and our ears begin to open.
• We should cultivate the mood to hear Srimad Bhagavatam.
• By surrendering to pure devotees, one develops a taste for hearing Krishna-katha.
• Our daily schedule should include 6 hours of sadhana, 6 hours of service, and 6 hours of rest. Sadhana should be performed in the morning.
• 99.9% of people are karma-adhikaris, i.e., karmis. Karmis are in passion and ignorance. Their minds are not peaceful, and they cannot sit continuously even for an hour.
• The mind should be engaged in the service of Krishna by chanting Krishna’s name.
• When we chant daily for 2 hours, we should observe how much we think of Krishna.
• With body, mind, and words, we should serve with dedication.
• Deity worship helps engage all the senses in the service of Krishna.
• Madan Mohan Malaviya had a question, and he approached Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura, who told him to do some service. After doing service, he got the answer to his question.
• By service, one gets realization.
• Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura told one sannyasi disciple to hear Krishna-katha from Gaur Das, who was a gardener.
• The sannyasi was thinking, “I am so learned; what can a gardener teach me?” Gaur Das was also thinking the same.
• But surprisingly, Gaur Das started speaking Krishna-katha eloquently, which surprised both him and the sannyasi.
• Mercy comes through service.
• A Krishna conscious person does not become tired of work but wants to work more and more.
• When one develops a taste for service, one does not become tired of serving.
• Sense gratification means excessive identification with the material body.
• Dham is also a consciousness.
• The mind tells us, “I will be happy here and there.” The only solution is service to Krishna and the devotees.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada on 14^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 5.5.3
• Chapter Name: Lord Ṛṣabhadeva’s Teachings to His Sons
• Lecture Link: https://prabhupadavani.org/transcriptions/730909sbsto/

Important Points from Prabhupada’s lecture

• What is the use of keeping big, big paraphernalia? Bahvārambhe laghu kriyā. Ārambha, arrangement is very big, but work is no. No work. What is the use of keeping useless machine? So that is going on. In the material world, everything is bahvārambhe laghu kriyā. 
• So here it is suggested that in this human form of life, you have got two choices = either you again go to hell, or you go back to home, back to Godhead. 
• By evolutionary process you come to the human form of life after going through 8,000,000 forms of lower-grade life. Then you come to this human form of life, when your consciousness is developed. You are not exactly like animals. The animal propensities are there, but it is decent. Because you have got good, advanced consciousness. 
• How this developed consciousness should be utilized, that education is lacking. 
• In Paris, there are clubs, very, very big men, politician, businessmen, they go to nightclub. They pay fifty dollars for entering club, and they spend hundreds of dollars for wine and women.
• Therefore, this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is needed—to give these rascals the chance of associating with devotees.
• The material condition of life, as soon as you get a certain type of body, your pains and pleasure already fixed up within the body routine work. You cannot make any change. 
• So according to the body, everyone’s happiness and distress is already fixed up. You cannot change it. That is called fate. That is called fate. But you can change your fate if you take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is possible. 
•  Finish your business of Kṛṣṇa consciousness perfectly, whatever little duration of life you have got. That is stated here = nūnaṁ pramattaḥ kurute vikarma yad indriya-prītaya āpṛṇoti na sādhu manye [SB 5.5.4].
• Because we have got this miserable condition of life, this body… This is due to our past action. Now if you create again the same action, then you’ll have to accept another body. Then your this miserable condition of life will continue. Will continue. Just finish it.
• Otherwise, you’ll have to accept this material body if you have got any desire to enjoy in this material world.
• Therefore anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam. Except becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious, except this desire, no more other desires.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Nimai Anand Prabhu on 15^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.4
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• The living entities are part and parcel of Krishna but due to ignorance he has been suffering in material bondage since time immemorial.
• By knowledge, however, he can be liberated.

Important Points from Class

• Everyone wants some sense of belongingness. We need some identification.
• It is important to think who we are because all our activities are based on our understanding of who we are.
• We can’t live without any identity at any moment.
• World pushes us to different identities – I am his son, I am his father, I am a girl or a boy, I am employee, I belong to this place or this nation.
• Corresponding to identity there is belongingness to something. Even a renunciate may identity that I am residing in Himalaya or I am a sage.
• The problem is that belongingness is temporary, and the biggest problem is that we know it is temporary. And because of this we are always in fear.
• When intelligence is hooked to temporary things, one always remains in anxiety.
• Even a jnani, comes to know, I am a Brahman, aham brahmasmi, but for him there is no belongingness and so he cannot act even after having that understanding.
• In this verse Krishna is saying, “Living entities are part and parcel of Me.”
• Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita, mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke..that all living entities are mine.
• Jīva Kṛṣṇa dāsa, ei viśvāsa, korle to āra duḥkha nāi
• But unfortunately, we have so many faiths. And so, Krishna says in this verse, “because of ignorance living entities are suffering.”
• But there is hope. Bhakti Vinod Thakura says this covering is not endless.
• It is important for preacher to bring hope in people’s life. Material life is full of hopelessness.
• Once a person was going in bus, had many problems, he was planning to commit suicide.
• People do not commit suicide because of failure but because of relationship issues with others – wife, children, mother, father or friends. So, we should give hope that even if no one is there Krishna and Krishna’s devotees are always there.
• In the bus, devotees were distributing Bhagavad Gita, that person purchased Gita. In the book, he saw a statement, “We all have eternal relationship with Krishna.” So, he thought let me read the book. And by reading the book, he came to Krishna Consciousness and was thus saved from committing suicide.
• Preaching means to help people understand that we have eternal relationship with Krishna.
• Śrīla Vyāsadeva saw the supreme Lord along with his external energy. “Thus, he fixed his mind, perfectly engaging it by linking it in devotional service [bhakti-yoga] without any tinge of materialism, and thus he saw the Absolute Personality of Godhead along with His external energy, which was under full control.”  SB 1.7.4 https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/1/7/4/
• We are struggling with maya but maya is under the control of Krishna. For example, mayadevi, could not tempt Haridas Thakura. Haridas Thakura gave her Krishna nama.
• By hearing about Krishna, we develop relationships with Krishna and by serving Krishna we develop attachment for Krishna.
• We develop attachment for Krishna by serving and hearing from spiritual master.
• In SB 1.2.16 it is said, “O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva.”
• In CC Madhya 14.18, Srila Prabhupada writes, “The greatest achievement for a devotee is to become a servant of the servants of the Lord.”
• We need to follow the instructions of spiritual master.
• Once HH Gaur Govind Swami Maharaj was very sick, his disciples were serving him physically but since they had to serve for long hours, it was becoming difficult for them. Maharaja then told them, “Serving the instructions of spiritual master is easy than serving him physically.” Maharaja wanted to teach this important lesson to his disciples.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu on 18^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.7
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Class

