Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Observing Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi with right Consciousness

Today is Nirjala Ekadashi, it is also called Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This is said to be the most important Ekadashi because as per the scriptures, if anyone has not been able to observe any of the ekadashis of the year then by observing this ekadashi one can get the benefit of observing all the ekadashi of the year.

Although this is said to be the most important reason but if we delve deep into it, we will find that this ekadashi is giving us a very important spiritual message.

Let us see how.

The word nirjala means “without water”. In other ekadashis, devotees take non grain prasadam and water is not prohibited. But in this ekadashi, no water, no food. But why so?

It is because it is expected that on this day, we should give up our attachment to the most basic necessity of life – not just food but also water.

Food and water are required for sustaining our physical body but spiritually we are souls and as souls we are not afflicted by hunger and thirst.

It is when we accept this material body and get attached to it then the physical demands of the body start troubling us. 

Most important message of Nirjala Ekadashi

The most important message we get in Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi is that we are not this body, but we are spirit souls.

And if we remain absorbed in chanting and hearing about the Lord then we will not be troubled by bodily demands of hunger and thirst and under the shelter of Krishna’s holy name we will be happy and satisfied.

So, we should spend every moment of the day in chanting the names of Krishna, reading Srimad Bhagavatam, hearing lectures of Srila Prabhupada, our spiritual master, senior devotees, visiting temple, taking darshan of the Lord, participating in arati and kirtan in the temple.

Also, on this day, we should keep ourselves away from mobile, internet, TV, newspaper, mundane discussions – like discussion on politics, sports or something like this. And it should also not happen that we switch on AC and sleep for hours and just try to complete nirjala ekadashi without chanting and reading scriptures.

If someone is not able to observe nirjala ekadashi because of serious health issues, then they should do the same thing which the devotees who are observing nirjala ekadashi are doing – sravanam & kirtanam, hearing and chanting the names of the Lord.

Lord accepts humble devotees

Now whatever we do the most important thing is to do with right consciousness. Sometimes while observing nirjala ekadashi some may develop ego that I am practicing austerity and start looking down upon those who are not observing it or are not able to observe because of health issues.

Lord only accepts humble devotees and not the one who carries pride in their heart. We know that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not accept a brahmana who used to live only by drinking milk. But later when the same brahmana had humility in his heart then Mahaprabhu accepted him.

So, with a humble heart let us observe Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. On this auspicious day, let us rise above bodily consciousness and keep ourselves completely occupied spiritually.

Seeking Lord’s mercy to observe nirjala ekadashi successfully

If we are able to do so, then we will find that hunger and thirst will not trouble us much. And when we are able to complete nirjala ekadashi successfully then next day after breaking fast we will feel deep inner satisfaction and happiness.

So, let us pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govinda, Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra Maharani, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and Srila Prabhupada to shower their mercy upon us so that we can successfully observe Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi and spend the entire day in sravanam and kirtanam.

Three Reflections

1. Observing Nirjala ekadashi gives benefit of all the ekadashi.
2. Today we have to rise above bodily consciousness and give up attachment to food and water.
3. We should spend entire day in chanting the names of Krishna and reading about Krishna from scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrta.

Ask yourself?

• Why I am observing nirjala ekadashi?

Action Item?

• Today, with a humble heart remember Krishna by continuously chanting the beautiful Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Are we wasting this human life gifted to us by Krishna?

This human form of life is gifted to us by Krishna so let us not waste it by indulging in those activities which will take us away from Krishna.

Suppose that a person is gifted a luxurious car like Rolls Royce, but he is using it for picking garbage from the street.  What will you call him? Intelligent or utter foolish? The answer is obvious.

Similarly, those who use the precious human life in satisfying their senses like the animals then holy scriptures call them unholy and foolish.

Just think that there are 8.4 million species of life across this material universe and one of the species is of human beings. There are several varieties of animals, birds, aquatics, plants, insects and so on. Some of these species we might have not even seen or may not even know.

We might have seen pictures or videos of some animals or plants which have been spotted for the first time. There are insects who are born in the stool, live in the stool and die in the stool. And there are hogs who live on stools. Such an abominable life.

We are so fortunate that we are humans. So, Lord expects us to live like humans. But if like animals we are mad for sensory pleasures then what is the use of us being humans?

The purpose for human life is to get free from the repeated cycle of birth and death, get liberated from all the miseries and most importantly get reunited with Krishna. If we are not doing so, then we are losing this precious gift of Krishna.

Krishna does not deprive his devotee of anything

And because of neglecting the advice of the Lord, if we glide down to animal life then we do not know after how many millions of years we will again get this human body?

People most of the time are obsessed with economic development. They think that if the bank balance swells then their enjoying capacity will also multiply manifold. But how much can we enjoy? Our capacity to enjoy materially is limited.

It is not that if we eat 4 chapatis daily, a bowl of rice, dal and vegetables then after becoming a billionaire we will start eating 100 chapatis, 50 bowls of rice, 100 liters of dal and 100 kg vegetables daily. Many times, people obsessed with earning money develop health issues and are not even able to enjoy their meal.

Yes, looking for financial stability is not wrong, and we should work hard for that. But while doing so we should not neglect devotion to Krishna.  In fact, if we practice devotion to Krishna then Krishna will make sure that we do not have scarcity of anything in this life. This is confirmed in Bhagavad Gita 18.78.

And in the next life anyway we will be with Krishna, so there won’t be any suffering.  If we turn the pages of history, we will find that no one who has taken shelter of Krishna ever was deprived of anything.

So, we are told that we should live in this world by keeping Krishna in the center. If we do so success and happiness is guaranteed. This is the best use of the human form of life gifted to us by Krishna.

Three Reflections

1. There are 8.4 million species of life and one of them is human life.
2. Human life is rarely achieved.
3. This human life is Lord Krishna’s gift to us.

