Power of holy name of Krishna

“Holy name of Krishna is extremely powerful and has the power to free us from all the sins and ultimately give us love of Krishna.”  HG Gauranga Prabhu during his address to the devotees of Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata on 27^th September elaborately discussed on this topic – Power of Holy Name.

In his talk he emphasised on the importance of taking shelter of Krishna’s holy name. His lecture was inspiring, motivating and also had few funny anecdotes.

Below is what HG Gauranga Prabhu said during his lecture:

In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says that there are three gateways to hell – lust, anger and greed.

tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ
dvāraṁ nāśanam ātmanaḥ
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas
tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet

“There are three gates leading to this hell – lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.” Bhagavad Gita 16.21

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s gift

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is an embodiment of ananda (bliss) gave us a simple way to get free from these three gateways to hell and i.e. by chanting the names of Lord Krishna.  Lord Chaitanya has golden complexion, and he attracts all the embodied souls. 

When he started sankirtan in Alarnath then Nityananda Prabhu, his eternal associate, predicted that this sankirtan will spread in every towns and villages all over the world. So, 500 years ago Nityananda Prabhu had prophesised that a great personality will appear and distribute the mercy of holy names all over the world.

And we all know that Nityananda Prabhu was predicting the appearance of Srila Prabhupada and also the establishment of Iskcon.

People think bhakti is difficult. They think that for bhakti we have to do lots of tapasya (penance) and will have to leave many things. But Lord Krishna says that bhakti does not mean that we have to leave things but actually it is to add Krishna in our life.

For example, if people think this is my house, this is my property and I am controller of my house, my wife (or my husband), my children then this is wrong understanding. If someone neglects Krishna and thinks about his home, family, property then it becomes a bondage. So, Rupa and Sanatana Goswami prays to Lord Chaitanya that we are getting immersed in sense gratification, please save us.

Adding Krishna in our life

Brahmaji says brajvasis are so fortunate that they are able to reciprocate with Lord Krishna and they consider Krishna as part of their family.

We have satsanga every Sunday, so that you can add Radha and Krishna in your house. And if there is space available then add Gaur Nitai in your house. If still space is there then add Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi in your house. And then if possible, you can add Lord Rama and Mother Sita in your house. And if possible, also add Pancatattva in your house. So, make the Supreme Lord part of your family.

And once we start adding Krishna in our life then automatically other things which is causing us pain will go away automatically. Meaning of Hare Krishna movement is to change lifestyle. As life changes by practicing devotion to Krishna, automatically our life improves. 

But people turn away from Krishna

Once in a train I was chanting in the morning. I was chanting slowly so that my co-passenger who was sleeping is not disturbed. But he was hearing the mahamntra, so he covered himself with blanket. But still he was not able to stop himself getting disturbed. He got up and said, “Let Krishna sleep peacefully in the morning.” In train once I saw an advertisement – Your real friend – gaay

chaap tambako (tobacco). In cigarette pack it is written smoking is injurious to health but still people smoke.

HG Sarbhauma Prabhu says that there are three benefits of smoking cigarette – no thief will enter in the house in the night, dog will not bite you, you will never get old. He explains how this is possible. If you smoke then you will be coughing throughout the night then how the thief will enter your house. Because of coughing you will become weak so you will have to use a stick to walk and if you carry a stick then the dogs won’t bite you. And because you will be diseased you will die young so you will never become old. 

When my father first met HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj then Maharaj asked him what you did? My father said that I was serving in steel plant for 40 years. So, Maharaj said, “Now you start serving Tulsi plant.”

Develop desire to serve Krishna

We cannot serve Krishna with our intelligence. Without the shelter and guidance of great devotees we cannot serve Krishna.

Lord Brahma says to Lord Krishna, “My only desire is that just like brajvasis are always focussed in serving you, so I also want to take birth here in Vrindavan so that I can serve you constantly.”

Meaning of kama is icha (desire). If we have wrong desires and do things for our own selfish motives then we get bound in this world. So, what is the way to change this wrong desire? It is through satsanga.

Patit means, one who knows what to do and what not to do but still he does what he is not supposed to do. Once I was doing kirtan, one person was not clapping his hand although I was asking everyone to clap and chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Later I saw the same person clapping his hand with tobacco in his hand. I asked him, “You were not clapping during kirtan but here you are clapping with tobacco in your hard.” He said do not call it tambako, it is sanjivini buti, the same buti which Hanuman brought. I asked him who told you this.

He said, “My grandfather would read Ramayan and eat tambako and would say that this is sanjivini buti.” We see that how wrong conception people are having in this world, they read scriptures and given their own concocted logic.

Only Bhakti can save us

We see Ajamila had good qualities but seeing a prostitute embracing a man he fell down. He got affected by lusty desire. He tried to control his lusty desire by intelligence but he failed to do so.

He brought that prostitute home, married with her and begot many children but fortunately he named one of his children, Narayan. At the time of death when he saw Yamaduttas, he helplessly called his son’s name which was Narayan and immediately the Visnuduttas came and he was saved from Yamaduttas.  So, Ajamila says to Lord that your name is so glorious that it saved me.

