Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Few practical steps a devotee of Krishna can take to overcome lust

Lust destroys our life, so we should take practical steps to overcome lust. If we fail to do so, we will destroy our life. Lust killed Ravana much before Lord Rama killed him. Lust may also be killing us. Most of the times, we feel ashamed to admit that we are being troubled by lusty thoughts.

Many say that when one is young, one may fantasize about women but as one advances in age that tendency goes away. But this is not true.  Even old men have lusty thoughts and are tormented because of it. I have seen many old men watching Hollywood/Bollywood movies and dancing on movie songs. They think its cool to do so.

King finds out how difficult it is to give up lust

There is story of a king who once told one of his minster that as one grows old, one loses all interest to enjoy with opposite sex. The minister disagreed. King wanted the proof. The minister invited the king to the house of an old men who was more than eighty years old and was on death bed.

The king agreed. But the minister said to the king that you bring your young daughter also with you. So, the next day king arrived with his young daughter to the old man’s house. The minster asked the daughter to wait in the corner of the room.

King and the minister went near the old man.  The elderly man who was hardly able to speak and was surrounded by his family members. But as the daughter was standing there was tinkling of bangles and anklets.

The old man immediately started looking towards the corner from where the sound was coming. Although unable to express anything, his eyes showed that he was more interested in seeing the young lady then the king.

The king felt offended and returned back with the minister and of course with his daughter. Some say that the king was Akbar and the minister Birbal. Whoever may be the king and the minister, that is not so important, the most important lesson is that it is not easy to give up lust desires.

So, we should not think that since I am young now, it is nothing wrong to have desire for opposite sex. As the years will pass my lusty desires will subside. Instead, one should do ones best to curb lust when one is young.

Let us see what few practical steps we can take to overcome lust.

Practical steps to overcome lust

Need for a friend, philosopher and guide

One of the important reasons for Ravana’s falldown was that he did not have a guru nor any genuine friend whom he trusted. He was full of ego so he did not feel the need of a guru. And he considered himself superior to all, so he did not have any friend. He was all alone.

In Ramayana, we see that Ravana was surrounded by ministers who were utterly selfish and were afraid of speaking truth to him. They were his ‘yes’ men. And so, we see that when Ravana kidnapped another man’s wife, apart from Vibhishana no one endeavored even a little to correct the king.

On the other hand, we see Vidura who was the brother and minster of Dhritarashtra never shied away from giving good advice to Dhritarashtra. Although most of the time Dhritarashtra did not heed Vidura’s advice but Vidura continued speaking truth to him.

And at the fag end of his life because of Vidura’s counselling, Dhritarashtra understood that how foolishly he has been acting and how miserable he has become. So, he decided to retire to the forest. His chaste wife, Gandhari followed him. And finally, both of them were able to attain liberation.

So, it is necessary that we have a friend, philosopher, and guide in our life. Any moment we may be lured by the illusory energy of the Lord in the form of lust, and we may fail to figure out what is good and what is bad for us. At that time, we need a guru’s guidance and a friend’s shoulder.

Do not become a victim of internet pornography

Today, in this age of internet, it is very challenging to protect ourselves from lust. As internet have penetrated our personal lives, we are always at the risk of succumbing to lust. Earlier brothel would be situated in a particular part of the city were no cultured men ventured.

Even if anyone thought about going there, they did not do so because of social stigma. But today it is not necessary to go to brothel, just by the click of few buttons on smart phone or laptop one can enter the virtual pornographic world. And no one will even come to know what we are doing on internet.

Not just pornographic industry is spreading vulgarity but today’s movies, TV serials, commercials are full of scantily dressed men and women gyrating on some obscene songs.

Increase in sexual crimes like rape is also linked to pornography. A report published in The New Indian Express says, “As described by the title of eminent psychoanalyst and author Danielle Knafo’s book, we now live in ‘The Age of Perversion’ that is aided completely by our addiction to technology. And experts are of the opinion that increased accessibility to porn and, more importantly, the nature of porn being consumed have an impact on potential predators and their chances of committing the crime.”

So, we should be extremely careful while using internet. If we do not require smart phone than we should switch to button phone. And even if we have to use smart phone and laptop then we should install software to block the pornographic sites and those sites which disseminate vulgarity.

I think, it will be best, if the government bans pornographic sites and any other sites or programs which is obscene.

Uplift your consciousness by associating with good people and good books

Association plays a very important role in our life. Lord Rama’s association purified the monkeys. If we also associate with those who are driven by higher purpose, then we will lose taste for lower things like lust.

For example, hippies were able to give up drugs and lust by associating with Srila Prabhupada and following his instructions. So, we should also try to surround ourselves with sincere devotees of the Lord.

Along with that we should read good books. Literatures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Ramayana is not just intellectually nourishing but it also helps to understand what is good for us and what is not.

Never be idle – always keep yourself mentally and physically engaged

We should never keep ourselves idle but should always engage ourselves in some physically activity for the Lord.  Lord Rama has set this precedent.

When he began ruling the world then he did not allow his brothers to remain idle, instead, he sent them to conquer the entire world. Srila Prabhupada explains, “The Supreme Personality of Godhead does not allow any of His devotees or assistants to be engaged in sense gratification. The younger brothers of Lord Rāmacandra were at home enjoying the personal presence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but the Lord ordered Them to go out and achieve victory all over the world.’ Śrimad Bhagavatam 9.11.25, purport.

If we begin serving the Lord with our mind, body and words then we will be able to conquer lust gives pain than pleasure. 

Also, we should regularly chant the holy names of the Lord like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. It will keep us mentally engaged and most importantly will purify our heart.

These are some of the important practical steps we can take to overcome lust. If we are able to do so, we will become peaceful, will be able to focus on higher goals and can practice Krishna Consciousness more seriously.

Bhagavad Gita Quiz 3

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Why we celebrate Gopāṣṭamī and its relevance today?

Gopāṣṭamī is the day when Krishna got the responsibility of tending the cows in Vrindavan.  Krishna was extremely happy to get the opportunity to take care of the cows because he loves cows and today this is known to all.

If we love someone genuinely, then we love what he loves the most. So, if we say we love Krishna then we should love cows too. Krishna enjoys the company of the cows. Although he is the Supreme Lord, but he loves to be called as a cowherd boy. He is called Gopala because he takes care of the cows. He gives pleasure to the cows as well, so he is called Govinda. And Krishna’s friends are also cowherd boys.

How Gopāṣṭamī started?

As a child when Krishna was less than 6 years, he delightfully took the service of tending the calves. He did it so well that when he reached the age of paugaṇḍa [six to ten], the elders of Vrindavan gave him the responsibility of taking care of the cows. And that special day came to be known as Gopāṣṭamī.

In the Kārttika-māhātmya section of the Padma Purāṇa it is mentioned, “The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika is known by authorities as Gopāṣṭamī. From that day, Lord Vāsudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”

Cow’s milk is elixir for human society

As the Supreme Lord of the entire creation, Krishna does not have to do anything, but still in his eternal pastimes he chooses to take care of the cows. Now, when God loves someone then that someone has to be special. And cows are indeed special. Cow’s milk is elixir for human society. It has been medically proven and most importantly has been experienced by each one of us.

I do not think there can be anyone who did not grow up drinking cow’s milk. When children show reluctance to drink milk then mother forcibly makes child to drink the cow milk because a mother knows what is best for her child.

Cow’s milk is a great source of protein, calcium, magnesium and valuable nutrients like Vitamin B12 and iodine. As per a report in Economic Times, around 6 billion people all over the world consume cow’s milk. The paper further says that cow’s milk contains antibiotics which boost immunity and helps in preventing deadly diseases like cancer and HIV.

Just like a mother takes care of her baby selflessly, similarly, cows nourish us without expecting anything from us. Give her some grass which is widely available, and she is contented and gives us abundant milk.  And from her milk, many delicious and healthy food items can be prepared.

