Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

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.

Know the seven benefits of Bhakti Yoga in this age of Kali Yuga

There are unlimited benefits of Bhakti Yoga. There are many yoga systems explained in the scriptures but amongst all these yoga practices Bhakti Yoga is considered topmost. Especially in this age of Kaliyuga it is quite difficult to practice other yoga systems like Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Astanga Yoga but it is easy to practice Bhakti Yoga.

Let us see the challenges of other yoga systems and benefits of Bhakti Yoga.

Challenges in Karma Yoga

There are two types of Karma Yoga – sakama karma yoga and niskama karma yoga.

In karma yoga one may have understanding about the Supreme Lord but he may not know that the Supreme Lord is Lord Krishna.

A sakam karma yogi will have attachment to the fruits of his activities and he may worship the Lord for material results. In fact, sometimes a sakam Karma yogi may also approach demigods for results. 

A sakam karma yogi gradually comes to the platform of niskama karma yoga. Niskama karma yoga means no attachment for fruitive results. Coming from the stage of sakam karma yoga to niskama karma yoga may take lots of times, it could be many lifetimes also.  In Niskama Karma Yoga, the practitioners have to do his duties perfectly as per the scriptures following varnashrama dharma but he should not be attached to the results.

It means while doing his work he should be completely detached. It is easy to say but quite difficult to practice.

Challenges in Jnana Yoga

In Jnana Yoga one acquires knowledge by studying 24 material elements. Jnana Yoga is also called sankhya yoga. By studying and analysing the 24 material elements, a Jnana Yogi tries to understand that they are souls and not material body comprising of gross and subtle elements. They also try to understand this material world and come to the conclusion that everything in this material world is temporary. With this understanding they develop renunciation.

For Jnana yogi, renunciation means negation. It means that they have to suppress all their desires and emotions and remain inactive. But as souls we cannot remain inactive. Souls need constant engagement. So, the process of Jnana yoga is dry and not pleasing to the heart.

Challenges in Astanga Yoga

In astanga yoga the practitioner has to go through different stages of eightfold yoga system. The eightfold yoga system includes – yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna and samādhi. The process of elevation is gradual here. In Bhagavad Gita 6.11 – 6.14, Lord Krishna explains how astanga yoga should be practiced.

“To practice yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kuśa grass on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should be neither too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred place. The yogī should then sit on it very firmly and practice yoga to purify the heart by controlling his mind, senses and activities and fixing the mind on one point. One should hold one’s body, neck and head erect in a straight line and stare steadily at the tip of the nose.”  Thus, with an unagitated, subdued mind, devoid of fear, completely free from sex life, one should meditate upon Me within the heart and make Me the ultimate goal of life.”  Bhagavad Gita 6.11 – 6.14

In this age of kali yuga people are short lived and their mind is always agitated, so it is difficult to practice astanga yoga.  These days there are almost no forest, so finding a secluded place is also very challenging.

Moreover, to practice astanga yoga one has to leave his home which may not be possible for all. For women to leave home and live in a secluded place to practice astanga yoga will be very difficult.   

7 benefits of Bhakti Yoga in this age of Kaliyuga

Now let us see why Bhakti Yoga is topmost. And what are the benefits of Bhakti Yoga as compared to other yoga systems.

1. Anyone can do Bhakti Yoga

There is no prerequisite to perform Bhakti Yoga. Men, women, young, old, Hindus, non-Hindus, Indians, non-Indians everyone is eligible to perform Bhakti Yoga. In Bhakti Yoga the most important requirement is that one has to chant the holy names of Krishna like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and follow four regulative principles of no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex.

2. Easy to Control mind and senses in Bhakti Yoga

In all the other three yoga process – karma yoga, jnana yoga and astanga yoga – one has to put in a lot of efforts for practicing sense and mind control. But in Bhakti Yoga the emphasis is not much on sense and mind control, but the emphasis is more on using the senses and mind in serving Krishna. Now when the senses and mind are absorbed in serving Krishna then the senses and mind automatically gets purified. And for the practitioner of Bhakti Yoga it becomes easy to control the purified senses and mind.

3. Bhakti Yoga is about relationship with Krishna

In Jnana Yoga and Astanga Yoga the process is to renounce the world, renounce the relationship. So, it is not pleasing to heart. But in Bhakti Yoga the emphasis is on developing everlasting relationship with Krishna and Krishna’s devotees, so it is pleasing to the heart.

4. One works for Krishna’s pleasure

In Niskama Karma Yoga, once does work just as a matter of duty without any desire for result. But in Bhakti Yoga one does work for the pleasure of Krishna. For example, Srila Prabhupada was always engaged in work, but he did it for the pleasure of Krishna and so Srila Prabhupada was always joyful. We see in Ramayana Hanuman worked hard for Lord Rama’s pleasure. Similarly, Arjuna fought the Mahabharat war for the pleasure of Krishna.

