Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

How to know Krishna?

You want to know Krishna. I too want to know Krishna. In fact, everyone is looking for Krishna because we all have deep spiritual relationship with Krishna.

George Harrison explains it in a better way, “Everybody is looking for KṚṢṆA. Some don’t realize that they are, but they are.”

So, the question is, is it possible to know Krishna? Is it possible to understand Krishna? Is it possible to know our relationship with Krishna? And most importantly is it possible to develop relationship with Krishna? 

If yes, then how?

To know Krishna, tell your mind to always remember Krishna

The answer is given by Krishna himself in Bhagavad Gita. In Bhagavad Gita 7.1, Krishna says that if we are always conscious of him, our mind is attached to him then we can know him completely without any doubt.

“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

Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and through Arjuna he is speaking this transcendental knowledge to you and me.

Prior to this verse i.e. in Bhagavad Gita 6.47 which is the last verse of Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that “amongst all the yogis one who with great faith always thinks of Me within himself and engages in transcendental loving service unto Me is the topmost yogi.” 

Now immediately in the first verse of Chapter 7, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that if we want to know him then our mind should be completely absorbed in him.  Absorption should be 100%.

Here, Krishna also underlines the importance of hearing about Him. Unless we hear about Krishna, we won’t know him. And if we do not know Krishna then how we will always serve him with love. It is not possible to continuously serve a stranger. If someone is very powerful then we may be compelled to serve him, but that service will not be with love but will be because of fear.

From whom to hear about Krishna?

Now the question is from whom to hear. The best source is Krishna himself because he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So, Krishna tells Arjuna, tac chṛṇu, i.e. “Hear from Me.” Bhagavad Gita 7.1. Arjuna was fortunate because Krishna was present in front of him. But let us not be disheartened. We can also know Krishna by hearing about Krishna from pure devotees of Krishna. Pure devotees have so much love for Krishna that by the mercy of Krishna, he is able to speak about Krishna elaborately.

We see Sukhdev Goswami, a pure devotee of Krishna so eloquently described Krishna’s beautiful pastimes. Srila Prabhupada, a pure devotee of Krishna, in his commentaries on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam have described unlimited glories of Krishna. If we read these books, we will know a lot about Krishna. In fact, the knowledge will be sufficient to not just know Krishna but also to develop a strong relationship with Krishna.

How to attach mind to Krishna?

We discussed that in Bhagavad Gita 7.1, Krishna says that our mind should be always attached to him, mayyasakta-manah.  

Those who practice spirituality knows well that how difficult it is to always focus our mind on the object of meditation. As soon as we start meditation our mind begins to wander here and there.  I always experience that as soon as I take the beads in my hand and begin chanting the names of Krishna, slowly my mind starts losing focus. Instead of focusing on Krishna and his names, mind takes me to a different world.

Now if we are chanting the names of Krishna but our mind is focusing on something else then although our mouth will be uttering the words, but our consciousness will be absorbed in sense gratifying objects. We are where our mind is. So, if we want Krishna then we have to focus our mind on Krishna.

Controlling the naughty mind

Mind is like a naughty child; it keeps on running here and there. So, as soon as we see our mind is wandering, we should immediately catch our mind and bring it back and focus it on Krishna.  It is not that once we bring our mind from wherever it is to focus on Krishna it will stop wandering. Uncontrolled mind’s nature is to wander.  So, as soon as we find that the mind is wandering, we will again have to bring it back on Krishna.

This we will have to do again and again. Easy to say, difficult to do. But it is also not impossible.

If we try again and again then a state will come when mind won’t wander much. Slowly it will start rejoicing in being with Krishna.  And a state will come when our mind will completely stop wandering and will only focus on Krishna. Srila Prabhupada explains, “By concentrating one’s mind upon Kṛṣṇa, one is able to know the Absolute Truth completely, but not otherwise.” Bhagavad Gita 7.1 Purport.

The nine process of devotional service

Concentration of the mind upon Lord Krishna becomes easy when we practice the nine process of devotional service. The nine process of devotional service is also called nava-vidha bhakti and it begins with śravaṇam. Śravaṇam means hearing about Krishna. Vedic literature is shruti-shastra. Shruti means to hear. If we hear about Krishna from Krishna or from the scriptures, then we will become a perfect Krishna Conscious person.

Who cannot know Krishna?

In Bhagavad Gita 7.3, Lord Krishna says that many thousands of men endeavour for perfection but amongst those hardly few comes to know about Him. For non-devotees it is impossible to understand Krishna. But even those who practice jñāna-yoga and dhyāna-yoga, they are also not able to understand Krishna completely. For example, the followers of Śaṅkarācārya are not able to accept Krishna because they do not understand Krishna.

Yogis, jnanis, scholars, philosophers get bewildered when they see Krishna as little child playing in the courtyard of mother Yashoda. Or when they see Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna they get confused. They wonder how the Supreme Personality of Godhead can be a little child or become subservient to Arjuna. The yogis and jnanis may attain impersonal Brahman realization but they will not attain Krishna and Krishna’s abode unless they develop personal relationship with Krishna. Even the great demigods get confused by Krishna’s different pastimes. This is why Krishna says that “yatatam api siddhanam kascin mam vetti tattvatah: those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.” Bhagavad Gita 7.3.

Conclusion

But yogis, jnanis, scholars, philosophers can know Krishna if they start hearing about Krishna. “Hearing” about Krishna means hearing Krishna’s unlimited transcendental qualities and also hearing about Krishna’s many wonderful pastimes. If we hear about Krishna then we will be inspired to serve Krishna. We can focus our mind on Krishna. We will understand that we are eternal parts and parcels of Krishna. And in this world we are suffering because we have forgotten Krishna. 

Chapter 6 ends by Krishna declaring that the yogi who meditates upon Him and renders devotional service to Him is topmost. And in Chapter 7 Krishna starts explaining the process by which one can know Him completely and can attain Him without doubt.

The only way to know Krishna as He is (tattvataḥ) by the practice of devotional service with complete absorption.  

What is the relationship of Krishna with this material world?

You may think what relationship Lord Krishna has with this material world.  Is it that he created this world and later severed all his relationship with this material world?  Let us see what Krishna says about this in the scriptures, especially in Bhagavad Gita.

In Brahma Samhita, Brahma says that Krishna who is the Supreme God is the origin of all, causes of all causes. It implies that he creates the spiritual world, and he also creates this material world.

“Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.” Brahma Samhita 5.1

Material world is Krishna’s energies

Lord Krishna himself says in Bhagavad Gita that this material world is one of his energies 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.