• Two birds on the same tree, one who is busy eating the fruits is jivatma and one seeing is paramatma.
• Paramatma waits when the jivatma will turn towards him.
• If we do service based on pride, then we will not get the complete benefit for doing that service.
• Those who have not indulged in drug will not have inclination for taking drugs. But those who indulged into it have strong inclination for drugs.
• If someone thinks that I am senior, then understand that this is dangerous sign.
• If we have humility, we will think whatever I am doing is by the mercy of guru, devotees and Krishna.
• Service comes by the mercy of Lord.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Prem Swarupa Prabhu on 19^th May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.8
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• One who is enlightened in self-realization, although living within the material body, sees himself as transcendental to the body, just as one who has arisen from a dream gives up identification with the dream body.
• A foolish person, however, although not identical with his material body but transcendental to it, thinks himself to be situated in the body, just as one who is dreaming sees himself as situated in an imaginary body.

Important Points from Class

• Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings a beautiful song, “emona durmati, saṁsāra bhitore, poḍiyā āchinu āmi.”  It means, “A wicked mind brought me into this world, O Lord, but one of Your pure and elevated devotees has come to bring me out.”
• Bhakti Vinod Thakura says that this material world is a dream.
• Srila Prabhupada says that the moment the living entities desire to enjoy, māyā casts her spell.
• The whole material world is the dream of Mahā-Viṣṇu.
• Great devotees enter the dream to awaken those who are dreaming.
• Living entities have many desires, and those desires affect both the gross body and the subtle body.
• Prāṇa-vāyu also goes with the soul when a person dies.
• All the senses function because of prāṇa-vāyu. Prāṇa-vāyu helps us move physically and even move our eyelids.
• Maraṇa-jvara refers to a condition in which a person has a temperature of 107 degrees.
• Prācīnabarhi is in the lineage of Dhruva Mahārāja.
• People think that if they leave, things will not go properly. Therefore, even in old age, people do not want to give up their position as controller.
• Kapila Deva says that the ultimate weapon that binds the jīva to this world is sexual attraction. If one can free oneself from this attraction, then one becomes jīvan-mukta.
• Like Nārada Muni, we should preach and then move to another place.
• For a devotee, there is no impediment from high fever or old age. An example is Srila Prabhupada, who had great enthusiasm even at an advanced age.
• SP says that if you want to know what you were in your previous life and what you will be in your next life, you can understand it by minutely observing your karmendriyas and jñānendriyas.
• By the end of life, our citta should be attached to guru and Krishna.
• The result of a lifetime of successful Krishna consciousness is to feel separation from guru and Krishna.
• If there is no attachment, then there will be no feeling of separation.
• Dreams are also reflections of our mental condition.
• Pure devotees are conscious that this world is a dream, and they are able to help awaken the souls affected by it.
• Absorption in this world is irresistible.
• Waking up means to be constantly Krishna conscious. Therefore, SP says, “Chant Hare Krishna and be happy.” The mind has to hear the holy name; for the mind to hear, the ears must hear; and for the ears to hear, the tongue must chant properly. If we come into constant contact with Krishna, then our problems are solved.
• Once, a Prime Minister went to a mental asylum. There were many compartments, and one compartment was completely isolated. The PM went to that isolated compartment. One person was there, and he said, “I am the Prime Minister. Today is my birthday, and I have declared a holiday, but still people are working here.” So, the only solution was to make him understand that he was not the Prime Minister.
• Misidentification creates intense suffering.
• Preaching means to awaken people.
• I am a soul within the body, influenced by the mind and intelligence. Therefore, I have to use the body and mind for spiritual benefit. As long as I remain dependent on the body and mind, I will continue to suffer.
• We have to perform sādhana-bhakti and cultivate Krishna bhakti.
• Whether the experience is good or bad, we should use it to associate with Krishna.
• Circumstances and situations are not in our control.
• Arjuna says that it is difficult to control the mind.
• We should use our mind in the service of Krishna.

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Sri Ram Raghav Prabhu on 22^nd May 2026

• Verse Number: SB 11.11.10
• Chapter Name: The Symptoms of Conditioned and Liberated Living Entities

Important Points from Translation & Purport

• An unintelligent person situated within the body created by his previous fruitive activities thinks, “I am the performer of action.”
• Srīla Madhvācārya states that just as a king punishes a rebellious subject, the Supreme Lord punishes the sinful living entity by forcing him to transmigrate from one body to another in the network of the illusory energy.