5. Krishna reveals knowledge in Bhakti yoga

Śravaṇaṁ (hearing) and kīrtanam (chanting) is important part of Bhakti Yoga. A Bhakti Yogi relishes the pastimes of Lord Krishna and its philosophical explanation. Hearts get purified by regularly hearing Krishna’s pastimes. And gradually the knowledge is also revealed to the Bhakti Yogi that they are souls parts and parcel of Krishna.  A Bhakti Yogi gradually understands his constitutional position as the servant of Krishna and understands that this material world is temporary. He also understands about this world and how this world functions.

6. Purification is easy and much quicker in Bhakti Yoga

In Karma yoga, Jnana Yoga and Astanga Yoga purification takes lots of times, sometimes many lifetimes. But in Bhakti Yoga one gets quickly purified especially if one gets association of pure devotees. Mrugrari, the cruel hunter, got purified by the association of sage Narada. Similarly, hippies who were indulging in many sinful activities got purified by the association of Srila Prabhupada.  In my personal life also I have seen that once I started practicing Bhakti Yoga then it became easy to give up many sinful habits like meat eating, attraction towards opposite sex etc.

7. In Bhakti Yoga one attains Krishna and goes back to Krishna’s abode

In Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga one may come to the stage of Brahman realization. So a Karma Yogi and Jnana Yogi after leaving the body will merge into Brahman effulgence. In Astanga Yoga one may come to the stage of Paramātmā realization. An Astanga Yogi as per his consciousness gets the next destination after leaving the body. But it is only in Bhakti Yoga that one may have Bhagavan realization. Bhagavan realization is topmost, and it includes Brahman and Paramātmā realization. A Bhakti Yogi can only attain Krishna and return back to Krishna’s abode, Goloka Vrindavan.

Bhakti yoga is topmost

These seven benefits of Bhakti Yoga establishes that Bhakti Yoga is topmost yoga. This is also confirmed by Lord Krishna. “And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.” Bhagavad Gita 6.47

Srila Prabhupada explains, “The culmination of all kinds of yoga practices lies in bhakti yoga. All other yogas are but means to come to the point of bhakti in bhakti-yoga. Yoga actually means bhakti-yoga; all other yogas are progressions toward the destination of bhakti-yoga.”  Bhagavad Gita 6.47 purport.

Knowing this a Bhakti Yogi engages every moment of his life in the service of Krishna and lives happily in this world and leaves for Krishna’s abode after leaving this world.

Srila Prabhupada 125th Birth Anniversary Coin released by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi released a special commemorative coin of Rs 125 on the occasion of 125th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who is loving called as Srila Prabhupada.  

The coin was released via video conferencing on 1st September 2021 at 4:30 pm IST. Devotees from different parts of the world joined the ceremony via video conferencing. The program was also telecasted live on many India News Channels.

Program began with Mangalacaran by students of Iskcon Gurukul, Mayapur

The program started with the recitation of prayers by the students of Iskcon Gurukul, Mayapur. They recited Mangalacaran Prayers.

Minister of Culture, Shri G Kishan Reddy glorifies Srila Prabhupada

After Mangalacaran Prayers by Iskcon Gurukul students, the program coordinator requested, Shri G Kishan Reddy who is a Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region of India to say few words on this auspicious occasion.

The honourable minister said:

“Srila Prabhupada’s life is of dedication, devotion and courage. He promoted Krishna all over the world. He promoted India’s culture, knowledge and tradition all over the world. Prabhupada gave practical solution to all the problem. And he preached the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. Due to Srila Prabhupada one can see big number of people of different nations wearing dhoti, kurta and sari. We see them chanting Hare Krishna and speaking on puranas.

Srila Prabhupada brought cultural revolution. He is the ambassador of Indian culture and philosophy. Today Iskcon is the greatest bridge between west and east. Srila Prabhupada several times stressed the need to revive India’s spiritual cultural. Iskcon has been in the forefront in the service of downtrodden. During Covid they were cooking 4000 meals daily for people. Srila Prabhupada introduced Jagannath Rath Yatra in western world, this is one of his great achievements.

Under Prime Minister Modi India has grown. Ayurveda has become an alternative medicine. Today, India is being recognised in the world for her spirituality.

I welcome all for this event.

I thank Prime Minster Modi for releasing coin on the 125th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada.”

HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj speaks on the occasion of release of coin of Srila Prabhupada on his 125th Birth Anniversary

After the speech of the Minister, the program coordinator requested HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and Iskcon GBC to speak.

HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj said:

“Respected Prime Minster Mr Narendra Modi, Ministry of culture, I am grateful for your time. As you know this year is Srila Prabhupada’s 125^th birth anniversary. Around 500 years ago, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had predicted that in all corners of the world Hare Krishna Mahamantra will be chanted.

Prabhupada was born in 1896 in Kolkata. In 1922, he met a renowned Vaisnava saint and scholar Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura who became his spiritual master. At that time, he was with Gandhiji’s movement. He was good in English, so his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, asked him to take the message of Bhagavad Gita to the western world.