Advertisement of hell

One person died, yamadutas came to take him. But they said that you have two choices – either you can go to heaven or to hell. Since you have done little bit of piety so you can go to heaven for some period. So, tell us where you want to go first – heaven or hell. The person was not aware of hell or heaven. So, he asked them to show both the places. 

So, he was shown heaven. In heaven he saw beautiful gardens, rivers, palaces and people were happy there. Then he was shown hell. In hell he saw dance bars, beer bars, shops selling non vegetarian foods, men and women indulging in immoral activities. 

The person thought it is just like some metropolitan city and this is what I always wanted to do. So, he said, “First I want to go to hell.”  So, he was taken to hell. But as he approached hell, his body was torn apart and he was about to be thrown in a burning oil. Shocked to see all these, he said, “But you showed me something else.”

The Yamaduttas told that was advertisement of hell and the reality is this.  People today are enjoying by indulging in so many sinful activities but they do not know what future awaits them.

What if there is Krishna?

Once one person asked Srila Prabhupada, “What if you come to know at the end your life that there is no Krishna?” Srila Prabhupada said, “Well, we can think that at least we had a good life here. We were always blissful chanting the names of Krishna, dancing in sankirtan, associating with wonderful devotees and enjoying Krishna prasad.”

“But what if you come to know at the end of your life that there is Krishna?” Srila Prabhupada asked. So, Prabhupada would always ask everyone to give up sinful life and chant the names of Krishna.

It is the best time to become devotees as we can get association of so many devotees. By the time Kalki avatar will come, no devotees will be remaining because all the devotees would have gone home Back to Godhead by that time.

When we do sin then we have to atone also. For small sin there is small atonement and for big sin there is big atonement.

Power of holy name

But Hari Naam (holy name of Krishna) is so powerful that it saves us from all the sins – big or small.

Hari Naam is so powerful that although there may be many difficulties in the world but we are able to transcend it. Just like when we fly in an airplane things on the ground looks too tiny, similarly when we raise our consciousness by practicing Krishna Consciousness all the material problems will look insignificant.

Haridas Thakura did not speak about the glories of holy name to the prostitute. But his chanting was so powerful and pure that the prostitute got transformed. And when the prostitute was transformed, he told her to take shelter of Tulsi and chant the names of Krishna.

By taking shelter of the holy name, she became a great devotee endowed with all good qualities. She regularly started serving tulsi, she reduced her eating, she fasted, controlled her senses and chanted attentively. Since she was following the orders of her guru, Haridas Thakura, and practicing bhakti soon love of Krishna manifested in her heart.

She became so pure that many great personalities would come to take her darshan.

When we walk on the road we come across pebbles. Now we have two options – one is to take hammer and crush the pebbles and the other is to wear strong shoes which can protect us from the pebbles. Now how many pebbles can we break? So, the best option is to wear the shoes. Similarly, with how many problems can we fight?

Our mind gets distracted with so many things, there are so many difficulties. So better to take shelter of holy names and protect ourselves from the onslaught of material miseries. Holy name of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna mahamntra is the shield of mind and will protect us against any distractions.

Bind Krishna by chanting his holy name

Even maya devi was not able to disturb Haridas Thakura because he was always absorbed in chanting the names of Krishna. When we chant attentively then we get strength to say no to the mind’s wrong demands.

Instead of desiring to enjoy this world, we should desire Krishna. To change kama (iccha), we have to change our desire. In fact pure devotees are able to even control Krishna. Krishna can be controlled only by love. We see how mother Yashoda was able to bind Krishna. 

We can also bind Krishna by chanting his holy name especially the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Krishna sees our efforts and then he gives mercy, just like he gave mercy to mother Yashoda. In the association of devotees we are able to give up kam vasna and we can chant the names of Krishna.

Lord Krishna is the eternal superstar who never disappoints his fans

Krishna is the only superstar who never disappoints his fans because he is always ready to reciprocate with the feelings of his fans.

In this world, film stars, sports stars, rock stars, politicians, rich and mighty have innumerable fan following. Their fans surround their senses with the images of their beloved stars, decorate their houses with their pictures and keep each and every update of their favourite celebrity.

The unfulfilled desire

They continuously dream to meet their icons at least once in their life. These desperate fans want to touch them, desire to shake hands with them and long to hug them. They even dream to have breakfast/lunch/dinner with them. But sadly, rarely their dreams come true. The reality is that the celebrities rarely care for their fans.

There are many incidents when the fans have been thrashed by the security guards of the stars. Even celebrities sometimes slap their followers. People spend their time, energy and money eulogising their idols; they fiercely defend them when someone speaks some unpalatable words against their favourite luminaries.

But in spite of all their sacrifices, they end up being humiliated and slapped. One of the famous stars who have lakhs of following was seen spitting on his fans when they had assembled in front of his house to just have a glimpse of him.

Krishna always reciprocates with our feelings

Now contrast this with the love which God, Krishna, the creator of this world, bestows upon each living entity.  He descends from his spiritual abode to this material world for you and me. As God, he not just creates and maintains us and this world, but he is always present with us as Paramatma in our heart.  As Paramatma, he constantly reciprocates with our desires. And he eagerly waits when we will have desire to have him. Krishna, never disappoints his devotees.  