Important Points from Class

• We left Krishna and came to this material world thinking that we could independently accomplish something here.
• One thing is reality and another is imagination. Much of what we learn in schools and colleges is based on temporary material imagination.
• To fulfill their dreams, many Indians go abroad, yet end up doing menial jobs such as cleaning toilets.
• Once, a devotee had a severe stomachache and was taken to the hospital. After treating him, the doctor asked, “Did Krishna save you, or did I save you?” The devotee replied, “A few days ago, a patient died in your hospital. Why were you unable to save him?” The doctor answered, “Because his time had come.” The devotee then said, “Similarly, my time has not yet come, therefore you were able to treat me. You are only an instrument.”
• Until Krishna sanctions something, we cannot do anything independently.
• Suppose there is no power supply. Even if we switch on the fan or bulb, will it work?
• Krishna is the ultimate source. Whatever we are able to do is possible only by His mercy.
• Prahlada Maharaja told Hiranyakashipu that the strength both of them possessed came from the same supreme source.
• The body does not function according to our own likes and dislikes. We are simply residing within the body, just as a passenger sits inside a car.
• Therefore, we should not become proud or egoistic.
• We desire something, and then the Lord sanctions it. The Lord resides within the heart as Paramatma. He directs material nature, and material nature then acts to fulfill the desires of the living entities.
• We suffer because of our own desires.
• If we place ourselves in an environment dominated by passion, we develop passionate qualities such as greed. In an environment of ignorance, ignorant desires develop. In the mode of goodness, good desires develop. Therefore, we must be careful about the association we keep.
• We often say that material nature is responsible, but first we desire, and then material nature acts accordingly.
• The first principle is to understand that we are not the actual doers; the Lord is the doer. At the same time, we must take responsibility for our wrong actions because we desired them.
• Due to pride, people lose many valuable things even in this world.
• Once in Puri, a wealthy devotee from South India came with the prideful thought that he would donate so much money to Lord Jagannath that it could never all be used in the Lord’s service. He instructed the pujaris to fully engage his wealth in seva. The pujaris thought that regardless of how many bhoga preparations they made, the money would still remain unused. The head pujari fasted and prayed. That night, Lord Jagannath appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to ask the wealthy man to prepare pan using a special lime made from the rare pearl-like substance found on the forehead of an elephant during a particular condition. Only those elephants who had followed celibacy, could have pearl on their forehead. When the rich merchant heard this, he was shocked because it was practically impossible to find such an elephant. Realizing his pride, he begged forgiveness from Lord Jagannath.
• We should always live with humility in this world.
• The moment the mentality of being the doer enters our heart, our falldown begins.

Radhanath Swami’s Spiritual Message at ISKCON Newtown Kolkata: Let the Vaishnava Family Grow

Devotees were blessed to get the association of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja on 15 April 2026 at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata. During the visit, Maharaja addressed the devotees. Scores of devotees came to take darshan of Maharaja and hear his talk.

During the visit, Maharaja first took darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and Srila Prabhupada and offered them arati. After that Maharaja addressed the devotees who were eagerly waiting to hear from him.

Below is what Maharaja said during the class.

From Nimai Pandit to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: The Journey of Divine Love

1. The Scholarly Brilliance of Nimai Pandit

I believe today is the Bengali New Year. We are together in the Bengali town of New Town. As far as I remember, this pandal is new too.

This is a new goshala. By the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Govind, we will have a new temple too. When Nimai Pandit was living in Sri Navadvipa-dhama, he was the most learned and most skilled of all scholars.

He would challenge all the Chakravartis and Bhattacharyas. He was very expert in debate. All the great pandits, with all their logic, would have their arguments defeated by him. Nimai Pandit would rip all their arguments to shreds, totally defeating them to the extent that those who would never accept defeat became unable to say a single word in front of him.

Then he would ask, “Does anyone have any more arguments?” He would ask them, “Do you accept what I say is true?” The pandits would say, “What you have established, no one can defeat.” Nimai would ask, “Do you accept it?” They would say, “Yes, it is irrefutable.” Then Nimai Pandit would completely dismantle what he himself had said and prove that it was wrong.

He would then ask the pandits, “Do you think this is truth?” The pandits would become speechless. Then he would ask, “Do you want to establish the previous argument?” The pandits would say no. Then Nimai would again establish the previous arguments. Again, when he questioned the pandits, they would remain silent.

Nimai was only a teenager, while the pandits were senior scholars and professionally accomplished. Navadvipa was the greatest seat of learning at that time. So, Keshava Kashmiri came there to challenge them.

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2. Keshava Kashmiri Meets Nimai Pandit

Everyone knew that Goddess Sarasvati had given Keshava Kashmiri a great boon. All the pandits were hiding. He carried a Digvijaya paper on which all those he defeated had to sign.

One evening, while he was walking near the Ganges, he saw Nimai Pandit with his students. Nimai Pandit said, “Keshava Kashmiri, I have heard about you. They say Sarasvati sits on your tongue. Can you glorify Mother Ganges?”

Keshava Kashmiri immediately composed new poetry — one hundred verses glorifying the Ganga. No one could do it, not even the demigods. The children were astonished.

Nimai Pandit said, “It is very good, but please analyze your own poem. What are the beautiful ornaments, and what are the faults?” Digvijaya Pandit replied, “There are no faults.” Nimai then recited one of the verses and pointed out a technical fault that no one else could identify.

Keshava Kashmiri said, “I spoke one hundred verses like the blowing wind. How did you memorize them?” Nimai replied, “As you are empowered to compose, so I am empowered to remember.”

Keshava Kashmiri was the greatest debater in the world. No one could compete with him. He was a great devotee of Sarasvati. But when Nimai pointed out the mistake, for the first time in his entire life, he was unable to speak a single word.

His mind went blank, and he became bewildered. The children began laughing, but Nimai stopped them. Nimai said, “You must be tired, as you composed such great poetry.”

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3. The Humbling of Pride Through Divine Grace

Keshava Kashmiri was crying, thinking, “What offenses have I committed? I could not speak a single word in front of this child. I am a master, a champion.” Then Goddess Sarasvati appeared to him in a dream and said, “Because you are my great devotee, I have blessed you to take darshana of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

She instructed him to surrender his life unto Nimai. Early the next morning, Keshava Kashmiri came to Nimai and offered his obeisances. He had been so proud that he would ride on elephants and chariots while brahmanas glorified him.

Keshava Kashmiri told Nimai Pandit about the revelation of Goddess Sarasvati. Nimai said, “Do not tell this to anyone.” Nimai explained that the real goal of life is bhakti to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

At that moment, Keshava Kashmiri became a pure devotee. Without his entourage, he left and became a great devotee of Krishna. He later became an acharya in the Nimbarka sampradaya.

Soon, Nimai went to Gaya for śrāddha. There he saw the beautiful lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. He sat inside the temple while all the priests were chanting the glories of Vishnu’s lotus feet.

At that moment, Nimai began to exhibit ecstatic love — the mahabhava of Sri Radha — which He had hidden from the world.