This instruction was given in 1922 but he was able to go to west in 1965.  He went into cargo ship, was having only Rs 40 with him. It was 35 days journey. On his way, he was thinking how to spread the message of Krishna and Chaitanya. With great struggle he reached USA.  And with great struggle, he opened the first Krishna Consciousness centre in New York. Today all over the world Iskcon temple is present.

70 crore Vedic books translated by Srila Prabhupada distributed all over the world

Today even westerns devotees wear Indian Vaisnav dress like dhoti, kurta and saris. They put tilak. Srila Prabhupada translated Vedic scriptures in English language. Today more than 70 crore Vedic books translated by Srila Prabhupada have been distributed all over the world. Many renowned universities use it.

These books are today available in almost all the languages. Prabhupada translated more than 70 books.  He wanted that these Vedic books should be read by whole world and not just by Indians. In this modern age also we can live as per the Vedas.

May God shower his mercy upon Prime Minister Modi and his government

We are thankful to Prima Minister Modi for his precious time. Srila Prabhupada’s desire was to make everyone in the world happy. We should take benefit of the scriptures and live happily. Along with that Srila Prabhupada started food for life. Today food for life is in all parts of the world. Lakhs are getting the benefit. During Covid pandemic, we opened camps for the people.

Influence of Vedic culture is spreading all over the world. We are thankful to the Prime Minister that he came to inaugurate world’s largest Bhagavad Gita.  You are inaugurating the coin; we thank you for that.

May God give great mercy to your government. It is important that we should also have spiritual knowledge. When praja, people, take benefit of this knowledge, they get benefitted. May Lord give you strength to serve the country. Thank you very much. Hare Krishna!”

HH Gopal Krishna Goswami (@GKGmedia) thanks Honourable Prime Minister Shri @Narendramodi Ji for his kind gesture of releasing of Rs 125 commemorative coin in honour of Srila Prabhupada.#prabhupada125 pic.twitter.com/c33M6MXOfz

— ISKCON (@iskcon) September 3, 2021

Release of Commemorative Coin of Srila Prabhupada, Founder Iskcon on his 125^th Birth Anniversary

After the speech of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, the program coordinator requested Prime Minister Modi to unveil the coin on the occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s 125^th birth anniversary. Everyone was eagerly waiting for this moment. 

The Prime Minister released the commemorative coin with remote.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, speaks on the occasion of release of coin of Srila Prabhupada on his 125th Birth Anniversary

After releasing the coin, Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi spoke the following words praising Srila Prabhupada and Iskcon:

Paying tributes to Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji. https://t.co/Os4Z23Nv4P

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2021

“Today is a very auspicious day. Two days back was Janmashtami and today is 125^th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada.  I see on my screen devotees from all over the world. It seems that lakhs of mind and body is connected to common Consciousness which is Krishna Consciousness. This is what Srila Prabhupada preached all over the world.

We all know that Srila Prabhupada was a transcendental devotee. Along with that he was a great Bharat Bhakt. He participated in non-cooperation movement of Mahatma Gandhi. He refused to take degree from Scottish college Kolkata during the non-cooperation movement.

On his 125^th birth anniversary, India is celebrating 75^th year of independence which we are celebrating as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Srila Prabhupada used to say that he is travelling to different parts of the world because he wanted to give great treasure of India to the world in the form of knowledge and culture. And he was doing so to serve the entire humanity.

Swamiji’s guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, saw his competence and gave him the instruction to take India’s philosophy to the western world.  Srila Prabhupada took the words of his spiritual master seriously and made it his mission.

Srila Prabhupada’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, our purpose is to benefit and serve the world. To achieve this, it is important to have help of all. We can imagine if Srila Prabhupada gave so much to the world and if we all by his blessings try together then how much we will gain. Message of love can be spread to each person. How much we can give to the society and to the humanity. India’s sustainable lifestyle and ayurvedic science will benefit all.  

Srila Prabhupada talked about Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Today India has made this her purpose and we are moving in that direction. Whenever I talk about Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, I tell my officials and businessmen to learn from Iskcon.

Here is why I refer to the success of the Hare Krishna movement during my interactions with people. @iskcon pic.twitter.com/CrJMZQ805I

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2021

When we go to other countries people greet us by Hare Krishna. We feel so happy, so proud. We feel at home. Just imagine if we get the same response for our make in India products then how much proud we will feel. We can learn from Iskcon and achieve our make in India goal.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bound the world with Bhakti

Krishna said to Arjuna to attain knowledge and finally surrender to Krishna. This is called Bhakti Yoga which is given in Chapter 12 of Bhagavad Gita. Bhakti Yoga kept India’s culture alive when India was under subjugation. If Bhakti was not there then we do not know where would India have been.