Ask Yourself?

Am I using this human life to enjoy like animals or using it to develop love and devotion for Krishna?

Action Item

While doing any activity think if it is taking you towards Krishna or away from Krishna.

Krishna who resides within our heart is always watching us | Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.16

Although we cannot see the Supreme Lord Krishna who as Supersoul resides within our heart, but he is always watching us. He is the one who constantly directs the activities of the living entities. Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport of SB 6.3.16, “..every living being acts according to the direction of the Supersoul, who is situated within the heart.”

The different limbs of the body like hands and legs cannot see the eyes but these limbs can act properly only with the help of the eyes. When we see properly then we can walk properly and touch something appropriately.

Similarly, we are not able to see the Lord who is in our heart but without the Lord our existence is impossible.  Krishna, the Supreme Lord, again and again try to highlight in Bhagavad Gita that he is residing in the heart of each living entity as Supersoul, Paramatma.  

And from the heart he watches, monitors, directs and always tries correcting us. Many times, when we try to do something wrong then we hear an inner voice cautioning us against acting whimsically. That voice is of Paramatma, the Supersoul. If we heed to the advice of the Lord, then we can save ourselves from so much suffering.

But if we ignore the good advice of the Lord and act as per our whims then we are sowing the seed of suffering. Lord always cares for us, so he is there with us always. And the Lord does not want us to suffer so he has given us the scriptures which has dos and don’ts. 

Happy souls follow the advice of the Supersoul

But many times, we the adamant souls want to defy the will of the Lord. For example, we see before the Mahabharat war Krishna went as a peace messenger to the Kauravas asking them to stop acting impiously and live according to religious principles. But foolish Duryodhana not just refused to listen to Krishna, but he even tried to capture and imprison him.

But who can bind the Lord?

Like Duryodhana if we too try to go against the will of the Lord and act then like the son of the blind king, we too will face defeat in all our pursuit. But like Arjuna, if we follow the direction of the Lord then we will always be victorious.  Krishna is always watching us. And what we get in life is how we act.  Happy souls follow the advice of the Supersoul.

So, we should regularly read scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, listen to the lectures of Srila Prabhupada, it will help us to understand what is good for our future and what is bad. When in doubt, we should always consult a senior and serious devotee of Krishna, he will show us the right path. Remember Krishna is constantly watching us, so let us not try to displease him.

Three Reflections:

1. Krishna as Supersoul resides within our heart.
2. We cannot see him in the heart, but he directs all our activities.
3. If we act as per his will then success is for sure.

Ask Yourself?

• Am I acting whimsically or as per the guidelines given by Krishna in the scriptures?

Action Item

• While doing anything refer the scriptures, list to lecture of Prabhupada and take guidance from a senior and sincere devotee of Krishna.

Nimi Maharaja asks about the process of Karma Yoga | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.41

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.41
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Monday, 5^th June 2025
• Speaker: HG Nimai Anand Prabhu

In today’s Srimad Bhagavatam class HG Nimai Anand Prabhu spoke about Karma Yoga and highlighted that all work is not worship. Only if we work for Krishna then work is worship and that karma becomes karma yoga. Prabhuji was speaking on the verse SB 11.3.41

ŚB 11.3.41

śrī-rājovāca
karma-yogaṁ vadata naḥ
puruṣo yena saṁskṛtaḥ
vidhūyehāśu karmāṇi
naiṣkarmyaṁ vindate param

Translation

King Nimi said: O great sages, please speak to us about the process of karma-yoga. Purified by this process of dedicating one’s practical work to the Supreme, a person can very quickly free himself from all material activities, even in this life, and thus enjoy pure life on the transcendental platform.

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.41

1. Since the living entity cannot remain inactive, he must learn to dedicate his activities to the Lord.
2. ..it is the nature of the soul to be always active. Without the presence of the spirit soul, the material body cannot move
3. ..dovetailing one’s work with the service of the Lord is an art one should learn at the lotus feet of the bona fide spiritual master

Soul cannot be inactive

Nimi Maharaja who is absorbed in pure devotional service is asking a relevant question here. His question is about karma yoga. True karma yoga is powerful.  We are always active, even for a moment we cannot be inactive. It is because we are spirit soul. Spirit soul is sat i.e. eternally active. Cit that he always looking for knowledge about Krishna. And Ananda i.e. always wants bliss.

Our original pursuit is to know Krishna. Forgetting Krishna, spirit soul is now trying to be active on material platform and so becomes unhappy.  Sunyavadi says everything is 0, Mayavadi tries to make everything inactive. Both are wrong. Act of any philosophy other than Krishna Consciousness is crime because it does not satisfy the self at all.

Karma yoga means activity performed as per one’s nature but is connected to Krishna. Work is compulsory. But we have to see that what is the impetus for work. What is the motive. A materialist works hard and so does the devotees. Difference is the impetus. The impetus will define the result we get and the destination of the soul.

Only two reasons for doing work

There may be different impetuses for doing work, but these can be categorized in two.

1. Impetus is self-centered – One work for sense gratification and is driven by false ego.
2. Impetus is Krishna–centered – One work for Krishna

Both works hard but results are different. Materialists get bind in this world by work and devotees are freed from the entanglement of maya.

Self centered person works for these three reasons

• Gross sense gratification – To satisfy the gross senses like eyes, ears, tongue, skin and so on. It is impetus to work hard.
• Subtle sense gratification: People look for name, fame, glory etc.
• Extended sense gratification: People work for children, for family, for society, for nation.

The above activities are karma and not karma yoga.

When we do karma and connect to Krishna then its karma yoga. Work is not worship if not connected to Krishna. But if done for Krishna work is worship.

How people working for self can start working for Krishna?

1.It can happen by logical understanding.

One understands that sense gratification is temporary and illusory. It is illusory because it gives insignificant happiness, is addictive and is dangerous.