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4. Nimai Receives the Mercy of Isvara Puri

At that moment, Isvara Puri entered the temple. Nimai bowed to him and, with all humility, prayed, “Please bestow upon me the treasure of love of God. Please bless me with pure, unalloyed devotional service. I accept you as my guru. Please allow me to become your servant.”

Nimai’s request was accepted, and Isvara Puri initiated Him into the sacred mantra. One day, Isvara Puri came to the place where Nimai was staying. Nimai had cooked something for him. He offered him a seat and served everything to him.

Isvara Puri knew He was God. Yet he accepted the role of guru because the Lord desired to teach the world the importance of accepting a spiritual master.

Nimai massaged the lotus feet of His guru and received instructions to chant the holy names and spread their glories.

Nimai returned to Navadvipa. He had now become the most humble devotee, constantly crying in ecstatic love for Krishna and always chanting the holy names.

He told the devotees that in Kanhai Natashala He had seen Krishna, but when He was about to surrender to Krishna, Krishna disappeared. Seeing His love, Gadadhara Pandit fainted.

Nimai told Gadadhara, “You have always been a pure devotee of Krishna, but I wasted my youth thinking myself a scholar. Please bless me so that I may become your devotee.”

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5. The Awakening of Sankirtana in Navadvipa

Before going to Gaya, Nimai would challenge devotees like Murari Gupta to arguments. They were not interested, so when they saw Him they would hide. Yet they were attracted to Him just as people are attracted to Krishna.

Before going to Gaya, He would meet Srivasa Thakura, who was the age of His father. Srivasa would say, “Why are You wasting Your life? Why don’t You practice pure devotion to Krishna?” Nimai would reply, “By your blessings, one day I will become a great devotee of Krishna.”

After returning from Gaya, He revealed His heart to a few devotees. The devotees who had met Nimai said, “We have very auspicious news. Nimai has become a devotee. We have never seen any devotee like Him. Tears fall from His eyes like the Ganges. When He chants the name of Krishna, He faints.”

Srivasa Pandit smiled blissfully and said, “Now Nimai is a devotee. Let our family expand.”

Before the appearance of Lord Caitanya, Advaita Acharya was worshipping the Lord to appear on earth. Haridasa Thakura was chanting 300,000 names of Krishna daily, praying for Krishna to come.

Srivasa Pandit and his brothers would perform sankirtana in Srivasa Angana, praying for the Lord to deliver the world.

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6. Srila Prabhupada appears to fulfil the mission of Lord Caitanya

All these great personalities were filled with ecstatic love. In their ecstasy, they suffered upon seeing the condition of the people of the world.

Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts” in Kolkata and sent it to universities around the world. For the first time in history, publications in the English language about Lord Caitanya went outside India.

In 1896, Srila Prabhupada appeared under a jackfruit tree in Kolkata. Later, in 1966, he established ISKCON and fulfilled the prophecy of Lord Caitanya that the holy name would be chanted in every town and village.

On Ultadanga Junction Road in 1922, Srila Prabhupada met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and received the instruction to preach in English.

From the dockyard, Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world. After establishing temples in America and Europe, he returned to India and opened the first ISKCON temple in Kolkata.

He established Sri Sri Radha Govinda and gave all credit to his disciples.

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7. Let the Vaishnava Family Grow

We have a great opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.

So, whatever has been spoken is for this purpose: let our family grow.

For our family to grow, first it is important to have a Vaishnava family spirit. We see how Srila Prabhupada and his followers were united, loving one another and not misbehaving with others.

It is important to come together as Vaishnavas, helping others in their challenges and having faith in Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.

Family means everyone is united with higher principles, chanting the names of Krishna, and helping each other.

There are so many wars, conflicts, and battles in the world. We can help rescue society by expanding the Vaishnava family with real spiritual culture.

That is why we are here. This is my prayer.

Inauguration

During his visit to Iskcon Newtown Kolkata temple, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja inaugurated Bhaktivedanta Clinic, Sankirtan stall, Donor facilitation centre and the cowshed.

Brahmotsava – Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga 4th Anniversary Festival – 2025 – 2026

Brahmotsava i.e. Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga 4th Anniversary Festival – 2025 – 2026 was celebrated at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 9^th and 10^th May 2026. On both the days program was in the evening from 4 pm – 8 pm. In this two-day festival hundreds of devotees participated.

9^th May Brahmotsava Program

On 9^th, just before the start of the program, there was a heavy downpour, it appeared as if the rain God, Indra, was carrying a desire to perform abhishek of the Lord and also wanted to sanctify the temple premise. The rain and the cool wind did not dampen the spirit of the devotees. Hundreds thronged to the temple to celebrate the festival.

The program began with melodious kirtan followed by drama on the life of Srila Prabhupada and spiritual talk by HG Sri Nitai Prabhu. There was Iskcon Youth Forum (IYF) presentation and CDMC presentation on congregation preaching.

They showed how preaching is going on in various prominent educational institutes and how today’s youths along with their academics are also interested in pursuing spiritual life. CDMC devotees gave a report on congregation preaching. Many congregation devotees have taken to Krishna Consciousness and are connected to Iskcon Newtown Kolkata. They are also actively engaged in many services in the temple.

After the presentation, prizes were given to devotees for distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books.

The program concluded with Gaur Arati. After Gaur Arati devotees honoured delicious Krishna prasadam.

10^th May Brahmotsava Program

On 10^th May too large number of devotees came for the program.  Program started with kirtan followed by abhishek of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

After the abhishek, HG Acharyaratna Prabhu addressed the devotees. Prabhuji said that we are very fortunate because we have got an opportunity to serve in Kolkata which is the birthplace of Srila Prabhupada.  

Quoting a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 11.27.49, Prabhuji said that although Lord is present everywhere but because of our impurity, we cannot see him everywhere, but we can definitely see him in the temple. So, it is important that we come to temple, take darshan of the Lord and serve the Lord. If we do so then we can perfect our life.

“By worshiping Me through the various methods prescribed in the Vedas and tantras, one will gain from Me his desired perfection in both this life and the next.” Srimad Bhagavatam 11.27.49

There was offering of “Annual Report: May 2025 – April 2026” to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. The report was offered by HG Mukund Lila prabhu and HG Gauranga Smaranam prabhu.