When Lord Vishnu ran to save his devotee

Once Lord Vishnu was having his meal and Lakshmi was by his side. Immediately Lord Vishnu got up and started running. Lakshmi was surprised. Then after few minutes Vishnu returned back bit unhappy. Lakshmi asked what had happened. Why did he run frantically and why did he return so soon? Vishnu replied that one person was being attacked by a ferocious tiger and he called my name so I ran to help him. But soon the person forgot me and made his own arrangement.  He does not need me anymore. So, I came back. This is the love of the Lord for his devotees. He is ever ready to be with us when we need him.

Krishna’s love for his devotee, Sudama

When Sudama, an extremely poor brahmana, went to see Krishna then Krishna got up from his gold studded throne and ran to receive him.  Upon seeing Sudama, the lord embraced him. In fact, he was personally fanning Sudama and feeding him delicious food.

Have we seen any example of any famous personality of this world, who is reciprocating with his fan in such an intimate way?

Why not be a fan of Krishna, the eternal superstar?

Stars of this world are mortal beings, they are infinitesimal. Their name and fame stay with them for a limited period of time. But the Supreme Lord is the eternal superstar, and he has tremendous love for us.

Lord Krishna always reciprocates with the feelings of his devotees, he never disappoints them. So why not we become his fan instead of becoming the fans of the lesser mortals who hardly have any respect for our emotions?

In fact, if we take just a single step towards the Supreme Lord then he takes hundreds of steps towards us. He even gives us the knowledge to reach him, “To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.10

Why Vedas should be part of curriculum?

Vedas is part of Indian history, so why it should not be part of curriculum in schools & colleges?  This ancient literature informs us how India was rich culturally, spiritually and politically. So, to know India in a better way it is important that Vedas be part of curriculum.

The systematic plan to deny Vedic knowledge

Right to education is a fundamental right and it is the duty of the society and the government to make sure that each and every child is educated without any discrimination.  But what if there is discrimination in what knowledge is imparted to the students.   

What if the ideologically driven educationalists do not allow the students to be exposed to various fields of knowledge but instead force them to study only those subject matters which agree with their way of thinking and believing.

This would be considered a gross misuse of power and position. But this policy of knowledge filtration has been going on for ages in India. The British during their rein had made sure that the Indians remain deprived of their rich knowledge and culture.  

They strategically trained scholars who were although Indians but had disregard for Indian culture, society, customs, traditions and holy books. These scholars were given the responsibility of slowly and steadily making Indians believe that their culture, history and knowledge are inferior to that of the west. The purpose was to make sure that the Indians lose faith in the Vedas.

British policy continued even after India achieved independence.  The scholars who were trained to demean Vedic books continued nurturing other sets of scholars who would not allow the knowledge of these scriptures to be made available to all Indians.

They started concocting and misrepresenting these books and came up with doctrines like

• Vedic literatures are unscientific, and it promotes superstitious beliefs.
• Ramayana and Mahabharata are mythology.
• These books divide society and discriminate against women.
• Knowledge imparted by these books are not relevant anymore.

Vedic literatures are the oldest literature of the world.  And it was not written by some unintelligent, illiterate and primitive nomadic people.

Glories of Vedas

Let us gauge the vastness of Vedic literature:

• The 4 Vedas – Rig-veda, Yajur-veda, Sama-veda, and the Atharva-veda–in total had 21, 109, 1000 and 50 branches respectively consisting of over 100, 000 verses. Many of them got lost and today we find around 20, 023 (or according to some 20, 379) verses in all the 4 Vedas.
• There are 18 Puranas and in total they have 400, 000 verses.
• Mahabharata is the world’s largest epic consisting of 110, 000 couplets.
• Ramayana another great epic contains 24, 000 verses. 

And the list isn’t complete; there are many more literary masterpieces such as Brahmanas, Aranyakas , Upanisads, Upa – Vedas and Vedangas etc.

A person with a tinge of intelligence would accept the fact that such a voluminous work cannot be the handiwork of some nomadic and semi – literate people.

The philosophy espoused by these literatures have the potential to change the way we look towards the world and towards other living beings.

Vedic literatures help people to become a better human being

These holy books talk about isvara (God), jiva (the living beings), prakriti (wolrd), karma (actions) and kala (time).

For example, by studying Bhagavad Gita one becomes a better human being. The Gita teaches us about the importance of cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquillity; aversion to fault finding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor. Bhagavad Gita 16.1-3

The holy book further informs us that all the living entities in this world are part and parcel of God and so we should see them all with equal vision and should not discriminate against any. (Bhagavad Gita 5.18)

Srila Prabhupada’s role in spreading the teachings of Vedas

But sadly, an Indian does not get the opportunity to study these books in schools and colleges and if someone desires to study them then they are derided. So much is the disdain for the Indian traditional culture, language and custom that in India instead of Sanskrit, which is a native Indian language, in the educational institutions German was being taught.

And when the government tried to include Sanskrit in the educational curriculum then there were fierce opposition from the anti-Vedic brigade who masquerade as liberals in India.  Today Sanskrit as a language has survived because of the mercy of foreign universities. Isn’t it surprising as well as shocking?

Indians in general have deep longing to know about their culture, tradition, language and literature.  And so many Indians have continued to learn about their culture and philosophy from their elders or have tried their best to study on their own.