Cows helps to solve economic problem too.  Srila Prabhupada writes, “..one is considered to be a rich man by the strength of his store of grains and cows. With only these two things, cows and grain, humanity can solve its eating problem. Human society needs only sufficient grain and sufficient cows to solve its economic problems.” Srimad Bhagavatam Purport 3.2.29

Previously, on any auspicious occasions kings or rich men would give cows in charity along with gold, diamonds and other valuable gems. When Krishna appeared then Vasudeva and Devaki gave ten thousand cows in charity to the brāhmaṇas.

Cow’s Product a must for Vedic sacrifices

Cow’s products are used in worshipping the deity and in all Vedic ritualistic ceremonies. While churning the milk ocean, cows delivered five products, namely milk, yogurt, ghee, urine and cow dung. These are called as panca-gavya.

Panca-gavya is used in Vedic sacrifices. It is used in performing abhishek of the Lord in the festivals like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Gaur Purnima and during the installation of the deities in the temple.

Cow represents India’s glorious past

Cow is a symbol of Indian spiritual culture and civilization which is India’s pride.  Just like a flag of any country is not mere a piece of cloth, similarly cow is not just like any other animal. She represents India’s glorious past.

Just like when we see the flag of our country, we immediately remember our mother land, similarly when we see mother cow, we remember India’s rich Vedic culture and civilization which is India’s identity.

If anyone fails to show respect to the national flag, it means that he has no love and gratitude for the country where he was born and where he grew up. Similarly, if one is not honouring mother cow then it means that one does not have love for rich Indian spiritual culture in which cow played a significant role.

In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that if an Indian does not have reverence for cows then it also implies that he/she does not have genuine love for India. How can you say you love India, but you do not love those people and those animals which made this country a beautiful place.  

I remember when I had gone to United Nations Office at Geneva in Switzerland, I was desperately looking for the Indian flag amongst hundreds of other country’s flags which were displayed on the lawn there.  

And as soon as I was able to see the Indian flag, my heart surged with pride. I was overwhelmed with the thought of my country. Similarly, when I see cows especially in Vrindavan, I immediate remember Krishna’s wonderful pastimes with mother cows. 

Scriptures about the importance of cow protection

When we read Vedic scriptures, we come to know how noble rulers protected religious principles by protecting cows. When Kali dressed as a king was torturing a bull and a cow then King Parikshit who was the emperor and grandson of Arjuna, immediately took his sword to punish the perpetrator. 

The king boldly declared, “O son of Surabhi, you need lament no longer now. There is no need to fear this low-class śūdra. And, O mother cow, as long as I am living as the ruler and subduer of all envious men, there is no cause for you to cry. Everything will be good for you.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.17.9

In Bhagavad Gita, 18.44, Krishna says that a vaisya has the duty to protect the cows, go-rakṣya.

Viṣṇu Purāṇa 1.19.65, mentions that the Supreme Lord is the well-wisher of brahmanas and the cows, go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya ca.  

In Srimad Bhagavatam 11.11.43, Krishna tells Uddhava, “I can be worshiped within the cows by offerings of grass and other suitable grains and paraphernalia for the pleasure and health of the cows – goṣv aṅga yavasādinā.”

Srila Prabhupada has multiple times underlined the importance of cow protection. He says that human society will suffer if it fails to protect cows, “Civilized men who follow the system of varṇāśrama, especially those of the vaiśya class, who engage in agriculture and trade, must give protection to the cows. Unfortunately, because people in Kali-yuga are mandāḥ, all bad, and sumanda-matayaḥ, misled by false conceptions of life, they are killing cows in the thousands. Therefore, they are unfortunate in spiritual consciousness, and nature disturbs them in so many ways, especially through incurable diseases like cancer and through frequent wars among nations. As long as human society continues to allow cows to be regularly killed in slaughterhouses, there cannot be any question of peace and prosperity.”   Srimad Bhagavatam 8.8.11

Show your love to Krishna by loving what Krishna loves

If we want to show our love to Krishna, if we want to preserve Vedic ethos, then it is imperative that cows should be restored to her original glorious position. She should be revered and protected as a mother. Indeed, scriptures say that a human being has seven mothers and one of them is a cow.

Killing cows or considering her just like any other animal imply that we do not value the love which Krishna has for cows. Taking care of cows and protecting her from being slaughtered means understanding the feelings of Krishna and reciprocating with it.

Both the government and people should take the onus of protecting the cows and taking care of her not just when she is giving milk but even when she is not giving milk. This is the best way to show our love to Krishna and celebrate Gopāṣṭamī.

On the day of Gopāṣṭamī, devotees of Krishna and many pious Indians go to goshala to feed the cows. They also worship mother cows on that auspiocus day. But why only on Gopāṣṭamī day, we should love and care mother cow every day of the year.

Seven important achievements of Srila Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada has many accomplishments but let us reflect upon his seven most important achievements.

But before discussing his achievements let us briefly discuss about his journey to the western world which changed the world for good.

Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual journey

At the age of 69 when most people retire and prefer a peaceful life, Srila Prabhupada decided to go on a voyage to a distant land where he had never gone before. His mission was very clear.

He wanted to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world, which was the desire of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

Although he would have preferred to go long back but he had no money with him. At last, one kind lady, Sumati Morarjee, who was the owner of a Scindia Steam Navigation Company, allowed him to board her cargo ship, Jaladuta.

His meagre possession

Now he had a ticket and a seat in Jaladuta which would take him to the distant land, America. But he had almost no money with him. While boarding the ship his possessions were: a suitcase, an umbrella, supply of dry cereals, a Bengali copy of Caitanya –Caritamrta and Rs 40.

But his greatest possession two hundred three-volume sets of First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which he had translated and commented upon. These transcendental literatures were being carried in trunks.

This was the first time he would be travelling outside his beloved country Bharatvarsha.

While boarding the cargo ship at the Kolkata port he was not sure if he will ever return back alive. In fact, when he had revealed his heart to his near and dear ones about his mission, no one encouraged him. Everyone thought that he is treading on a wrong path. But he did not bother because he knew Lord Krishna is with him.

He boarded Jaladuta on 13th August 1965.His journey wasn’t smooth. On board he suffered 2 massive heart attacks. He would have left his body if the 3rd would have come.

Poem by Srila Prabhupada: Markine – Bhagavata – dharma

On board he composed a Bengali Poem ‘Markine – Bhagavata – dharma’ . Some of the verses are:

My dear Lord Krishna, you are so kind upon this useless soul, but I do not know why You have brought me here. Now You can do whatever You like with me ……

Somehow or other, O Lord, You have brought me here to speak about You. Now, my Lord, it is up to You to make me a success or failure, as You like…..

Only by Your causeless mercy will my words become pure. I am sure that when this transcendental message penetrates their hearts, they will certainly feel gladdened and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life….

O Lord, I am just like a puppet in Your hands. So if You have brought me here to dance, then make me dance, make me dance, O Lord, make me dance as You like.

Prabhupada reaches USA and successfully establishes Krishna Consciousness

After 35 days of journey, Jaladuta arrived at Boston’s Commonwealth Pier at 5:30 am on September 17, 1965. Prabhupada was finally in America and his mission was to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. This was also what his beloved spiritual master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati wanted. He had the mercy of his guru and the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna.

During his initial days in USA, he had to struggle a lot. However soon his hard work, his dedication, his determination, his supreme sacrifice started bearing fruits. And in a short span of 12 years, he changed the face of the world, the Hare Krishna movement reverberated in every nook and corner of the world.

Now let us discuss his seven most important achievements:

Achievements of Srila Prabhupada

1. Established Iskcon & opened 108 temples

He established ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) on 13^th July 1966 in New York, United States.  He established more than 108 temples all over the world in a short span of 12 years, opened several gurukuls and established farm communities.

Today Iskcon has more than 700 temples all over the world and thousands of centres. There are millions of followers of Iskcon worldwide.

2. Founder of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Srila Prabhupada is the founder of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust which today has become the world’s largest publisher of Vaishnava philosophy. He has authored more than 80 books on Vaishanava philosophy.

Also, he was instrumental in introducing Vedic gurukul system of education in the western world.

