Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Why vani is more important than vapu in Krishna Consciousness?

Vapu and Vani (vāṇī) are two types of spiritual association. Vapu means form and Vani means words. When we are associating with Lord or devotees physically it is called vapu association. And when we are associating with the teachings of Lord or devotees then it is called vāṇī association.  Association is extremely important for our spiritual nourishment.

For success in spiritual life

The importance of association is repeated many by Srila Prabhupada. He even avers that success in spiritual life depends mostly on the type of association we keep. Association creates a strong and many a times lasting impression in our life.

It being contagious, we unknowingly inherit the qualities of the people we associate with.  And this is why all spiritual seekers are advised to be in the company of those devotees who are very sincere in their devotional pursuit.

Association assures us that we aren’t alone in the spiritual journey; the fellow travellers’ warmth and comfort make us always feel protected. The material truncheon of the Lord continuously reminds us that in this world it is not easy to be materially happy but simultaneously the ephemeral allurements of this world inveigle us to look for sensual pleasures. 

But if we continue to be led and guided by senior practitioners and associate with like-minded seekers who care for us and where we feel wanted then the goal of achieving love of God, which may look daunting in the beginning, can ultimately be realized.

Devotees association always positively influences us. Grit of the sincere seekers motivates us to become more resolute in our purpose. Senior devotees’ life and teachings inspires us and when we come across those practitioners who braved multitude of monumental difficulties in their pursuit for self-realization then we too get enthused to continue with our devotional life tolerating all the challenges fixing ourselves firmly on the final goal which is attaining Krishna.

Meaning of Vapu & Vāṇī

While emphasising on association, scriptures and seers do not merely talk of physical association but they also expect that our mind too whole heartedly contribute.  Or else, it may happen that we may be in the temple, standing in front of Krishna with several other devotees amidst the mellifluous kirtan of the holy names but still we may be contemplating on non- devotional subject matters. Such association will not help us much. 

We should always entice or cajole or force our mind to accompany us whenever we are in devotees’ company. And when our mind starts enjoying the spiritual ambience then we can reap the maximum benefit of association.

Every spiritual seeker desire to exorcise insatiable worldly desires and so they desire the company of God’s chosen messengers whose grace can help them to purify their life.

Scripture lauds the craving for great souls association and goes on to say that one can look for two types of association – “vapu” and “vāṇī”. “Vapu” means associating physically and “vāṇī” means associating with the words.  Although “vapu” and “vāṇī” both are important but “vāṇī” i.e. associating with the teachings of revered saintly people is eulogized.

In fact, learned men asseverate that if we associate with the wisdom words of worthy sages and live by it then we can make remarkable progress in our spiritual life.  However, if we merely want to stay closer to the holy men without imbibing their devotional virtues and without actualizing their sagely advice in our own life then such closeness won’t help us much.

Prabhupada about physical or vapu association

Srila Prabhupada cautions those who just hanker for physical bonding, “Those who think that association with the spiritual master is physical, they are no better than a mosquito sitting on the lap of a king. And what is the business of a mosquito? Simply to suck blood.”

If we turn the pages of history then we will find that many of the spiritual stalwarts hardly had much opportunity to physically associate with their gurus and well – wishers. Our Srila Prabhupada met his guru, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, at the most 5 or 6 times. And the great sage Narada Muni associated with great Vedantists only for four months.

But the life transforming instructions which they received got ingrained in their heart which continued to guide them throughout their life. They never felt bereft of the love of their spiritual guide.  Underlining the importance of “vāṇī” Srila Prabhupada said that he will be always present with us in his books.

Some of the disciples of Srila Prabhupada personally met him only for few times but they are playing significant role in serving the mission of Srila Prabhupada.

One of the examples is of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj. He met Prabhupada few times. We do not see pictures of Maharaj with Prabhupada. Also, there is no video or audio recording where he is conversing with Prabhupada. But he has always been at forefront in carrying the message of Prabhupada all over the world.  

Although Maharaj did not get vapu association of Prabhupada, but he is always with Prabhupada because he associates with his vāṇī constantly.

Endeavour to associate with vāṇī

Both types of spiritual association are desirable but vāṇī is more important than vapu.

For example, currently we are not associating with Lord Krishna physically, but we are associating with him through Bhagavad Gita which is his teaching. And by associating with Bhagavad Gita and studying it scrutinizingly millions of people have transformed their lives. 

In fact, we can always associate with the Supreme Lord Krishna, with Srila Prabhupada and with all the saintly people if we constantly contemplate on their teachings i.e. vāṇī and dovetail all our activities accordingly. 

Krishna not just spoke Gita to Arjuna but through Arjuna he spoke to all of us. Arjuna after hearing Gita, said to Krishna, “am prepared to act according to Your instructions”, Bhagavad Gita 18.73. We can also say the same to Krishna and like Arjuna become Krishna’s close friend.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “There are two words, vāṇī and vapuḥ. Vānī means words, and vapuḥ means this physical body. So vāṇī is more important than the vapuḥ. Vapuḥ will be finished. This is material body. It will be finished. That is the nature. But if we keep to the vāṇī, to the words of spiritual master, then we remain very fixed up.“

We can safely give up the notion that association is just physical. And can start associating with Krishna and Krishna’s close associates by meditating on their sublime messages.

Because of no devotee association Bharata Mahārāja becomes a deer

If we want to understand the importance of devotee association, we should study the life of Bharata Mahārāja.  He was a great devotee of Lord and in the same life he would have returned back to the spiritual world but because of no devotee association, he deviated. And instead of returning to the spiritual world, he became a deer.

Bharata Mahārāja retired early in life and went to Gandaki River to perform penance. Gandaki is famous for Saligram silas. Gandaki is quite high up in Himalayas. Gopal Bhat Goswami had also gone there. Saligrama sila jumped out of the water begging him to take with him. Gopal Bhatt Goswami took one Saligrama sila which became Radha Raman deity.

Bharata Mahārāja went to stay there. He was completely detached. He gave up kingdom, family, opulence and went alone to the mountain. His purpose was to practice devotion in that quite place away from any distraction.

But it did not happen, he developed some attachment for which he had to pay a heavy price. 

Bharata Mahārāja‘s attachment

Once when he was near a river, he heard a roar of a lion. One pregnant deer was also there. Hearing the roar, she became very frightened. She jumped to cross the river to save herself. In doing so, she gave birth to a baby deer but unfortunately, she died.

Bharata Mahārāja was witnessing all this. Being a devotee, he was naturally compassionate. That is the nature of a devotee. There is an example of a devotee saving a scorpion. Although the scorpion was biting him again and again but he was trying to save the scorpion.

When someone asked why he is doing so, the devotee said that the scorpion is not giving up his nature, so why should I give up my nature.

So, when Bharata Mahārāja saw the young deer, he began taking care of her out of compassion. But the problem was that he became so absorbed in taking care of the deer that it affected his spiritual practice.

He had gone there so that he is free from all entanglement and concentrate on his spiritual life.  But his sadhana got completely affected because of the young deer.

Bharata Mahārāja becomes a deer

He thought that this little animal is depending on me. And indeed the deer was dependent on him, at least initially. Every day Bharat Maharaj was finding grass, herbs, fruits and was feeding the deer.

When he was doing sadhana, his mind was not on God but on deer. What is he doing? Where is he going? In due course of time, it happened that Bharata Mahārāja had an accident. He fell down and died. But at the time of death, he was thinking of deer.

So, next life he had to take birth as a deer. Krishna says that at the end of life whatever you think you get your body accordingly. “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kuntī, that state he will attain without fail.” Bhagavad Gita 8.6

Deer becomes Jaḍa Bharata in next life

As he was very advanced, he had remembrance of his previous life. He remembered that how he was the king, how he had renounced everything but got attached to a deer. So, now he was very careful.

He would stay in the association of sadhus. He would take their remnants. It took some time for him to give up that animal body. By the grace of Lord, he gave up the body of deer and he was born as Jaḍa Bharata, son of a Brahmana.

But he was very careful to not entangle in family affection. So, whatever his father would say he would do opposite. His father would say that wash yourself after going to toilet. But he did the opposite.  He washed himself before going to toilet and not after coming from toilet. So, father and family members thought that he is useless.  

Jaḍa Bharata was happy to see that his family members are thinking him useless. In this way, he thought, “I will not get again attached and entangled.” He was very careful this time.

Are we also attached to something?

In our case, we know how our family members get attached to us when we are successful. They start having great hope from us that we will become materially successful.

It is important to learn an important lesson from the life of Bharat Maharaj. Although there are no deer around us but there are other things to bind us. And these are mobile, computer, car, house, even pets like dogs and cats.

In many houses, these days people have more pets than children. We get trapped because of gadgets and devices.