Many religious and cultural organizations such as ISKCON organize classes on Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and other Vedic literatures ensuring that not just Indians but people all over the world know the message of these sacred books.

Iskcon has played an important role in spreading the teachings of Vedic literatures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam not just in India but all over the world.

Today, Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam is widely read all over the world. His books have been translated in all the major languages of India and the world.

Give opportunity to learn Vedas by making it part of curriculum

In spite of strong opposition by left intellectuals spiritual leaders like Srila Prabhupada have been working hard to spread the teachings of wisdom literatures for the benefit of humanity.

The time has come that sane man should started opposing those who oppose Vedic literatures.  The tyranny of ideologically driven left liberal academicians should be stopped. Every Indian should have the right to choose what he/she wants to study.

No one should be deprived of that opportunity.  Educational institution in India should not discriminate against Vedic school of thoughts but should allow the younger brains to get exposed to these vast bodies of knowledge.

Government should add Vedas in school curriculum.

Also Read:

What Vedas say about women? They should be honored.

Can we get the mercy of Chaitanya without Nityananda?

When we read the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya, we find that only because of the mercy of Lord Nityananda devotees got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya.

Lord Chaitanya who is lovingly called as Nimai and Lord Nityananda who is affectionately called as Nitai are always together.

As fragrance from flower and sweetness from sugar is inseparable so is Nitai inseparable from Nimai. They enjoy each other’s company, appear on earth together and together they perform many pastimes to attract the heart of those who left the beauty of the spiritual world and got caught in this not so happy place.

Nityananda always serves Krishna in different forms

Nitai is none other than Lord Balaram and he enjoys serving Krishna anywhere and everywhere.  

Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī explains, “In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Kṛṣṇa. That same Balarāma is Lord Nityānanda, the companion of Lord Gaurasundara.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 5.11

These are the different ways in which Lord Balarama serves Lord Krishna

• As Ananta-Shesha he is the bed of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha.
• As Ananga manjari he assists Srimati Radharani in her amorous pastimes with Krishna.
• As Lakshmana he is ready to do anything and everything for Lord Rama.  
• And in Kaliyuga he accompanies Lord Chaitanya to introduce sankirtan movement to distribute mercy of Krishna to all the living entities without caring and bothering about the recipients’ qualification.

We cannot get the mercy of Radha and Krishna without getting the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, and we cannot get the mercy of Lord Chaitanya without getting the mercy of Lord Nityananda.

Examples of devotees who got mercy of Lord Nityananda

Rupa Goswami (the abhidheya acharya), Sanatana Goswami (the sambandha acharya), Raghunath Das Goswami (the prayojana acharya) who played a very vital role in spearheading bhakti movement got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya through Lord Nityananda.

Chaitanya Bhagavata and Chaitanya-charitamrta, the two most authoritative and authentic biographies of Lord Chaitanya were written by the inspiration of Lord Nityananda.

Nityananda Prabhu ordered his disciple Vrindavana Dasa Thakura to write Sri Caitanya Bhagavata and he appeared in the dream of Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami inspiring him to author Chaitanya-charitamrta.

Upon the instruction of Lord Chaitanya, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakura were approaching each person beseeching them to chant the names of Krishna.

Mercy of Nityananda on Jagai & Madhai

While distributing the sublime love of Krishna freely they encountered Jagai and Madhai, the two wicked personalities. They were so sinful that pious residents upon seeing them used to bathe in Ganges to get purified from contamination.

But Nityananda Prabhu decided to deliver them too but in return Madhai assaulted him with an earthen pot. Lord Chaitanya upon getting this news became so angry that he called his sudarsan chakra to kill Madhai but Nityananda prabhu begged the Lord to forgive the offender.

In this age of Kaliyuga the Lord is not supposed to kill the sinner but is to kill their sins using the weapon of the holy name.

Seeing the magnanimity of Nityananda Prabhu, Jagai and Madhai surrendered to them giving up all ungodly behaviour and decided to chant the name of Krishna and serve all the Vaisnavas.

Lord Chaitanya is always present at these 4 places:

• At mother Sachi’s house
• At the kirtan of Srivas Pandit
• At the house of Raghav Pandit
• At the place where Lord Nityananda is dancing while performing kirtan.

Taking shelter of Lord Nityananda

And Lord Nityananda is always present where Lord Chaitanya is glorified. So, the best way to please Nityananda Prabhu is by distributing Lord Chaitanya’s message profusely.

Nitai and Nimai freely distributed one way ticket to the spiritual world to everyone. We too can get that ticket if we take shelter of Nityananda prabhu’s lotus feet.

He is so magnanimous that he will surely take us back to the kingdom of Krishna if we are sincere and carry desire to serve the Lord. 

Whether our heart longs for Krishna or wants something else? | Bhagavad Gita 10.10

Have you checked, if your heart longs for Krishna or is still attached to things of this world?

Externally we may dress perfectly, speak expertly, recite shlokas scholarly, sing melodiously but these qualities may not attract the attention of the Lord. Maybe we are doing it to seek people’s attention and self-glorification.

Krishna hardly bothers about our externals instead he directly peeps into our heart to see whether our heart longs for him or it hankers for something else.

When Duryodhana invited Krishna for lunch in his palace then Krishna was not interested because Duryodhana did not have a devotional heart. Duryodhana wanted to make a show of his opulence and gesture.