He also started monthly Back to Godhead magazine which is today printed in almost all the languages of the world.  This was also the wish of Srila Prabhupada. He once commented, “Actually we want that BTG be printed in every major language and distributed all over the world so that there is no language barrier in taking to our movement.”

3. Established deity worship all over the world

He is instrumental in promoting deity worship all over the world. This is one of the most important achievements of Srila Prabhupada. He made us understand that deities are not just a carving of stone or metal, but they are actually Radha and Krishna. In this material world although we are not able to see Krishna directly with our eyes like Arjuna would see or the residents of Vrindavan and Mathura would see.

But today the same Krishna is present as arca-vigraha. If one is worshipping the deity as per Vedic standards and with all love and devotion then Krishna manifests.

Srila Prabhupada says Krishna looks weak

Once Srila Prabhupada went to a temple and took darshan of the deity. After paying his obeisances to the deity, he got up and looked towards the deity. He then said to the devotees who were there that Krishna is not being offered proper bhoga (food). He looks weak.

Later when the devotees inquired, they found that because of some mismanagement in the temple, proper bhoga was not being offered to Krishna on time.

So, the deity of Krishna is non-different from Krishna. Similarly, the deity of Srimati Radharani is non-different from Srimati Radharani.  When, we the conditioned souls render service to the deities then we get purified and develop loving devotional service for the Lord.

Today because of Srila Prabhupada’s efforts Krishna is being worshipped in his archa or deity form all over the world. And people are getting an opportunity to get the mercy of Krishna.

Archa Vigraha non different than Krishna

Srila Prabhupada explains about the arca-vigraha form of the Lord,

“The transcendental form of the Lord installed in a temple is not different from the Lord personally. Such a form of the Lord is called arca-vigraha, or arcā incarnation, and is expanded by the Lord by His internal potency just to facilitate the devotional service of His innumerable devotees who are in the material world. The material senses cannot perceive the spiritual nature of the Lord, and therefore the Lord accepts the arca-vigraha, which is apparently made of material elements like earth, wood and stone, but actually there is no material contamination. The Lord being kaivalya (one alone), there is no matter in Him. He is one without a second, and therefore the almighty Lord can appear in any form without being contaminated by the material conception.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.11.24

4. Introduced Rath Yatra festival outside India

He introduced Rath Yatra festival outside India and also in different Indian cities. Today apart from the grand Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Orissa (India), this glorious event is celebrated in more than 100 major cities of the world such as Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, London, Budapest, Melbourne, Montreal, Paris, New York, Singapore, Toronto, Antwerp, Kuala Lumpur, Venice, Dhamrai.

This is one of the other noteworthy achievements of Srila Prabhupada.

5. Introduced Vaisnava dress like Dhoti kurta & sari

Dhoti-kurta is a traditional Indian dress, but many Indians because of the influence of western culture feel awkward wearing it. But Srila Prabhupada was very strict. He ensured his disciples whether in west, east, north or south wear Vedic dress.

He was travelling all over the world to teach all how to lead a Vedic life. So, he made sure that his disciples adhere to the Vedic standards. He wanted men to wear dhoti, kurta and women saris. Also, it was important for all the devotees to put on Vaishnava tilak.

I remember the most difficult thing for me was to wear dhoti kurta in my college days. I would think that if my college mates will see then they will make fun of me. And I would feel embarrassed to wear it in front of my parents, brother and sisters. Of course, now there is no problem.

Srila Prabhupada never compromised with any principles. He expected that whatever is given in the scriptures should be followed as it is. Initially when an American devotee wanted that they should give up Vedic dress and wear American dress as it would make them look normal which will help in preaching then Srila Prabhupada disagreed. Srila Prabhupada would say, men with dhoti, kurta, tilak and shaven head and women with saris and tilak look like residents of Vaikuntha.  

6. Made Hare Krishna Mahamantra popular all over the world

How did Srila Prabhupada start preaching? Just by singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra. He would go to park and sing the Mahamantra. And young American boys and girls got attracted to Krishna. Krishna is all attractive, his name is all attractive and when his pure devotee chants his name then obviously anyone listening would get attracted to Krishna.

And today, we see that the chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra has taken the world by storm. Today almost everyone knows this Mahamantra. You Tube is flooded with this divine melody. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came here to teach all to chant the names of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, his pure devotee, carried forward this divine chanting.

7. Addicted millions to Krishna Prasadam

Iskcon means prasadam. Today, you ask anyone to share their experience of visiting Iskcon and most probably the first thing they will share about Iskcon is its prasadam. In this material world, we have this habit of stuffing ourselves with filthy stuffs. It makes us physically and spiritually sick.

So better to always eat prasadam. Because prsasadam is pure, delicious and carries the mercy of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada was here to distribute mercy of Krishna and one of the best ways is to distribute prasadam as much as possible.

In Kolkata Rath Yatra, thousands of plates of khicdi are distributed free to all and everyone relishes it. At Iskcon Newtown temple in Kolkata, devotees are planning to distribute prasadam to many nearby villages.

When one of the lady devotee asked Prabhupada how to go back to godhead, Srila Prabhupada said, “You chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and eat nice kṛṣṇa-prasādam, you go back to home. Rest assured.”

As almost all of us enjoy Krishna prasadam, so it won’t be wrong to say that many of us would choose “prasadam” as one of the most important achievements of Srila Prabhupada.

Conclusion

Although here I have highlighted just seven achievements of Srila Prabhupada but there are many more which we can add.

He was a charismatic spiritual leader and a powerful Krishna Conscious preacher. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu had predicted that his mission will spread in every nook and corner of the world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

“In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.” (Caitanya-bhāgavata, Antya 4.126)

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu empowered Srila Prabhupada to carry forward the mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world. Today by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, Hare Krishna movement is still growing and will continue to grow for thousands of years.

Important lessons a devotee of Krishna learns from churning of the milk ocean or Samudra Manthan

There are many valuable lessons which a practicing devotee of Krishna can learn from the churning of the milk ocean or Samudra manthan. Srimad Bhagavatam describes in detail about the momentous event in which devtas and demons came together to churn the ocean of milk.

The purpose was to retrieve nectar of immortality from the Ocean of Milk.  It was one of the rarest occasions when the fiercest enemies were cooperating with each other.

Vasuki, the king of the serpent was being used as a rope and the Mandara Mountain was the churning rod. Both the parties were anticipating that the moment churning will start the nectar will appear.

But to their surprise as they began to churn the ocean, they found that the ocean has become very turbulent. The big and small animals of the ocean like fish, sharks, tortoises, snakes, whales, crocodiles etc. got disturbed and came to the surface frightening all.

The misery of the devtas and demons got compounded when from the ocean came hālahala, the most dangerous poison. Everyone was aghast because instead of nectar, deadly and obnoxious substances were coming out.

Lord Vishnu who was supervising the entire activity was demonstrating to all that getting nectar isn’t so easy, it requires lots of effort.

Let us see what lessons a practicing devotee of Krishna can learn from the churning or milk ocean pastime or Samudra manthan.

Fighting our inner enemies in our pursuit for spiritual nectar

We can relate the churning of the ocean with our very own life. Chanting the holy names of the Lord like the Hare Krishna mahamantra means churning our heart.

We all have the experience that as soon as we start chanting, we become more agitated. The anarthas (or vices) like lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion start attacking us vigorously.

We would have taken the process of mantra meditation or chanting with a hope that our mind will become peaceful, and we will experience serenity. But the opposite happens.  To our dismay, it appears as if we are at peace when we do not chant than when we chant.

Why so? Is mantra meditation ineffective or counter-productive? Definitely not. Then why anarthas start troubling us more.

Let us try to understand it with an analogy.

Cleaning an abandoned house

If you had an experience of cleaning a house which had been unattended for several months or maybe even years then you can easily understand what I am trying to say. But if you did not have that experience then do not worry, just use your imagination while reading further.

You are standing in front of the house with a big broom. You open the lock and push the door with all your might. The door slowly opens.

You look inside the house, you see mess everywhere. Lots of dirt on the floor, on chairs, on tables, and many cobwebs. Whatever dirt is there on the surface and the wall, you can easily see.