So, everything is happening in this material world as per Krishna’s guidance and direction.  Krishna is the Supreme director and has a special and unique relationship with this material world.  The Supreme Lord Krishna creates this material world, maintains it, and ultimately destroys this material world.  

Krishna has two energies – superior (para) and inferior (apara). Everything in this creation – moving and non-moving – is part of Krishna’s superior energy and inferior energy. We the living entities are Krishna’s superior energy, and the material nature is Krishna’s inferior energy.

Lord Krishna pervades this material world and supports it. Just as sunshine is spread everywhere similarly the energy of the Lord is everywhere in this entire creation.

How Krishna maintains this material world?

To maintain and sustain this creation it is not that Lord has to be present personally everywhere. For example, a king manages the kingdom with the help of various departments. The various departments of the king are his energies and to maintain them king does not have to be there personally.  He appoints ministers to take care of finance, home, defence etc.

Similarly, the Supreme Lord maintains this world through his energies. He does not need to be personally present everywhere.  

The Lord delegates the responsibility to different personalities based on their capabilities to run the affairs of this world. These empowered and respectable personalities are called demigods. So, we have a demigod who makes sure that it rains, he is called Indra. Then there is a demigod who takes care of the air, he is called vayu. Similarly, there is sun-god, moon-god and so on.

Why Krishna is not part of this cosmic manifestation?

Although Krishna creates and maintains everything in this material world and is present everywhere through his energies still he is aloof from this material creation. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 9.5, “although I am everywhere, I am not a part of this cosmic manifestation.” Why?  Krishna explains it further in the same verse by saying that it is because “he is the source of creation.” By his supreme will Lord Krishna creates, sustains and destroys everything in this material world.

Krishna is also simultaneously present everywhere in this material world. As Supersoul or Paramatma he is not just present in each living entity but he even enters into each atom of this material world. This is Krishna’s inconceivable mystic power (yogam aiśvaram) and this is how he maintains his relationship with this material world. Srila Prabhupada explains, “From Brahmā, the most gigantic entity, on down to the smallest ant, all are existing because the Lord has entered each and all and is sustaining them.” Bhagavad Gita 10.42

Creation & Annihilation of this material world

Krishna, the supreme creator, says in Bhagavad Gita 9.8, “The whole cosmic order is under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end.”

This material world is temporary. So, it is destroyed and again created. Just like our material body is not permanent similarly the material world is also temporary.

Krishna annihilates this material world at the end of Brahma’s life. As per earthly calculation, Brahma lives for 311 trillion 40 billion years.

What actually happens at the time of annihilation? As a soul we do not die, so what happens to us at the time of annihilation? Where do we go? It is explained that at the time of cosmic devastation, the entire cosmic manifestation, sarva – bhutani, enters into the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is plenary expansion of Krishna. In the body of Vishnu, the souls like you and me remain in an unconscious state.

Again when the material world has to be created, the Supreme Lord creates it by his will. All the souls which remain unconscious during the period of devastation become unconscious again. They get a particular body based on their desires and past karma.

Is Krishna attached to this world?

Although the Supreme Lord has complete control over this material world, and everything happens by his will still he is always detached from all the material activities. Just as a high court judge may punish someone or reward someone but he remains neutral. Similarly, the Lord is involved in all the activities, yet he is neutral. He is transcendental to all material activities and is not attached to the creation and maintenance of this world. We the living entities also get different bodies because of our various deeds. We enjoy or suffer because of our own karma. Lord always remains neutral; he does not interfere.

Srila Prabhupada explains with an example from smṛti, “when there is a fragrant flower before someone, the fragrance is touched by the smelling power of the person, yet the smelling and the flower are detached from one another. There is a similar connection between the material world and the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” Bhagavad Gita 9.10 purport

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that the Supreme Lord is the Supreme director of this entire material creation.  He is the source of this world. Yet, he remains detached from this material creation.  The Supreme and intelligent designer, Krishna, maintains his relationship with this material world through his energies.

ISKCON holds candlelight protest against the attack on Hindus & Iskcon in Bangladesh

ISKCON devotees held candlelight protest in Kolkata and West Bengal against the attack on Hindus and Iskcon devotees in Bangladesh.

While the world sleeps and remains indifferent to the plight of the Hindus in Bangladesh, Iskcon devotees in Bangladesh and in India are trying to wake the indifferent regime by holding protests. Iskcon Kolkata protested outside Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. Hundreds of devotees holding candles protested the attack and the gruesome killing of Iskcon devotee and other innocent Hindus in Bangladesh. HG Radheshyam Prabhu a senior Iskcon devotee and President Iskcon Pune led the protest with kirtan.

Cycle of violence in Bangladesh in past few days hasn't stopped. There was dance of death inside ISKCON temple on Friday. ISKCON will continue to protest outside Bangladesh High Commissions across the world until the guilty are punished: Radharaman Das, Vice Pres, ISKCON Kolkata pic.twitter.com/clZx8iKDJ6

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021

Iskcon to hold protest all over the world against the attack

Iskcon has decided to protest all over the world in front of Bangladesh High Commission. Radharaman Das, Vice President, ISKCON Kolkata said, “Cycle of violence in Bangladesh in past few days hasn’t stopped. There was dance of death inside ISKCON temple on Friday. ISKCON will continue to protest outside Bangladesh High Commissions across the world until the guilty are punished”

Iskcon devotees also protested in Siliguri, West Bengal with a torch rally.

West Bengal: ISKCON devotees protested & held a torch rally in Siliguri today following the incident where an ISKCON temple in Noakhali, Bangladesh was vandalised and a devotee was killed by a mob yesterday. pic.twitter.com/0nWOIbP9au

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021

Protest is happening also in Bangladesh. Hindus and non communal Bangladeshis have taken to the street to protest the violence against the Hindus in Bangladesh.

https://twitter.com/taslimanasreen/status/1449912311125188615

The world remained silent when Hindus were being attacked and killed in Bangladesh. The Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not issued any official statement on the anti Hindu riots in Bangladesh. Some of the media reports suggested that the Indian government is satisfied with the efforts of Bangladesh government in controlling the riot. However Iskcon Bangladesh has strong refuted that the situation in Bangladesh is normal. Hindus and Iskcon devotees are still living in fear.