After offering the report, there was presentation by various departments of the temple. In front of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Srila Prabhupada and the assembled devotees, it was shown how the temple performed in 2025-2026. The presentation covered Iskcon Youth Forum, CDMC, Well Wisher Forum, Kitchen, Deity, Sankirtan, Annakshetra, Value Education Program.

Presentation also covered the visit of prominent disciples of Srila Prabhupada like HH Jaypataka Swami Maharaja, HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaja, HH Devamrita Swami Maharaja, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaha, HH Subhag Swami Maharaja to Iskcon Newtown Kolkata.

Felicitation of Devotees

Those devotees who been helping temple financially were thanked and appreciated on this auspicious day.   

Dharma Siromani, Dharma Raksha and Dharma Adikari devotees were called on the stage and given special gifts.

After honouring the devotees, there was presentation on Abhay Tirtha project. When the presentation was going on, HH Subhag Swami Maharaja, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, arrived giving joy to all the devotees.

In front of Maharaja a special video on Abhay Tirtha was shown. The video showcased how the Abhay Tirtha project is gradually manifesting and it is just a matter of time that we will have very gorgeous temple for the Lord at Iskcon Newtown.

There are devotees who have been helping financially in the development of Abhay Tirtha. These devotees were felicitated by Maharaja.

After felicitation, there was a class by Maharaja. Maharaja is around 86 years old but still he travels all around the world to preach the message of Krishna Consciousness. Maharaja had a busy day, immediately after landing in Kolkata, he had come for the class. Maharaja’s class was inspiring, motivating, touching, and also humorous. Everyone could connect with what he spoke.

Below is what is Maharaja said:

Remain spiritually joyful twenty-four hours a day

We are bound by the three modes of material nature — goodness, passion, and ignorance. Since birth, we do not possess real spiritual knowledge. ISKCON teaches us this knowledge and guides us toward a spiritual life.

Devotional life begins with simple but powerful practices: rising during brahma-muhurta, keeping ourselves clean, applying tilak while chanting the holy names of the Lord, honoring prasadam, and associating with devotees.

We do not need to reject the world; rather, we should use everything in the service of the Lord, just as Maharaja Ambarisha did.

“Golokera prema-dhana hari-nama-sankirtana” — the congregational chanting of the holy name is the treasure of divine love descending from Goloka Vrindavan.

By sincerely practicing bhakti, we gradually come to the stage of brahma-bhuta prasannatma — the joyful spiritual platform. A person absorbed only in material life is always suffering because material existence is based on endless desires and demands.

We associate directly with the Lord by chanting the maha-mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

People work very hard for material enjoyment, but even animals such as elephants do not labor in the same anxious way. Human life is meant for something higher.

By eating prasadam, visiting the temple, taking darshan of the Lord, and hearing about Krishna’s nama, rupa, guna, and lila, the heart becomes purified.

Maharaja Parikshit had only seven days left before death. He asked Sukadeva Goswami what a person should do at the time of death, and Sukadeva Goswami instructed him to hear Krishna-katha.

“Yad gatva na nivartante” — one who goes to Krishna’s abode never returns to this material world.

Even Sankaracharya, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, reminds us:

“Punar api jananam punar api maranam” — repeated birth and death continue in this material existence.

No one can predict what body they may receive in the next birth if they remain absorbed in material life.

Some people may say, “I am Christian,” “I am Buddhist,” or “I will not chant.” Still, everyone is welcome to come, hear about Krishna, and take prasadam.

The material world is described as:

“Padam padam yad vipadam” — danger and suffering exist at every step.

In the beginning, we are attached to the body and bodily pleasures, especially sense gratification. To become free from these attachments, one should perform hari-bhajana, chant the holy name, and honor prasadam.

“Sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam” — we are not merely Indian, Bengali, engineer, businessman, or any other temporary designation. We are eternal servants of Krishna.

Through chanting, worshiping the Lord, and serving devotees, the heart becomes purified:

“Ceto-darpana-marjanam” — the chanting of the holy name cleanses the mirror of the heart.

Thousands of young boys and girls in countries such as Ukraine and Russia are chanting Krishna’s names and giving up sinful habits. Why? Because they are experiencing a higher taste.

A material position is temporary. There is a story of Indra becoming a hog and becoming so attached to his hog family that he did not want to return to heaven when Lord Brahma came to take him back. Whatever body we get, we become attached to it.

If we simply eat, sleep, mate, and defend like animals, then what is the difference between human life and animal life?

Human life is meant for tapo divyam — divine austerity for spiritual realization.

What is tapasya?

• Giving up meat-eating
• Avoiding intoxication
• Avoiding sinful habits
• Living a pure life centered on Krishna consciousness

Srila Prabhupada would sometimes mention how sinful activities affect consciousness. One devotee distributing Back to Godhead once met a butcher slaughtering chickens, and the man’s face itself appeared almost like a chicken due to his consciousness.

We should examine whether we are becoming free from kama-vasana, material lust and selfish desire.

Rupa Goswami teaches:

“Anyabhilasita-sunyam” — pure devotion means becoming free from material desires.

Since we are living beings and not stones, desires will always exist, but our only desire should be to serve Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada narrated the story of Arjunacharya while explaining the verse:

“Yoga-ksemam vahamy aham” — Krishna personally carries what His devotee lacks and preserves what he has.

Arjunacharya was reading Bhagavad-gita when his wife told him there was no food at home. Doubting the meaning of Krishna’s promise, he crossed out the words “vahamy aham.”

Later, two beautiful boys arrived carrying rice, milk, vegetables, sugar, and many other items. They told his wife, “Arjunacharya has sent these.” She also noticed scratches on their bodies.

When Arjunacharya returned home, his wife asked why he had been so cruel to those boys. Hearing the entire incident, Arjunacharya understood that the boys were Krishna and Balarama themselves. Tears filled his eyes in repentance and devotion.

The Lord’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes are nondifferent from Him.

Therefore, keep coming to the temple. Associate with devotees, honor prasadam, and participate in harinama-sankirtana.