Srila Prabhupada would talk how people are attached to their cars. Someone is driving car and thinking I am the car. The man would be proud having a car.  If someone hits the car the man would say that you have not hit the car, but you hit me. We start identifying ourselves with the car. We get so attached that it becomes centre of our existence.

These days we get so attached to our mobiles. Sometimes when we chant, bead bag is on one hand and mobile in another hand. If we want to chant japa then we should turn off our mobile or put it aside at least till the time we are chanting.

Sometimes, we buy some gadget and think that we will use it in Krishna’s service but gradually we start getting attached to it and instead of using it for the service of Krishna, we begin using it for sense gratification.  We get diverted.

So, when we are using something for Krishna’s service then we should be very careful. It’s a very fine line.

Check your attachment

We should regularly check that how much time we spent chanting japa or reading Srila Prabhupada’s books. We should ask ourselves, where did the time go? Prabhupada would quote Chanakya and say , you can buy gold but not time.

Time moves like an arrow. It moves very fast. In Kaliyuga we have short life. Bharat Maharaj had long life. Srila Vyasadeva writes in Srimad Bhagavatam that people in Kaliyuga have very short life.

Lesson about devotee association from Bharata Mahārāja‘s life

The moot question is why Bharat Maharaj got attached to a deer? One of the most important reasons was that he had no devotee association. He was all alone. Just like in boat if there is no anchor, the boat drifts.

Similarly, we drift in the ocean of material existence if we are not in the association of devotees. We forget the real purpose of life.

Bharata Mahārāja forgot that he had renounced everything to focus on his spiritual life. But instead of thinking about God, he began thinking about deer. This is what happens when one is alone.

Bharata Mahārāja started with a noble idea.  He wanted to protect baby deer and there is nothing wrong in this. But later he got so attached to it that he forgot his spiritual life completely.

For example, you do not have a mobile phone and someone gives you one. You may think that its Krishna’s arrangement. Intention is good but slowly we may drift. We know when we have mobile phone, we can do anything with it. So, we have to be very much careful.

One devotee used to be a boxer before. He explains that one important thing in the ring is that hands should be always up, to guard yourself, else you will be hit and knocked down.

Wherever we go maya is everywhere. In school, at home, in office. So, how to protect ourselves? We have to always remember Krishna and be in the association of devotees.

When Bharat Maharaj was doing wrong, no one was pointing to him that he is doing wrong.

What to do to avoid distraction?

Sometimes a devotee keeps a little cat or dog at home. They think its not a big problem. But we get distracted. We want to fix our mind on Krishna. For that we need to have devotee association.

If we are not associating with devotees, then we should associate with holy book or read Srimad Bhagavatam.

Srila Prabhupada says if you read Srimad Bhagavatam daily, you will see Krishna in the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam.

But still many of us do not read Srila Prabhupada’s books. We have to read it again and again. Srila Prabhupada says that it is also important to read with the devotees and discuss on the topics we have read.  

So, it is important to be part of spiritual programs like Bhakti Vriksha. It helps us to share our understanding with others and also learn from others. It keeps us strong in Krishna Consciousness.  Just trying to be loner is not Krishna Conscious process. We depend on devotee association.

Srila Prabhupada would say that 98% progress in Krishna Consciousness depends on association. If we are not getting devotee association then we should associate with books and holy names.

One devotee asked Prabhupada that what is better for him – to read the book on his own or to hear it from a devotee. Prabhupada said better to hear from a devotee because he will help you to hear by your ear and help you to absorb. Prabhupada gave his association to the devotees when he was present in this world.

One can be a grihasta brahmachari

Gurukripa Prabhu was once waked up because Prabhupada called him in the middle of the night. Prabhupada asked him what he was doing?  He said that I am sleeping. Prabhupada said, “Why? In the middle of night, I am not sleeping although I am old but working on Krishna Conscious books.”

To another devotee Prabhupada said that how can you sleep if you have not chanted your rounds. It may sound very austere. People think austerity is in only working in the job. People work hard to make money. Austerity is giving up material enjoyment for service of Krishna.

One can be a grihasta brahmachari. One should not forget Krishna whatever happens. For that it is important to have strong sadhana. There are many great souls in family life. Many mahajans are in grihasta life.  Prahlāda Mahārāja, Janak Mahārāja, Bali Mahārāja are grihastas. Maharaj does not mean to be a celibate. One can be in family life and can be great devotees.

Prabhupada said that there are devotees working in factories, offices and they are contributing hard earned wealth in Krishna Conscious movement. These persons are in renounced order of life. Our mission in life is Krishna Consciousness.  And for that it is very important to have right association.

Some devotees take house far away from temple and say we cannot come because it’s a far away. These are some problems.

Don’t let maya creep in. Maya is very dangerous. We have to be cautious.

Tamal Krishna Goswami would say that first be conscious then become Krishna Conscious. We have to understand that we are not the body and senses.  We have to be very careful and not do anything that will distract us.

Conclusion

When Bharat Maharaj became Jaḍa Bharata, he behaved like a stupid person. He got recruited to carry palanquin for Maharaja Rahugana. But while carrying he was careful not to harm ants.

Maharaja Rahugana became very upset and started chastising him with harsh words. Jaḍa Bharata remained undisturbed and began speaking great philosophy.

He said, “My dear King, you have unnecessarily accused me of being dead though alive. In this regard, I can only say that this is the case everywhere because everything material has its beginning and end. As far as your thinking that you are the king and master and are thus trying to order me, this is also incorrect because these positions are temporary. Today you are a king and I am your servant, but tomorrow the position may be changed, and you may be my servant and I your master. These are temporary circumstances created by providence.”  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.10.11

King fell on his feet seeking forgiveness for his behaviour. Jada Bharath instructed the king in the science of self-realization.

Finally, Maharaj Rahugana said, “It is not at all wonderful that simply by being covered by the dust of your lotus feet, one immediately attains the platform of pure devotional service to Adhokṣaja, which is not available even to great demigods like Brahmā. By associating with you just for a moment, I am now freed from all argument, false prestige and lack of discrimination, which are the roots of entanglement in the material world. Now I am free from all these problems.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.13.22

Jada Bharat knew the importance of devotee association.  Because of no devotee association, his going back to the spiritual world got delayed.

Even a short time association with devotees can give us complete perfection. This is the lesson we get from Bharata Mahārāja’s pastime.

(Note: This article is based on a Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class given by H.H Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami Maharaja at Iskcon New Town, Kolkata, India.)

Meditating on the pastimes of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj on his 72nd Vyas Puja

Hare Krishna, I am sharing some of the pastimes of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj on his auspicious 72nd Vyas Puja. Let us meditate on these beautiful pastimes of Radhanath Swami Maharaj and try to assimilate his life’s instructions in our spiritual journey.

HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj meeting Srila Prabhupada at Cross Maidan

HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj left home in search of God when he was very young and came to India. He met Srila Prabhupada first time in Cross maidan in Mumbai on March 25^th, 1971. At cross maidan there were thousands of people who had come for Hare Krishna festival.

Srila Prabhupada was sitting on vyas asan on the stage and Maharaj was sitting amongst the audience. At that time Maharaj had long hair. He was sitting far behind. He was trying to have a glimpse of Prabhupada, but he was not able to see him properly. 

At that time HG Gurudas Prabhu, a senior disciple of Prabhupada, came to Maharaj and said that Prabhupada is calling you on the stage. Maharaj was surprised. He was thinking, “Why Prabhupada is calling me on the stage? Why did he single him out?”

Anyway, he went on the stage and got an opportunity to see Prabhupada closely. Prabhupada did beautiful kirtan and addressed thousands of assembled people. After the program when Prabhupada was leaving, Maharaj tried to touch the lotus feet of Prabhupada.

As he was trying to do, a senior disciple of Prabhupada said in a commanding tone, “No one touches Prabhupada’s feet.” But Prabhupada said, “No, he can touch.” So, Maharaj touched the lotus feet of Prabhupada and got his blessings.

From this pastime, we can understand very clearly that the relationship which a disciple has with his spiritual master is eternal.  Just like a father recognizes his son amongst thousands of people, similarly, Prabhupada recognized his spiritual son amongst thousands of people.

After meeting Prabhupada for the first time only, Maharaj felt that he is my guru, my spiritual master.

Making sandesh for Srila Prabhupada

When HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj was serving in New Vrindavan temple then he had a service of preparing sandesh, a Bengali sweet, for Srila Prabhupada. And when Srila Prabhupada would come to New Vrindavan then Maharaj would give him sandesh at the airport.

Once one another devotee also thought that let me prepare sandesh for Prabhupada. He prepared it and offered it to Prabhupada and asked him if he liked it. Prabhupada said, “Yes its good but what Radhanath Maharaj prepares is tastier.” 

Earlier Maharaj prepared sandesh, Bengali sweet, for Prabhupada and now he is carries sandesh, transcendental message, of Prabhupada all over the world.