Expressing deep anguish at such reports Iskcon Bangladesh tweeted, “The news reported that India has praised Bangladesh’s efforts to control the situation. Who says the situation is under control @MEAIndia ? Are Indians blind? Never expected From India.”

https://twitter.com/IskconBDH/status/1449460727006203904

Devotees killed, temples destroyed, Bhagavad Gita desecrated, Srila Prabhupada deity burnt

Heart wrenching videos of brutal attacks by Muslim mobs on Hindus is slowly surfacing. A Iskcon devotee is critically injured. Not sure if he survived or not. Even if he survives will he be able to lead a normal life?

https://twitter.com/IskconBDH/status/1449225105385537543

Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Hindu holy book, desecrated, temples burnt. Secular world remained silent. Secular Hindus did not say anything else they will lose their secular credentials. Placard activists did not find time from their busy schedule to tweet in support of Bangladeshi Hindus. Reason is simple – #HindusLivesDoesNotMatter

https://twitter.com/IskconBDH/status/1449337495838203907

Deity of Srila Prabhupada, founder acharya of Iskcon and a prominent vaisnvav saint desecrated in Bangladesh. Violent Muslim mobs attacked Hindus and Hindu temples because they alleged (falsely) that their holy book was demeaned. So they have been killing Hindus, destroying Hindu temples, desecrating Hindu holy scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and burning the deity of acharyas like Srila Prabhupada.

https://twitter.com/IskconBDH/status/1449024993682026500

While Hindus suffer brutal attack in Bangladesh, world remains silent

As the world remained mute spectator and did not come out to support the Hindus in Bangladesh, Iskcon Bangladesh in deep anguish tweeted a quote of Martin Luther King Jr., “We Will remember not the words of Our enemy, but the silence of Our Friends.”

https://twitter.com/IskconBDH/status/1449339755624288256

Without any support from the Bangladesh government and the Indian government Hindus in Bangladesh are fighting for survival. They know that the world will not hear their cry. They have to be there for each other and wipe the tears of their near and dear ones.

So they have decided to come out on the street and protest the attack on Hindus and Iskcon devotees in Bangladesh. It is always better to die fighting than being slaughtered like a goat in the slaughterhouse.

Significance of Gita Jayanti – the day when Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna

Gita Jayanti is the day when Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, the day has lots of significance. It was spoken by Krishna to Arjuna about 5000 years ago. This sublime message of Bhagavad Gita was spoken at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The setting was unprecedented. Millions of mighty Pandava and Kaurava warriors had swarmed the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The armies from both the sides were ready to take the life and give the life.

But just before the beginning of the war, Arjuna got completely bewildered. He lost the desire to fight the most important battle of his life. He wanted to run away from the battlefield and was ready to live by begging.  But Arjuna was fortunate because Krishna was with him. Krishna was Arjuna’s friend, philosopher and guide. The bewildered warrior who had won many battles in his life turned towards Krishna. With tears in his eyes, fear in his heart and in a faltering voice he begged Krishna to help him, to show him the right path, “Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me”: Bhagavad Gita 2.7.

Krishna is a well-wishing friend of all. He is ever ready to help those who seek his shelter. He shows special mercy to his devotees. So, when Arjuna beseeched Krishna for help, Krishna immediately came to Arjuna’s rescue. He removed ignorance from Arjuna’s heart which was the main cause of Arjuna’s perplexity.

By all the Vedas, Krishna is to be known

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna speaks about five main topics – Isavara (God), Jivatma (Soul), Kala (Time), Karma (actions) and Prakriti (Nature). In Gita, Krishna reveals his identity that he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.” (Bhagavad Gita 10.8). The purpose of all the Vedic literatures is to know Krishna, “vedais ca sarvair aham eva Vaidya” which means “by all the Vedas, Krishna is to be known”. Krishna also reveals our true identity that we are souls, parts and parcel of Krishna. Once we realize this identity of ours and start working to develop relationship with Krishna, all the problems of our life will end.

Always think of Krishna and do your duty

Krishna also speaks about prescribed duties, capricious work and inaction. Prescribed duties are activities which one performs as enjoined in the Vedic scriptures, capricious work are the activities which are not recommended in the scriptures and inaction is not doing one’s duty at all. Krishna advised Arjuna to perform his prescribed duties by keeping him always in the centre and without any attachment for the result. “Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Kṛṣṇa and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.” Bhagavad Gita 8.7

If we always keep Krishna in the centre of our life and do all our duties, we will live happily in this world. and after leaving this body and this world, we will attain Krishna and go to the kingdom of Krishna which is free from birth, old age, disease and death.  Krishna promises that those who come under his shelter has nothing to fear, “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” (Bhagavad Gita 18.66).

After hearing the sublime message of Gita, Arjuna’s bewilderment goes away and he decides to act as per Krishna’s instruction, “Arjuna said: My dear Krishna, 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.   

Bhagavad Gita is the king of all knowledge

The Gita is the crest jewel of all Vedic literatures. It is called Raja Vidya – the king of all knowledge. Singing the glories of Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, “This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed.” Bhagavad Gita 9.2. If all the Vedic literatures are cows then Bhagavad – Gita is the milk of the cow i.e. it is the essence of all the Vedic literatures. Krishna is the milkman, Arjuna is the calf who drinks the milk. The same milk is now available to us in the written form by the great sage, Vyasa – Dev.

This holy book full of transcendental wisdom has impacted the conscience of humankind for ages. The glories of Gita stems from the fact that it transcends all the artificial boundaries of caste, creed, religions, race, nation and gender. Bhagavad – Gita is not just 5000 years old. It has been in existence since the dawn of creation. Krishna informs Arjuna that “I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku” Bhagavad Gita 4.1. Since the knowledge got lost by the influence of time so Krishna again spoke it to Arjuna. Through Arjuna, Krishna is speaking this sublime message to us.

What is the best way to celebrate Gita Jayanti and understand its significance?

Gita wasn’t spoken only for Hindus or Indians. It is for the entire humanity. Great scholars throughout the ages have sought refuge of this pearl of wisdom when confronted with challenges. It has inspired world fame leaders like Gandhi, Churchill, Einstein, Newton and several others. After reading Bhagavad – Gita a Hindu will become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian and a Jew a better Jew. Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Bhagavad Gita is known as “Bhagavad Gita As It Is.”

It is the best selling edition of Bhagavad Gita in the whole world. More than 100 million copies of “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” has been sold. And this book has been translated into more than 80 languages.

Gita Jayanti is celebrated every year in the month of December. The best way to celebrate Gita Jayanti and understand its significance is by reciting the Bhagavad Gita verses. Along with the verses recitation, we should also read the meaning of the verses. The devotees read entire Bhagavad Gita on the day of Gita Jayanti. At Iskcon temples and at different Iskcon centers there is Bhagavad Gita recitation and also Gita Jayanti Yagna. Not just this on the day of Gita Jayanti, people come forward and distribute Bhagavad Gita. They happily give Gita as gift to their friends, family members and also to those who cannot afford it.