आज विद्वान इस बात का आकलन करते हैं कि अगर भक्तिकाल की सामाजिक क्रांति न होती तो भारत न जाने कहाँ होता, किस स्वरूप में होता!

लेकिन उस कठिन समय में चैतन्य महाप्रभु जैसे संतों ने हमारे समाज को भक्ति की भावना से बांधा, उन्होने ‘विश्वास से आत्मविश्वास’ का मंत्र दिया: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 1, 2021

During that period Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bound the world with Bhakti. He gave the mantra of viswas (faith) to the people. He broke caste barrier and established relationship between jiva (soul) and the Lord. In India many sages and saints have come from time to time.  When world wanted Bhakti yoga, Srila Prabhupada came and Iskcon came.

एक समय अगर स्वामी विवेकानंद जैसे मनीषी आए जिन्होंने वेद-वेदान्त को पश्चिम तक पहुंचाया, तो वहीं विश्व को जब भक्तियोग को देने की ज़िम्मेदारी आई तो श्रील प्रभुपाद जी और इस्कॉन ने इस महान कार्य का बीड़ा उठाया।

उन्होंने भक्ति वेदान्त को दुनिया की चेतना से जोड़ने का काम किया: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 1, 2021

Srila Prabhupada’s struggle to establish Iskcon

For Prabhupada, it was not easy to start Iskcon.  He established Iskcon when he was 70 years old. This is the age when most people retire. It is very inspirational for all of us. We see people start saying they are too old to do or too young to do. But Srila Prabhupada from young age to old age continued focussing on his mission.

When he went to west to spread Krishna Consciousness, he did not have anything other than Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures. He got two heart attacks during his journey. He had no money, no place to stay and no surety of food.

In the words of Atal ji, former Prime Minister of India, kisi chamatkar se kam nahi (It is not less than a miracle). 

Iskcon temples and Gurukuls all over the world

Today in different parts of the world there are many Iskcon temples and Iskcon gurukuls. Iskcon has taught umang (enthusiasm), ulas (celebration) and manavta par viswas (faith in humanity). We see in different parts of the world devotees singing and dancing in kirtan.

For others it is utsav (festival) but for us it is part of our life. This attracts people. It is giving new hope to people all over the world. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that when someone loves jiva, the soul, and does not hate anyone, he is loved by God. This thought process has been propagated by Iskcon.

आज दुनिया के अलग अलग देशों में सैकड़ों इस्कॉन मंदिर हैं, कितने ही गुरुकुल भारतीय संस्कृति को जीवंत बनाए हुये हैं।

इस्कॉन ने दुनिया को बताया है कि भारत के लिए आस्था का मतलब है- उमंग, उत्साह, और उल्लास और मानवता पर विश्वास: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 1, 2021

Iskcon devotees doing Krishna seva and are brand ambassador of India

I remember when there was earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat, Iskcon came forward to help. Whether its natural calamity in Uttarakhand or Orissa, Bengal cyclone, Iskcon came to help. During Covid you all have been helping people.

In spite of the pandemic Iskcon served food to lakhs of people, made hospitals for Covid patients and is helping in vaccination.

I thank all the devotees of Iskcon. Iskcon devotees are not only doing Krishna seva (service) but also, they are brand ambassador of India.

Thanks to all. Hare Krishna!”

With this the program to honor Srila Prabhupada on his 125th Birth anniversary by releasing Rs 125 coin in his memory concluded.

Note: I have paraphrased the speech of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister, Shri G Kishan Reddy.

Watch the video of the entire program here: https://pmindiawebcast.nic.in/2021/1sep21.html

Who is Goddess Durgā?

Brahma Samhita 5.44 explains that Goddess Durga is the “creating, preserving and destroying agency” of this material world. But she does not act independently, she does everything as per the wish of Lord Krishna.  Durgādevī is also known as Māyādevī, the illusory energy of Lord Krishna. In this world she appears as the daughter of Yashoda. Thus, she is a sister of Krishna.

“The external potency Māyā who is of the nature of the shadow of the cit potency, is worshiped by all people as Durgā, the creating, preserving and destroying agency of this mundane world. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda in accordance with whose will Durgā conducts herself.” Brahma Samhita 5.44

Characteristics of Goddess Durga

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura describes following characteristics of Goddess Durga in Brahma Samhita 5.44 purport.

• The world, in which Brahmā takes his stand and hymns the Lord of Goloka, is Devī-dhāma consisting of the fourteen worlds and Durgā is its presiding deity.
• She is ten-armed, representing the tenfold fruitive activities.
• She rides on the lion, representing her heroic prowess.
• Durgā tramples down Mahīṣāsura, representing the subduer of vices.
• She is the mother of two sons, Kārttikeya and Gaṇeśa, representing beauty and success.
• Goddess Durga is placed between Lakṣmī and Sarasvatī, representing mundane opulence and mundane knowledge.
• She is armed with the twenty weapons, representing the various pious activities enjoined by the Vedas for suppression of vices.
• And she holds the snake, representing the beauty of destructive time.