Krishna preferred to eat at Vidura’s house although Vidura did not offer him lavish food. It was because Vidura and his wife had deep love for Krishna. Lord Rama happily chewed the half – eaten berries offered by Sabari because it was being offered with love. So, we should try to cultivate a devotional heart and deep desire to serve Krishna. 

If we have a desire to genuinely serve Krishna then Krishna who always resides with us in our heart will give us intelligence by which we can swiftly come to him.

This is confirmed by Krishna Bhagavad Gia 10.10: “To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

Check your motive

So, while practicing devotion we should seriously introspect and find out with what motive we are doing any activity. We should see if we have offered our heart to Krishna or still our heart is attached to something else.

Because of our past conditionings it won’t be immediately possible to do everything for the pleasure of Krishna. But we should sincerely try for it and pray to Krishna to purify our heart, so that we always do anything for Krishna’s pleasure.

We need to endeavour hard to cultivate a devotional heart and subsequently give up material hankering. If we do so then gradually our heart will start longing for Krishna and then Krishna will immediately manifest his love within our heart.

Ask Yourself

1. Do you serve Krishna to please Krishna?
2. Or do you have some personal selfish interest while serving Krishna?
3. What steps you are taking to give up your selfish motives while serving Krishna?

Do you always look for glofication?|Bhagavad Gita 16.3

Although we would hesitate to admit it but it’s a fact that more than hunger for food most of us have hunger for glorification. Any activity we do we want to be appreciated for it. And if someone fails to oblige us then we immediately become morose and go to the extent of detesting that individual.

We like to be in the company of those who constantly massage our ego. And we try to orchestrate our life in a way so that we can attract other’s attention.

What they think about me? What will their reaction be if I do this? Is my importance intact or increasing or diminishing? These thoughts continuously occupy our mind. And instead of living for ourselves we become a dancing doll whose key is in other people’s hand.

But the world is such that we would never always continue to be the “centre of attraction.” Someone is going to eclipse us some day. And those who used to play an important role in making us feel important effortlessly shift their loyalty. Our heart cries and we moan in silence but we can do nothing about it.

This is why wise sages in the past have always warned us against running for name and fame. Lord Krishna says the same in Bhagavad Gita.

In Bhagavad Gita 16.3, the Supreme Lord says that one should be “free from passion for honour”, ati-mānitā. This is a divinue attribute, which we should try to cultivate. If we can do so, we can live peacefully. So, we should not be obsessed about what others think or feel about us. It’s a useless endeavour and return is mostly heart breaking.  Instead we should use this life for purification and not for proving our worth to others. In fact, we should not be concerned about our own glorification but instead we should always try to make sure that Krishna is always glorified.

Ask Yourself

1. Do you always think of impressing others?
2. If yes, then are you in control of your life or is your life in other’s control?

What should be the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam?|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.4.2

Have you ever wondered that what should be the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam?

These days we see there are many professional reciters of Srimad Bhagavatam. They may have the ability to sing the verses of Bhagavatam in a poetic way but if they are not the devotees of the Lord then their recitation is of not much value. 

We generally see that such professional reciters like to speak a lot about Krishna’s rasa lila which is given in the tenth canto.

These professional reciters do not show much interest in the first nine cantos and eleventh and twelfth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. But they passionately speak about Krishna’s pastimes with gopis of Vrindavan which is given in the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam.

They present it as if it’s like a boy and girl relationship which we see in this world. The gullible audience likes such stories.

But such recitation does not transform the heart of the speaker and the audience. This is why we see so many people know the rasa lila pastime of Krishna, but they never become sincere devotees of Krishna.

After hearing Bhagavatam from professional reciters people continue with their mundane life. They do not develop any taste in chanting the names of Krishna and they do not develop any desire to dedicate their life to Krishna. 

On the other hand, we see that when people hear Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees then their heart automatically develops love for Krishna.  And they immediately give up all mundane attachment and get attached to the lotus feet of Krishna.

Two examples

For example, Parikshit Maharaj, relished Srimad Bhagavatam from Sukhadev Goswami continuously for 7 days and 7 nights.  He gave up all worldly attachments and remained absorbed in Krishna Consciousness.

Recently, we have seen that thousands of people dedicated their lives to Krishna after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from Srila Prabhupada.

Conclusion

So, we should always hear Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees of Krishna. In fact, the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam itself. First qualification is that he should be a devotee of Krishna. And second qualification is that he should have heard Srimad Bhagavatam from a devotee of Krishna. Both are equally important.

For example, the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya chose Suta Goswami to speak about Srimad Bhagavatam because Suta Goswami had directly heard Srimad Bhagavatam from Sukadeva Goswami and also, he was a pure devotee of Krishna.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.4.2

śaunaka uvāca

sūta sūta mahā-bhāga

vada no vadatāṁ vara

kathāṁ bhāgavatīṁ puṇyāṁ

yad āha bhagavāñ chukaḥ

Śaunaka said: O Sūta Gosvāmī, you are the most fortunate and respected of all those who can speak and recite. Please relate the pious message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which was spoken by the great and powerful sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī.

Do It and You will give your heart to Krishna

• Read Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam daily for at least 30 minutes.
• Hear Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam lectures.
• When possible, visit Iskcon temple and attend morning Srimad Bhagavatam Class.