With the broom in your hand, you begin cleaning. And slowly you find yourself in a big mess. The dirty house showed its dirt and cobwebs but had hidden many surprises from you.

You just wants to run away

Soon you find yourself surrounded by horrible creatures who were living there peacefully. They are angry that their privacy has been invaded.  

These creatures angrily start running hither and tither upset at being evicted out. Few cockroaches may cling to your trousers and may try to enter into your pants to teach you a lesson. Rats with their big tummy may jump on your feet and may try to bite you too. Some spiders may be crawling on your shoulders and other parts of your body. They will scare the hell out of you.

You will try to scream but could not do so because you are surrounded by layers of dust and nauseating smell. Pigeons and bats which had made that house their home may be dancing on top of your head.

And you will be cursing yourself or the person who handed a broom in your hand and encouraged you to get inside it. In few moments you might have told yourself multiple times that if I knew I am going to go through this then I would have never come here.  You may feel that it is beyond your capability to clean the house and you may want to run away from there.

If you do not give up

But suppose that if with patience you persist and continue cleaning then what happens? Slowly the dirt gets removed, spiders are driven out, cobwebs demolished, rats and cockroaches will find the place inhabitable and will flee, pigeons and bats will fly away from there and will begin looking for new dwelling.  

After putting lots of efforts, you will have a perfectly clean house in which you can live comfortably and peacefully.

Our unattended heart

Now you can compare the unattended house with your unattended heart. You and I have abandoned our heart for years. And if we go by the Vedic scriptures then for many lifetimes. So, now our heart is full of dirt in the form of so many anarthas (or impurities).

Some of the anarthas we may see and many we may not be able to see because it is lying deep with the heart and is in dormant state. Also, how thick these impurities are that also we may not know.

So, when we begin the process of dusting our heart of the impurities by chanting the names of Krishna then many unseen impurities we begin to see. Impurities lying at the bottom of our heart come to the surface.

Just like when the churning of the milk ocean started ferocious creatures and poisonous substance which were deep in the ocean started coming out. This is one of the important lessons we learin from the churning of milk ocean pastime. But as the devtas continued churning the ocean to get the nectar similarly we will have to continue churning our heart by chanting the names of Krishna.

Just as the devtas were disturbed by unwated subsntace coming out of the ocean, similarly initially, we will also be agitated as the impurties start churning in our heart.

Continuously chant with determination

At that time, we need patience and strong faith in the holy name. During that agitating phase, if with dogged determination, we continue chanting the names of Krishna then our heart will eventually get cleansed of all the impurities which is making our life miserable.

But chanting has to be done daily and with complete focus. Srila Prabhupada says that we should chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily.

If we do so, then we will be successful in fighting with our anarthas which are our real enemy. They have been in control of our lives for years so they will not give up their dominion so easily. They will fight tooth and nail, will create many obstacles and will throw many challenges.

Starve the inner enemies

But we have to tolerate these onslaughts with great determination and continue chanting sincerely.

While practicing mantra meditation we also have to make sure that we do not indulge in any activities which may give strength to our inner enemies.

This is why scriptures ask us to follow the four – regulative principles of no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex including watching pornography.  

These wrong indulgences will stunt our spiritual progress and bind us to this miserable material world.  As we start starving the enemies and continue chanting enthusiastically the enemies become weaker day by day.

Krishna loves a sincere devotee

Our effort and sincerity will attract the mercy of the munificent Lord. Krishna is always ready to help us in our devotional endeavour. In fact, he personally takes the responsibility of helping his sincere devotees.

He supplies us with all necessary intelligence and guidance which will help us to come closer to Him.

This he confirms in Bhagavad Gita 9.22, “But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have”.  

And once Lord gets pleased with our efforts then he would drive away these enemies from our life forever. 

Devotees are always victorious

During the churning of the ocean also in spite of facing all the hardships, demigods and demons continued working tirelessly for the nectar.

And finally Dhanvantari appeared with the pot of nectar. Upon seeing the pot, the crooked demons snatched it immediately. They did not want the demigods to have even a drop of the nectar.

But the demigods were under the protection of Lord Vishnu. And those who take shelter of the Lord never ever get deprived of anything auspicious. The Lord of the Universe personally took the responsibility of delivering the nectar to the demigods.

He took a beautiful feminine form of Mohini Murti and tricked the demons. The lusty demons got captivated by Her extraordinary beauty and readily handed the invaluable container to Mohini Murti.

She then cleverly distributed the nectar to the demigods and the demons were left dumbfounded. They could not do anything.  It is verily said that if we are with the Lord then there is no chance of us ever getting defeated or cheated.  

The demigods after drinking the ambrosia and taking complete shelter of the Lord vanquished the demons and emerged victorious.

Never give up Krishna’s shelter, if you want Krishna’s nectar

Churning of the milk ocean or Samudra manthan teaches many invaluable lessons to a devotee and one of that is that we should be determined not to leave shelter of Krishna.

So, if we want to vanquish our inner demon our anarthas then we should always take shelter of God because the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the best friend and well-wisher of the three worlds (Srimad Bhagavatam 8.9.27).

In order to take shelter of God, we should always chant the names of God like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu assures us that if we chant the names of Krishna constantly then our heart will be cleansed of all the impurities – ceto darpana marjanam.

Churning of the milk ocean pastime of Lord or Samudra manthan has many important lessons for the devotees of Krishna. If we apply it in our devotional journey then we will surely become successful in our spiritual life.

If you want Krishna’s nectar, then never give up Krishna’s shelter whatever may be the situations and circumstances.

Why Krishna took birth on earth?

If Krishna is the Supreme Lord as per the Vedic scriptures then why he took birth on earth? What was the need for him to come on earth?  If you refer the Vedic scriptures then you will come to the conclusion that Krishna is the undisputed Supreme Lord.

For example, Brahma Samhita says, īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ/sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ, which means “Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body.”

Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.28 says, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam, but Krishna is the original personality of Godhead.

Understanding Krishna’s birth with the analogy of sun

So, now the question is, if Krishna is God and is eternal then why he has to appear or take birth on earth?  We can understand this by the analogy of the sun. When early in the morning we see sun in the eastern horizon we say that sun has appeared (or is born) and when it sets in the evening, we say the sun has disappeared.

But the sun is always there in the sky. Based on our seeing it or not seeing it, we say, it appeared or disappeared. Similarly, Krishna is eternal. When we see him on earth, we say that he has appeared and when he finishes his pastimes and returns to the spiritual world, we say he has disappeared because we cannot see him.

Janmashtami is the day when Krishna appeared in this world. He appeared on the eighth day of dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).

Krishna tells us why he takes birth on earth

But why God, Krishna, takes birth in this world? What was the reason? Krishna answers this in Bhagavad Gita 4.7 & 4.8.

“Whenever and wherever, there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion – at that time I descend Myself.” Bhagavad Gita 4.7

“To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.” Bhagavad Gita 4.8

So, Krishna is saying that he comes here to establish religious principles and to teach people like you and me how to live righteously.

Krishna does not just come to earth to kill the demons. He can kill them from his spiritual abode only. But he comes here because he cares for us, he loves us and he does not want to us to suffer here.

He comes to lead us from darkness to light – tamaso ma jyotirgamaya. And to tell us that as our eternal father, ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā, Bhagavad Gita 14.4, he is always with us and loves us unconditionally.

Krishna comes to invite us to his spiritual kingdom

The Supreme Lord Krishna, our father, personally comes from the spiritual abode to earth to invite us to return back to the spiritual kingdom which is our original home. Krishna assures that his abode is free of all the sufferings and once we go there then we do not have to come to this world where misery is at every step.

Our eternal father, Krishna explains about his supreme abode in Bhagavad Gita 8.21,

“That which the Vedāntists describe as unmanifest and infallible, that which is known as the supreme destination, that place from which, having attained it, one never returns – that is My supreme abode.” Bhagavad Gita 8.21

Krishna for our benefit informs us that this world is temporary, full of miseries, where everyone has to undergo the repeated cycle of birth and death. So, the Supreme Lord is advising us to return back to his kingdom in Bhagavad Gita.