Why does Goddess Durga come to this material world?

In this material world which is described as “fort”, Durgā plays an important role. “Fort” in Sanskrit means Durga.  And Durgā Devi is the presiding deity of this fort (durga) which is like a prison house. To protect this fort, she carries ten different types of weapons in her hands. So, no one can escape from this fort no matter how powerful he may be.

Krishna confirms this in Bhagavad Gita 7.14, daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī/mama māyā duratyayā. “This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome.” 

Different names of Goddess Durgā

Durgā Devi is the external potency of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this world she is worshipped in different places by different names.  Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.11-12 says the following things about Durgā Devi:

“Lord Kṛṣṇa blessed Māyādevī by saying: In different places on the surface of the earth, people will give you different names, such as Durgā, Bhadrakālī, Vijayā, Vaiṣṇavī, Kumudā, Caṇḍikā, Kṛṣṇā, Mādhavī, Kanyakā, Māyā, Nārāyaṇī, Īśānī, Śāradā and Ambikā.”

Who comes to this material world?

People like us who have forgotten our service to Krishna are sent to this prison, fort.  And here, we the souls are bound in gross and subtle material body.  Gross body comprises of earth, water, fire, air and ether. Subtle body consists of mind, intelligence and false ego.

So, in this mundane world we do not have full freedom and the material pleasure which we get here is always contaminated by pain.

Three types of sufferings in this world

In a prison, the prisoners are punished for different crimes. A prison cannot expect comfortable life confined in a cell. So, we see that in this world we constantly experience different kinds of sufferings. Scriptures explain three different types of suffering we undergo in this mundane world.

• adhidaivika-klesa: Sufferings caused by the higher powers like the demigods.
• adhibhautika-klesa:  Sufferings caused because of other living beings
• adhyatmika-klesa : Sufferings because of one’s own body and mind

These punishments which we get here is to remind us that this is not our permanent home, and no amount of material comforts can free us from miseries. Through these punishments Durgā Devi wants to reform us, the prisoners.

Regarding Durgā Devi’s activities in this world, Srila Prabhupada explains, “She is Vaiṣṇavī. She is a great devotee of Kṛṣṇa. But she has accepted a thankless task: to punish. The policeman is a sincere government servant, but he has accepted a task, nobody likes him. If some policeman comes here, immediately you shall feel disturbed. But he is the sincere servant of government. That is the position of Māyā. Her business is to punish these rascals who have come to enjoy here. You see? But she is a sincere servant of God.”

Goddess Durga fulfils material desires reluctantly

But in spite of so much suffering you and I still want to enjoy this world. Most of the people due to ignorance believe that with the help of material wealth they can live happily here. So, they seek material benedictions like wealth, property, worthy progeny, beautiful spouse, good health from Goddess Durgā.  Goddess Durgā can fulfil material desires.

“By sacrifices of animals, ordinary human beings will worship you gorgeously, with various paraphernalia, because you are supreme in fulfilling the material desires of everyone.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.10

Although she fulfils these desires, but she does it reluctantly. Because she knows that in this world which comprises of 14 planetary systems no one can be permanently happy. Death which is the supremely reality of the material world snatches away everything from us. So, she wants us to go back to Krishna and live in Krishna’s kingdom, Goloka Vrindavan, where everything is eternal including our life.

When does Goddess Durgā becomes happy?

She becomes happy when she sees a soul trying his best to become a devotee of Krishna. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura explains, “The work of purifying these penalized jīvas is the duty devolved upon Durgā. She is incessantly engaged in discharging the same by the will of Govinda. When, luckily. the forgetfulness of Govinda on the part of imprisoned jīvas is remarked by them by coming in contact with self-realized souls and their natural aptitude for the loving service of Kṛṣṇa is aroused, Durgā herself then becomes the agency of their deliverance by the will of Govinda.” Śrī Brahma-Saṁhitā 5.44 Purport

Goddess Durgā, the sister of Krishna, comes to this world to make us a devotee of Krishna. So let us not pray to her for material wealth. But let us beg her for spiritual wealth. Let us pray to her to remove all material desires from our hearts and make us a devotee of her beloved Krishna.

My prayer to Lord Krishna on his appearance day, Janmashtami

Dear Krishna, the day when you appeared in this world is celebrated as Janmashtami all over the world. This year, 2021, we are celebrating Janmashtami on 30^th August. In Bhagavad Gita 8.15, you say that this world is duhkhalayam, abode of miseries. But still you appear here in every millennium because you feel pain when you see us in pain.

But unfortunately, people like me who have chosen to live here do not realize that we are in pain. In fact, our consciousness is so blunted that many times we consider pain as pleasure. Just like a hog who considers stool as a palatable food.

In spite of trying my best I have hardly experienced any happiness in this world. Any success or achievement we get here is always accompanied with fear and anxiety.  So, in reality there is no happiness. But in spite of these experiences, I hope again and again of finding happiness in this material world.