We start understanding that working for Krishna is my true welfare.

Also, we understand that real self is part of Krishna. If we think in this way then we come out from self-centeredness to Krishna centeredness.

2. By associating with those who has bhakti for Krishna

It is said bhakti sanjayate bhaktya – bhakti comes from bhakti.We can give our heart to Krishna only if we associate with those who has given their heart to Krishna.

Narada Muni explains that how by associating with Bhakti Vedantist his life got transformed and he became a devotee of Krishna. Pure devotees’ association is infectious. So, we should develop attachment for those who have love for Krishna.

If we do so our impetus will change, our motive will change.

Bhakti cannot be produced but can only be induced and it happens by the association of pure devotees.

Start your day by remembering Krishna, the Supreme Lord | Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1

Srila Vyasadeva begins Srimad Bhagavatam by remembering Krishna and offering his prayers to him.  In his prayer, the great sage says that Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  There are many great personalities in the universe who are extremely powerful.

We have demigods like Indra, the king of heavens, Surya, Chandra, Vayu and so on. Then there is four headed Lord Brahma, the creator of this material universe. And we also have the Supremely powerful Lord Shiva, who plays the role of annihilating this universe.

But above all of them is Lord Krishna. He is the original creator, maintainer and destroyer of this universe.  Though Brahma creates but he is not the primary creator but the secondary creator.  The knowledge and ability to do this comes to him from Sri Krishna. Brahma is the first living being of this universe. He is born from the lotus flower which emanates from the navel of Garbhodakshayi Vishnu. And this Vishnu form is the plenary expansion of Krishna who resides in Goloka.  

So, Brahmaji in his prayer to Krishna says that he is the cause of all the causes – sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam. Sri Brahma Samhita 5.1

We see how as a child when Krishna opened his mouth then mother Yashoda saw the entire universe within the mouth of Krishna. And surprisingly she also saw herself looking inside the mouth of Krishna.

Lord Krishna pervades the entire universe. He is also within your and mine heart, in fact in the heart of all the living beings – sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo, Bhagavad Gita 15.15

Srimad Bhagavatam helps to always remember Krishna

Vyasadeva is writing Srimad Bhagavatam to tells us the glories of Krishna who resides in everyone’s heart. The book teaches us who is Krishna, our relationship with Krishna and how much it is important to get connected with Krishna.

This is why among all the Vedic literatures written by Ved Vyasa, Srimad Bhagavatam is called purest and topmost – śrīmad-bhāgavataṁ purāṇam amalaṁ, Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.18.

Since he is now going to tell us in detail about Lord Krishna, so the great sage first seeks the blessings of Krishna so that his endeavour is successful.  And indeed, he was successful in describing in detail the activities of Krishna and how living beings like you and me will be utterly benefitted if we establish our relationship with Krishna.

This great literature is helping us to reunite with Krishna

The sage is also teaching us that whatever activity we begin first we should pay our obeisances to Krishna. If we do so, then result will be glorious and also spiritual.

Three Reflections

1. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
2. He is the original father of all the living beings.
3. Endeavour to remember Krishna.

Ask Yourself?

• Am I remembering Sri Krishna & offering my prayers to him before starting any work?

Action Item

• As soon as you get up in the morning remember Lord Krishna.
• Before starting any work in the day offer prayer to Lord Krishna.

Prayer which Krishna likes is

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

Importance of following Vedic injunctions | SB 11.3.45

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.45
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Monday, 3^rd June 2025
• Speaker: HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu

In today’s Srimad Bhagavatam class HG Acharya Ratan Prabhu spoke about the importance of following Vedic injunctions. Prabhuji was speaking on the verse SB 11.3.45

SB 11.3.45

nācared yas tu vedoktaṁ
svayam ajño ’jitendriyaḥ
vikarmaṇā hy adharmeṇa
mṛtyor mṛtyum upaiti saḥ

Translation

If an ignorant person who has not conquered the material senses does not adhere to the Vedic injunctions, certainly he will engage in sinful and irreligious activities. Thus his reward will be repeated birth and death.

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.45

1. ..because of false pride a so-called brahmacārī, or celibate student of Vedic knowledge, rejects the marriage ceremony as māyā, or material illusion.
2. But if such a celibate student is unable to control his senses, he will undoubtedly degrade himself by eventually engaging in illicit sex..
3. ..a neophyte in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is encouraged to eat kṛṣṇa-prasādam to his full satisfaction.
4. ..an immature practitioner of bhakti-yoga tries to make a show of severe eating habits and eventually falls down into eating unregulated and abominable foodstuffs.
5. .s.a sinful person is awarded a free ticket to hell by the lord of death himself, Yamarāja.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu.

Renunciation should be based on knowledge

An ignorant person cannot control his mind and senses. Controlling mind and senses is not easy. We need proper engagement for it else we will be carried by our instinct. A person whose mind and senses are uncontrolled engage in sinful activities.

In this fallen age of Kaliyuga people are mostly uncivilized. They do not have any goal in life, have no faith in scriptures and God. They live like animals. So, they are compared to dvipad-paśu, two legged animals.

But one who becomes fortunate starts inquiring about the purpose of life – “athato brahma jijnasa. They begin following Vedic injunctions, start believing in God.

Although their motto of life is sense gratification, but they have regards for God. This is what is called karma kand. follows Vedic injunctions, follows God i.e. called karma kand.

However eventually they will realize that goal of life is not sense gratification but to love God and serve God.  One also come to understand that Krishna is the Supreme God who should be worshipped.

There may be someone who may start thinking that I now know the highest truth so there is no need for me to follow Vedic injunctions. But one should not disregard the rules of the scriptures. Renunciation is not based on ignorance or frustration but is based on knowledge.