“After attaining Me, the great souls, who are yogīs in devotion, never return to this temporary world, which is full of miseries, because they have attained the highest perfection.” Bhagavad Gita 8.15

“From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kuntī, never takes birth again.” Bhagavad Gita 8.16

And Krishna gives complete assurance that once we purify ourselves and return to the spiritual world then we do not have to come to this world again.

“That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world.” Bhagavad Gita 15.6

Krishna took birth on earth in a unique way

Krishna took birth in a unique way. He appeared in a pitched dark prison cell in the middle of the night to Devaki and Vasudeva who were bound by iron shackles and were living in constant fear of Kamsa. As soon as Krishna appeared, the dark prison cell got illumined.

Krishna did not take birth just like any ordinary child. But in the prison cell he manifested in the form of the Supreme Lord.

Krishna appears in four-handed form of Lord Vishnu

“Vasudeva then saw the newborn child, who had very wonderful lotuslike eyes and who bore in His four hands the four weapons śaṅkha, cakra, gadā and padma. On His chest was the mark of Śrīvatsa and on His neck the brilliant Kaustubha gem. Dressed in yellow, His body blackish like a dense cloud, His scattered hair fully grown, and His helmet and earrings sparkling uncommonly with the valuable gem Vaidūrya, the child, decorated with a brilliant belt, armlets, bangles and other ornaments, appeared very wonderful. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.3.9-10

As soon as Devaki and Vasudeva saw Krishna in his four handed form, their heart became free from all fear.

Srimad Bhagavatam explains that when Krishna was to appear in this world then all men and women who were suffering because of demons like Kamsa felt peace within the core of their hearts. The denizens of the higher planets like Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Apsaras began singing auspicious songs and they danced in jubilation.

Prayers by Devaki & Vasudeva and Krishna appears as human child

Devaki and Vasudeva offered their heartfelt prayers to Krishna.

Devaki said, “My Lord, because You dispel all the fear of Your devotees, I request You to save us and give us protection from the terrible fear of Kaṁsa. Your form as Viṣṇu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is appreciated by yogīs in meditation. Please make this form invisible to those who see with material eyes.”  Srimad Bhagavatam 10.3.28

Krishna gave the reason to Devaki and Vasudeva as why he appeared in his four handed form of Lord Vishnu.

“I have shown you this form of Viṣṇu just to remind you of My previous births. Otherwise, if I appeared like an ordinary human child, you would not believe that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, has indeed appeared.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.3.44

After giving the reason,  the Supreme Lord transformed himself into a human baby so that Devaki and Vasudeva can experience vatsalya bhav, parental affection. Moreover Krishna also had to perform many wonderful childhood pastimes in Vrindavan.

Why Krishna took birth on earth as eighth son of Devaki & Vasudeva?

But before Krishna appeared, Kamsa had killed six sons of Devaki immediately after they were born. When Devaki and Vasudeva had just got married, a celestial voice had predicted that the eighth child of Devaki will be the cause of Kamsa’s death. 

Upon hearing this ominous voice, Kamsa wanted to kill Devaki, his own sister. To save his wife’s life, Vasudeva promised Kamsa that he will deliver all the child of Devaki to him. And then Kamsa can do whatever he wants to do with the child. So, one after another Kamsa mercilessly killed the six children.

The seventh child was mysteriously transferred to the womb of Rohini, Vasudeva’s another wife who was living in Vraj, from the womb of Devaki. That child was Balarama.

Krishna appeared as the eighth child and as predicted, he killed the atrocious demon, Kamsa.

The six sons of Devaki who were killed by Kamsa represents six rebellious proclivities of the mind – kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (envy), mada (pride), matsara (illusion). As long as we allow these six enemies to reside in our heart, Krishna will not appear in our heart.

If we analyse our life, we will find that we suffer in this world because of these six vices. Vices are called anarthas in sanskrit. In Bhagavad Gita 16.21, Krishna says, lust, greed and anger are gateway to hell. So, the Supreme Lord says, “every sane man should give these up for they lead to the degradation of the soul.” As soon as we succumb to these lower nature trouble begins in our life. Our mind remains out of our control because of these impurities.

Balarama the competent guru

So, it is important that we cleanse our heart of these six enemies which brings inauspiciousness in our life.  But it is not easy to fight these powerful enemies all alone. For that we need help. We need a competent guide, a guru who can show us the right path.

Balarama who appeared as the seventh child of Devaki and Vasudeva is the adi guru, the original guru. He always takes care of the suffering souls and takes them towards Krishna.

Krishna, our best well wisher

Because who can help us better than Krishna?  He is our best friend, best well-wisher and most importantly, he is always there for us. He helped Arjuna when Arjuna was in great trouble at the battlefield of Kurukshetra.  The Supreme Lord, Krishna, never disappoints anyone. In Bhagavad Gita 18.66 he says that “if we take his shelter then he will deliver us from all sinful reactions and will free us from all fear.”

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu teaches how to take shelter of Krishna?

But how to seek Krishna’s shelter? This has been beautifully explained by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Gaudiya Vaisnavism and the pioneer of Bhakti Movement. He says that the best way to take Krishna’s shelter is by chanting his holy names like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

In his Siksastakam prayers, he writes that chanting cleanses the heart of all the impurities and inundates our heart with unlimited transcendental bliss for which we are always anxious.  Once our heart is cleansed our mind will come in our control. And when the mind is under our control then it will become our best friend, and then we can always live in peace and bliss.

Krishna took birth on earth for you and me

We can alleviate our life if we invite Krishna to reside in our heart. Let us constantly offer our heartfelt prayers to Krishna and chant his names fervently. When Krishna’s name will enter our heart then the holy name will destroy the impurities lurking in our heart since ages.

Our heart will become pure and soft like butter. Krishna, the butter thief, will then happily appear in our heart to steal our heart just like he would steal butter from the houses of the gopis, who were his great devotees.

The most important reason why Krishna took birth on earth is to remind you and me that we are his eternal parts and parcels and if we sincere desire and seriously practice devotion to him then we will return back to him in his spiritual kingdom.

Janmashtami Celebration at Omni Tulsi, Kolkata in 2022

This year we had Janmashtami celebration in our Omni Tulsi apartment in Kolkata on 21^st August 2022, Sunday. We choose Sunday, so that everyone can participate. Many residents participated in the festival.

Before Covid, we had celebrated Janmashtami here but unfortunately for last 3 years we could not have any festival. But this time many of the residents were eager to celebrate Janmashtami.

Planning

For Janmashtami celebration, we decided to have abhishek of the Lord, spiritual talk and prasadam. Later we also thought to have cultural program in which kids can participate.  For all this to happen smoothly, we sought help of HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu who is a senior monk at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata. He was happy to help.  

Prasadam was arranged from the temple. Prasadam menu was khicdi, aludum and halwa.

Sri Sri Radha Madhav deity for abhishek

For abhishek, we needed a deity of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani. I requested in the temple for the deities. HG Vrindavan Chari Prabhu and Shivaji Prabhu helped to arrange a beautiful deity of Sri Sri Radha Madhav.  

For last few years I have been doing abhishek seva (service) in the temple, so I know the process of doing abhishek and the items required for abhishek. Moreover, HG Vrindavan Chari Prabhu who is a senior pujari in Iskcon Newtown temple, Kolkata is always there to help me. So, first I discussed with prabhuji about the items which will be required during abhishek.

We wanted to do abhishek the way it is done in the temple.  So, we decided to have almost all the items which are used in the temple for abhishek but with lesser quantity. For example, in temple, 8 litres of milk are used but here we decided to have 2 litres of milk. In temple we use 4 kg of honey but here we used only one kg and so on.

Everyone took responsibility for making arrangement for Janmashtami Celebration

One of the best things about the celebration was that everyone wanted to not just participate but many of them were keen to help in making arrangements for the festival. We decided to divide the work amongst ourselves.