Maharaj practices vairagya

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has come to teach bhakti and along with bhakti he also teaches us to practice vairagya and have jnana (spiritual knowledge). Maharaj has sadhu life. He lives frugally. Maharaj has very simple lifestyle. He does not have any bank balance.

While addressing HSBC bankers in 2013, Maharaj said, “I am addressing the top bankers of the world, but I do not have bank account since 1969.”   

HH Gaur Govinda Maharaj on HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj

Once HH Gaur Govinda Swami Maharaj in a lecture (lecture name:  Story of New Vrindavan) was saying, “One should cry for Krishna. Unless you cry for Krishna, you cannot get Krishna. Dhruva Maharaj cried for Krishna. Bilvamangal Thakura cried for Krishna.”

Then he saw HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj who was also sitting there and said that Radhanath Maharaj knows how to cry for Krishna. He said, “He has seen that while chanting Maharaj cries for Krishna. And by his tears of love, Maharaj has purchased Krishna.“

Once HG Krishnananda Prabhu was saying that when Maharaj is in Iskcon Chowpatty, he gets an opportunity to sit beside Maharaj and chant.  While chanting Maharaj is completely absorbed and tears comes from his eyes, but he does not show it to others.

Becoming mad for Krishna

In one yatra in Udupi there were HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj, HH Jayadvaita Swami Maharaj, HG Jananivāsa Prabhu and HG Pankajanghri Prabhu.  

While giving lecture, HH Jayadvaita Swami Maharaj said, “Srila Prabhupada said that we have so many rules in the organization and that is required to run a global organization. But we should not forget that the life’s purpose is to become mad for Krishna.”

Then HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj picked up the mic and said to HH Jayadvaita Swami Maharaj, “You are a bona fide mad man.” Then HH Jayadvaita Swami Maharaj took the mic from HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj and said, “Only one mad man can recognize another mad man.”

Best gift to Maharaj on his vyas puja day

Once one devotee from Kolhapur wrote to Maharaj, “On your vyas puja day I want to give you a gift. So, what can I give you?”  Maharaj said that the best gift you can give is to chant the holy name with three qualities – faith, attention and humility.

Maharaj says that each bead represents the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and while chanting we should think that we are holding the lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and chanting.

Maharaj’s best sweet

Once one devotee in Prerna lecture asked to Maharaj that what is your favourite sweet. Maharaj said, “My favourite sweet is Hare Krishna Mahamantra.” In someone’s birthday we gift them sweets. So, on Maharaj’s birthdate, we can chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, this will be the best birthday gift to Maharaj. Maharaj always emphasizes that we should chant sincerely and always have a mood of

tṛṇād api sunīcena

taror api sahiṣṇunā

amāninā mānadena

kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

(Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Adi 17.31)

When a devotee went to Maharaj with complaints

Once one devotee came to Maharaj with lots of complaint. Maharaj heard it for a long time. The devotee thought that since Maharaj is patiently hearing me, he will give some practical solution to resolve the problem.

But after hearing the complaints Maharaj told the devotee, “Just chant. It will give you peace and solution.”

HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj’s deity

Someone asked Maharaj, “What is your deity?” Then Maharaj took his beads from his bead bag and said, “This is my deity. And I worship my deity, by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.”

Be always conscious of Krishna

Maharaj does not like if someone is practicing bhakti externally or unconsciously.  He says that we should be conscious in every aspect of our Krishna Consciousness be it chanting, reading, hearing or doing any service for Krishna.

Practices the principle of tolerance

Several years back, I saw one video of Maharaj. In that video one person was accusing Maharaj of something. He was very loud, very aggressive. But Maharaj kept his cool. And in his typical humble way, he was just saying, “I have not done anything. Why are you blaming me.”

Want to be right or Krishna Conscious?

Once when there were differences between two devotees and they wanted solution from Maharaj then Maharaj said, “Do you want to be right or do you want to be Krishna Conscious.”

Maharaj stole hearts of thousands of people

Once Maharaj was in Nandagaon with the devotees and he was explaining many pastimes of Krishna. He also spoke how Krishna would steal butter from the house of the gopis to give them topmost pleasure.

At that time one senior brajvasis said, “Krishna stole butter from the house of the gopis but Maharaj has stolen the hearts of thousands of people and have offered them at the lotus feet of Krishna.”

Conclusion

These are the few pastimes of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj which is touching to the heart and teaches us many important lessons. On this auspicious occasion of 72^nd Vyas Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj, I pray Maharaj to shower his mercy upon my so that I develop taste in chanting the holy names of Krishna and develop a desire to always follow his instructions as it is.

(Note: The pastimes of HH Radhanath Swami Guru Maharaj is based on the lectures and offerings given by senior disciples of Maharaj such as HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami Maharaj, HG Krishnananda Prabhu, HG Gauranga Prabhu, HG Radheshyam Prabhu and other devotees)

72nd Vyasa Puja Offering to HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj

This year, 2022, devotees and disciples of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj is celebrating his 72^nd Vyasa Puja. Each one of us feel blessed to have the mercy and association of Maharaj in our life. Whenever I face any challenges in my life, I try to hear Maharaj’s lectures or try to read his books like Journey home.

His teachings are full of transcendental wisdom which helps to find best Krishna Conscious solution in a given situation and circumstances.  Below is my offering to HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, my spiritual master, on his 72^nd Vyasa Puja.

Maharaj’s emphasis on rediscovering inner happiness

While addressing the employees and their families at HSBC headquarters in London in 2013, His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj said, “While I am speaking to the top bankers of the world, but I never had a bank account since 1969.“

We all know that Maharaj left the comforts of his home in USA and came to India when he was just a teenager in search for that wealth which is sublime, eternal and bestows uncontaminated bliss. 

He was looking for a genuine spiritual teacher who could show him the right path.  And when Maharaj met Srila Prabhupada, he knew that he has found a realized soul who knows the secret of true happiness.

He decided to take shelter of the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada had left Vrindavan to distribute the wealth of Krishna Consciousness all over the world.

Following the footsteps of his spiritual master, Maharaj decided to dedicate his life in helping people discover inner wealth which gives pure bliss. And that inner wealth can be accessed only when we connect to the lotus feet of Krishna.

Maharaj again and again emphasizes in his lectures that we should search for happiness within ourselves and not in the outside world. Maharaj says, “Unless one is happy within one’s own heart, one cannot be happy no matter what one acquires.”

The real treasure is within us. Unfortunately, we have forgotten it. But once we get it then we will never be unhappy in our life.

Heart can never be satisfied by any external means

But sadly, even after coming to Krishna Consciousness and practicing for many years, we are not able to find that inner happiness. And this is the reason that sometimes we see unfortunate incidents of devotees having difficulties in getting along with each other. It can be within the devotee community, or it can be within a family too.

Since we feel unfulfilled within, so, we try to satisfy ourselves with external means. Sometimes we think by amassing wealth and accumulating material facilities we can be happy. Or we may start delighting in having power and positions. We start looking for name and fame. But these are not going to give us much pleasure.

In fact, these may become the cause of misery eventually. Heart can never be satisfied by any external means. If we are happy within, we will always remain satisfied and we will be able to spread happiness everywhere. 

When Maharaj saw a boy full of joy

Maharaj in his The Journey Home book tells the story of a 16-year-old boy whom he met in Kandahar, Afghanistan.  The boy was extremely poor, emaciated, was wearing rags and had swollen eyes. He had a little musical instrument with him which was also not in good shape. 

But with that instrument, as he began singing spiritual songs, his face lit up and in spite of his deplorable material circumstances, he was joyful. He appeared to be the happiest person Maharaj had ever seen in his life at that time.  

Maharaj writes, “He was smiling and crying in joy as he sung, and it was a culture shock for me. I was born and raised in northern Illinois and I was taught that having good health, having beauty, having money, having property, having education, this is what defined a happy life. This boy had absolutely none of it, He was impoverished, he was diseased, he was blind but I could tell you, he was the happiest person I had ever seen up to then in my life and I had to question, what really is happiness?”

How to always have positive experiences

Maharaj expects that each and everyone of us should discover that inner joy. And that can be possible when we change our consciousness from material to spiritual. Spiritual life does not mean just doing some spiritual activity. It depends upon our consciousness. 

Krishna Consciousness should change the way we see the world. We should see the world from the eyes of the scriptures given by Krishna. We should utilize every opportunity to get closer to Krishna.

Here in this world, we have good and bad experiences both. But how we deal with good or bad situations determines our destiny. Once devotees had gone with Maharaj to his hometown in USA. Maharaj was narrating various incidents of his childhood days. One of the devotees said, “Maharaj you have many positive experiences in your life.”

Maharaj immediately replied, “Those are positive because I process them to be positive.”  Situations and circumstances do not automatically become positive or negative. Maharaj teaches us that how we deal with that situation makes it positive or negative. 