One should come to the conclusion that “I am not this body but eternal soul and serving the Lord is my eternal engagement.” Unless one is situated on this platform and is properly engaging his mind and senses one will indulge in sense gratification.

Performing duty as per Vedic injunctions

We see in Bhagavad Gita that when Arjuna refuses to perform his khastriya duty then Krishna condemns Arjuna. In the beginning, Krishna gives Arjuna karma kanda argument. Krishna says that in the battle if you win then you will enjoy the kingdom and if you will lost then you will die and go to heaven and then you will enjoy there.

So, if one performs his duty properly then may be he is not able to enjoy in this life but in next life, he will be happy.

When one is more advanced then one just focusses on doing one’s duty and is not attached to the result of his activity. By doing duty in this way, one gets transcendental knowledge and will slowly get detached from this world.

More one is attached to senses gratification, more one suffers.

But when one becomes detached from sense gratification one becomes peaceful.

We should always try to engage senses in the service of Lord. Sitting peacefully is difficult at conditioned stage, so better to engage senses properly. This will purify the senses.

From karma kanda one come to the stage of karma yoga, from Karma yoga to jnana yoga and then to astanga yoga. If one is fortunate one comes in the association of devotees and understand God and his relationship with God. Then one starts practicing bhakti yoga.

But if someone comes in touch of a devotee then one can directly start practicing bhakti yoga. Even from the animalistic life one can become a devotee by the mercy of a devotee.

But one should never give up following scriptures else one will not be able to sustain advancement.

Two Example

In spiritual path one should be honest and follow the direction of guru, sadhu, sastra.

In modern times, people want to practice spiritual life but do not follow scriptures and concoct their own philosophy and so cannot sustain.

For example, if one is not able to control his mind and senses then one should get married. If one does not do so, then one will indulge in illicit sex. In married life too one can advance in Krishna Consciousness.

Other important aspect is that one should properly take prasad. If one does not do so then one may end up eating unacceptable food and fall down. So, eat nice prasadam and be happy.

All these Vedic injunctions are helpful and not troublesome.

One should be honest, humble and should have sincere desire to advance in spiritual life.

Faith in guru helps in understanding scriptures | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.38

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.38
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Monday, 2^nd June 2025
• Speaker: HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu

HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu discussed about the importance of having “faith in guru” in his Srimad Bhagavatam class. He was speaking on SB 11.3.38.

ŚB 11.3.38

nātmā jajāna na mariṣyati naidhate ’sau
na kṣīyate savana-vid vyabhicāriṇāṁ hi
sarvatra śaśvad anapāyy upalabdhi-mātraṁ
prāṇo yathendriya-balena vikalpitaṁ sat

Translation

Brahman, the eternal soul, was never born and will never die, nor does it grow or decay. That spiritual soul is actually the knower of the youth, middle age and death of the material body. Thus the soul can be understood to be pure consciousness, existing everywhere at all times and never being destroyed. Just as the life air within the body, although one, becomes manifest as many in contact with the various material senses, the one soul appears to assume various material designations in contact with the material body.

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.38

1. The conditioned living entity is originally part and parcel of the superior, internal potency of the Lord, but being in contact with illusion, he falls under the clutches of the external potency.
2. Although the visible material body passes through boyhood, adolescence and old age, or although one may take birth as a demigod, human being, plant or animal, the spirit soul never changes his eternal constitutional position.
3. …one should understand oneself to be eternally a conscious servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu

Realization does not come just by remembering verses

Jiva atma is the observer, he sees the activities of the world. We have some freedom and when we misuse it, we get reaction. Why we experience pain in this world? It is because we are attached to the things of this world. Like if one is driving a car and there is dent in a car then a person who is very attached to the car becomes mad. But when a person is not so attached, he will not feel that much pain. Similarly, our physical and mental pain is dependent on the degree of attachment we have with our mind and body. If someone insults us, then we know that he is insulting not me but my physical body and mind. We won’t be much disturbed. This realization cannot come just by remembering the verses. Some may have lots of knowledge, know all the verses but realization may still not be there.

Gaur Kishor Das Babaji Maharaja was not educated materially. But when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura saw him, he got attracted by his transcendental qualities and wanted diksha from him. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was a great scholar, he was shruti dhar. Once he heard he remembered everything.

But Gaur Kishor Das Babaji Maharaja could not read or write. But he could understand everything. When Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura would speak on Srimad Bhagavatam then he would hear from him. When someone has faith in guru, he gets the understanding of the scriptures. By scholarly presentation, one may touch someone’s mind but not heart.

Faith in guru brings transcendental intelligence

Prabhupada had lots of knowledge, wrote so many books but his presentation was crystal clear. Whatever he said in the beginning, later too he said the same. He did not change anything. Srila Prabhupada knew what Krishna wants, and he was giving that. His purpose was serving the jivas. At death bed, does a doctor will show his knowledge or try to save the patient? Prabhupada was trying to save us all who are spiritually dead.

This world is a dead world. Someone not having knowledge of Krishna is like dead body.

Prabhupada would say Krishna Consciousness is urgency not a matter of choice.

Bhakti is simple. But there is a difference between one who is doing bhakti, and one is thinking I am doing bhakti. Prabhupada says, “Advancement in Krishna Consciousness depends on the attitude of the follower.”

We should do bhakti sincerely. Also, we should always remember the reason why we are here in Iskcon. We are here to serve the devotees, serve guru, serve the mission of Prabhupada and purify ourselves. If we deviate from this purpose, then it is dangerous. We will get transcendental intelligence when we have faith in the words of guru. And also when we do not do apradh against guru and devotees.

Devotee serves the Lord and saves himself from all dangers

During Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s time there was one Ramdas Biswas. He always chanted the name of Rama. Raghunath Das Goswami was impressed but Mahaprabhu understood his purpose that he wanted to become Rama. He was a Mayavadi, he wanted to become God.  Mayavadi uses guru as ladder. Once they climb then they throw the ladder. People want to become God, we should try to protect ourselves from such people.