Some took the responsibility of purchasing the items, some decided to get flowers for decoration and for abhishek, some took the onus of decorating the hall, my wife along with other ladies made plans for kids fancy dress and cultural program. One person got the service of bringing the deity from the temple and few residents were in charge of bringing prasadam from temple.  I got the service of making preparation for abhishek.

The program was in society’s community hall. On the day of Janmashtami celebration, everyone was busy since afternoon. Some were decorating the hall; some were making sure that all the items are brought from the market. Everyone was engaged.

Community hall was beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, balloons, rangolis and lights. At the entrance of the hall rangolis were made with colors and flower petals to welcome the Lord. By evening everything was ready.

Janmashtami Celebration begins

We went to the temple at around 6 pm to bring Sri Sri Radha Madhav and prasadam.

As soon as the deity arrived, everyone started doing kirtan to welcome the Lord. Sri Sri Radha Madhav was placed on a nicely decorated table.  

Cultural Prgram

The program began with the ladies dancing to the song of Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram. After this was kids fancy dress program. They were dressed as Krishna, gopis and gopas. Some were too small to stand for a long time, so they just crawled. Two little girls danced on popular Krishna song.

Abhishek of the Lord

After the cultural program, abhishek started.

All the items were ready for the abhishek and were kept in earthen pots in specific sequence. There is a proper procedure of doing abhishek of the Lord as per pancaratrika-vidhi. Different sacred items are used in specific sequence for abhishek. Lord’s abhishek was done as per the temple standard. Before starting abhishek, in each of the items tulasi leaves were put.

Abhishek started with arati of the Lord using nine pista lamps. After arati, sacred oil was applied on the body of Sri Sri Radha Madhav.  It was followed by applying white til paste on the deity. After applying til paste bathing of the Lord started with sacred liquids.

Lord was bathed with Panchagavya, Kusa grass water, Panchamitra, Fruit Juices, Mahaushadhi, Sarvaushadhi, Ashtagandha and then there was  Sahastradhara snana. After bathing ceremony, the deity was dried and towel was wrapped around Sri Sri Radha Madhav. After that there was puspa abhishek.

For puspa abhishek, everyone came forward to offer flowers to Sri Sri Radha Madhav.  Once the abhishek was completed, Sri Sri Radha Madhav was taken for decoration. I had made an arrangement in my flight for HG Vrindavan Chari Prabhu to dress and decorate the Lord. When the Lord was getting ready for arati, HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu gave a nice class on Janmashtami.

Dilip Ghosh, BJP National Vice President present during the abhishek

During the festival, Sri Dilip Ghosh, Member of Parliament (MP) and BJP’s national vice president was also present. He was earlier president of West Bengal BJP.  He stays in our Omni tulsi apartment. Although, he is mostly busy, but he made it a priority to attend the Janmashtami Celebration. He also offered flower to Sri Sri Radha Madhav. To welcome him, we offered him Lord’s garland and gave him Krishna Book and Bhagavad Gita. He also spoke for few minutes and congratulated everyone for organizing such a nice festival. He said that Omni Tulsi has become like a small Gokul today.

Once the Lord was dressed, they came to the hall.  HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu too concluded his class by that time.

Arati & Dancing kirtan

At the end, we had beautiful arati of the Lord. During the arati, melodious Hare Krishna kirtan was going on. Everyone participated in arati and kirtan. One of the highlights of the program was that at the end many participated in dancing kirtan. One person later told me that “the atmosphere was so surcharged with spiritual ecstasy that I could not resist myself and I began dancing to the tune of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.”

At the end there was prasadam.

Praying to Sri Sri Radha Madhav to bless Omni Tulsi

In today’s busy life, people rarely get time to come together and associate with each other. But these kinds of spiritual festivals help us to develop strong relationship with each other.   And along with that we also get mercy of the Supreme Lord.  Janmashtami celebration at Omni Tulsi had everything which brings joy in life.

We pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Madhav to bless each and every resident of Omni Tulsi. And we also pray him to give us an opportunity to celebrate Janmashtami festival every year here.

126th Vyasa Puja celebration of Srila Prabhupada at Iskcon Newtown temple

Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata, celebrated 126^th Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada in a grand way. Thousands of devotees came for the Vyasa Puja celebration. A day before was Janmashtami. And on that day, there was heavy downpour. The weather was not good on Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day too.

But these ephemeral difficulties did not deter the devotees to throng Iskcon Newtown temple. Devotees were in the temple since morning. Large number of devotees participated in the guru puja at 7:30 am and attended Srimad Bhagavatam class.

Guru Puja and Pushpanjali

Many devotees fasted till 12 noon and also chanted more number of rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra for Srila Prabhupada’s pleasure. At 12 noon there was Pushpanjali i.e. flowers were offered to Srila Prabhupada and arati was performed.  The mood was festive. After fasting for almost one and a half days devotees relished noon prasadam.

One of the things of Iskcon which attracts even a non-devotee is Iskcon’s prasadam. Lord Krishna appeared as Lord Chaitanya and made practicing devotion to Krishna simple. Srila Prabhupada an ardent follower of Lord Chaitanya carried the same mood and have ensured that devotees in Iskcon is not deprived of anything. One of the best ways to satisfy the senses is to eat nice food.

But when the food is prasadam then it not just satisfies the senses but also purifies the senses. So, devotees not just relish the delicious verities of prasadam but also parallelly remove unwanted substances from their heart which keeps them away from Krishna.

Offering of Devotees to Srila Prabhupada

Evening program started at 5 pm.  To set the mood first there was lively kirtan which rejuvenated physically tired devotees. After the kirtan devotees began making their offerings to Srila Prabhupada on his 126^th Vyasa Puja.

It is strange to see that how Prabhupada has touched everyone’s life in a personal way. Devotees one by one narrated their struggles in their Krishna Conscious journey and how Srila Prabhupada’s guidance through his books and lectures helped them and showed them the right path. Today, you and I cannot deny the fact that it is only because of Srila Prabhupada that each one of us are practicing Krishna Consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada was a revolutionary preacher. He led the worldwide Krishna Conscious movement from front and fought with anyone who opposed it with intellectual argument.   

I liked an offering of one of the matajis. While giving her offering, she strongly opposed the idea of feminism which is taking women away from authentic Krishna Conscious practices. In her address she said that she felt proud that Srila Prabhupada gave her the position of mother. If you address any non-devotee young (or even not so young) lady mataji then she will become wild and will yell at you. But this mataji who was not old felt privileged to be addressed and respected as mother. It is a revolutionary idea which Srila Prabhupada promoted.

Some devotees wrote heart touching poems to glorify Srila Prabhupada.

While devotees were making their offerings to Srila Prabhupada, some devotees were making arrangements for the abhishek of Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada’s grand abhishek on his 126^th Vyasa Puja at Iskcon Newtown

Abhishek started at around 6:30 pm. The stage was decorated with colourful flowers. Srila Prabhupada’s deity was brought for abhishek and reverentially placed on an elevated marble platform on a table.  

First his body was smeared with chandan oil. Then his arati was done with 9 pista lamps which were put on a circular plate. Rose petals and other colourful petals were put around the lamps. These pista lamps are made of wheat flour or fine flour called maida. After that white til paste was applied on the body of Srila Prabhupada.

Bathing ceremony begins

The first liquid item which was poured on Srila Prabhupada was milk which was followed by curd, ghee, honey, sugar candy water and kusha grass water.

After that Srila Prabhupada was bathed with different fruit juices like banana juice, green grapes and black grapes juices, pomegranate juice, watermelon juice and mango juice. After the fruit juices, Prabhupada was bathed with kesar water and rose water.

And after this Prabhupada was bathed with Sarvaushadhi, Mahaushadhi, Ratnodak and Ashtagandha. Ashtagandha means eight sacred items, it consists of Panchpushp jal, Camphor, Jatamansi and Chandan paste.  

After Ashtagandha bath there was Sahastradhara snana. For Sahastradhara snana, a vessel having multiple holes (ideally having thousand holes) was put above the head of Srila Prabhupada. Few peeled bananas were put on the vessel.