Let us pray to Krishna on the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti to show us the right path so that we can know Him, love Him and understand the significance of this great book. And let us also pray to Arjuna that like him we also surrender completely to Krishna after reading Bhagavad Gita.

This year Gita Jayanti is being celebrated on 14th December, Tuesday, 2021.

Iskcon Temple attacked in Bangladesh, one Iskcon devotee killed

In a shocking incident, Iskcon temple was attacked in Bangladesh and one devotee was killed. The attack happened in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damages.  Pictures posted by Iskcon on its twitter handle shows the extent of damage.  Pictures of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani can be seen lying on the floor.

https://twitter.com/iskcon/status/1449029665578831873

“ISKCON temple & devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage & the condition of a devotee remains critical. We call on the Govt of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus & bring the perpetrators to justice.”

One Iskcon devotee killed in Temple attack in Bangladesh

But the most shocking part of the attack was that one of the young devotees was killed. Regarding the death of Partha Das, Iskcon said on Twitter, “It is with great grief that we share the news of a ISKCON member, Partha Das, who was brutally killed yesterday by a mob of over 200 people. His body was found in a pond next to the temple. We call on the Govt of Bangladesh for immediate action in this regard.”

It is with great grief that we share the news of a ISKCON member, Partha Das, who was brutally killed yesterday by a mob of over 200 people. His body was found in a pond next to the temple.

We call on the Govt of Bangladesh for immediate action in this regard. https://t.co/BLwqGsN36h

— ISKCON (@iskcon) October 16, 2021

Why attack a Iskcon temple in Bangladesh?

The fanatic Muslim mobs have been attacking Hindu temples for last few days because they allege that their holy book was insulted at Durga Puja pandal. Preliminary investigation has shown that none of the Hindus were involved in any kind of desecration of Muslim holy book. But still the violent mobs have been attacking Hindus.

Iskcon temples were not involved in any kind of activity which would have hurt the sentiments of the Muslim majority population then why the Iskcon temples were attacked in Bangladesh? It seems that the allegation of desecration is just an excuse to target the Hindu Community. It is a ploy to fill fear in the hearts of Hindus so that they stop celebrating Hindu festivals. So, Hindus in Bangladesh will have only two options – either to flee Bangladesh or stop being a Hindu.

Noyakhalite hamla চলছে। সবাই একটু সাহায্য করেন নাহ!!!! pic.twitter.com/yYe4u1Lz5G

— Avro Neel Hindu 🕉️🇧🇩 (@avroneel80) October 15, 2021

World remains a mute spectator on the attack on Iskcon in Bangladesh

When George Floyd, 46, was killed in US there was outrage all over the world. #BlackLivesMatter became a global movement. Partha Das was just 25 years old when he was killed. His only crime was that he was a devotee of Krishna. Will there be outrage across the world on his death? Will the prominent global personality speak for him? Will there be a candlelight march for him? Most probably not. The reason is because he is a Hindu. And the kinds of attack happening against the Hindus across the world, it seems that “Hindu Lives Does Not Matter.”

All the devotees of Iskcon and all the Hindu communities in Bangladesh are living in fear. They are fearful because they know that there is hardly anyone who will come in their support.

Iskcon has never engaged in any kind of violence. It is an educational spiritual organization. Iskcon has branches all over the world and it spreads the message of peace and harmony everywhere. It also does lots of social service. And its service is not confined to Hindu community. But Iskcon serves everyone – be it a Muslim, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs.

But unfortunately the blood thirsty mob attacked Iskcon in Bangladesh and the world community remained and remains a mute spectator.

Why Upadeshamrita or Nectar of Instruction a perfect guide for all devotees?

Upadeshamrita or Nectar of Instruction (NOI) teaches us how to practice devotion to Krishna with right attitude. So, it is considered a perfect guide for all the devotees of Krishna.

This book has many important guidelines which helps one to become a pure devotee of Krishna.

The book has been written by Srila Rupa Goswami who is one of the six prominent Gosvamis of Vrindavan.

These six Goswamis have played a pivotal role in re-establishing the worship of Lord Krishna based on the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The six Gosvamis of Vrindavan are:  

1. Srila Rupa Gosvami
2. Srila Sanatana Gosvami
3. Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami
4. Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami
5. Srila Jiva Gosvami
6. Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami

Srila Rupa Goswami is a direct disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is accepted as the leader of all the Goswamis of Vrindavan.  

This book Upadeshamrita which is also known as “Nectar of Instruction (NOI)” in English helps us to understand the mission of Mahaprabhu.

What is the mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?

Vedic literatures clearly say that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the supreme Personality of Godhead. He appeared in this world in the mood of Srimati Radharani having a golden complexion like Srimati Radharani.

He appeared on this planet in the glorious land of Mayapur to teach us how to love Krishna.

The conjugal love of Krishna with Srimati Radharani and other gopis are most exalted. It cannot be understood with any mundane knowledge.  That love is pure, is sublime and is devoid of any tinge of lust.

But unfortunately, people out of ignorance misunderstand that love. So, Mahaprabhu came here to help us understand that transcendental love.

Instruction to write Upadeshamrita

We can understand the mood and mission of Mahaprabhu by reading the books written by the Gosvamis. Mahaprabhu has written only 8 Siksastakam verses. However he trained many of his followers like Rupa Goswami and Sanantana Goswami and instructed them to write literatures. These literatures help common people like you and me to become a sincere devotee of Krishna.

Following the instruction, Srila Rupa Goswami wrote many books such as Upadeśāmṛta, Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, Vidagdha-mādhava and Lalita-mādhava. Among all these books, Upadeśāmṛta, is considered a must for those who have started practicing devotion to Krishna.

In fact, just by following the guidelines given in this book one can become a perfect devotee of Krishna. And ultimately make his life successful.

The first duty of an aspiring devotee

In the preface of Upadeshamrita, Srila Prabhupada writes,” In all spiritual affairs, one’s first duty is to control his mind and senses.”

We all suffer in this world because of our uncontrolled mind and senses. In fact, the hero of Mahabharata war, Arjuna, without any hesitation tell Krishna that it is easy to control the wind than to control the mind. Bhagavad Gita 6.24.  

Unless our mind and senses are under our control and we are not under its control it is not possible to practice devotion to Krishna.