We should continuously keep on hearing the words of the guru. He will keep guiding us from inside. Also, we should do bhakti very carefully. In bhakti there is no suffering but if we do so called bhakti with wrong consciousness then suffering is there. A devotee always desires to serve the Lord and so he is free from all sufferings.

He is also free from all fear including the fear of death. Materialists think that death is the end of everything.  But a devotee surpasses death. Even in the most negative situation, a devotee, a bhakta, has hope.

Material happiness is illusory | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.37

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.37
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Sunday, 1^st June 2025
• Speaker: HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu

While speaking on Srimad Bhagavatam verse SB 11.3.37, HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu explained in detail that how “Material happiness is illusory.”

SB 11.3.37

sattvaṁ rajas tama iti tri-vṛd ekam ādau
sūtraṁ mahān aham iti pravadanti jīvam
jñāna-kriyārtha-phala-rūpatayoru-śakti
brahmaiva bhāti sad asac ca tayoḥ paraṁ yat

Translation

Originally one, the Absolute, Brahman, comes to be known as threefold, manifesting itself as the three modes of material nature — goodness, passion and ignorance. Brahman further expands its potency, and thus the power to act and the power of consciousness become manifest, along with the false ego, which covers the identity of the conditioned living being. Thus, by the expansion of the multipotencies of the Absolute, the demigods, as the embodiment of knowledge, become manifest, along with the material senses, their objects, and the results of material activity, namely happiness and distress. In this way the manifestation of the material world takes place as the subtle cause and as the material effect visible in the appearance of gross material objects. Brahman, which is the source of all subtle and gross manifestations, is simultaneously transcendental to them, being absolute.

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.37

1. ..since the Absolute is eternal existence, this material world, being the potency of the Absolute, must also be accepted as real, although the various manifestations of the material world are temporary and thus illusory.
2. The conditioned soul must come to understand, “I am a pure spirit soul, part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa. Now let me stop my useless activities and serve Kṛṣṇa, since I am part of Him.”
3. Therefore, if one is prematurely dazzled by the expansion of the Lord’s bodily effulgence, known as Brahman, and therefore does not actually come to know the Supreme Personality of Godhead, there is no possibility of actually understanding one’s eternal identity as an eternal blissful expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu

Are we independent to enjoy

A bullock cart driver pulls the rope tied to the right nostril of the bull and the bull thinks that he is moving towards right on its own. The driver then pulls the rope tied to the left nostril and the bull moves to left thinking it is moving on his own. And then the driver does not do anything, and bull moves straight. But each time, the bull thinks it is in control of his movement.

Similarly, maya devi binds us with the three modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. Sometimes she puts us in goodness, sometimes in passion and other times in ignorance. But each time we think that we are acting as per our own choice independently. This is the nature of the conditioned soul.

We want to enjoy in this world. But it is explained that material enjoyment is an illusion. Mayavadi say that material world is illusion. They say that the material object does not exist, for example a building does not exist. But this is wrong understanding.

A devotee (sadhakas) thinks that material happiness is illusory. But this is also paradoxical. Suppose that we are offered a gulab jamun (a sweet) and when we are eating it, we are experiencing happiness then how can we say its illusory? We have theoretical understanding that material happiness is illusory. There is indeed some happiness in material enjoyment. So, how scriptures say its illusory.

There are three reasons why material happiness is illusory. Let us reflect upon those.

Three problems with material happiness

1.Happiness is insignificant

The happiness which we get in this material world is insignificant. It is said that in this world we get that much happiness which prevents us from getting unlimited happiness.

Suppose that the happiness we get here is x, then in heavenly planet we get 1000 times more happiness i.e. 1000x. And as we keep on going to higher planets happiness keeps on multiplying. In this material world, happiness is highest in Brahmaloka. And if we go beyond this material world then in the spiritual world the happiness is infinite.  So, whatever happiness we get here is very insignificant as compared to the happiness, we get in spiritual world like Goloka.

A real example to illustrate the point

Once in Italy, devotees were on Harinam Sankirtan.  It was a sunny day. Devotees did Sankirtan for long time and they were tired and were also sweating.  They were thinking of taking bath in cold water and they came near a lake. Everyone was excited. The kirtan reached crescendo. They thought that this is pinnacle of happiness. They took off their clothes and jumped into the lake. The water was cool, and they felt relieved from exhaustion.

But suddenly they were bitten by something. Then they show that it was jelly fish. The sting was painful. Within no time everyone was getting bitten by jelly fish. Some devotees jumped out of the lake, but some thought let me go to other side of the lake and enjoy the cold water. But the entire lake was infested with jelly fish.

By the time the devotees came out of water their body was red like a hot charcoal. The happiness was there in the water of the lake, but the pain of the sting of jelly fish overpowered the happiness.

So, it is said that some happiness is there here, but it is accompanied with lots of miseries.

2. Material enjoyment makes us attached

Material enjoyment binds us. We get attached to the object we are trying to enjoy. If we take the example of social media especially you tube reels then we see that people spend hours watching reels. Each reel is just a minute or two long but one gets addicted to it and keeps on watching for hours.  Now there is unlimited browsing facility on internet and people are becoming addicted to internet.

Devotees also many times think that little sense gratification is fine and is also required for survival. But what start little does not end little.

For example, when a bait is offered to a fish then fish think that it’s a nice eatable for me to enjoy. Fish thinks that I will only take the food and quickly come out of it. So, the fish pounces on the bait. The fisherman immediately does not do anything. He waits for some time till the fish comes under its grip. Fish does not understand that it is being caught and by the time it understands it is too late.