This is true spiritual happiness.

“Ramante yogino ’nante” — the yogis derive unlimited pleasure in spiritual life.

The topmost yogi is the bhakti-yogi.

There is no need to leave the world. Instead, make your home Krishna conscious, make your family devotees of Krishna, and help others become devotees.

Then one can remain spiritually joyful twenty-four hours a day.

Gaur Arati and special prasadam for all

After the class there was Gaur Arati. The beautiful deity of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga was worshipped by HG Acharyaratna Prabhu. Devotees reverentially participated in the arati.

After arati there was special delicious Krishna prasadam for all who had come for the festivals.

Difficult to Deal with People Driven by Pride: A Personal Experience

It is not easy to deal with people driven by pride. Such people are not interested in understanding or knowing what is right or wrong but more interested in putting you down.

Yesterday or rather today at around 1 a.m. I had this experience while working on a production issue.

Although I spent hours in the night to fix an issue but the client who owns the application was quite upset. In fact, he was devastated and in frustration he started asking me that why I solved the problem in the way I did.

The issue was not with the solution which I proposed but his issue was that why I did not do the things as per his “instructions.”  I did explain the reason to him, and he too was understanding that the approach I took was not wrong, but he was constantly saying “my instructions should have been followed.”  This continued for 10-15 minutes. I said that if you are not happy with my solution then we can go with your approach. But he did not have any issue with my solution, his point was, “my instruction.”

I was feeling irritated and angry but at the same time I was also laughing from inside. I was thinking how people become so ego driven. I am not saying that he is bad and I am good. But the issue was very simple, he could have either accepted my approach which was finally accepted and implemented. Or he could have insisted on his approach for which I did not have problem.

Me taking a different approach hurt his ego. And I did not have any intention to prove that he is wrong and I am right. It was 1 a.m. in the morning, I just wanted to finish my work and go to sleep.

But I learnt a very important lesson which I have read in the scriptures many times that one of the most important reasons why we suffer in this world is because of our arrogance and pride.

People driven by pride are always agitated from within, they have superiority complex and they deal with others improperly.

Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 16.4 says that people full of pride are demoniac in nature. So, we should do our best to give up pride and cultivate humility.

Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance – these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O son of Pṛthā. Bhagavad Gia 16.4

Narasimha Caturdashi celebration at ISKCON Newtown, Kolkata on 30th April 2026

Narasimha Caturdashi, the appearance day of Lord Narasimhadeva, was celebrated at ISKCON Newtown, Kolkata, on 30th April 2026.

Scores of devotees came together to celebrate the festival and receive the mercy of Lord Narasimhadeva. The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, festoons, and numerous lamps. The Deities of Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva were placed at the center of the altar and adorned with flowers, garlands, Tulasi leaves, and manjari. There was also a Deity of Prahlada Maharaja. Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga were also beautifully dressed and decorated with gorgeous garlands.

Many devotees gathered in the temple hall during darshan arati to seek the divine blessings of the Supreme Lord.

On this auspicious day, devotees were fortunate to receive the association of HH Bhaktivedanta Rukmini Krishna Goswami Maharaj.

Maharaj delivered the morning Srimad Bhagavatam class on verses 7.4.31–32, which describe the transcendental qualities of Prahlada Maharaja. He explained, “Hiranyakasipu was the ruler of the entire world, yet he was miserable because he lacked bhakti. On the other hand, Prahlada Maharaja faced many difficulties but remained in bliss because he possessed bhakti, and his heart was filled with auspicious desires received from his guru, Narada Muni.”

Following Maharaj, HG Acharyarata Prabhu spoke. He began his class with the Vaishnava song “Gurudev Kripa Bindu Diya.” In his class, he elaborated on the glories of Prahlada Maharaja and the mercy of Lord Narasimhadeva.

In the afternoon, Rajbhoga was offered to Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva, followed by arati. Meanwhile, devotees continued arriving at the temple to take darshan of the Lord and offer pushpanjali.

Evening Program

The evening program commenced at 5:15 pm with the abhishek of Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva. Pancamrita, pancagavya, fruit juices, kesar water, rose water, candana water, Ganga water, and colorful flower petals of rose and juhi were used for the abhishek.

Many devotees assembled to participate in the ceremony. As the abhishek was performed, devotees sang melodious Hare Krishna kirtan and the Narasimha arati.

After the abhishek, Maharaj delivered a Narasimha katha, narrating several pastimes of Lord Narasimhadeva. He shared the story of a young girl who was especially attracted to Lord Narasimhadeva and was protected by Him during a dangerous incident. While playing, she accidentally came onto the road and was struck by a heavy vehicle. Miraculously, she remained unharmed. Later, she described that a person with the face of a lion had lifted her at the moment of impact. There were also markings resembling claw marks on her back.

Following Maharaj’s katha, the Maha Arati of Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha was performed, during which devotees sang “Namas te Narasimhaya.”

On this special occasion, a Narasimha Caturdashi Maha Yagya was also organized. A beautifully constructed yajna kunda was prepared, the sacred fire was lit, and the brahmanas chanted auspicious Vedic mantras to invoke the blessings of Lord Narasimhadeva. Many devotees participated in the yajna and concluded by performing parikrama around the yajna kunda while singing the Narasimha arati.

At the end of the program, sumptuous prasadam was served to all the devotees.

Purify senses, mind and false ego by engaging them in Krishna Consciousness.

An old man was hospitalized, he was bedridden, many tubes were inside his body. When people asked him, “How he is?” He said, “I am fine.”  Srila Prabhupada would say, “How can someone be fine in such a deplorable condition?”

In Bangalore one person got massive heart attack and died in the night around 9:30 pm. His wife called her parents. The parents said that by the time they will come, it will be morning. Wife was fearful to stay with her husband now with whom she had spent so many years because the husband was now dead.

When a person is dead, even when he is kicked, he does not react. Only when the soul is inside the body, body has value.

Understanding difference between body and soul

We have to understand the difference between body and soul.

An intelligent person never becomes proud of anything.  He knows that body is temporary – a child grows and becomes young then old and finally dies.