My mind is always full of desires. And with a shame I want to admit that all my desires are material. And this is the root cause of all my sufferings.

My wrong desires making me miserable

I do not have desire to take your shelter. Although in Bhagavad Gita 18.66 you say to me through Arjuna that if I take your shelter then you will free me from all my past sins and thus I won’t suffer here. “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.  

In fact, by taking your shelter I will be freed from all the fear of this world. But still, I fail to follow your instructions. It is because my mind is always overflooded with material desires.

Many times, I have tried to purge all worldly cravings from my mind but again and again I have failed.

You say in Bhagavad Gita that you reciprocate with us as per our desires – ye yathā māṁ prapadyante/tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham. “As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly.” Bhagavad Gita 4.11.

But as I said earlier Krishna, all my desires are wrong desires.  And this is the reason that I am living here all alone away from you.

Why I am not able to see you, Krishna?

Although I voluntarily decided to not live with you but you never abandoned me.  Right now also you are present in my heart as Supersoul, Paramatma. But because of my contaminated consciousness I cannot see you. A blind person sees darkness everywhere even when the sun is shining bright. Similarly, a spiritually blind person like me fails to see your beautiful effulgent transcendental form although you are here in my heart.

How unfortunate I am. My anarthas (vices) – lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion – is separating me from you. I do not have the power to free myself from these anarthas. Honestly speaking I also do not have much desire to free myself from these anarthas.

Krishna, you are most merciful

Dear Krishna, please be merciful upon me. You have been merciful even to the demons who came to kill you. Putana came to give you poisonous milk, but you removed all the poisons from her milk and gave her the position of a mother in your spiritual kingdom. Who can be more merciful other than you?

Because of my wrong desires my mind has become poisonous and is now not allowing me to devote my life to you. It has made me insane. Although I try to serve you but my powerful mind does not allow me do so.

But why should I blame my mind?

It is me who have misused my free will and allowed the mind to enjoy the so-called pleasures of this world.

Unfortunately, I forgot to control my mind

In the journey of my life I forgot to control my mind. And now my mind controls me. I do not remember the exact date when my mind started overpowering me. But if I try to look back I find that I have always been under the subjugation of my mind. I have been in this material world for many lifetimes.  And in each life I have just tried to enjoy the material pleasures through my mind and senses. 

And now my mind has become so strong that it refuses to listen to me. It disobeys me. It controls me. I am a puppet of my mind. But I do not want to suffer anymore because of my mind. I am going through these sufferings because of my unholy desires. I know that as soon as I develop the desire to serve you all my misfortune will go away from my life.

All the miseries will disappear just as darkness disappears as soon as the sun appears.

My prayer to Lord Krishna

On this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami I beseech you Krishna to purify my desires. Shower your mercy upon me so that I develop spiritual desire, the desire to constantly serve you. I beg you to purify my heart of all the anarthas which is separating me from you.  Dear Lord Krishna, please consider my prayer. I am an ignorant person who does not know what is good for me.

Like a madman in the mental asylum thinks that he is the king of the whole world. Afflicted by my material madness I think I can control my life. But the fact is that I am just a puppet, and you are the puppeteer.

Please take control of my mind and make me your puppet.  

Dear Lord Krishna, my prayer at your lotus feet on this auspicious occasion of your appearance day is that please purge my mind of all material thoughts. Let my mind only think of you. Let my mind experience joy in always singing your glories. Let my mind develop distaste for the illusionary pleasures of this temporary world.

Let my mind have only one desire – the desire to serve you every moment of my life, life after life.  

Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 125th Appearance Day

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisances.

This year we are celebrating your 125th Vyasa Puja. But because of my ignorance I do not know how to glorify you. Please forgive me for my incompetence. I owe my life to you.  You are full of compassion, full of mercy. This is the reason you are ready to shower your mercy upon souls like me who do not have much inclination towards spiritual life. To save unfortunate souls like me you came to this world. You carried the teachings of Lord Chaitanya with you. You were always eager and ready to serve your dear Lord, Lord Chaitanya. And to please him you were even ready to go to hell and serve the suffering souls there.

In one of your diary entries, you share your heart.

Srila Prabhupada’s Diary

Sunday 6 March 1966

Sunrise at 6/30. Sunset at 5/53 Moon rise at 5/28 Full Moon 8/46 pm.*

Today whole day passed at Monroe Ananda Ashram. In the morning there was kirtan and it was very much appreciated.

Returned from Monroe at 6 pm.

Talked with Mr. Majid of Tehran (Iran). Interested in spiritual rejuvenation of the world. Took lesson for more than one and a half hour.