Few devotees held the Sahastradhara vessel which was on Prabhupada’s head and couple of devotees started pouring water on it.  Water started flowing through multiple holes bathing Srila Prabhupada. Several pots of water were poured. It looked so beautiful. Devotees loudly started clapping and singing.  

After bathing with Sahastradhara, Srila Prabhupaada was bathed with flower petals consisting of yellow and orange marigold and juhi.

While Srila Prabhupada was being bathed with different types of sacred liquid hundreds of devotees in chorus were singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Devotees also sang the vaishnava song – vaishnaba thakura, doyara sagara, e dase koruna kori.

After the abhishek, Srila Prabhupada was taken for dressing and bhoga offering.

126^th Vyasa Puja book offered to Srila Prabhupada at Iskcon Newtown

Devotees again started giving their offerings. HG Acharya Ratan Prabhu offered the 126^th Vyasa Puja book of Iskcon Newtown devotees to Srila Prabhupada. After offering the book at Prabhupada’s lotus feet, HG Acharya Ratan Prabhu read the offering of Iskcon Kolkata GBC HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, other senior sannyasis and devotees. He then read his offering. While devotees were giving offering, Srila Prabhupada was getting ready.

Arati & Bhoga Offering

Beautifully dressed Srila Prabhupada came on the stage. Many devotees had worked hard to prepare bhoga for Prabhupada. Since it was the appearance day celebration of everyone’s beloved Srila Prabhupada, so devotees had put in their heart to prepare different delicious bhoga for him. If I am not wrong then more than 100 items were offered to Prabhupada along with a cake. After bhoga offering, it was arati time.

HG Vrindavan Chari Prabhu did the arati and HG Amar Kishor Prabhu sang the song – Sri Guru Caran Padma and led the kirtan.

The festival culminated with delicious prasadam. Every devotee loved the prasadam and had a big smile which was bigger than their prasadam plate.

My Prayer to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami

Dear Lord Krishna,

On this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, I pray at your lotus feet that I develop deep love to serve your lotus feet.  In this world no matter how best we try to please others we always fail not because others are bad but because we do not have the ability to satisfy others.

What to speak about others, we are not able to even please ourselves in this ephemeral world. Here we are taught that we should orchestrate our life in such a way that we attain lots of material success. It is said by mundane scholars that once we attain the coveted goal of our life then all our senses will experience great joy. The problem with material success is that it is very difficult to achieve and even if we achieve it, its pleasure giving potency to our senses is very limited and is temporary.

But in spite of knowing this and experiencing this my attraction to gratify my senses is not going way. To some extent I can say that it has reduced but has not gone completely.  I am pulled by my senses here and there and I find no solace anywhere.

Vedic scriptures call you by the name Hrishikesh which means who controls everyone’s senses, one who is the owner of all the senses and one who directs the senses.  On this day of your appearance day, I beg you to completely take control of my senses. I have tried multiple times to gratify my senses but each time I have failed miserably.

In Bhagavad Gita, you have already described in detail how sense gratification causes bondage and becomes the cause of suffering.

“An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.” Bhagavad Gita 5.22

So, you advise that a sane man should not succumb to sense gratification.  You describe the benefit of sense control.

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: O Pārtha, when a man gives up all varieties of desire for sense gratification, which arise from mental concoction, and when his mind, thus purified, finds satisfaction in the self alone, then he is said to be in pure transcendental consciousness.” Bhagavad Gita 2.55

But unfortunately, in spite of knowing this truth, I am not able to muster courage to say no to the demands of my senses. I am not sure since when, but I have been indulging in sense gratification since several lifetimes.  This is the reason that I am not able to now control by uncontrolled senses.

I know that you have given us free will and you do not interfere with anyone’s free will. But I beg you to please take away my free will which is keeping me away from you. What is the use of this free will which is becoming the main cause of bondage and suffering?

Just like maya devi binds a conditioned soul and keeps him in this world. Please bind me with ropes and take me to the spiritual world and keep me there forever. Even if I desire to come to this world seeking pleasure, please do not send me here. Keep me always under your shelter.

If a master gives too much freedom to a dog, then it will run away from the house. So, the master puts a rope around dog’s neck and ties him to a chair or table. The dog may think that the master is cruel but that is for the benefit of the dog only.

I am also like a two-legged animal not aware about my welfare. So, please put a rope around my neck and bind me to your lotus feet. By remaining under the shelter of your lotus feet I will be able to save myself from all the sufferings which keeps on popping in this world. Just like stars are countless, similarly sufferings in this world are countless.

But if I attain permanent residence at your lotus feet then I will never have to suffer. And just by remaining there my senses will also get purified and I will lose all hope and all taste for material sense gratification. 

Today in the morning, I was hearing one lecture of Srila Prabhupada. In that lecture Prabhupada was saying that without Krishna Consciousness there can be no peace and no happiness. Also, Prabhupada was saying that Krishna Consciousness will help us to attain immortality. None of us want to die but everyone has to die. None of us want any calamity in life but at any moment disaster strikes us and knocks us down.  So, Prabhupada out of compassion for us was again and again pleading us to take your shelter so that we can protect ourselves from all the sufferings. 

You appeared on this auspicious day of Janmashtami for us to show us the glimpse of the spiritual world and invite us there.  In Bhagavad Gita, you describe your spiritual abode and you assure us that once we go there then we will not have to come back here again. 

“That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world.” Bhagavad Gita 15.6

Dear Lord Krishna, on this auspicious day of Janmashtami I again and again beg you to purify my senses and give me strength and determination so that I do not indulge in any sort of sense gratification.  I should not succumb to lust, greed and anger which you describe as gateway to hell. I know that these anarthas will torment me, torture me and entice me but please dear Krishna give me strength to not become a victim of these life threatening anarthas. I will be able to fight with these anarthas only by your mercy. Other than you no one can help me.

Please give me sufficient intelligence so that I always remain under your shelter, chant your names daily and serve you every moment of my life.

The purpose of human life is to love and serve you and your dear devotees. This I have understood but because of not being pure I am not able to serve you properly. So, please purify my life so that I dedicate every moment of my life to you.  Please do consider my plea, dear Krishna.

Your eternal servitor

Purushottam Nitai Das

Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 126th Appearance Day

This year we are celebrating 126th Vyasa Puja, birth anniversary, of Srila Prabhupada. On this auspcious occassion let us reflect on Srila Prabhupada’s great contribution in spreading Krishna Consciosuness all over the world.

Honestly speaking, I am not at all qualified to write vyasa puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 126th appearance day but I am trying to do so for my own purificaiton. It is said that just by glorifying a vaisnava a person who is extremely sinful also gets purified.

In my humble attempt of discussing the glories of Srila Prabhupada, if I committ any mistake then please do forgive me.

An incident from the life of Srila Prabhupada

Once there was disappearance day celebration of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Since it was Friday so HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj asked devotees to prepare feast in the evening because he thought that in the evening more guests will come.

At around 11 am Srila Prabhupada inquired how the feast preparation is going. HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj informed to Prabhupada that since it was Friday so he decided that the feast will be prepared in the evening when more guests will come. Srila Prabhupada became angry like Lord Narasimhadeva. He immediately went to the kitchen.

Only one mataji was in the kitchen and she was cooking prasadam. Srila Prabhupada asked her why she is not preparing feast for his spiritual master. She said because HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj asked us to prepare it in the evening.  This made Prabhupada more angry.

Without wasting a moment, he himself started cooking the feast. Few devotees began assisting him. In an hour Srila Prabhupada was able to prepare ten course feast for sixty devotees. After the feast preparation, there was disappearance day celebration of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. There was arati, kirtan and lecture by Prabhupada.

An important lesson Prabhupada teaches

Once the program was over, devotees sat to relish the feast. Srila Prabhupada went to his room. One devotee carried feast prasadam in a silver plate to Prabhupada’s room. But to the surprise of all, the devotee quickly came out of the room with the silver plate.