Maharaj being a spiritual leader have faced many oppositions and challenges. We hear that during initial days in New Vrindavan Maharaj had to go through difficult circumstances. But even in those situations Maharaj found positivity and explored ways to serve Krishna in a better way.

Lesson to learn when we are insulted

Maharaj goes on to say that we can even draw positive experience even if someone insults us.

He explains that “When someone insults us, blames us, use harsh words against us, criticizes us then we feel great pain within our heart.  So, we should think that if we use the same words and behave in same way with others then the other person will also feel the same pain. Therefore , the lesson we should learn is that we should never insult others.”  

Maharaj says that there are principles and there are higher principles. And one of the highest principles is to never hurt any devotee’s feelings. Because this will displease Krishna and if Krishna is displeased then how we will be happy.

Maharaj does not want to see any one of us morose

HG Radheshyam Prabhu in his offering to Maharaj was saying that “Maharaj does not want to see any devotee morose.” Maharaj says that since we have been practicing Krishna Consciousness, so we should always be happy because we have got the treasure of Krishna Consciousness which is pure, and which never depletes.  

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s quote on happiness

• Everyone seeks happiness. True happiness is a product of inner fulfilment.
• You cannot give happiness to another person, unless you are happy yourself.

On this auspicious occasion of his 72^nd Vyasa Puja, I thank HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, my spiritual master, from the core of my heart for revealing to me the wealth of Krishna Consciousness.  I pray at his lotus feet to give me intelligence and determination to always follow his instructions and serve Krishna as per his wishes which will make my human life successful.

Maharaj’s insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata, India

Can we become God as per Vedas?

Let us see what the oldest scriptures of the world, the Vedas, say about our chances of becoming God.

Many spiritual teachers and Vedic scholars say that there is a possibility of you and I becoming God. Now we conditioned souls do have a desire to become God. But merely having a desire is not sufficient.

We also have to see the possibility of it getting fulfilled. So, let us see our chances of becoming God and most importantly let us see what the Vedas say about it.

Did anyone succeed in becoming God in past?

If we turn the pages of history, we find that no mortals have ever succeeded in becoming God. And the devotees of God never ever desired or tried to become God. They always remained happy serving God.

For example, Hanuman, a great devotee of Lord Rama loves to call himself a servant of Lord Rama. He never desired to become Lord Rama.

Similarly, in Vrindavan, Gopis never tried to become Krishna. They just loved serving Krishna. Seeing the love and dedication of the Gopis for Krishna, Uddhava, another great devotee of Krishna wanted to become a grass in Vrindavan so that he gets an opportunity to touch the lotus feet of gopis.

Vedic scriptures clearly delineate who is God and says that all the living beings should try their best to become a sincere and pure devotee of God.  Vedas do not say that we can become God. Vedas do not give any example of living entities becoming God.

Fate of those who tried to become God

In fact, the thought that we can become God itself is very dangerous. Those who had this desire had to suffer terribly. Ravana and Hiranyakasipu thought that they can become God by defeating God but ultimately got defeated.

Great conquerors want to get feeling of God by conquering vast tracts of land on earth. But all these great conquerors be it Alexander or Napoleon or any other ultimately was conquered by death.

God’s special qualities

God is eternally God and you and me are eternally His parts and parcels, his servitors. Scriptures do say that if we practice devotion to God and become pure then qualitatively, we become like God but still quantitatively there is an ocean of difference.

Just like a drop of the ocean has same chemical composition as that of the ocean but there is vast difference between the ocean and the drop of the ocean. We are like the drop of the ocean and God is like the ocean.

Parāśara Muni’s definition of God

Scriptures also explain about the special qualities of God which no one can possess. Parāśara Muni, a great sage and father of Vyasadeva, gives the definition of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

aiśvaryasya samagrasya

vīryasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ

jñāna-vairāgyayoś caiva

ṣaṇṇāṁ bhagam itīṅganā

(Viṣṇu Purāṇa 6.5.47)

He says that “Bhagavān means who possesses these six opulences in full: all riches, all strength, all influence, all wisdom, all beauty, all renunciation.” Other than Lord Sri Krishna and his plenary expansions, no one possesses any of these six opulences in full. So, Krishna is accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Yes, you and I can also have these opulences but in minute quantities. For example, God is rich because he is the proprietor of entire creation. We may also be rich but not rich like God. Even the richest person of this world, for example Bill Gates, do not own all the wealth of the world.

Krishna’s beauty is eternal, and it attracts all. He always has a youthful body; he never grows old. Have you seen any picture of Krishna where he is having wrinkles on his face? No. But you and I grow old and whatever beauty we may be having deteriorates in due course of time.

Scriptures also explain that Krishna, the Supreme Lord, has 64 qualities and the living entities like you and me can have maximum 78% of these qualities. So, how can we say that we are God or in future we can become God?

Have we forgotten that we are God?

Some say that we were once God but somehow after coming to this world, we forgot that we are God because of the influence of maya. According to them by engaging in certain spiritual activities we will regain our lost memory and will become God.

The argument itself is ridiculous. If we were once God and we forgot about it, then how can we say that we are God. God never forgets, he does not have memory loss like conditioned souls. If God is subjected to forgetfulness or Maya, Illusion, then Maya would be more powerful than God. Then what would be the meaning of the word God?

We the living entities are not God, so we are influenced by maya, God’s illusory energy in this world. Under the influence of maya, we forget that we are eternal servants of God.

Why Krishna is God?

We do not find anywhere in the scriptures that God ever tried to become God. For example, when Krishna appeared in this world then he appeared first in a four – handed Visnu form.

Krishna did not do any meditation or anything else to become God.

He was God from the day he appeared in this material world to perform various pastimes, lila. Krishna killed Putana when He was just few days old. He lifted the Govardhan hill when He was just a seven years old. 

In the battlefield of Kurushetra he displayed his Vishvarupa (Universal Form) to Arjuna and performed several other incredible pastimes which no one ever has performed.

Can we do these extraordinary things? We don’t have control even on our bodies then how can we ever think of becoming the controller of the universe. If we have toothache, we cry in pain and take shelter of a painkiller.

So, we have to understand and accept that we are not God & we can never become God.

Krishna explains who we are

In Bhagavad Gita Krishna explains who we are.

dvav imau purusau loke ksaras caksaras eva ca

ksarah sarvani bhutani kutastho ksara ucyate

“There are two classes of beings, the fallible and the infallible. In the material world every entity is fallible, and in the spiritual world every entity is called infallible (Bhagavad Gita 15.16).”

Here Krishna is clearly saying that all the living beings living in this world are fallible i.e. come under the influence of maya. But the living beings in the spiritual world are infallible because they are pure devotees of the Lord.

Krishna further says:

uttamah purusas tv anyah paramatmety udahrtah

yo loka trayam avisya bibharty avyaya ishvarah

“Besides these two there is the greatest living personality, the Lord Himself, who has entered into these worlds and is maintaining them” (Bhagavad Gita 15.17)

Here Krishna is distinguishing between the living entities and the Supreme Lord. He says that living entities are innumerable – some are conditioned, and some are liberated as discussed above but none are God.

Krishna further says that besides these two living entities there is the Supreme Lord, whom he describes as the greatest living personality. That supreme Lord as paramatma pervades the universe to maintain it.

Conclusion

Thus, we can clearly infer that living entities whether in conditioned state or liberated state are not God but are always subordinate to God. Vedas clearly explain logically and also through various examples that we can never become God. In fact, as per Vedic scriptures, we should not even think of becoming God.

God is the creator, maintainer and destroyer of this universe. You and I struggle to maintain ourselves then how can we maintain the universe.

So, if someone comes and say that they can make us God then we should look into his eyes, smile a lit bit, pat on his back and with compassion say to him – My dear friend you are not God, you can never become God and you will never be successful in making me God.

But instead, let us try our best to become a devotee of God.

How Śravaṇam helps us in our Krishna Conscious journey?

Śravaṇam means hearing and it plays a very important role in our Krishna Conscious journey. In fact, in our material life too śravaṇam plays a significant role. For example, in our schools and colleges we learnt by hearing the subjects from our teachers.

I remember, teachers asking us to hear attentively to understand the subjects thoroughly they were teaching. And in case of doubts, we raised our hands, and the teachers answered our queries.

In spiritual life too, it is through śravaṇam that we begin understanding the absolute truth. We came to know about Krishna or Rama by first hearing from our parents. And later when we met devotees of Iskcon, we heard from them in detail about Rama and Krishna. This helped us understand the necessity and urgency of practicing Krishna Consciousness. 

Now if we look through the history of mankind, we will see that all the great devotees of Lord perfected their lives by hearing the transcendental message.  In the nava vida bhakti, the first process is śravaṇam (hearing).

Now let us see how śravaṇam played an important role in the life of great devotees of the Lord.