So, do not be proud of your wealth, your youth, today it is there tomorrow it won’t be there.

In NCC, we were given horseshoes, while walking it made sound.  We felt proud that we are young, but how long youth will remain.

When we become 50-60 years old, we know how the body is. We do not have to become old to understand this. In youth only we can understand this truth.

We see that in the morning flower blossoms and by the end of day it dwindles.

Vigyan is not bookish knowledge. We get realization when we apply the knowledge.

Some may sit and say aham brahmasmi again and again. But realization does not come by this.  Srila Prabhupada says by saying aham brahmasmi one will not get realization. It’s like a computer engineer saying “I am computer engineer” again and again. By this he won’t get understanding.

For realized knowledge, one has to serve with the senses – hrisikesa hrikesena.

We should absorb our mind in Harinam sankirtan.

Before coming to Krishna Consciousness, we might have attraction for some movie actors but after coming to Krishna Consciousness, our actors become Sri Sri Radha Govinda.

Negation does not help. We have to replace it. Like earlier we sang movie songs, now we sing Krishna conscious songs. People would go to discotheque but now they dance in the kirtan.  

Flood your mind with Harinam

By engaging senses in Krishna Consciousness, senses become pure, just as iron rod in fire becomes fiery.

Our body may be material but will start acting as spiritual. Devotees’ taste, thought, character, and activities become totally different.

To purify senses, mind and false ego, engage them in Krishna Consciousness.

Giving up false ego is very difficult. But when our ego is Jivera Svarup Hoye Krishnera Nitya Das, then our false ego gets purified.

When Hanuman was asked by Ravana, “Who are you?” then Hanuman did not say that “I am Anjani putra or vayu putra.” He did not talk about his glories, that he is so powerful that he had once devoured the sun.  Hanuman said, “Daso aham kaushalay putra, I am servant of Lord Rama.”  If you are insulting me then it is insult of Lord Rama. Hanuman have sense of belonging in relation to Lord Rama.

When we think we are in the Parampara of great acharya like Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura then our ego is purified.

Mind engaged in Lord’s name is purified. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “You will rise when you focus your mind on me.” Flood your mind with Harinam.

All senses are servants of mind. They give input to mind. When ears listen to beautiful songs, then it gives input to mind. When tongue tastes nice prasadam, it gives input to mind.

If mind is impure, senses go towards impurities. If mind is pure then senses go towards purity.

When it became easy for the prince to control his senses

There was a King. His son did not have control over his senses. He was engaged in wanton enjoyment. The king was worried. So, he sent his son to a sage and requested him to train his child. The sage lived in a hut. His life was simple; he ate simple food and was always engaged in chanting and reading. The prince was not ready to live such a simple life. 

He called his servants and got a nice bungalow built; he got a cook who prepared palatable dishes for him. In this way 3-4 months passed. Once when king came, he asked the sage, “How is his son doing?” The sage said, “There is no change in his son.” The sage said that he is living a luxurious life and busy eating nice food.

King immediately called the cook and asked him to stop preparing food for the prince. The king told the prince that he would have to leave his luxurious bungalow and live with the sage in the hut and eat whatever the sage eats. Prince began living like the sage, ate like him, chanted mantras, read books. Then the prince slowly began learning good things. And his life began changing.

When king asked, sage said it is same who he was earlier. He lives lavish life, he is not controlled in eating and living. King asked cook not to cook food and prince should eat what sage eats. Asked him to live in hut. Prince lived in hut, like him, ate like him, chanted names. Then prince began learning good things. He realized now I m learning good things.

In this story, the king is the soul, prince is the mind, prince’s servants are the senses, sage is intelligence.

Lesson to learn from the story

Many times, mind even does not listen to intelligence. It takes our senses for enjoyment.

Earlier prince was not listening to sage. But later king told him to listen to sage.

So, we say – guru mukha padma vakya..

If we accept a guru with seriousness, then our life will change.

Right now, on sat indriya there is covering of asat indriya. For example, if we put red paper on bulb then the colour which comes out of the bulb will be red.

Impure mind is like prince. If we have to come from bhoga to seva, we hv to follow the advice of the sage. For that to happen, senses should not be the servant of the mind. Above senses is mind, above mind is intelligence and above intelligence is soul.

Senses should be engaged in the service of Krishna – hrisikesa hriskena

Mind should be engaged in chanting the names of Krishna.

There are two types of intelligence – kubudhi (kaikeyi, karna) and subudhi. For eg. Kaikeyi because of association with Manthra and karna because of association with Duryodhana developed Kubudhi.

When we read Srila Prabhupada books, hear his lecture, our intelligence is nourished.

A truck driver may laugh at luna driver thinking his vehicle is so small. But if we make luna driver, truck driver and even a pilot stand in same line then we will find that all three drivers are people although they are driving different vehicles.

Similarly, a soul may be in an insect body, an elephant body but they are same The same paramatma is there in all living beings.  So, we should respect them all. When we misbehave with other living beings then we should remember that Lord will be displeased.

When we see souls with paramatma, our respect increases for jiva.

First Regulate the senses

We should read sastra and give up sense gratification.

When body dies, it is death, when subtle body dies then it is moksha.

As body is burnt one day, similarly the subtle body gets burnt one day.

Till the time we have material desires we need subtle body. For e.g. we need warm clothes in winter and not in summer.

Karna had daivi pravrtti and also asuric pravrtti. Since he chose to associate with  Duryodhana, his asuric bhav increased.

Choice of association decides direction and direction will be your destination.

Vibhishan gave good advice to Ravana but Ravana kicked him out.  Vibhishan did not know if Rama will accept him or not. But he was fully convinced that he would choose right path.

For example, a devotee student will not resort to cheating even if others are cheating. We should not intentionally indulge in sinful activities.

Monkey is hyperactive, but Hanuman was not hyperactive because he chants the name of Lord Rama always.

It is easier to engage our senses in the service or Krishna than mind. When one comes to take darshan of the Lord, mind takes him somewhere else, but senses are in the temple.

If we regulate our activities, then senses are regulated and if senses are regulated then it is easy to control the mind. So, we should sleep at right time, wake up at right time, eat at right time. We should being with regulating the senses.