According to Mayapur Panjika* today is Adhivas day of Gour Purnima. Devotees at Vrindaban and Nabadwipa are enjoying the celebration. I am here alone without any devotee companion. But I have come here to serve the Lord and not for personal happiness. I am prepared to live in hell even if I am able to serve the Lord. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted that His mission should be propagated all over the world and that is my objective. I do not mind the inconvenience personally felt.

Source: https://prabhupadabooks.com/diaries/beginning/1/1/sunday_6_march

Because of your extraordinary determination you have succeeded in your mission of fulfilling Lord Chaitanya’s mission.  Today it is because of your mercy that millions of people like me are being saved from going to hell.

Why happiness always eludes us?

Each one of us struggle in this world to be happy but we do not know what it means to be happy. We think that by satisfying the demands of our material mind and senses we will become happy. We think that if we get power, position, prestige in the society then we will become happy. So, we dedicate our life in serving the unholy demands of our senses and mind.  But in spite of our best efforts, happiness eludes us.

If a thirsty man drinks sea water to quench his thirst, then he will become more miserable. Similarly, when we try to satisfy our hungry heart with the things of this contaminated world, we become more miserable.  You came to educate us that the hunger of our heart can only be satisfied if we give our heart to Krishna.  Srila Prabhupada, you taught us how to sincerely practice devotion to Krishna. You practically showed us how we can become a sincere devotee of Krishna even in this age of Kaliyuga.

Srila Prabhupada’s greatest gift to mankind

In fact, millions of people all over the world should be eternally indebted to you because you have opened the door of the spiritual world for each and everyone of us. I never new there is some place called spiritual world. Most of the people did not know about it. Although the acharyas have spoken about it, Krishna himself has spoken about it but in this age of downfall this supreme transcendental secret was almost forgotten. You revived that knowledge and showed us the glimpse of the spiritual world through your transcendental literatures. This is the greatest gift you have given to mankind. You came to invite us to join Krishna in Krishna’s abode.

Without light darkness cannot be quelled. Similarly, you made it clear that without Krishna happiness is impossible. You gave us hope that attaining Krishna’s abode is indeed possible. The only requirement is that we should purify our hearts of all material desires and enthrone Krishna in our hearts.

Srila Prabhupada taught how to experience spiritual pleasure in material world

It is not that we will experience spiritual joy only when we will return to the spiritual world. If we live as per your teachings, then even in this life we can enjoy transcendental pleasure.

In Bhagavad Gita 18.54 purport you write, “The world is miserable for the materially infected person, but for a devotee the entire world is as good as Vaikuṇṭha, or the spiritual sky.” You taught us that we can be freed from our material diseases if we constantly engage all our senses and the mind in the service of Krishna.  If we do so, then this world will not inflict sufferings upon us.

“A devotee’s senses are not attracted by material enjoyment. And even though the material world is full of misery, the devotee considers this material world to be also spiritual because everything is engaged in the service of the Lord. The difference between the spiritual world and material world is the mentality of service.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.4.25)

In one of the lectures HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj says that we do not have to do anything extra. Whatever is required to go to the spiritual world has been given to us by Srila Prabhupada. So, we just need to follow your instructions as it is. 

Begging for the shelter of Srila Prabhupada on his 125^th Vyasa Puja

Dear Srila Prabhupada, this year we are celebrating your 125^th Vyasa Puja. Although we cannot see you today with our mundane eyes, but you are always present in our heart. Today your books and teachings are transforming the lives of millions of people all over the world. You are saving us from going to hell. You are the one who is transferring the sufferings souls of this world to the spiritual world. 

Dear Srila Prabhupada, on this auspicious occasion of your 125^th anniversary of appearance, Vyasa Puja, I beg at your lotus feet for your shelter. Please purify my intelligence so that I can understand your instructions. And please give me strength and determination so that I do not deviate from spiritual standards and live my life as per your teachings and instructions.

Your insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das, Kolkata

Gaur Nitai deities arrive in Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

Gaur Nitai deities have arrived in Iskcon New Town Kolkata. To welcome the deities, a special program was held on 23^rd August 2021. The deities will be installed after few months. If everything goes fine then may be during Nityananda Trayodashi period the deities will be installed. Iskcon New Town Kolkata is also called as Iskcon Goshala.

HG Dayaram Prabhu, President Iskcon Kolkata, spoke how the Iskcon Newtown Temple within a short span of time have grown significantly. The number of brahmacharis (monks) staying in the temple have increased and also many congregation devotees have got connected to the temple.

This is what HG Dayaram Prabhu said:

Srila Prabhupada went alone to the west without any support. He was penniless and got two heart attacks during his journey. But he never gave up. He had faith and conviction that if I try to fulfill the instruction of my guru maharaj then automatically things will happen. He went to the west and it is said that rest is history.

Before him other sannyasi disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura also went to preach in the west but did not get much success. Even with the support of the institution – Gaudiya Math. They were brilliant sannyasis. Some even spoke German but did not get much success. But Srila Prabhupada was penniless. With conviction, he surrendered.