Why Parikshit was fearless in front of death?

Srimad Bhagavatam tells the story of King Parikshit who was fearless in front of death. Parikshit was grandson of Arjuna. When he came to know that he is going to die in seven days then instead of becoming fearful or getting into depression he began thinking as how to face the inevitable death courageously.

Death is the final examination

We have heard innumerable stories of great men and women planning meticulously so that they can enjoy living like a king or queen. For them life is precious and for its safety and security they try to build invincible fortress so that life threatening formidable enemies – disease and death – could be warded off.   

But almost all the times without fail the enemy is too powerful to confront and all have to ultimately surrender in front of it.

When Srila Prabhupada had gone to the western countries to teach the message of Vedic literatures then one person challenged him, “Indians are poor people and so there the death rate is so high?” Srila Prabhupada promptly replied, “Death rate all over the world is hundred percent.” Anyone who is living has to die sooner or later.

So, when death knocks at the door then what should be done?

Should we become fearful and hide ourselves behind the curtains or should we look into its gazing eyes and say boldly, “Yes, I am ready to go with you!” Such fearlessness can be achieved only when we have thoroughly prepared ourselves for the ultimate reality of life. It is verily said – Life is a preparation; death is the final examination.

Prahlad was fearless in front of Hiranyakasipu who tried all means to kill him because Prahlad did not fear death.  In fact, Prahlad was not even praying the Lord to protect him, in fact he remembered the Lord always because it gave him great pleasure.  No one can harm us.  Others may just try to give pain to our bodies or try to destroy it which anyway will get destroyed by the powerful time.

Parikshit decides to welcome death

King Parikshit being a devotee of the Lord was well aware that death is inevitable here. So, he was unperturbed. Instead of finding ways to avoid it he decided to face it gloriously. Without wasting even a moment, he approached saintly personalities who could help him to face the challenge of death heroically.

King Parikshit had been cursed by a brahmana boy named Shringi to die in 7 days by the bite of a poisonous snake. Shringi was furious because the king had shown disrespect to his father.  It was indeed true that the king’s action was improper, but it was not so grievous that he should have been condemned to die.  

The scripture and the saintly people explain that the brahmana boy had misused his power and it was in fact the beginning of the falldown of brahmanas. Lord Krishna had departed from this material world and soon after Kaliyuga, the age of downfall, began. Śṛṅgi misusing his power proves that as Kaliyuga entered brahmanas started misusing their power to establish their authority leading to the decline of Vedic culture which was based on unbreakable religious principles.

Parikshit was a saintly king, and he too had the power to not just nullify the curse, but he could have counter cursed Śṛṅgi. But he contemplated on it and concluded that those who are born have to die. “May be as per the will of providence my time to leave this mortal world has come so why not to embrace it”, he thought.

And so, without delay he relinquished his kingdom, his relatives and immediately approached the sages for their guidance.

Duty of a dying man

In the assembly of sages was Sukhadeva Goswami, son of Ved Vyas, a highly realized soul.  Approaching him, the king said, “You are the spiritual master of great saints and devotees. I am therefore begging you to show the way of perfection for all persons, and especially for one who is about to die.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.37

Here we see that the king who was about to die did not beg the sage to give him any benediction or mantra so that his life can be saved. We generally find people approaching God or saintly people for countless material benedictions – wealth, health, success, safety and a long life.

But the king wanted to know the best way by which he can leave his mortal body. The king did not fear death because he was well aware that there is life after death. Death dissipates the body but does not destroy the soul because soul is eternal.

Sukhadeva Goswami was happy to hear the transcendental query. He replied, “O descendant of King Bharata, one who desires to be free from all miseries must hear about, glorify and also remember the Personality of Godhead, who is the Supersoul, the controller and the savior from all miseries. The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life. Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.5-6

If we remember the Supreme Lord at the time of death then we will also be fearless at the time of death.

You too can face death fearlessly like King Parikshit

Death is a certainty; none of us can avoid it. So instead of fearing it we should be prepared for it. How we lead our life determines our next destination.  And how to lead a virtuous life has been explained in the holy books.

These holy books have been given to us so that we can know about the righteous and unrighteous actions and also learn the art of dying. If we adhere to these guidelines then we can be happy in this life and can be sure of glorious destination when we bid farewell to this world.

King Parikshit was finally bitten by the poisonous snake and the saintly king’s body burned to ashes by the fire of the snake’s poison. Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.13

The king was fearless in front of death. He faced the death confidently because he was confident of reaching a glorious destination after leaving his mortal body and this mortal world.

King Prahlad advises us “The human body is most rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection.” Srimad Bhagavatam 7.6.1

King Parikshit teaches us how to be fearless at the time of death. The king knew that he would die in 7 days and so he planned his last few days in a way so that he remains absorbed in remembering the Lord but we do not know when we are going to die.

So, should we not be always prepared to face the ultimate truth of life and be fearless in front of it?

Questions to ponder?

1. Am I going to die?
2. Am I prepared for it?
3. What will happen to me after I die?

Overcoming obstacles in our spiritual journey|Lessons from Hanuman’s journey to Lanka

Today we sing paeans in glory of Hanuman for his extraordinary service to Lord Rama. It was Hanuman who crossed the gigantic ocean and searched Mother Sita and later burned the entire city of Lanka. But there was a time when Hanuman did not believe that he has the ability to perform such heroic deeds.