Arjuna attentively hears from Krishna and understands the purpose of life

At the battle of Kurukshetra, when Arjuna saw that he will be fighting against his own family members, he got bewildered or we can say that he had emotional breakdown. He was so disturbed that he wanted to run away from the battlefield and retire to the forest.

It was not that Arjuna was a coward. Just before Kurukshetra war he had single-handedly almost defeated the entire Kaurava army which had warriors like Bhisma, Drona, Karna and Duryodhana. 

But Arjuna was fortunate that Krishna was there with him as his charioteer at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In that difficult situation, he approaches Krishna for guidance. And Krishna begins giving him the great knowledge of Bhagavad Gita which completely transforms Arjuna.

In fact, the Supreme Lord Krishna says to Arjuna that if he wants to know him and understand him completely then he should try to hear (śṛṇu) what he is saying.

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

And towards the end of his discourse, Krishna asks Arjuna if he heard his message attentively or not? Are all his doubts cleared or not?

“O son of Pṛthā, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind? And are your ignorance and illusions now dispelled?” Bhagavad Gita 18.72

Arjuna’s all doubts cleared

Arjuna had heard with complete absorption; all his questions were answered. He now knew who he is and what should be the purpose of his life.

“Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.” Bhagavad Gita 18.73

Mahārāja Parīkṣit perfected his life by hearing about the Lord for seven continuous days

Mahārāja Parīkṣit was cursed to die in seven days by a brahmana boy named, śṛṅgi. Knowing that he has only seven days to live, King Parīkṣit, immediately renounced everything material which is the cause of great bondage.

He gave up the charge of his kingdom to his son, Janamejaya, renounced his family, left the comforts of the palace and came to the bank of the Ganges.

At the bank of the Ganges, he sat down on a seat of straw facing north. He even gave up food and water. Controlling his mind and senses, he decided to fix his mind completely on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna till the time of his imminent death.  

Hearing that the great king is about to leave his body in the most auspicious way and return back to the kingdom of God, great sages and demigods assembled there. There also came the great transcendentalist Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the son of Vyasdeva.

Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s query to Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī

Seeing Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī, the self-realized sage, Mahārāja Parīkṣit humbly asked him what is the best way by which he can leave his material body.  The great king wanted to know what should a person who is on the verge of death should do.

King Parikshit asked, “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

Death is not the end of everything. As we are living now, after death again we are going to live but in a different body. So, it is important to know how to die so that after death when we again begin to live, we live happily.

Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī about śravaṇam

Answering the king, the revered sage said that those who want to free themselves from all material miseries and desire should first hear about the Supreme Lord at the time of death. After hearing sufficiently about the Lord one should then continuously glorify the Lord and remember him.

“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.” Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.5

So, here too, we see that Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī underlines the importance of hearing. In that transcendental assembly, Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrated Srimad Bhagavatam to Mahārāja Parīkṣit. The king heard the transcendental subject matter very attentively and when he had any doubt he also inquired submissively. 

Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī was the most qualified speaker in the assembly of great sages and Mahārāja Parīkṣit who had voluntarily abandoned all material attachments was the most qualified listener.  

Mahārāja Parīkṣit perfected his life by hearing about the Lord for seven continuous days. And after leaving his body he went back to the spiritual world.

Narada Muni purified and perfected his life by hearing about the absolute truth from the Bhakti Vedantist

Great sage Narada in his previous life was son of a maidservant. And before taking birth from the womb of a maidservant, he was a Gandharva living in heavenly planet. But unfortunately, he misused his position as a Gandharva, so he was cursed to become the son of a maidservant.

But to his great fortune he got an opportunity to associate with pure devotees (bhakti-vedāntas) of Krishna for four months of the rainy season.  The great Vedāntists were very merciful to him. He once took the remnants of their food after taking their, this completely burnt all his sins.

And for four months, he heard from them attractive pastimes of Krishna. By hearing from these great devotees, he developed taste for hearing (śravaṇam) about the Supreme Lord Krishna. 

Spiritual Journey of Narada

Sage Narada personally narrates his spiritual journey to his disciple, Vyāsadeva, “O Vyāsadeva, in that association and by the mercy of those great Vedāntists, I could hear them describe the attractive activities of Lord Kṛṣṇa. And thus listening attentively, my taste for hearing of the Personality of Godhead increased at every step.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.26

Sage Narada further describes how the great devotees were always absorbed in chanting the glories of Lord Hari. And he had the opportunity to constantly hear from them which helped him to rise above the lower modes of passion and ignorance.

“Thus during two seasons — the rainy season and autumn — I had the opportunity to hear these great-souled sages constantly chant the unadulterated glories of the Lord Hari. As the flow of my devotional service began, the coverings of the modes of passion and ignorance vanished.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.28

Although he was cursed to live as son of maidservant but by the association of pure devotees of Krishna, he nullified all his sins and perfected his life. In the next life he was born as the son of Brahma and came to be known as Narada.

Srila Prabhupada redefined the goal of his life after hearing from his guru

Srila Prabhupada wanted to do something good for India. Before meeting his guru, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, like most other Indians during 1920s, he was thinking to serve the nation by participating in political movement.

But after meeting his guru and hearing from him, he understood that reviving the spiritual culture and sharing the glorious spiritual message of India is the best way to serve Mother India.

And we all know how Srila Prabhupada has played a pivotal role in spreading Krishna Consciousness or Hare Krishna movement all over the world.

Srila Prabhupada has many times highlighted the importance of hearing (śravaṇam). In one of his initiation lectures, he says, “The most important item is śravaṇam, or hearing. If you do not do anything else, if you simply sincerely hear about God, then gradually you will be God conscious.”

By his own example, he has shown us that how hearing is important.

Once in Vrindavan, Srila Prabhupada had to make a choice between visiting the temples in Vrindavan or hearing from his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī. He chose to hear from his guru because he thought that the best way to see Vrindavana is by hearing its glories from Krishna’s pure devotee.

Śrīla Prabhupāda says, “…..Keśava Mahārāja was informing that Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta is going to Mathurā tomorrow morning and he will speak hari-kathā this evening. Anyone who wants to may remain. Or otherwise they may go to see Śeṣaśāyī Viṣṇu. So at that time I think only ten or twelve men remained – Śrīdhara Mahārāja was one of them. And I thought it wise, What can I see at this Śeṣaśāyī? Let me hear what Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī will speak. Let me hear.”

Hippies heard directly from Srila Prabhupada and became happies

When Srila Prabhupada went to west in 1965 to preach the message of Krishna and Lord Chaitanya, he did not have any proper facility to preach. He did not have any monetary support or organizational background.

He would go to the park and do kirtan.  Just by hearing the holy name many young American boys and girls got attracted to Krishna. Later these young Americans would come to Srila Prabhupada and hear from him.

As they began hearing they developed taste for Krishna Consciousness and distaste for abominable activities like meat eating, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex which is against Krishna Consciousness.

They redefined the purpose of their life and understood the importance of practicing devotion to Krishna. And within few years thousands of people all over the world became serious in Krishna Consciousness and began chanting the names of Krishna and worshipping Krishna.

This all started just by hearing (śravaṇam).

Conclusion

So, we see that how hearing (śravaṇam) transforms a person’s life by helping him to develop taste for Krishna Consciousness.  

What happens when we hear or do śravaṇam from scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam only, “Simply by giving aural reception to this Vedic literature, the feeling for loving devotional service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, sprouts up at once to extinguish the fire of lamentation, illusion and fearfulness.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.7

What we hear decides our future. We know the GIGO principle – Garbage In Garbage Out or Good In Good Out. It is important that we give good input to our mind. If we are hearing materialistic talks, mundane gossips, movie songs then we will always be absorbed in mundane activities.

But if we do śravaṇam i.e hear pastimes of Krishna, devotional songs and most of the time discuss about Krishna with others then we will develop taste for Krishna Consciousness and will attain Krishna. 

Choice is ours!

How to save ourselves from the blazing fire of material existence?

The sufferings we go through in this world is compared to blazing fire of material existence. Why? Because just as a person bunt by fire always reels in pain, similarly in this world everyone constantly go through physical or mental pain.

We might have heard about devastating forest fire. In forest, fire occurs automatically. It is difficult to figure out how fire started. But soon it engulfs the entire forest devouring flora and fauna.

Similarly in this material world, we find ourselves in the midst of insurmountable trouble. And those sufferings come on its own. Why it happened and how it happened, we fail to figure out.

Problems come out of the blue

Sometimes our life will be going on smoothly and we may feel that everything is in control but suddenly there is turmoil in our life.  We may face severe financial crisis or health issues. Sometimes there might be marital dispute.

We may think that we are doing our marital duty in best possible way. And in fact, we may also be doing our best but still our partner will be dissatisfied with us. Nothing can please him or please her. We are emotionally torn apart.