The book talks in detail about the importance of controlling our mind and senses. It not just talks about the importance but also gives many practical guidelines as how we can accomplish this.

What happens if we do not control our mind and senses?

Many times, we may be practicing devotional life for many years, but we may not see progress in our spiritual life. When I say progress, it means internal progress. Externally we may dress like a devotee. We may even speak eloquent philosophy but that is not the most important thing.

Yes it is true that as devotees we should wear devotional dress as far as possible. And also have good knowledge of Krishna conscious philosophy. However if we are not able to internally purify ourselves then it is not going to help us a lot.

When we practice devotion then automatically name, fame and money start coming. We get attached to it many times. And instead of developing taste in chanting the holy names of Krishna, in reading spiritual books like the books written by Srila Prabhupada, we start devising means by which we can earn more name and fame. 

We should never think that we have become an advanced devotee and start disregarding the guidelines of the scriptures.

Check your heart constantly

We need to constantly check if the vices of our hearts like lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion and false ego are decreasing or not. If not, then it means that we are not sincerely practicing devotional life.

And no one is going to check our heart. It is our responsibility to monitor and examine our internal progress.  If we are not focusing on our internal purification, then it is just a matter of time that we will start feeling frustrated in our spiritual life.

So, we see that many senior devotees even sannyasis start facing difficulties even though they might have been practicing devotional life for several years. 

This is why great personalities write such books so that we can practice devotion to Krishna with proper understanding and not whimsically.

Krishna has given us free will. He has given us the freedom to make choices in our life. If we practice devotional life without following the guidelines of the scriptures, we will continue to suffer in this world.

But if we choose to practice devotion to Krishna as per the guidelines of the scriptures like Nectar of Instruction (NOI), then we will be able to elevate our consciousness which and make our life successful.  

Why it is necessary to come to the stage of goodness?

In this world we are always under the control of the three modes of material nature – goodness, passion, and ignorance.  Most of the time we are either in ignorance or in passion. In fact, we keep on oscillating between these two modes.

If we are in passion and ignorance making progress in spiritual life is very difficult. 

This book helps us to transcend the lower modes and come to the stage of goodness. Stage of goodness is conducive for our devotional life.

Srila Prabhupada writes, “One must promote himself to the platform of goodness, sattva-guṇa, by following the instructions of Rūpa Gosvāmī, and then everything concerning how to make further progress will be revealed.”

The greatest benefit of being in goodness is that at this stage how to make further progress in spiritual life is revealed.

Are we Gosvami or Godasa?

To become a perfect devotee of the Lord it is imperative that we subdue the urges of our mind and senses.

Those who achieve this feat gets the title of gosvami. Go means senses and svami means master. Those who master the art of controlling the mind and senses get the title of Gosvami.

But those who fail to do so get the title of Godasa i.e. slave (dasa) of the senses (go).

We have to become a perfect Gosvami. Then only it is possible to become a perfect devotee of Krishna. Else we will continue to suffer in this world.

Upadeshamrita (Nectar of Instruction) helps to attain the topmost stage of devotional life

There are nine stages in devotional life beginning with sraddha. The eleven verses of Upadeshamrita or Nectar of Instruction (NOI) gradually takes us from the first stage (Sraddha) of devotional life to the topmost stage (Prema). Different verses of the book help us to come to a specific stage of devotional life as follows:

• Sraddha (Text 1 – 3)
• Sadhu – Sangah (Text 4 -6)
• Bhajana – Kriya (Text 7)
• Anartha – Nivrttih (Text 7)
• Nistha (Text 7)
• Rucih (Text 7)
• Asaktih (Text 8)
• Bhavah (Text 9 – 11)
• Prema (Text 9 – 11)

The book teaches us to practice devotion to Krishna with right attitude.  It is a perfect guide for all the devotees. It has the first set of instructions for the neophyte devotees. If we follow these instructions as it is then we will surely attain Krishna.

Essence of Bhagavad Gita according to Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon

Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, writes that Bhagavad Gita 11.55 is the essence of Bhagavad Gita.

Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 11.55, “My dear Arjuna, he who engages in My pure devotional service, free from the contaminations of fruitive activities and mental speculation, he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being – he certainly comes to Me.”

Here Krishna has given us a process following which we can attain him. In fact, Krishna is giving a guarantee that we will go back to him. So, Srila Prabhupada calls this verse the essence of Bhagavad Gita.

Let us discuss how we can apply this formula given by Krishna in our personal life and attain the ultimate goal of our life.

All work should be done in relationship with Krishna

We all have to work for living but we should not be attached to the results of our work. We should know that Krishna is the proprietor of everything. It implies that Krishna is the enjoyer of the fruits of our work. So, all the results of our work should be offered to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada explains, “No work should be done by any man except in relationship to Kṛṣṇa. This is called kṛṣṇa-karma. One may be engaged in various activities, but one should not be attached to the result of his work; the result should be done only for Him.” Bhagavad Gita 11.55 purport.

Whatever activities we do we should do it in relationship with Krishna. Doing activities in relationship with Krishna also means we should do only those activities which is authorized in the scriptures. Any activity which is against the sastric injunctions should be given up. So, we should not choose those occupation to earn money which break the four regulative principles like no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex.

As a practicing devotee, you and I should do work for the pleasure of Krishna. We should not be attached to the fruits of our work. And we have to make sure that we do not do anything which is not authorized in the scriptures.

Earned money should be used to serve Krishna

Most of the devotees are householders, grihastas. A grihasta has to work outside and earn money. But we should be careful that we do not use the earned money for personal enjoyment. Money belongs to Krishna, so it should be used to serve Krishna.  Krishna should always be the centre of our life.

Our house is Krishna’s house, so we should make it a temple of Lord Krishna

The house you and I live in does not belong to us. Krishna owns it and has presently allowed you and me to live there. Since the house belongs to Krishna, so it should be converted into a temple of Lord Krishna. We should have a nice and big altar of Lord Krishna in the house, which I have currently. We should worship the Lord daily with love and devotion as per the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. Altar should be clean. The altar and the Lord should be decorated beautifully with colourful flowers. At home we should cook nice food items for the Lord and should offer him with love and devotion.

Daily we should chant Krishna’s holy names and perform kirtan at home.  Also we should make sure that our family members become devotees of Lord Krishna. And we should do our best to engage them in devotional life.

Visit the temple regularly, serve the deities and the devotees

It is also important that we should regularly visit the nearby Iskcon temples and do service there. Based on our capacity, we should also donate money to the temple which will help the temple in serving the Lord and in spreading Krishna Consciousness.