In search of Mother Sita, when the monkey warriors of Sugriva saw the vast ocean then they all felt disheartened. Sampati, the brother of Jatayu, informed them that Sita is in Ravana’s Lanka. And Lanka is 100 yojanas i.e. around 800 miles from the shore. Everyone wondered how they can reach there.

Angad, the prince, said that he can go Lanka but is doubtful of returning back. Other monkeys had no ability to cross the ocean. And while the discussion was going on Hanuman was silent. He too was agreeing with all that it is not possible for them to go to Lanka and find Sita. Everyone felt disheartened.

Dealing with self-doubt

At that time, Jambavan, the mighty bear king who was quite old at that time told Hanuman about his real strengths and capabilities. He motivated, guided and persuaded Hanuman to do this gigantic task. Jambavan’s words instilled confidence in Hanuman. He understood and realized his god gifted talent and decided to do this herculean task.

From this incident we understand that how we need a guru in our life. Many times, we may not know our own capabilities. Like Hanuman we may also doubt our abilities. But a guru knows that the Lord has bestowed upon each soul talents which can be positively used. 

We see that how Srila Prabhupada identified potentials in devotees and engaged them in the service of Krishna. These devotees helped Srila Prabhupada in spreading Krishna consciousness movement all over the world and did so many wonderful things for Krishna.  We may not be blessed enough to have the power of Hanuman but if we follow the guidelines of guru then we too can do great service for the Lord.

Beware of comfort zone

In our spiritual journey many times there are possibilities of getting distracted. Distractions are not just the sufferings which we encounter in our spiritual life, but it is the material pleasures which comes in our way.

Hanuman on his way to Lanka was greeted by a mountain, Maināka. With pleasing words Maināka requested Hanuman to rest for a while on his peaks. “You must be tired, and you have to travel a lot. So, just relax for a while and then resume your journey.”

Lord Rama and Mother Sita were separated, and Hanuman’s service was to unite them. So, how can Hanuman relax! He thanked Maināka for his kind words. He respectfully touched the mountain and without relaxing continued with his journey. 

Srila Prabhupada too never relaxed. When at 70 everyone prefers to lead a retired life, he was travelling all over the world preaching the message of Krishna. He was getting up in the middle of the night and writing books. And it is because of his books that today millions of people are practicing devotion to Krishna all over the world.

Like Hanuman and Srila Prabhupada, we should never become slack in our devotional life. We should not get into comfort zone. We are fortunate that we now know that the purpose of our life is to always serve Krishna. So, we should use every moment of our life in Krishna’s service.

Avoiding unnecessary distractions

With all his might Hanuman was flying towards Lanka.  He was completely focussed, and he wanted to reach the city of Ravana as soon as possible. But his journey was interrupted by Surasa, the mother of the Nāgas.

She assumed the form of a Rākṣasī and came in front of Hanuman.  “I have been blessed by Brahma that anyone who comes to my way will have to enter into my mouth. You cannot escape me. Now, I am going to eat you.”

Hanuman said, “Sure, I will fulfil your desire. But now I am on a mission to serve Lord Rama. First let me find Mother Sita.  And after that I will return back and then you can eat me.”

Surasa exclaimed, “No. I will devour you now.”

She opened her mouth and increased its size to eight miles. Hanuman then increased his size to sixteen miles. Surasa expanded her mouth to 20 miles, Hanuman too expanded himself. She again grew in size but now Hanuman reduced himself to the size of a thumb. He then quickly entered her mouth and came out. 

Hanuman said, “By entering your mouth I have respected the benediction of Brahmaji and have also fulfilled your desire. So, now let me continue with my journey.”  Surasa was pleased with the intelligence of Hanuman. She blessed him saying that you will be successful in your mission.

Hanuman teaches an important lesson to us that we should not get into any unnecessary confrontations with others in our devotion journey. We should not get into ego clashes because that will impede our journey. Instead, we should be humble and get out of any unpleasant situation so that we can focus on pleasing the Lord with our service.

Kill envy to advance spiritually

Hanuman continued with his journey. He was moving with the speed of Garuda. Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Vidhyadharas and other celestial beings were watching Hanuman’s prowess and were praising him. But suddenly Hanuman felt that someone is trying to pull him down.  As he looked down, he saw a Rākṣasa woman called Simhika. She was trying to seize Hanuman’s shadow.  

While doing so, she opened her terrific mouth to swallow Hanuman. And hanuman fearlessly entered her mouth. The demigods in the sky were in shock. Simhika was delighted. But her happiness was short lived because Hanuman whose body is as hard as diamond quickly ripped apart her body and burst out of it.

The fearsome Simhika fell dead in the sea. And the fearless Hanuman continued with his journey and finally reached Lanka.

Simhika represents envy. Just like Simhika tried to arrest the progress of Hanuman, similarly, envy arrest our progress. Just like Hanuman destroyed Simhika, similarly, we should completely destroy envy.