We find ourselves utterly helpless.  All our plans go haywire. All our hopes of enjoyment are dashed. We cry in pain, but no one is there to wipe our tears.

People may be indifferent to our suffering, or some may even blame us for our situation. And who knows some may even enjoy seeing us suffering.

This is why the holy scriptures again and again say that it is utterly foolish to look for pleasure in this world. Everyone is suffering in this blazing fire of material existence. Searching for pleasure in this world is like looking for fresh cool water in a desert. 

Attitude during difficulties

So, in this difficult situation what should we do?  Should we continue suffering? Or should we do something to alleviate our suffering?

The choices we make in our life determines our destiny. So, if we make right choice during that difficult phase of our life then we will be able to overcome the difficult situation.

One of the best ways to figure out what choices to make is by reading the life story of great devotees of Lord. Just like a beacon light guides a ship in turbulent ocean, similarly life of saintly personalities guides us when we are struggling in the ocean of material existence.

I get very much inspiration from the life of Srila Prabhupada. If we read his life, we will see the difficulties he went through and most importantly his attitude during the difficult phase of his life.

Lesser mortals like us get torn apart during adverse situations and circumstances. In fact, during that difficult phase of life if we commit any blunder then our suffering will perpetuate and become more severe.

But great saintly personalities like Prabhupada knows what to do and what not to do if they are in unpleasant situations.

It could be possible that he may be criticized by all his near and dear ones for his actions, but he goes by the scripture. And the Lord seeing his determination and conviction eventually removes all inauspicious things from his life and bestows his choicest mercy upon him.

Srila Prabhupada’s life’s challenges

Srila Prabhupada’s life was not smooth. He got married to a woman with whom he did not get along nicely. Or we can also say that he married a woman who did not have much respect for his feelings. Once, he wanted to remarry but his father cautioned him against remarriage.

As a householder, he did his duties diligently. He never neglected any responsibility. He established a successful pharmaceutical business and took care of his wife and children in a nice way.

But Prabhupada also had interest in spiritual life especially after meeting his guru. He wanted to be a serious spiritual practitioner. But he did not want to do it alone. He also wanted his wife to participate.

The wife is called better half because she makes her husband complete. When they both cooperate with each other then married life is successful. But his wife was not interested in spiritual life.  Prabhupada would face difficulty in practicing spiritual life at home.

Family members did not cooperate

Along with his personal sadhana, he also wanted to preach the message of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. But his family members were disinterested, or we can say that were opposed to it. His father-in-law would criticize him telling him that he only talks about spiritual life and neglects his other responsibilities.

At home he faced difficulty in practicing devotional life and preaching the message of scriptures.

His wife once sold his favourite book, Srimad Bhagavatam, to buy tea biscuits. During those days getting a book was not easy because printing press were very limited. When Prabhupada asked her why she did so, she said casually that because she could not find anything to exchange for tea biscuit.

And once when Srila Prabhupada asked her that if she has to choose between him and tea then what will she choose? Without much hesitation, she said, tea.  

But Prabhupada continued with his Krishna Conscious life.

Business collapsed

Along with the difficulties in family life, Prabhupada also had started facing difficulties in his pharmaceutical business. Though he tried his best, he suffered huge losses. His partners and workers betrayed him.

Once, one of his workers stole all money, medicine and valuables from his Allahabad pharmaceutical company and fled away.  He suffered great loss. It became impossible for him to continue with the business. 

When Prabhupada came to know about the theft then what did he do? Did he cry? Did he file police complaint? Did he lament on his fate? Not at all. He just laughed and recited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 10.88.8.

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

Prabhupada has set an example for us

Prabhupada was not overwhelmed by blazing fire of material existence.  During his difficult phase of life, he remembered Krishna. Having firm faith in Krishna, he was convinced that Krishna can do nothing wrong.

From Prabhupada’s life, we can understand that irrespective of external situations and circumstances, we should never give the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.  His life teaches us how a devotee of Krishna should act during trying circumstances. He has set an example for us. We just have to follow his footsteps.

Finding root cause of our suffering

Nothing happens by chance in our life. If we are going through difficult phase in our life then it can be due to our past karma or it can also be Krishna’s special arrangement to bring us closer to him. We don’t know the fact.

However, one thing which every serious and sincere devotee do is that he utilizes all the available opportunities to seriously practice devotion to Krishna.

Now most of the time when people face material problem, they try to find a material solution for it. That could be one approach. However, I think we should try to find the root cause of our suffering.  It could be possible that material solution can mitigate our current material problem. But the material world is such that after some time a new problem comes. 

So, we should try to think out of the box. We should look for a solution which is permanent and not temporary.

When Prabhupada’s business collapsed then he did not decide to establish a new business. He could have done it. But he knew that such types of material problems keep on occurring. Being a pure devotee of the Lord, he clearly understood that it is Krishna’s calling. So, he thought better to engage his time and energy in pursuing higher spiritual goals.

At home front too he did his best. But it is not always easy to change other person’s thought. Even one’s wife and children have free will and they like to act independently. So, Srila Prabhupada did his best and later took a bold and strong decision to renounce everything material and got totally involved in practicing and preaching Krishna Consciousness.

Attaining freedom from blazing fire of material existence

In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.25, Srila Prabhupada writes,

“As one cannot stop a blazing fire by constantly pouring ghee upon it, one cannot satisfy oneself by increasing plans for sense enjoyment. The blazing fire is bhava-mahā-dāvāgni, the forest fire of material existence. This forest fire occurs automatically, without endeavor.”

In this world troubles will keep on coming. Just like the stars are countless in the sky, similarly the problems are countless in material world. So, Krishna says that transmigrate from this world and go to the spiritual world which is free of all sufferings.

Srila Prabhupada has set an exemplary example for all of us. We need to look at any material problem with a spiritual prism. In this world there is no end to material sufferings and if we continue being caught up in this vicious cycle then we would remain bereft of spiritual pleasure.

Human life is very precious. It in in human life only, we can completely free ourselves from all the sufferings and perfect our life.

So, we need to be extremely cautious about the decisions we take in life. We have to decide if we want to burn in the blazing fire of material existence or we want to attain freedom from it.  Our actions and endeavours will either confine us to this material world or it will take us back to the spiritual world. Choice is ours!“

“The influence of material nature has covered the living entity, and thus it is as if the living entity were always in a blazing fire. But by the process of seriously discharging devotional service, this influence can be removed, just as wooden sticks which cause a fire are themselves consumed by it.” Srimad Bhagavatam 3.27.23

Ultimate goal of yoga as per Bhagavad Gita

Today yoga is quite a popular term not only in India but all over the world but do people know the ultimate goal of Yoga as given in Bhagavad Gita. World political leaders, business tycoons, sports personalities, famous celebrities of Hollywood and Bollywood have yoga in their daily routine.

But for majority of them yoga means to keep themselves physically and mentally fit, so that they can lead a better life.  There is nothing wrong to have a good physical and mental health, but yoga is beyond this. 

Meaning of yoga

The word yoga which has its origin in the sanskrit root word, yuj, means to unite, to add or to join. So, yoga means to get united with Krishna. It also means adding Krishna in our life and joining him in the spiritual world which is free from all physical suffering and mental anxiety and where there is no death.

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna delineates the meaning of yoga to Arjuna and elaborately explains different types of yoga and most importantly the ultimate goal of yoga. But before going into detail about different yoga process, Krishna first explains to Arjuna that he is a soul and not the physical body. As a soul, he is never going to die.

Soul never dies, Krishna explains

The physical body dies but the soul never dies. In fact, even with the most powerful weapon of this world soul cannot be killed or even slightly harmed. Even the powerful time cannot deteriorate the soul.

To function in this material world, we are given temporary physical body, material senses and the mind.

As long as we identify ourselves with our body, senses and mind and desperately try to seek happiness in this world, we suffer. For example, Arjuna’s suffering began when he developed material consciousness and began seeing the perpetrators based on familial affiliation.

Why soul suffers?

The famous archer, Arjuna, who had overpowered fiercest warriors got overpowered by material emotions. In that disturbed stage he approaches Krishna. Krishna speaks Bhagavad Gita to uproot Arjuna’s ignorance and to elevate his consciousness which was the main cause of his suffering.

Also, Krishna revealed to Arjuna, his true eternal identity knowing which he can attain complete salvation.

Material consciousness is the cause of our perpetual suffering. Material consciousness means to have a strong craving to enjoy the material world and live happy here.

No one can be happy in this world. Even if someone claims that he is happy in this world but in reality, he is not knowing that he is unhappy. Lest others start lampooning me for being too pessimistic, let me clarify that the “happiness” one claims to experience in this world is just “absence of pain.”  Let us understand this with an example.

An example to relate with

Sometimes a man buys a goat with the purpose of offering her in a sacrifice. When the goat is brought home, she is fed sumptuously and cared nicely. Goat feels happy.