Prabhupada did not even touch the feast. He did not eat anything. In fact, he felt very disturbed that his spiritual master’s disappearance day was not celebrated nicely. He felt deep pain in his heart. All the devotees who were relishing the feast, became numb. They all realized that how their carelessness and lack of spiritual understanding had upset Srila Prabhupada.

Narrating this incident, HH Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj writes in his book “Servant of the Servant”, “Our carefree, festive mood became broken as we realized the sober lesson that without pleasing guru and Krishna, there is no possibility of our own satisfaction.”

Spiritual Initiation not a formality

For Prabhupada initiation was not just a formality. He took each and every instruction of his spiritual master very seriously and did his best to fulfil it.  From his life we learn that we should not take spiritual life lightly or casually. No matter how much difficulty he was facing but he never compromised with the principles. 

Whatever means he had with that he tried his best to serve the instructions of his spiritual master. He hardly complained and whatever opportunity he got to serve Krishna he made best use of it. From the core of his heart, he always glorified his spiritual master and always wanted to please him.

His spiritual master had asked him to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya all over the world. Also, he had asked him to print books in English and distribute it to the English-speaking people.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would say, “Indians influenced by western culture had started blindly following the western world and are neglecting Vedic culture. So, if people of the west become devotees, then Indians too will become devotees by following their footsteps and will start taking Krishna consciousness seriously.”

Prabhupada took this instruction to his heart and soul and dedicated his life in writing books in English and preaching the message of Lord Chaitanya all over the world.

Never gave any excuse

After taking sannyasa he faced many difficulties. Many times, he could not find a place to stay. He did not have sufficient money or means to have meals. But in spite of these challenges, he continued translating Srimad Bhagavatam in English and continued his preaching activities. He did not give any excuse for not writing or not preaching.

Before embarking to west on a preaching mission he had translated three volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the west too especially in the first year of his stay he faced lots of difficulties, but he persevered.  His desire was to translate almost all Vedic literatures in English language so that the entire world is inundated with Krishna Consciousness.

All credit to spiritual master

Whatever he achieved, for that he gave all credit to his spiritual master. Prabhupada took no credit for himself.

He writes in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.29 purport, “Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the great preacher of the principles of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, has stressed the importance of association with sādhus, pure devotees of the Lord. He said that even by a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can achieve all perfection. We are not ashamed to admit that this fact was experienced in our practical life. Were we not favored by His Divine Grace Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja, by our first meeting for a few minutes only, it would have been impossible for us to accept this mighty task of describing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in English. Without seeing him at that opportune moment, we could have become a very great business magnate, but never would we have been able to walk the path of liberation and be engaged in the factual service of the Lord under instructions of His Divine Grace.”

A one-man army against Maya

Prabhupada was a one-man army. Material situations and circumstances did not demotivate him. He single- handedly waged war against maya, the illusory energy of Krishna. Maya’s writ ran in the west. But Prabhupada was not enamoured by the glitch and glamour of the west.

When he first time landed in the west, he saw skyrise buildings, people driving in fancy cars and everyone flaunting their wealth. Prabhupada was not impressed. He would often ask, “What is the use of all these if you do not know Krishna and have not heard about Lord Chaitanya?”

He saw these material amenities as a ploy of maya to bind the conditioned souls in this material world and make him suffer more and more.

When Prabhupada saw an affluent American proudly riding in a Cadillac, he saw him as an unfortunate soul imprisoned by maya in a dazzling iron box.  And when he saw young American boys and girls holding each other and dancing in clubs to the tune of rock music, he saw them as misguided souls who because of utter ignorance are swiftly gliding towards hell. When he saw someone flaunting wealth, he would ask him, “Will you carry it to your next life?”

Never compromised with Krishna Conscious philosophy

Many Indian spiritual leaders who had gone to west to spread Vedic Indian philosophy had got attracted by western culture and had assimilated it in their life. Many hesitated in introducing Vedic culture there for fear of losing followers and influence.

But Srila Prabhupada is the only Indian spiritual leader who had the courage and conviction to completely convince thousands of western people to give up materialistic way of life and adopt Vedic lifestyle. 

Many scholars who went to west during Prabhupada’s time preached how to use the principles of Bhagavad Gita to become a materially successful person. It is true that Bhagavad Gita is an encyclopedia of life and if one just follows few of its lessons then one can get material success too. But Prabhupada was not much interested in material success. Why? Because material success is temporary and the sensual gratification which any worldly success provides binds us to this material world and perpetuates suffering.

Also, achieving material success is not the ultimate conclusion of Bhagavad Gita. While concluding his teaching to Arjuna, Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 18.65, “Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.”  The Supreme Lord further says, “Give up everything and just take my shelter.”  Bhagavad Gita 18.66

Chosen by Krishna to give Krishna

Prabhupada came to this world to give Krishna. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that seeing the plight of people, Krishna personally sent him to deliver unfortunate souls of this world.

Prabhupada’s unflinching faith in the instruction of his guru and the mercy of Krishna helped him to penetrate the heart of each and every one who met him. And each one was happy to embrace Krishna with open heart.

So, we see that in just few years the western world was flooded with Krishna Consciousness – thousands of people began chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, gave up all activities which is prohibited in Vedic scriptures and adopted Krishna Conscious lifestyle. Everyone started decorating their body with tilak, men started wearing dhoti-kurta and women saris. And everyone ate only Krishna prasadam.

Prabhupada did not just talk but he walked the talk. By his personal example, he taught us what it means to be a devotee of Krishna. And how if we just take shelter of Krishna, then we will be able to experience the highest pleasure which we are wrongly seeking in this world.  

If we look at any picture of Srila Prabhupada, we will find that he is always at peace and is always in control. This is because he is always under the shelter of Krishna, the Supreme Controller.

Srila Prabhupada infiltrated everyone’s heart and convinced all that other than Krishna, nothing can make us happy in this world.

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is because of Srila Prabhupada that millions of people in this world got the mercy of Krishna and millions of people are still getting attracted to Krishna Consciousness.

Begging mercy of Srila Prabhupada on his 126th Vyasa Puja

And it is because of Srila Prabhupada’s causeless mercy that I have got an opportunity to practice Krishna Consciousness.

This year, we are celebrating 126^th Vyasa Puja, birth anniversary, of Srila Prabhupada.

On this most auspicious day of the year, I beg Srila Prabhupada to give me shelter of his lotus feet and shower his mercy upon me.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, it is because of you that an unfortunate soul like me of this unfortunate world have got an opportunity to end all suffering of my life.  

In Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, Chapter Twenty Two, Text Thirty One, it is mentioned that wherever there is Krishna there is no darkness.

kṛṣṇa — sūrya-sama; māyā haya andhakāra
yāhāṅ kṛṣṇa, tāhāṅ nāhi māyāra adhikāra

“Kṛṣṇa is compared to sunshine, and māyā is compared to darkness. Wherever there is sunshine, there cannot be darkness. As soon as one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the darkness of illusion (the influence of the external energy) will immediately vanish.”

Dear Srila Prabhupada, you came to enlighten people like me so that I can go from darkness to light by taking shelter of Krishna. But because of my past conditionings, I am not able to fully surrender to Krishna.

Without pleasing Prabhupada, I cannot please Krishna

On the auspicious day of your 126th vyasa puja, dear Srila Prabhupada, I beg at your lotus feet to purify my heart of all anarthas, impurities, which keeps me in darkness and is keeping me away from your lotus feet.  Without pleasing you, I cannot please Krishna.

And I cannot please you without following your instructions completely. In spite of reading your books and hearing your lectures, I still get attracted to this illusory material world and carry a hope that somehow by my endeavour I will be able to become happy here without Krishna.

Many tried in the past and all have failed. I am too failing again and again. The mighty time is dragging me towards the graveyard. But because of my utter foolishness I still see a glimpse of hope in this material world. My condition is akin to a goat standing in queue in a slaughterhouse enjoying green grass oblivious to the fact that it is slowly inching towards the butcher’s knife.

You appeared in this world to save people like me from unending misery. Please shower your mercy upon me so that I give up all hope of enjoying in this material life and instead develop all attraction for Krishna and become his sincere devotee.

Your eternal insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das