Attaining Krishna should be the only and ultimate goal of our life

Krishna should be our only worshipable Lord and our only goal should be to attain love of Krishna and return to the spiritual abode of Lord Krishna. To attain Krishna, we should engage in the nine process of devotional life especially hearing and chanting the Lord’s names. Srila Prabhupada has given us a process by which we can constantly engage in hearing and chanting. For this, it is important that we regularly associate with the devotees of Krishna.

However, we may come across those people also who are not devotees of Krishna especially at our workplace or in our neighbourhood. But we should make sure that we have only working relationship with them not heart to heart relationship. We should not waste our time in discussing mundane topics with them like of politics, sports or movies. But instead, we should have a desire to always associate with the devotees of Krishna. And in that association, we should discuss Krishna Conscious subject matters and help each other in advancing in spiritual life.  

One important aspect is that we should strictly avoid those who are against Krishna Consciousness like mayavadis, agnostics and those who speak ill of Krishna. Their company will spoil our consciousness.

Serving the humanity by spreading Krishna Consciousness

I should do my best to share Krishna with others. Making people Krishna Conscious is the greatest welfare activity.  All are suffering in this world because they have forgotten Krishna. All the problems like economic problem, social problem, political problem is there because people do not live as per the rules and regulations of Vedic scriptures. Once a person becomes a devotee of Krishna and start living Krishna Conscious life then all the problems will disappear.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “A Kṛṣṇa conscious person knows that if a man is suffering it is due to his forgetfulness of his eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, the highest benefit one can render to human society is relieving one’s neighbor from all material problems. In such a way, a pure devotee is engaged in the service of the Lord.” Bhagavad Gita 11.55 purport

Following the footsteps and guidelines of Srila Prabhupada we should preach the message of Krishna. This is the best way to serve the society and the humanity. This will bring peace and bliss everywhere.  

Conclusion

The ultimate essence of Bhagavad Gita is to take complete shelter of Krishna. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, appeared in this world to give this message to us. He has given us a process in Bhagavad Gita 11.55 by which we can purify our heart and return back to Krishna. If we engage in the service of Krishna as prescribed by Krishna without any motive and enjoying mentality then we will attain complete perfection.

In conclusion we can say, “the essence of Bhagavad Gita is to know Krishna, to serve Krishna and to return back to Krishna.”

Know the seven principles of pure devotional service

Krishna explains the principles of pure devotional service in Bhagavad Gita. Let us discuss the seven most important principles of pure devotional service given in Bhagavad Gita.

1) Only non-envious can know and understand Krishna

Krishna does not reveal himself to those who are envious of him. In Bhagavad Gita 9.1, Krishna says that he is revealing the most confidential knowledge about him to Arjuna only because Arjuna is non envious of him. Krishna does not like to speak about him to those who envy his qualities.  

Just like we have feelings, similarly Krishna has feelings. Just like we do not want to share our life with those who are not friendly with us similarly Krishna also avoids such unfriendly envious people. So, if we want to know the secret of pure devotional life then we have to first free ourselves from all envy which we have for Krishna.

Many people envy Krishna because Krishna has unlimited transcendental qualities which is unparalleled. We, the living beings, in this world also have a secret desire to become God or Krishna. So, when we hear Krishna’s extraordinary qualities, we desire to have those. But we cannot have it, so we envy Krishna.

There are many such examples of those who envied Krishna. For example, Sisupala resented Krishna. When Yudhishthira was performing Rājasūya sacrifice, for Agra-pūjā, Krishnawas selected. All the assembled dignitaries were happy to worship Krishna first in Rājasūya sacrifice but Sisupala could not tolerate Krishna’s glories, so he started blaspheming Krishna. Sisupala was finally killed. So, Krishna avoids revealing his secret to people with Sisupala’s mentality. He does not want to disturb the mind of envious souls.

Purge envy for Krishna and for everyone

But if you and I purge envy for Krishna from our heart then Krishna will open his heart to us. He will impart us the most confidential knowledge about pure devotional life the way he revealed to Arjuna. And that knowledge will drive away all ignorance from our heart and free us from all miseries.

We should not just give up envy for Krishna but we should not envy anyone in this world. Our heart should be free from all the envy. Giving up envy for everyone is one of the most important principles of pure devotional service.

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you this most confidential knowledge and realization, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence.” Bhagavad Gita 9.1

2) Bhakti or devotion to Krishna is the king of all knowledge

The topmost knowledge is that knowledge which can solve all the problems of our life. And that knowledge is knowledge of bhakti, devotion to Krishna. The goal of life is to know Krishna and go to Krishna. This can be achieved only by Bhakti.

So, Krishna, says that bhakti or direct devotion to Krishna is the most confidential knowledge, rāja-guhyaṁ. It is the king of all knowledge, rāja-vidyā. This knowledge is everlasting. And while performing devotional service to Krishna one experiences lots of bliss, so bhakti is su–sukham.

Bhakti basically means śravaṇaṁ and kīrtanaṁ. Śravaṇaṁ means hearing Krishna’s wonderful pastimes and kīrtanaṁ means chanting Krishna’s wonderful names and singing his glories. These activities are pleasing to the heart.  Not just that devotees also enjoy delicious prasadam, offered food to Krishna.

So, devotional life means hearing, singing, dancing, chanting, enjoying Krishna prasadam and ultimately attaining blissful eternal spiritual world. This is attained by bhakti. So, this is the topmost knowledge, the king of all knowledge.

3) Faith in Krishna is must to attain Krishna

If we do not have faith in Krishna or in the process of devotional service, then we will not attain Krishna. And if we fail to attain Krishna, we will continue to remain in this material world where repeated birth and death takes place.  

“Those who are not faithful in this devotional service cannot attain Me, O conqueror of enemies. Therefore they return to the path of birth and death in this material world.” Bhagavad Gita 9.3

Srila Prabhupada explains, “Faith is created by association with devotees.” Bhagavad Gita 9.3 purport. Those who have faith in Krishna have complete conviction that “If I will serve Krishna then I will attain complete perfection in life.” But those who do not have faith in Krishna find the path of bhakti difficult. The fortunate souls who have faith in Krishna joyfully perform bhakti.