Similarly, we are given free sample for enjoyment, and we think we will enjoy little but slowly get entangled. And then we get so much attached to it that even if we ty to come out of it, it becomes nearly impossible. So, material enjoyment is dangerous too.

3.Material enjoyment causes reaction

Whatever we try to enjoy, we get reaction for this. Material enjoyment leads to suffering. We have experienced this. Sometimes the reaction come late but comes for sure. As devotees we are fortunate, because when we try to enjoy then Krishna gives quick token punishment. And then we realize that it happened because we attempted to enjoy. So, for a happy life, we should give up desire for material enjoyment.

Solution

These are the three reasons why material enjoyment is called illusory.

Despite knowing this fact, we do not understand that material enjoyment is illusory.

It is said that a person cannot take to Krishna Consciousness unless he understands that material happiness is illusory. And it is also said that a person cannot understand that material happiness is illusory unless he takes to Krishna Consciousness.

So, the crux of the matter is to understand that material enjoyment is illusory and it is important for all of us to take to Krishna Consciousness.

Everyone is a devotee of Krishna | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.36

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.36
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Saturday,31^st May 2025
• Speaker: HG Surabhi Mataji (ACBSP)

About HG Surabhi Mataji (ACBSP)

HG Surabhi Mataji (ACBSP) is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. She was born in Australia. From the age of 13, she had curiosity to know about God. And she was asking such questions about the Lord in her school. But no one was able to give a proper answer to her.  Mataji would think that if this universe exists and functions properly then there must be a God who is doing all this. When she was 20 years old, she came to London to for studies. In 1971, she was fortunate to meet Hare Krishna devotees. From them she was able to get answer to all her questions about God. She came to know God is blackish in complexion, have curly hairs and he looks very beautiful. Later, she got initiated by Srila Prabhupada. She has taken up many services in Iskcon. She has been doing Book distribution service, cooking service, giving care to the devotees and currently travelling all over the world preaching the message of Krishna Consciousness.

In today’s Srimad Bhagavatam Class,  HG Surabhi Mataji (ACBSP) said that “Everyone is a devotee of Krishna” and those who are not yet devotees of Krishna will eventually become a devotee of Krishna. It is just a matter of time. Mataji was speaking on SB 11.3.36.

SB 11.3.36

naitan mano viśati vāg uta cakṣur ātmā
prāṇendriyāṇi ca yathānalam arciṣaḥ svāḥ
śabdo ’pi bodhaka-niṣedhatayātma-mūlam
arthoktam āha yad-ṛte na niṣedha-siddhiḥ

Translation

“Neither the mind nor the faculties of speech, sight, intelligence, the life air or any of the senses are capable of penetrating that Supreme Truth, any more than small sparks can affect the original fire from which they are generated. Not even the authoritative language of the Vedas can perfectly describe the Supreme Truth, since the Vedas themselves disclaim the possibility that the Truth can be expressed by words. But through indirect reference the Vedic sound does serve as evidence of the Supreme Truth, since without the existence of that Supreme Truth the various restrictions found in the Vedas would have no ultimate purpose.”

Important points from the purport of the verse SB 11.3.36

• The quantity of heat and light in the original fire is always superior to the quantity found in the insignificant sparks.
• The minute living entities, being aṁśaḥ, or sparks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, can never equal the Supreme Godhead in the quantity of their potency.
• Because the Personality of Godhead has supreme seeing power, hearing power, touching power, smelling power and tasting power, the living entities in a limited sense can also see, hear, touch, smell and taste, by the mercy of Hṛṣīkeśa. This idea is expressed in the Bṛhad-āraṇyaka Upaniṣad (4.4.18)

Below article is based on the class given by HG Surabhi Mataji (ACBSP)

We do not want Krishna to be God

We have to remember that Krishna is always reminding us who we really are.  Just like maya devi is reminding us that we are not the Supreme Personality of Godhead. For example, we are walking on the street and are hit by a stone, and we have black eye then we know we are not God.

Krishna steals butter and dances with the gopis, but if we steal something police will catch us. Krishna steals butter and when mother Yashoda comes he hides, sometimes behind Balarama. When Yashoda comes and asks who did it, he says I did not do so, Balarama did it.  And then he shows his reflection and says he has stolen butter. Krishna begins rubbing his eyes thinking that I will be in trouble.

Mother Yashoda would embrace him and say, “You are the sweetest little child.”  

These are beautiful pastimes of Krishna, and we can’t imitate it. If we do so, we will be in trouble. Only Krishna can do these things. We have chosen to come to this world because we do not want Krishna to be God, we want to be God.

Understand we are not God & give everything to him

Even as devotees we can find that there will be some moment in a day when we think we are God. Krishna says, “If you want to become God, then its ok. You go and try to be what I am.” And so, he makes this world for us. He sends maya devi. And maya devi, put obstacles everywhere to show us that we are not God.

When we come to the point of being totally frustrated with material world, then we understand we are not God, and we surrender to God. And to get to that point, we have to understand that no one is our real friends.

Everyone is a devotee of Krishna. Some know and have become like us. Some have not become devotees of Krishna because they have not got kicks of maya. In this world, maya devi is there to give us kicks. We can’t enjoy here. Even if we try to enjoy, we can’t. Even the richest person can’t enjoy, if he is not Krishna Conscious.

Steve Jobs at Hare Krishna Temple

For example, Steve Jobs became big but later Krishna took everything away from him. Lord took everything through disease. When I see my grandchildren fighting for toys, I ask, “When you were born were you born with toys?” And they say, “No.” I say, “If not then how you can say that this toy belongs to you?”

Steve Jobs came with nothing in this world and later acquired a lot. At the time of death, he said, “When I was young, I had nothing.” He used to walk from one side of New York to another to get a meal at the Hare Krishna mandir. He remembered this at the time of death.