Conclusion

Hanuman reached Lanka, found Mother Sita, burnt Lanka and later assisted Lord Rama in his war with Ravana. In Ramayana, we see that Hanuman never got distracted and always served Lord Rama. Similarly, we should never allow any material distractions or attractions to come between us and the Supreme Lord.

And with enthusiasm (utsāhāt), confidence (niścayāt) and patience (dhairyāt), we should always serve the Lord. Nectar of Instruction 3

Meditating upon three important contributions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura on his 150th appearance day

On the auspicious occasion of 150^th appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, let us meditate upon his contributions in spreading the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world.

He destroyed goswami by birth logic

After the disappearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and prominent vaishnava acharyas, many apa-smpradays sprung up. They claimed to follow the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu but in reality, they were deviants.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura identified 13 apa-smpradays. One of them was jata goswami. jata goswamis laid claim to the title of goswami just because they were born in the family of goswamis. According to them those born in the family of goswami can be goswami and no one else.  

Just like caste by birth was propagated by some so called brahmanas who had no brahminical qualities, similarly certain descendants of vaishnava acharyas started claiming the position of goswami just because they took birth in the family of a goswami. 

But this is not supported by scriptures.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not approve caste by birth logic

For example, when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started propagating Krishna Consciousness then he appointed many devotees as leaders who did not fit in the caste hierarchy.

For example, Sri Rupa Goswami and Sri Sanatana Goswami had adopted Muslim names and had started working under Muslim ruler to save the Hindu community. They had even been given Muslim names.  

Although externally they were working under a Muslim king but internally they were always absorbed in chanting the names of Lord and were always desirous to associate with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made them leaders of all the vaishnavas. Similarly, Haridas Thakura who was born in a Muslim family was designated as namacharya, the acharya of holy name by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Follows the footsteps of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Following the footsteps of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura similarly disapproved goswami by birth logic and spoke strongly against it.

He preached that by sincerely following the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the vaishnava acharyas one can become perfect and can become goswami. He further said that those born in the family of goswamis should first qualify themselves and then they can be given the title of a goswami.

Just like by taking birth in the family of a doctor one does not become a doctor. Similarly, by taking birth in the family of a goswami one does not automatically becomes a goswami. These irked many who were enjoying the privilege of goswami title. They vehemently opposed him and some even conspired to kill him.

But Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura did not give up. And because of his relentless effort we see that the goswami by birth monopoly is completely smashed. Today many devotees who have been sincerely practicing devotion to Krishna since several years are awarded the title of Goswami or Swami.

Today, we also see devotees irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nationality are happily practicing Krishna Consciousness. The credit goes to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura.

Srila Prabhupada speaks how Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura defeated cast gosvāmī

Srila Prabhupada talks about this contribution of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He says,

“So my Guru Mahārāja’s contribution is that he defeated these caste gosvāmī. He defeated this brahmanism. He created that the same way as Caitanya Mahāprabhu did, that, as Caitanya Mahāprabhu said,

kibā śūdra kibā vipra nyāsi kene naya

yei kṛṣṇa tattva vetta sei guru haya

[Cc. Madhya 8.128]

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, Madhya 8.128

[“Whether one is a brāhmaṇa, a sannyāsī or a śūdra—regardless of what he is—he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa.”]

There is no consideration whether a man is a sannyāsī, a brāhmaṇa or a śūdra or a this or a gṛhastha, householder, or… No. Anyone who knows the science of Kṛṣṇa, he is all right. He is gosvāmī. He is brāhmaṇa.” That is the contribution, say, within hundred years. That is the contribution. And for this reason he had to face so many vehement protests from this brāhmaṇa-class gosvāmīns.”

His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda’s Appearance Day Lecture (prabhupadavani.org)

2. Established Gaudiya Maths to preach the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

In his lifetime, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura established 64 Gaudiya Maths and these Maths became centres for spreading Krishna Conscious philosophy. He was also pioneer in starting preaching in the western world. For that, he sent devotees to preach in the west. He inspired Srila Prabhupada to start preaching in the western world.

When Srila Prabhupada met him for the first time then Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura advised Srila Prabhupada to use his English speaking skill in preaching to the western people.

In one of the lectures Srila Prabhupada speaks about his first interaction with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura,

“And, I think, in 1922, when I was young man, one of my friends, he took me to Guru Mahārāja. That was my first meeting. And, of course, he was speaking to everyone, but he found me as something. So immediately after my meeting, he said this, that “Why don’t you preach this Caitanya’s cult in the Western countries?” That is a memorable day.” His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda’s Appearance Day Lecture (prabhupadavani.org)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura sowed the seed of preaching in the western world and Srila Prabhupada took it forward and preached to thousands of people all over the world.

3. Publishing literatures

He gave great emphasis on writing books and publishing devotional literatures. And so, he established printing press and called it bṛhad-mṛdaṅga.

He would say that the sound of mṛdaṅga can reach a certain distance, but Krishna Conscious literatures can reach to every nook and corner of the world and can transform the hearts of people.

He instructed Srila Prabhupada to print books and distribute it widely which Srila Prabhupada did.

We should be grateful to this great acharya

Let us meditate upon these contributions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and thank him from the core of our heart for playing such an important role in disseminating the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Anyone in any corner of the world, today practicing Krishna Consciousess should be grateful to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Let us pray at this lotus feet and beg for his mercy.