On the day of sacrifice, the goat is bathed, a flower garland is put around her neck and her forehead is smeared with vermilion. In a procession accompanied with musical instruments she is taken to the arena of sacrifice.

While at stay at home and during the journey, the goat gloats on her great fortune little knowing that after few minutes her head will be severed from her body. And at that time when she will cry, no one will care.

The happiness which the material world gives us is similar to the happiness a butcher gives to the cattle. Here a man works day and night to make fortune but the ruthless material nature snatches everything from him.

The dying man clings to the death bed pleading doctor to save his life. With eyes filled with tears he begs his near and dear ones to not let him go. But everyone is helpless.

Final goal of all yoga

So, in Bhagavad Gita, Krishna does not give any false hope. With the desire to give topmost knowledge for the ultimate benefit of mankind, he speaks about different yoga process – karma yoga, jnana yoga, dhyana yoga and bhakti yoga.  

By practicing yoga, one is able to gradually transfer one’s consciousness from material to spiritual. When we go little deeper and try to understand each of the yoga process, we will find that the final goal of all yoga is to come to the conclusion that we are souls, Krishna is the Supreme Lord and for our own good, we should develop lasting relationship with Krishna.

Ultimate goal of karma yoga is Bhakti Yoga

When we try to understand karma yoga, we find that Krishna eventually asks Arjuna to engage in activities in this world so that he finally comes to him.

Karma means action. None of us can live even without a moment without doing anything in this world. Even for our basic needs we have to work.  But it is also important to know what kind of action to perform in this world. Actions sanctioned in the Vedic scriptures should only be performed.

Karma kanda

But actions can bind us in this world or liberate us. For example, there are people who practice karma kanda with a desire to enjoy in this world and after death they want to go to the heavenly planets and enjoy there. 

Those following the path of karma kanda may not know the difference between demigod and the Supreme Lord. So, they approach demigods to get desired results. But the result one gets is temporary because life either on earth or in heavenly planet is not permanent.  People who follow karma kanda remains bound in this world.

Sakama karma yoga

Above them are the those who follow the path of karma yoga. Yoga as discussed earlier is the process of connecting oneself to the absolute truth.  Initially the practitioner of karma yoga may not completely know who is the Supreme Lord. He may not understand the difference between Brahman, Paramātmā and Bhagavan.

But he knows that whatever work he is going to do should be sanctioned by the scriptures and its fruits should be offered to the Supreme Lord. Initially a karma yogi may also have material desires and may work with that motive, so the process they are following is categorized as sakama karma yoga. 

Niskama karma yoga

However, Krishna asks Arjuna to come to the stage of niskama karma yoga. In Niskama karma yoga one works diligently but without any desire or attachment for the fruits of his work and whatever results one gets he offers it to the Supreme Lord. Bhagavad Gita 5.10. If one works with this consciousness, then one will not be affected by any sins and will get liberated from this world.  

And finally, Krishna clarifies that he is that Supreme Lord to whom all sacrifices should be offered. So, when one understands that Krishna is the Supreme Lord and one performs action (karma) in that consciousness and offers everything to him then it is Bhakti Yoga only.  

“A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.” Bhagavad Gita 5.29

Final goal of ashtanga yoga

Similarly, Krishna explains in detail in the 6^th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita about the process of ashtanga yoga. But at the end he says that the best yogi is he who always thinks about him and meditates upon him. So, the final goal of astanga is also to reunite with Krishna.

“And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.” Bhagavad Gita 6.47

Jnana yoga too takes us to Bhakti Yoga

Purpose of Jnana Yoga is also to come to the conclusion that Krishna is our life’s goal. In Jnana Yoga one studies the living entities (jiva), the prakriti (material nature) and the Supreme Lord (isvara). By practicing jnana yoga, one is able to understand what is temporary and what is permanent.

The material nature and material body are temporary and so one should be detached from them. But soul and Supersoul are eternal, so one should focus on them and try to develop attachment with the Supreme Lord. 

The ultimate purpose of Vedic knowledge is to know Krishna, understand Krishna and finally conclude that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Lord. And with this understanding one should engage in his devotional service.  

“Whoever knows Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without doubting, is the knower of everything. He therefore engages himself in full devotional service to Me, O son of Bharata.” Bhagavad Gita 15.19.

Bhakti Yoga is the ultimate goal of all yoga

Arjuna, the ever-inquisitive student asks many questions when Krishna explains various yoga process. And many times, he frankly says to Krishna that the yoga process what he is explaining is difficult to practice, so he wants to know more. 

So, finally understanding Arjuna’s heart and his desire to know the complete truth, Krishna reveals the most confidential knowledge which he calls as rāja-vidyā, king of all knowledge. He says that amongst all yogas, bhakti yoga is topmost because by practicing bhakti yoga one can easily attain him. 

As discussed earlier, this world is full of miseries and no matter how best we try we cannot live here forever. So, the only solution is to go beyond this material world and reach spiritual world which is free from all physical and mental sufferings and where there is no death. 

Krishna assures that this is possible if we become his devotee and he further says that once we go his spiritual abode we will never come back to this material world.  Bhagavad Gita 8.15-16.

Those who are intelligent understands that Krishna is cause of all causes, the creator and maintainer of both material and spiritual world, so without any doubt they engage in his devotional service. Bhagavad Gita 10.8.

Krishna personally takes care of those devotees who practice bhakti yoga and also gives him intelligence by which a devotee can easily attain him.

How to practice Bhakti yoga?

So, Krishna says to Arjuna and through Arjuna to each one of us that we should become his devotee and constantly think and meditate upon him.  If we do so, then Krishna assures that we will come to him and reunite with him which is the ultimate and topmost goal of Yoga.

Because by practicing bhakti yoga, one attains complete perfection and goes to the spiritual world.  Krishna says how to practice bhakti yoga.

“Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me.” Bhagavad Gita 9.34

Conclusion

In a precarious situation, Arjuna had approached Krishna for guidance.  Krishna not just shows Arjuna the right path but also reveals him the process to attain topmost perfection. Arjuna had different sets of problems in his life, and we have our own problems which is making us suffer in this world.  

Krishna teaches the great knowledge of Gita to help us come out of this helpless situation. And the only way by which we can free ourselves from different types of material sufferings is by practicing Bhakti yoga. This is the topmost yoga and the ultimate goal of all yoga – karma yoga, astanga yoga and jnana yoga.

The aim of Bhagavad Gita is to not make us materially happy, but it is to make us eternally happy.  So, Krishna gives us Bhakti Yoga.

And if we start practicing Bhakti Yoga, as per Bhagavad Gita then we will get reunited with Krishna and we will be happy in this life also and in next life we will return back to the kingdom of Krishna which is free of all physical pain, mental anxiety and most importantly full of peace and bliss.

Bhagavad Gita establishes that Krishna is the Supreme Lord

Any serious student of Bhagavad Gita will come to the conclusion that Krishna is the Supreme Lord. But many people appreciate Gita and claim to read Gita but fail to accept that Krishna is the Supreme Lord.

Why is it so? It could be because they are not delving deep into Gita and reading it only superficially.  Also, it is important that we study scriptures like Gita under the guidance of a bona fide guru.

A bona fide guru is one who has not just studied Bhagavad Gita but is also living his life as per the teachings of Bhagavad Gita.

Arjuna was fortunate because he had Krishna with him. He accepted Krishna as his guru and like a submissive student he studied under him. After hearing from Krishna, Arjuna understood that Krishna is the Supreme Lord. 

Although Krishna did not have to prove that he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but he did it for our own benefit.  In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives evidence that he is the Supreme Lord, and he also practically demonstrates while showing his universal form.

No truth superior to Krishna

For the first time in Bhagavad Gita Krishna reveals that he is the Supreme Lord when he says,

“O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.” Bhagavad Gita 7.7

So, here Krishna is saying that just like pearls are held together by a string, similarly the entire universe consisting of multitude of galaxies, planets, stars, suns and moons rest upon him.  The entire universe is always in perfect order, so we are surviving. But this order is possible only because of Krishna.

Now what about the material nature. Sun rises every morning in the eastern horizon and sets in the west. We have different seasons, summer, monsoon and winter.  We sow the seed, and the trees and plants grow which is vital for our survival. Every moment we are getting oxygen without which we would die in few seconds.

This material nature is one of the energies of Krishna and it works under his direction.

“This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kuntī, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.” Bhagavad Gita 9.10

Krishna is the original father and mother

None of us suddenly appears in this world from nowhere. To take birth in this world, we need mother and father. And our mother and father also takes birth from their mother and father and so on. But the original father and mother of all living beings is Krishna.

“I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire.” Bhagavad Gita 9.17

But Krishna is unborn, ajanma. He does not have father and mother like us. Yes, to perform pastimes, he has mother and father like Yashoda and Nanda Maharaj.