The prasadam he ate once a week at the temple, he was able to carry that memory with him but not the riches he had acquired. And after his death there was also dispute related to his property, there were court cases. So, better to give everything before death else you will have to come again to settle.

So, better give all riches to Krishna.

I do not have home or wealth, so what I will give to my 5 children and 9 grandchildren? Materially nothing. I have given my life to Krishna; I can give it to them. When my children used to be asked what your mother does. They would say she does “Hare Krishna” and they would tell about Govindas. When I am not then Govindas also helps them to remember Krishna. The supreme purpose of life is to help others remember Krishna.

This is what Srila Prabhupada did. He made us all understand that we all are devotee of Krishna.

Prabhupada most successful businessman

In America it is said Srila Prabhupada is most successful businessman. No one came from another country to the USA and did so much. Today there are temples and devotees are distributing thousands of books. Prabhupada is more famous than anyone else. And his legacy is still going on even after he has left this world.

So, never forget Srila Prabhupada. Today only 700 disciples of Prabhupada are left in this world. Almost daily, weekly or monthly one of his disciples are passing away. Devotees say that you speak about Prabhupada, and we feel Prabhupada is here.

Take care of Prabhupada’s disciples

While Prabhupada’s disciples are here I want you to take care of them. Because one day no one will be left.

Once in Mayapur, I had gone and there was no place for us to stay, there was no care for us. So, I decided to do something. I made arrangements so that there is a bus or cab to take them from Kolkata airport to Mayapur temple, there is a place for them to stay, prasadam arrangement is there, they get medicines on time. For this, funds were needed and within one hour I was able to arrange for the funds. Later I informed GBC what I am doing. Now the system has been established to take care of Prabhupada’s disciples.

I can walk for miles, but it is difficult for me to get up once I sit down. And I am just 75 years old. But there are disciples of Prabhupada who are more than 80 years old now. HG Jananivas prabhu is going to be 83 years old. Some do not have a place to live. We should find where every one of them are and should look after them. If they do not have money, then sponsor them. Because when they leave the world, we will miss the opportunity. Don’t wait till only one is left.

Don’t chant & sing Hare Krishna Mahamantra incorrectly

Mataji made everyone say the Hare Krishna Mahamantra the way we say while chanting our rounds. After everyone chanted the Mahamantra.

Mataji made the following observation about pronouncing the Mahamantra incorrectly.   

I observe that devotees, especially while doing kirtan pronounce the word incorrectly. For example, instead of Rama they say Ramo, instead of Krishna they say Krishno.

When once Prabhupada heard “Hare Ramo” then he told to my godbrother HH Vishnujan Swami that who is “Hare Ramo.” Prabhupada further said that this will destroy the movement.

In Brisbane one lady asked me, “Which mantra is correct, the one which I know and chant or the one which is currently going on.” I said the one that you know is correct.  Some say because of Bengali accent, pronunciation is different. But Prabhupada was Bengali, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura was Bengali. So, how did they chant?

This is becoming plague – chanting in an incorrect way.

Think for whom you are chanting

While singing or chanting think for whom you are doing so. If you are not doing correctly then you are doing for yourself.  My name is Surabhi and if someone calls me Surabho, I will not like it.

If you go to the spiritual world and say Krishno or Ramo then Krishna and Balarama will say what they are saying is wrong. They will ask us to go down and learn correctly the Mahamantra and then come back to the spiritual world. So, don’t miss the chance.

In Mayapur, a devotee was singing Ramo. He has millions of followers on you tube. I called him near Prabhupada deity and told him that Ramo is incorrect and since you have millions of followers then everyone will chant incorrectly. He said that I know this is incorrect but since it fits to my tune so I chant Ramo.

Media can be best in distributing Krishna Consciousness and can be enemy also, if we do it in wrong way.

Srila Prabhupada said do not change anything, not even a comma nor a dot and especially not the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Please help me to spread Prabhupada’s movement, we want the whole world to know about Krishna.

Three eternal tendencies of we the living beings | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.35

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.35
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Friday,30^th May 2025
• Speaker: HG Nimai Anand Prabhu

While speaking on SB 11.3.35, HG Nimai Anand Prabhu discussed about the three eternal tendencies of the living beings. He also explained how these tendencies are frustrated in this world and how we can satisfy these three tendencies.

ŚB 11.3.35

śrī-pippalāyana uvāca
sthity-udbhava-pralaya-hetur ahetur asya
yat svapna-jāgara-suṣuptiṣu sad bahiś ca
dehendriyāsu-hṛdayāni caranti yena
sañjīvitāni tad avehi paraṁ Narendra

Śrī Pippalāyana said:  The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the cause of the creation, maintenance and destruction of this universe, yet He has no prior cause. He pervades the various states of wakefulness, dreaming and unconscious deep sleep and also exists beyond them. By entering the body of every living being as the Supersoul, He enlivens the body, senses, life airs and mental activities, and thus all the subtle and gross organs of the body begin their functions. My dear King, know that Personality of Godhead to be the Supreme.

Important points from the purport of the verse SB 11.3.35

1. In fact, the material cosmic manifestation continues to exist because of the desires of the conditioned souls to exploit it (yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat).
2. Since Lord Kṛṣṇa is ultimately sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam, the cause of all causes, He is to be known as the ultimate supreme cause.
3. When one transcends an official understanding of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and comes to the superior status of love of God, one can understand the Lord to be Kṛṣṇa, the cause of all causes.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Nimai Anand Prabhu

Krishna is the source of everything

Nimi Maharaja asks about the Lord and answer is given by Śrī Pippalāyana. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura in previous sloka talks about Nista, he explains it as strong faith. Here Nimi Maharaja asks questions about the process by which one can develop complete faith and devotion for Lord.