Above article is based on Srimad Bhagavatam Class given by HG Radheshyam Prabhu at Iskcon Kolkata on 17^th April 2026.  Prabhuji was speaking SB 11.19.6-7.

Unflinching Faith in Lord Chaitanya and Loyalty to the Parampara by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaja

During his morning Chaitanya Charitamrita class at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 24th Feb 2026, HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaja spoke in detail about the pastime of Sanatana Goswami and Jagadananda Pandit.

Maharaja spoke how it is important to practice devotion in association of devotees who are coming in parampara i.e. in disciplic succession.

Below is what Maharaja said.

Exclusive Devotion & Proper Association

Jagadananda  Pandit says, “I shall beat with a stick anyone who offers respect to some other sannyasi while neglecting Lord Chaitanya, and I shall put fire in the mouth of one who discusses frivolous topics instead of the nectarean pastimes of Lord Chaitanya.”

Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami were sent by Lord Chaitanya from Jagannath Puri to Vrindavan. Sanatana Goswami was in Vrindavan. One devotee, Jagadananda Pandit, was sent by Lord Chaitanya to stay with Sanatana Goswami in Vrindavan. When Jagadananda Pandit was sent to Vrindavan, Lord Chaitanya instructed him to stay with Sanatana Goswami and not mix with the local people.

Srila Prabhupada says, “Vrindavan is a place of 5000 temples.” Any person or organization who has any type of affiliation with anything related to Krishna is in Vrindavan.

Just as New York is a concrete jungle, similarly Vrindavan is like a religious jungle with unusual ideas about who Krishna is and what Krishna Consciousness is.

There is one temple in Vrindavan where on the altar they have kept a hookah. Every day they offer hookah to Krishna because, according to their understanding, Krishna smokes a pipe. People have wrong ideas. Many have Mayavada and impersonalistic ideas.

Devotees have the right idea, but there are different varieties of ideas. They may not be wrong, but not fully right either, certainly not as per our parampara and not as per the instruction of Srila Prabhupada.

Loyalty to Prabhupada & Parampara

Srila Prabhupada is our acharya; he is our Founder-Acharya. In Vedic terms, a Founder-Acharya is a person who appears in a parampara i.e. disciplic line. Srila Prabhupada is a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura ; this disciplic succession goes back to Lord Chaitanya, then Madhvacharya, and finally to Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada gave the idea of how to practice Krishna Consciousness. He did a few things according to time, place, and circumstance which were extremely powerful and revitalized our parampara.

Of course, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was very active, but after he left, unfortunately Prabhupada’s godbrothers drifted somewhat from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s teachings. They did not institute a Governing Body. They returned to the old traditional Indian system that every ashram should have a leader.

Many groups came up; each subgroup under Gaudiya Math became separate from the others. Differences became very prominent, although they were followers of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Prabhupada inspired them to work together to spread Krishna Consciousness, which even Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura wanted, but they did not really do much.

Gaudiya Math had a place in London in 1970. One devotee visited that place in 1973; it was run by only one elderly lady who had been initiated 40 years earlier. The devotee explained that he was from International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and she let him in.

Srila Prabhupada said, “A few of my godbrothers went to Germany and England but failed. So, if I have to fail, let me fail at a different place, so I went to the USA.” During 1970, England had much more prominence than today.

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The Loving Anger of Jagadanand Pandit

In this particular incident, Lord Chaitanya instructed Jagadananda Pandit to stay with Sanatana Goswami. He asked him not to get involved with local people.

One day Jagadananda Pandit invited Sanatana Goswami for lunch. Sanatana Goswami agreed. Before coming for lunch, Sanatana Goswami met a sannyasi, Mukunda Saraswati. Mukunda Saraswati gave him an outer garment like a chadar. When Sanatana Goswami came for lunch, he had the outer garment wrapped around his head like a turban.

Jagadananda Pandit, knowing how dedicated Sanatana Goswami was to Lord Chaitanya, assumed that he had received it from Lord Chaitanya. Sanatana Goswami would not buy anything; he lived on prasadam and whatever was given to him. Jagadananda Pandit became ecstatic and asked Sanatana Goswami, “Where did you get the reddish cloth on your head?” Sanatana Goswami said, “Mukunda Saraswati gave it to me.”

Hearing this, Jagadananda Pandit immediately became very angry and took a cooking pot, intending to beat Sanatana Goswami. Sanatana Goswami understood how deeply attached Jagadananda Pandit was to Lord Chaitanya.

After taking prasadam, Lord Chaitanya said to Jagadananda Pandit, “You cook nicely when you are angry.”

Sanatana Goswami said, “Unless you demonstrated your anger, how could I have learned it? My purpose in accepting the cloth is now fulfilled; I could see your love.”

Jagadananda Pandit offered food to Lord Chaitanya, and both ate prasadam.

Learning – Srila Prabhupada is central in our life. We should have a similar type of attachment, appreciation, and relationship with Srila Prabhupada.

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Preaching Spirit and Accepting Difficulties as Mercy

Sometimes we may find ourselves in circumstances we did not expect. We may have no other choice than to deal with such situations.

A couple of our godbrothers went to Lebanon in the 1970s to preach Krishna Consciousness. They were arrested by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The devotees were held for months and were to be executed. They saw people being killed in front of them. They were made to stand before a firing squad; the trigger was pulled, but there were no bullets. It was psychological torture. Eventually, they were released.

Something like this will not happen to you all unless you go to Pakistan or Bangladesh.

When we find ourselves in extreme situations, we have to accept them as educational experiences.

When I used to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books in London, I was arrested many times (around 75 times). They would take us to the police station and give a ticket to return the next day.

Once I was arrested on a Friday. Since I was not British, they thought I might leave the country, so they held me until Monday. Devotees brought mahaprasadam and the Sixth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. I read the whole canto, chanted japa on my fingers, and scratched the wall with a broken brick to count my rounds. On Monday, they released me with a 5-pound fine.

I felt I did not have enough time to read, so I thought getting arrested helped me read more and get mahaprasadam.

As a new devotee in London, I never ate anything that was not offered to the Deity.