Again, in Bhagavad Gita 14.4, Krishna confirms that he is the seed giving father of all species – ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā.

“It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.” Bhagavad Gita 14.4

Krishna is the source of all demigods

Vedic scriptures also talk about various demigods like Ganesha, Kartikeya, Indra, Chandra, Varun etc. There are millions of people who worship demigods because they consider them powerful and think that by pleasing them their desires will get fulfilled.

But in Bhagavad Gita 10.2, Krishna explains that there is no need to separately worship demigods because he is the source of the demigods.

What to speak of the demigods and ordinary beings like us, he says that he is the source of all the spiritual and material worlds, ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo, mattaḥ sarvaṁ pravartate, BG 10.8.

Universal form proves Krishna is the Supreme Lord

Arjuna does not dispute this fact. He too accepts that Krishna is the Supreme Lord and ultimate abode of all. And according to Arjuna, this fact is even corroborated by great sages like Nārada, Asita, Devala and Vyāsa. BG 10.12-13.

Whatever magnificent we see and extraordinary we perceive has its root in Krishna only.

For example, Krishna says, “Of the Ādityas I am Viṣṇu, of lights I am the radiant sun, of the Maruts I am Marīci, and among the stars I am the moon. Of the Vedas I am the Sāma Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness].” BG 10.21-22

Although Arjuna has no doubt that Krishna is the Supreme Lord but still, he requests Krishna to show his universal form,virāṭ-rūpa, so that no one ever doubts Krishna’s claim that he is the Supreme.  

When Krishna shows his gigantic universal form which was spread throughout the universe then Arjuna sees the entire creation within Krishna. He sees the planets, the sky, the stars, the moon. He also sees within Krishna creation and annihilation, birth and death.  

In fact, he sees everything within Krishna, “My dear Lord Kṛṣṇa, I see assembled in Your body all the demigods and various other living entities. I see Brahmā sitting on the lotus flower, as well as Lord Śiva and all the sages and divine serpents.”  BG 11.15

Arjuna sees in that universal form all powerful demigods and great sages are surrendering to Krishna and offering their prayers to him.

Demigods & sages surrender to Krishna

“All the hosts of demigods are surrendering before You and entering into You. Some of them, very much afraid, are offering prayers with folded hands. Hosts of great sages and perfected beings, crying “All peace!” are praying to You by singing the Vedic hymns.” Bhagavad Gita 11.21.

“All the various manifestations of Lord Śiva, the Ādityas, the Vasus, the Sādhyas, the Viśvedevas, the two Aśvīs, the Maruts, the forefathers, the Gandharvas, the Yakṣas, the Asuras and the perfected demigods are beholding You in wonder.” Bhagavad Gita 11.22

Now no other demigods have ever shown any universal form. Not just that many other religions of this world do not have any examples of their Gods showing any such universal form.

Conclusion 

So, after studying Bhagavad Gita, we can conclude that Krishna indeed is the Supreme Lord.  This great literature firmly establishes that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

So, Gita Mahatmya says, let there be only one scripture, Gītopaniṣad or Bhagavad Gita, in the entire world which was spoken by the son of Devaki because this scripture alone can save the entire humanity.

World Hindu Congress honours Srila Prabhupada & Iskcon

The 2nd World Hindu Congress held at Chicago, United States, honoured Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON for the extraordinary contribution in spreading the teachings of Vedic scriptures like Bhagavad Gita all over the world.  Srila Prabhupada is the founder acharya of Iskcon.

With participants from 60 countries, it is one of the largest international Hindu conferences. In its message while honouring Srila Prabhupada and Iskcon, World Hindu Congress said, “For spreading the message of Bhagavad-Gita to unreached areas through translation in over 70 languages and making it accessible to diverse ethnic communities throughout the world.”

Determined Preacher, full of compassion

When Srila Prabhupada was physically present, he travelled all over the world, to spread the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic literatures. He was doing his best to wake up the sleeping souls who were suffering because of ignorance.  

Srimad Bhagavatam 3.5.3 says, “… great philanthropic souls travel on the earth on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to show compassion to the fallen souls who are averse to the sense of subordination to the Lord.”

Once when one of his godbrothers said to Prabhupada, “So you are going to America?” Prabhupada immediately replied, “No, Srimad Bhagavatam is going to America. I am accompanying Srimad Bhagavatam as a servant.”

He travelled all alone at the age of 70 to lay the foundation of worldwide Krishna conscious movement. He was penniless. When death stared at him, he remained fearless.

And when challenges confronted him, he fought hard in spite of his frail body. When the going was tough, he continued working for Krishna with patience and determination.

Srila Prabhupada had appeared in this world to fulfil the prophecy of Lord Chaitanya that the holy names of Krishna will be chanted in every town and village of the world. He came to tell each and every one to shun sins and surrender to Krishna. 

Prabhupada came to reunite all the souls who is suffering the repeated cycle of birth and death with Krishna. He came to inundate the heart of sufferings souls with love of Krishna.

He was here because he cared for us because he saw everyone children of same God. The fortunate souls who agreed to abide by his teachings gave up sinful habits, sinful tendencies and so were able to experience the bliss of devotional life.

Krishna sent him for us

There are millions of unfortunate souls who leave the abode of Krishna to pursue their personal ambitions. They don’t want to serve Krishna, but they want to be served like Krishna. And they don’t want to love Krishna but want to be loved like Krishna.

They don’t want to worship Krishna but want to be worshipped like Krishna. When they see cowherd girls and boys singing and dancing to give pleasure to Krishna, they think why Krishna should be the only enjoiner.

The seed of envy soon fructifies, and they leave their spiritual homes, their spiritual family members and come to this ephemeral world.  Krishna being very kind and caring makes all arrangement for them to pursue their separatist goal, but they are warned that away from the spiritual world suffering is inevitable.

Krishna accompanies the souls wherever they go as paramātmā.  And he also appears in this world again and again to reclaim the lost souls. Not just that he sends his chosen representatives to illuminate the heart of ignorant masses who is suffering terribly and have got so accustomed to suffering that they do not realize they are suffering.

So, Krishna sent Srila Prabhupada to save the suffering souls like us. It is not mere a chance that Prabhupada appeared on the day of Nandotsava, he came as per Krishna’s plan to invite us to celebrate our life with Krishna.

Spread the teachings of Vedas all over the world

One of the most important qualities of Prabhupada which attracted me initially was that he never claimed he is God but always said Krishna is God.  He made Krishna so popular that today Janmashtami and Rath Yatra is celebrated in almost all the major cities of the world.

Srila Prabhupada made love of Krishna accessible to anyone and everyone and so today holy names of Krishna is chanted by millions of people all across the world.

He made the transcendental teachings of Vedic literatures accessible to all.  Srila Vyasdeva wrote in Sanskrit to illuminate the world with the message of Krishna. Feeling compassion on spiritually illiterate people he not just translated the verses in English, the most popular language of our time, but gave elaborate purport to give us complete import of the verses.

Salients features of Prabhupada’s literary contribution

• Wherever and whenever his books are read without prejudice people irrespective of their religious affiliation begin appreciating it.
• Wisdom words of his transcendental literature have the potential to unite the warring nations.
• His sublime message enlightens those who foolishly shed blood in the name of their God.
• His teachings forces those who exploit others to see all living beings as children of the same God.
• If his purports are read with an open heart then it floods the hearts of lesser mortals with love for all.
• His books are revolutionary and if people read it with an open mind it can unite entire humanity.

Unparalleled struggle and sacrifice to spread Krishna Consciousness

Although Prabhupada physically left us but he continues to be with us through his pure Krishna conscious teachings. Although Prabhupada departed from this world around in 1977 years back but through his books he continues to transform the lives of millions of people all over the world.

His books which tell us how we can reawaken our dormant love for Krishna has been distributed in almost every part of the world. From the silicon valley of California to the jungles of Africa, anyone who reads these sacred books instantly feel connected to Krishna.

During his physical presence Prabhupada created an army of dedicated disciples, his spiritual children, who are currently working wholeheartedly with dedication to spread the Krishna conscious movement.  Without caring for their life, they are working tirelessly to share the message of Vedic literatures with all.

It is only the magic of his empowerment that we have such exalted Vaisnav acharyas with us who are inspiring us to surrender and commit to this life transforming Krishna Conscious movement.

As a spiritual master, Prabhupada, has set such an example which justifies the saying mukam karoti vachalam. pangum langhayate girim. yat-kripa tam aham vande. sri-gurum dina-taranam. “I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains.”

The more one studies Prabhupada’s life and his teachings one develops more appreciation for him. In the history of humanity there would rarely been a person who sacrificed to such an extent selflessly to give Krishna to others.

World Hindu Congress recognised the contribution of Srila Prabhupada and the efforts of Iskcon in spreading the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic literatures all over the world.