Answer to Nimi Maharaj’s question is being given in this verse. Nimi Maharaja is asking who is that Supreme Lord. And Śrī Pippalāyana is saying that he is Narayana who is the creator, maintainer and destroyer. He is the cause of all causes, but he is beyond cause. And that Supreme Lord is actually Lord Krishna who is the cause of all causes.

Whenever there is any discussion about the Supreme Lord then discussion is about Krishna because he is the Supreme Lord.

Lord Krishna has personal expansion which is called svamsa expansion. And we the jiva tattvas are his vibhinnamsa expansion. And maya is Krishna’s chaya sakti. So, we see that Lord Krishna is the root of everything, cause of all causes.  He is the source of everything.

The three tendencies of the living beings

We the living beings are part and parcel of Krishna, and we have three strong tendencies.

1. Tendency to exist,
2. Tendency to know
3. Tendency to experience happiness

Tendency to exist: Everyone wants to live forever. No one wants to die. People think that even if body dies but they should continue existing in the form of their name, fame and glory.

Tendency of know: We are always curious to know what is happening around us, and in the world.

Tendency to experience happiness: We also look for happiness – ānanda-mayo ‘bhyāsāt.Since as soul our nature is pleasure seeking so we always look for pleasure in all situations.

These three tendencies of living beings are never going to end because it is the constitutional nature of soul. As soul, we are sat (eternal), cit (knowledge) and ananda (happiness).

This natural tendency of the soul can’t be given up or cannot be subdued.

We came here from the spiritual world. This material world is opposite to the spiritual world. This world is temporary and full of ignorance, here there is misery at every step.

Even though, everything is opposite here but still we have strong tendencies to live here forever and enjoy.

But how much hard we try to satisfy our tendency; we always get frustrated here. Let us see why these three tendencies of living beings are not satisfied here and its solution.

How to satisfy these three tendencies

Tendency to live forever

We may try to live here forever but death is everywhere. People try hard to defeat death but always fail.  There are scientists, medical professionals working hard to find cure for various diseases. There are medical equipments, medicines and so on. Some try allopathy, some naturopathy, some ayurveda to have good health but death is going to come for sure.  This body is perishable; it cannot be with us forever.

Our propensity for living is also exploited in this world. We see in medical field how people are cheated. Many times, a person might have already died but are kept on ventilator to earn money.

People also think that let my body go but my name, my glory should remain forever. But how long people will remember us? May be for 100 years, 1000 years or may be for the lifetime of entire Brahma or may be till the time of annihilation which is just one breath of Maha Vishnu. And then no one will remember us. So, the desire for existence is never satisfied in this world.

How we begin living forever

But this desire gets satisfied when we become Krishna Conscious and begin understanding that we are Krishna’s eternal servant. We have always been servant of Krishna since the time of our existence. And this relationship which we have with Krishna can never be taken away. So, we should always be doing service for Krishna. Krishna is eternal and service to Krishna is eternal. This position of ours cannot be taken away even by death.

Desire for ananda

In this world, we get promise for future happiness. Happiness is always in future here. We think that if we do this then we will be happy in future. Example is given of donkey.  

When donkey is reluctant to work then a carrot is hung in front of a donkey called dangling carrot. Donkey moves one step ahead thinking that he will be able to get the carrot, but the carrot also moves one step ahead. And the donkey never gets carrot.

We are told in school, if you pass Class 12 with good result, you will be happy. If you will get into engineering or medical college you will be happy. But once we enter into these colleges there is fear of placement. And after getting job also there is fear of losing the job.  So, where is happiness?

There is only false hope of happiness in this world. There is advertisement also that if you buy this product, you will be happy, and people go for it but never become happy.

Why it happens? It is because we are spiritual, and matter cannot make us happy.

Prabhupada explains spirit and matter are like oil and water which can never mix. And so, matter can’t make us happy.

How we begin experiencing ananda

But this desire for ananda gets fulfilled when we get connected to Krishna. He is the original source and reservoir of all happiness. So, he can easily fulfil our desire for happiness.

In this world when someone does something for us then in return they want something. Many times, they may exploit us also. But Krishna does not want anything from us. He is self-satisfied, atmaram. He just wants to give us.

In Bhagavad Gita 18.66, he says, “you just surrender to me and you will become happy.” We jivas are original part and parcel of Krishna. And our nature is to love Krishna. By doing so we experience happiness.

Desire to know

We all have desire to know.  So, people do research. But no matter how much we try we cannot know everything.  One scientist did research on grass, he published paper, but it did not end research on grass. This research is still going on. Nature is so powerful, we can get completely absorbed in it life after life.

At micro level we can study neutron, proton, electron, quark and so on. At macro lever, we can study planets, galaxies, universe and can get completely absorbed in it. This material world is unlimited and difficult to know it completely. No matter how much we come to know about it, we are not satisfied.

Our desire for knowing is also exploited by social media, you tube channels etc. There we get plenty of information. A person can go on knowing more and more but it will never come to an end. There are newspapers, news channels, social media bombarding us with information and exploiting our desire to know. And everywhere we find the same information. Days after days newspapers have same news. Prabhupada says its like chewing the chewed.

If you want to know then better try to know Krishna. And if we do so then our desire to know is fulfilled. When we know God, we get connected to God. And we cannot know God by mental speculation.

Lord Brahma says that great munis can try to for 100 crore years to know God, but they will at most come to know the light which is emanating from the lotus feet of Krishna.

How to know Krishna

One can understand Krishna only by the mercy of Krishna. And that mercy comes when someone hears about the Lord from the pure devotees of the Lord.

Whatever tendency we have for knowing, we should try to use it to know Krishna. Trying to know this world will frustrate us. But if we know Lord then we know everything.  By sravanam we should fulfil our tendency to know Krishna.

And once we are satisfied by hearing about Krishna then we can share the same knowledge with others. We can then become an instrument of the Lord in sharing his glories and also will become dear to the Lord.