Commitment of one, two or three people can change things. It is always one or two committed people who change the world.

Two years back we decided that we will have centers in Kolkata – in Goshala and in Motijheel. But there were lots of doubt that how it will work. It was decided that initially Iskcon Kolkata, 3c Albert Road temple will give support. But I am surprised with both the centers have done well. Have become self-sufficient and there are lots of development.

Devotees should work hard to build big Iskcon temple

Preaching has expanded. Temple is nicely maintained. Big brahmachari room has come up. Things developed without our expectation. It has picked up momentum now. If all devotees come together and put their mind and heart then things happen. We did not expect so much fund raising. Devotees can take more responsibility to build big temple. We have to bring it into reality.

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj wanted this to happen. Unfortunately he left his body. Krishna is giving more responsibility.  Krishna sends result. Ultimately, we cannot lay claim on the result because result is in Krishna’s hand. In Bhagavad Gita it is mentioned that five things causes result and one of them is paramatma. If we put endeavour then Krishna will empower us. Even congregational devotees can do incredible service.

Congregation Devotees can also play a major role in building the temple

Prabhupada send to London three grihasta couples. They went without any support to London. More or less without any help three couples established huge preaching in United Kingdom. They brought George Harrison in fold, one the famous Beatles. He was so much inspired by three couples and their commitment. Because of his push, Hare Krishna became household name.

Western devotees were from degraded background. People with such background were so much transformed in 3 years that they did huge preaching. I do not see any reason why we cannot do it.

Problems will be there but if we do our duty Krishna will reciprocate

There is nothing that can stop us other than our lethargy. I humbly request that do not let petty issues come in our way to render service to Prabhupada. There is no painless and difficult less situation in his world, it is duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam. Problems will be there, we have to face it. But we have to work in spite of it.

Srila Prabhupada faced so many problems. He had no place to stay, he stayed with drunkards, his typewriter was stolen, drug addicts would come to harm him. But he was determined. Nothing can hinder our progress. Initially there were problems with funds. Now it is taken care.

If we do things properly then eventually a big temple will come. If we do our duty then Krishna will reciprocate.  

Devotees sing  Boro Krpa Koile Krsna

After Dayaram prabhu’s talk devotees sang one of the most famous songs written by Srila Prabhupada – Boro Krpa Koile Krsna

This song was written by Srila Prabhupada on Jaladuta when he was about to arrive Amercia for the preaching mission.

After the beautiful song, HG Ananga Mohan Prabhu spoke.

This is what HG Ananga Mohan Prabhu said

One saintly person was going from village to village with disciples and giving blessings. In One village, he said that be happy and live here together. And in another village, he said that may you all separate.

His disciples were surprised. One of them asked that why you gave these two different blessings in two villages.

Guru explained:

In the village where I said may you all always stay together, the people there were bad in their behaviour. So, if they stay together in the same village then bad things won’t spread.

In the village where I said that may you all separate because in that village all are good people. If they spread everywhere then they will spread good things.

Kolkata has given so many devotees who are now going to different places and spreading Krishna Consciousness.

In every one and half a month we should have such sanga of devotees where all the devotees can together. It is such a blissful thing.

Once one devotee complained to Srila Prabhupada that the President of the temple is always chastising. But one nice thing about him is that he sings nice. Prabhupada said that I am happy that you are glorifying that he sings nice.  You should tolerate every other things of him just like I am tolerating you.

Even Gaudiya mission was a glorious mission but faced problem.  Srila Prabhupada took the best things and gave to his disciples. Iskcon is growing nicely. So many centers are getting inaugurated.

Srila Prabhupada birthplace to be offered to the entire world

We all should come together for Srila Prabhupada. We are offering Srila Prabhupada birthplace to the entire Iskcon devotees of the world on 31^st August and 1^st Sep. If we serve with happy mind then glories will come to us. We should do best to sustain our centres and assist other centres too. We should have love among each other and be sensitive to others as well.

Devotees take darshan of the recently arrived Gaur Nitai deities in Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

Devotees got an opportunity to take darshan of the beautiful Gaur Nitai deities at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata which have arrived from Jaipur. New puja room for the deities are also built and it was inaugurated by HG Dayaram Prabhu. After the inauguration devotees went in a queue to the puja room for darshan.

The deities are still in the boxes. The boxes were opened so that we could take blessings of the deities. HG Acharyaratan Prabhu requested devotees to not click pictures of the deities as the deities have not yet been installed. The darshan was accompanied with melodious Hare Krishna kirtan.

Devotees felicitated, program ends with Guru Puja and prasadam

Those devotees who have been working hard to serve the temple and build the new temple were felicitated.

At the end HG Radharaman Prabhu explained that how at war footing construction is going on at Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace.

At the end there was Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja followed by delicious prasadam.

Hope that Gaur Nitai Deities will be installed in Iskcon Newtown Kolkata soon and the devotees will get an opportunity to take darshan of the deities and serve the deities.