Those who have firm faith in Krishna continuously chant Krishna’s glories, practice devotion with great determination, always bow down to Krishna and worship him with love and devotion. Bhagavad Gita 9.14

4) Krishna sees the intent of our action

In Bhagavad Gita 9.26, Krishna gives a very simple process by which we can worship him, please him and attain him.  “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.” Bhagavad Gita 9.26

The items mentioned here is so easily obtainable that anyone can worship him. But in this verse Krishna mentions one important ‘qualification’ which we should have. And that is devotion, bhakti, in our heart. Krishna is not interested in externals, but he sees what is there in our heart. If our intention is pure and we offer these simple items with love and devotion then Krishna will happily accept it.

5) Do everything as an offering to Krishna

Krishna should be the centre of our life. Whatever activities we do, it should be done as an offering to Krishna.  Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 9.27, “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me.”  

If we do so we will free ourselves from all bondage that arises due to various activities we do in this world. The auspicious and inauspicious results will not bind us and affect us. In fact, by always keeping Krishna in centre while doing any activity we will ultimately attain Krishna.  Also it is important that we do only those activities which is authorized by the scriptures.

6) Krishna’s devotee never perishes

In Bhagavad Gita 9.22, Krishna says that his devotee will never suffer because he personally takes care of those who are devoted to him.  The Supreme Lord says, “..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.” Bhagavad Gita 9.22. Again, to reiterate that how merciful he is towards his devotees, he says that his devotees never perish. Bhagavad Gita 9.31

Even his devotee may commit abominable sins, still Krishna makes sure that his devotees become pure and sinless. Sometimes past conditioning of devotees may be so strong that he may indulge in sinful activities. But since he has taken shelter of Krishna by chanting his holy names, so his heart eventually gets purified of all sins and all sinful tendencies. The devotee feels sorry for his sinful deeds. He seeks forgiveness from the Lord, takes a vow not to commit any sins again and with firm determination again starts practicing devotional life.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “The material contamination is so strong that even a yogī fully engaged in the service of the Lord sometimes becomes ensnared; but Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so strong that such an occasional falldown is at once rectified. Therefore the process of devotional service is always a success.” Bhagavad Gita 9.30

Krishna is so merciful towards his devotees that he protects him in all situations and circumstances and makes sure that his devotees come back to him.

7) Whoever takes shelter of Krishna attain ultimate destination

Everyone is eligible to practice devotion to Krishna. There is no qualification required to start practicing bhakti. Even a sinful man can start practicing bhakti and get purified. For example, Mrugrari was a cruel hunter but once he started practicing bhakti under the guidance of sage Narada he became pure and attained Krishna.  Krishna does not see our material qualification and is also willing to forgive our past abominable activities.

He just sees if we have a strong desire to sincerely practice process of devotional life or not. If we have, he showers his mercy upon us. This mercy is available for anyone who is committed in spiritual life.  Brahmanas and non -Brahmanas, men and women, rich and poor all are qualified to attain love of Krishna.

Krishna gives us a formula by which we all can attain him for sure, “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

These are the most important principles of pure devotional service discussed in Bhagavad Gita. If we abide by these pure devotional service principles then we will be able to attain Krishna and perfect our life.

Bhagavad Gita 9.26 explains how to easily do Krishna Bhakti

Bhagavad Gita 9.26 explains how to do Krishna bhakti, devotion to Krishna, easily and attain Krishna. The process given is simple and can be performed by anyone.

Lord Krishna says, “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.” Bhagavad Gita 9.26

Krishna sees the intent of our action

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is not much interested about the items we are offering to him, but he is interested with what intention we are offering those items to him. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He owns everything which is there in the entire creation. He is self-sufficient. So, he does not need anything from us. But he expects one thing from us and i.e. love. And that love should be free from all desires. Should be pure and selflessly.

Most important qualification to do Krishna Bhakti

It is not that only rich people can worship Krishna. Or only Hindus or those born in India can worship Krishna. It is also not that only brahmanas, learned philosophers or scholars are eligible to worship him. Also, Krishna is not saying that only men can worship him. He has not put any such conditions. In fact, through this verse Krishna is inviting each one of us to become his devotee. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Indians and non-Indians, Hindus and non-Hindus all the eligible to become a devotee of Krishna.

This is why in this verse Krishna is saying that he accepts offering from anyone who has devotion, bhakti, for him. “Devotion to Krishna” is the most important and the only qualification required to become a devotee of Krishna. So, in this verse the word bhakti is mentioned twice.

Explicating Krishna’s magnanimity, Srila Prabhupada writes, “Who is such a fool that he does not want to be Kṛṣṇa conscious by this simple method and thus attain the highest perfectional life of eternity, bliss and knowledge?” Bhagavad Gita 9.26 purport.

Is it not true? Anyone can get a fruit or a flower or a leaf or water and worship Krishna.  Is there any place on this earth where these items are not available? Definitely not. So, Krishna the Supreme Father of all living beings, aham bija-pradah pita, is giving everyone the opportunity to become his devotee and come back to him.

Krishna refused Duryodhana’s feast

In Mahabharat we see that Duryodhana had arranged for a big feast for Krishna, but Krishna refused to eat those food items because Duryodhana had no love for Krishna. Instead, Krishna enjoyed simple food items at the house of Vidura because Vidura and his wife, Vidurani, had great love for Krishna.

Vidura’s wife, Vidurani, was so overwhelmed to see Krishna that while offering banana, she offered him the banana peels instead of the fruit. Seeing her love for him, Krishna happily started eating the banana peels. Krishna is not hungry for food. Although self-satisfied Krishna always looks for our love.

What food to offer to Lord Krishna?

In this verse one other important point to be noticed is that Krishna talks about only vegetarian items which he accepts as offering. He does not say stuffs like egg, fish, meat, liquor etc.  If he would have wanted those, he would have mentioned those. So as devotees we should only offer those items which Krishna likes. That is true love. So, we should offer only vegetarian items to him. Fruits, milk, vegetables, grains, water should be offered to Krishna with love. 

We also eat food for survival. So, first we should offer food to Krishna and then we should accept those food in the form of prasad or Krishna’s remnants. Eating food without offering to Krishna incurs sin. But when we eat Krishna prasad then we are freed from all kinds of sins.

Krishna confirms this in Bhagavad Gita 3.13, “The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.”

Srila Prabhupada explains the benefit of eating Krishna prasad, “….preparing nice, simple vegetable dishes, offering them before the picture or Deity of Lord Kṛṣṇa and bowing down and praying for Him to accept such a humble offering enable one to advance steadily in life, to purify the body, and to create fine brain tissues which will lead to clear thinking.” Bhagavad Gita 9.26 purport

However, while preparing the food and offering the food to Krishna the element of bhakti, devotion should always be there.  If we do not serve Krishna with love, we won’t get Krishna’s love.

How Krishna eats food we offer to him?

This verse also establishes one important fact that Krishna is personal and not impersonal. The impersonalist philosophers will not be able to understand this verse. The impersonalists wrongly think that Krishna has no form, no senses.  But how can Krishna relish the food items offered to him without senses. The impersonalists fail to understand that Krishna too has senses like us.

But unlike us Krishna’s senses are transcendental. Our senses are limited and can perform only one function. For example, we can only see with our eyes, eat with our mouth and smell from our nose. But Krishna can do anything by any of his senses.  He can see with his eyes, hear from his eyes and only can eat with his eyes. Similarly, he can eat, see, hear, walk, talk from his mouth. His senses are extremely powerful. He impregnates the living entities in this world just by looking at the material nature.

Krishna too has feelings and he loves to reciprocate with the devotees in a personal way.  So, when we offer food to Krishna with love then he accepts it, eats it and enjoys it. And when we are able to give joy to Krishna our life gets filled with joy.

Conclusion

This verse explains how to do Krishna bhakti easily and effectively. The process explained is so simple. The only requirement is that it should be done with love and devotion.  And the end result is that we will attain Krishna.

What Krishna says about demigod worship in Bhagavad Gita?

Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita discourages the worship of demigod. Those who do not know the difference between Krishna and demigod, worship demigod believing that demigods are also Supreme God like Krishna.  So, Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita that “men of small intelligence worship demigod.”  Generally, those people who have lots of material desires surrender to demigods and engage in demigod worship. Demigod worshipped believe that a particular demigod can quickly give them results.

Who are demigods?

Demigods are jiva tattva, living beings, like you and me. They also live in this material world. Demigods are much more powerful than you and me but they are not as powerful as Krishna or Krishna’s plenary expansion.  Demigods live in the higher planets like sun planet, moon planet and other heavenly planets.  Because of their punya (piety) they have been given very important responsibilities by Krishna to manage this material universe.

They are empowered representative of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Lord. They get their power from Krishna.  Let us understand relationship between Krishna and the demigods.

• Just as a king has different ministers to take care of his kingdom, similarly the demigods assist Krishna in managing this material creation.
• All the ministers in a kingdom work under the king as per his instructions.  Similarly, the various demigods who have been given different responsibilities to manage the affairs of this material universe work under Lord Krishna.  They act as per the will of Krishna.
• Just as ministers remain in the cabinet as per the pleasure of the king similarly the demigods remain in their position as per the pleasure of Krishna.

Indra, Surya, Chandra, Vayu etc are demigods. Even Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are demigods. But Lord Shiva has a unique position.

Importance of performing yajnas to please demigod

Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 3.10 that to live happily in this world and to attain liberation it is important that we cooperate and please the demigods.  Demigods are pleased by the performance of sacrifices, yajnas. And when they are pleased, they supply all the necessities of life so that we can live happily in this world. Bhagavad Gita 3.11.

Who is actually worshipped in yajna?

However, when one performs yajna for the demigods then one indirectly worships Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna. Lord Vishnu is the plenary expansion of Lord Krishna. Lord Vishnu is the yajna – pati. The yajna – kunda is the mouth of Lord Vishnu and the fire of the yagna – kunda is the tongue of Lord Vishnu. In all the yajnas Lord Vishnu is the chief beneficiary.  

Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, explains, “Some of the yajnas are meant to satisfy particular demigods; but even in so doing, Lord Viṣṇu is worshiped in all yajnas as the chief beneficiary. It is stated also in the Bhagavad-gita that Kṛṣṇa Himself is the beneficiary of all kinds of yajnas: bhoktaraṁ yajna-tapasam.” Bhagavad Gita 3.11 purport.

The results one gets by worshipping the demigods is actually given by Lord Krishna only. Krishna says this in Bhagavad Gita 7.22.

So, if we worship Lord Krishna directly then there is no need to separately worship the demigods.

In this age of Kaliyuga the best yajna is the sankirtana yajna i.e. the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. It pleases Krishna and when Krishna is pleased demigods also become happy.

Why the result one gets by worshipping demigods is limited and temporary?

Those who are less intelligent and does not know that demigods are parts and parcel of Krishna worship demigods for material benedictions. Since demigods are not Supreme Lord, so the result one gets by worshipping the demigods are limited and temporary.

The worshipped of demigod goes to the planet of demigod after leaving the body.  They live in the planet of demigod till his piety is not exhausted. Once their pious deeds come to an end, they have to leave the planet of demigod and have to come to the earthly planet again. Also, we have to understand that the planets of the demigods are in this material universe only. The planets of demigods are devastated at the time of annihilation.  Also, those who reside on the planet of demigods continue to live in this material world only where there is repeated cycle of birth and death.  

But when one becomes a devotee of Krishna then he returns to the planet of Krishna which is permanent and from there no one returns to this material world.

Krishna says, “Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet.” Bhagavad Gita 7.23.

When one goes to the planet of Krishna then one never comes back to this material world. In the planet of Krishna there is no disease, old age and death.  Also, there is no misery. Everyone lives happily with Krishna for eternity.

When we worship Krishna, the results are limitless and permanent.

So, it is said that instead of worshipping the demigods one should worship Krishna, the Supreme Lord. In fact, demigods also worship Lord Krishna.

Why separate worship of demigod not required for devotees of Krishna?

In Srimad Bhagavatam 4.31.14, it is explained that if we water the root then automatically the branches, twigs and leaves gets satisfied and if we feed the stomach then the entire body gets nourished. Similarly, if we worship and serve the Supreme Lord Krishna then automatically all the demigods and the living entities gets satisfied. It is because the demigods and living entities are parts and parcels of Krishna.

So, for devotees of Krishna separate worship of demigod is not required as explained in Bhagavad Gita. In Krishna’s Govardhan Lila also we see that Krishna did not approve the worship of Indra, the demigod. And in that pastime, we see that Indra, the king of heaven, begs forgiveness from Krishna for his mistake.  He understands and accepts that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and he is subordinate to Krishna. He is Indra because Krishna gave him that post.  Indra one of the most prominent demigods, while offering prayers to Lord Krishna says, “O Lord, You have shown mercy to me by shattering my false pride and defeating my attempt [to punish Vṛndāvana]. To You, the Supreme Lord, spiritual master and Supreme Soul, I have now come for shelter.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.27.13

So, devotees of Krishna respect the demigods but worship Krishna, the Supreme Lord. This in fact pleases the demigods. So Bhagavad Gita recommends worship of Krishna and not the worship of demigod.