Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Quiz on Soul

“You are not this body, but you are soul.” Vedic scriptures again and again remind us about this. So, test your knowledge about the soul by taking this “quiz on soul.” Bhagavad Gita beautifully describes the different characteristics of the soul.

In fact, when Arjuna was bewildered at the battlefield of Kurukshetra then the first thing  which Krishna told to Arjuna was that “You are not this body but you are soul.”

As soul we never die. We just keep on changing our bodies. Now we are in a human body. Among human beings also we might be in a male body or female body, in a Hindu body or a Muslim body or a Christian body. In previous life we might be in a different body. We might be even in an animal body.

And if in this human form of life we are not careful and we do not follow the teachings of the Vedic scriptures then in next life we will get an animal body. If we live like animals, then material nature which works under the direction of Krishna will give us an animal body.

So, it is very important that we understand our constitutional position. If we understand that we are parts and parcels of Krishna, the Supreme Lord, and we endeavour to develop relationship with Krishna then we can even return back to the spiritual world which is free from repeated birth, old age, disease and death and is free from all physical and mental sufferings.

Human form of life is an opportunity to free ourselves from the material bondage and enjoy eternal bliss in company of Krishna in the spiritual world.

So, let us equip ourselves with the knowledge of the scriptures and lead our life as per the teachings of scriptures. It will open the gateway of eternal happiness.

Do attempt this quiz on soul, its interesting and informative. All the best!

Why Krishna is called Govinda?

Lord Krishna is also called as Lord Govinda. Brahma Samhita says “govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi.” It means “I worship Govinda the primeval Lord, the first progenitor.”

We may wonder why Krishna is called Govinda. Krishna has many names. In fact, he has hundreds and millions of names. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu confirms this in his Siksastakam prayers.

“namnam akari bahudha nija-sarva-shaktis
tatrarpita niyamitah smarane na kalah
etadrishi tava kripa bhagavan mamapi
durdaivam idrisham ihajani nanuragaha”

“O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings, and thus You have hundreds and millions of names, like Krsna and Govinda. In these transcendental names You have invested all Your transcendental energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach You by Your holy names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.”

These holy names have immense potency. These names purify our hearts and bestow upon us love of Krishna.

3 reasons why Krishna is called Govinda

Let us understand why Krishna is called Govinda. There are three reasons why Krishna is called Govinda. The word “go” has three meanings. “go” means cows, “go” means senses and “go” means land. And the word “vinda” means pleasure giving. So, the word Govinda means:

• One who gives pleasure to the cows
• One who gives pleasure to the senses
• One who gives pleasure to the land

Krishna gives pleasure to the cows

We see that Krishna gives unlimited pleasure to the cows. Krishna is also called Gopala because he takes care of the cows. Cows in association with Krishna experiences lots of happiness.

Krishna gives pleasure to the senses

Similarly, Krishna gives pleasure to our senses. When we engage our senses in the service of Krishna, we experience unlimited bliss. This is the reason that the devotees of Lord enjoy unlimited happiness because they engage all their senses 24hours in a day in the service of Krishna.

Krishna gives pleasure to the land

Krishna protects the land and also gives pleasure to the land. The land of Vraja, Govardhan Hill, Dwarka or Mathura remain always joyful because they get association of Krishna. Since they have taken shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet, they experience complete perfection.

Srila Prabhupada explains:

“Govinda is another name of Kṛṣṇa. Go means cows and go means land and go means senses. There are three meanings of go. So… And vinda means pleasure-giving. So, He gives pleasure to the senses, He gives pleasure to the cows, and He gives pleasure to the land.” Lecture Excerpt — Montreal, June 29, 1968

70th Vyasa Puja Celebration of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj

This year we are celebrating 70^th Vyasa Puja of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj. Maharaj has been playing a very significant role in sharing the teachings of Vedic literatures all the over the planet.

He lives for Krishna and loves to give Krishna to others. He follows the teaching of Srila Prabhupada, his spiritual master, as it is and never compromises with any principles. And like Srila Prabhupada he has deep compassion for all the living beings.

It is because of his selfless love and genuine desire that he has been able to transform the lives of thousands of people all over the world.

He not just preaches by his words, but he also preaches by his actions.

We can learn so many lessons from Maharaj’s life. Here I am sharing some of the incidents from his life which is so inspiring.

Maharaj wins the heart of a person who disliked him

Once Maharaj was invited to speak in a temple program. Many well-wishers and donors were invited for the program.  Maharaj took one bhajan of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and started giving class based on its teachings. He said that how people have so much greed for material wealth. How people work like donkey hoping that they can enjoy the world.

One of the donors who was attending the program got upset. He left the class immediately in an angry mood. He did not hear the complete lecture. The organizers of the program came to know about it.

After the class, devotees informed Maharaj what happened. Maharaj smiled. He jokingly said, “I thought everyone likes my class. But here is someone who did not like my class. Give me his phone number, I will speak to him.” Maharaj called up the person. The donor was surprised. He had never expected a call from Maharaj.

Maharaj Seeks Forgiveness

Maharaj sought forgiveness from him for hurting his feelings. Maharaj then said that whatever I spoke were not my words. But were the words of Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great Vaisnava saint and scholar. I was just repeating his teachings. Maharaj started speaking about the glories of Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

He informed the donor as how Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a judicial magistrate. He was an expert in his profession that everyone respected him. He wrote many books which are appreciated by many intellectuals. Along with that Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a great devotee of Krishna and played a pivotal role in spreading the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Maharaj again sought forgiveness from him. The call ended!

Maharaj inspires the donor to chant the names of Krishna

The donor immediately rushed to the temple to meet Maharaj. But Maharaj had left the city for another program. The donor requested the devotees in the temple to inform him when Maharaj returns. So, when Maharaj returned back to the city the devotees informed the donor. He immediately came to the temple.

Maharaj was sitting in temple hall and chanting. Devotees told him to go and meet Maharaj. He went and begged forgiveness from Maharaj for his attitude and for misunderstanding his lecture.  

He said, “Please give me some punishment. I want to do atonement.”

Maharaj smiled and said, “For that you should chant one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.”

He immediately agreed. Devotees gave him beads and he chanted one round. After chanting he informed Maharaj that he completed his one round. Maharaj then said that you should daily chant one round of maha-mantra. He agreed.

From that day onwards, he chanted daily. And slowly from one round he came to sixteen rounds. He later took initiation from Maharaj and became Maharaj’s disciple.

Maharaj won the heart of the person who had initially disliked him by his exemplary behavior.

Maharaj by his humility, gentleness and politeness won his heart. Most of us would have criticized him or would have ignored him. And he would never returned back to Iskcon. He would have never become a devotee. But because of Maharaj’s compassion he became a devotee.

Through this example Maharaj is teaching us what should be the proper behavior of a devotee of Krishna.

He has the quality of a Uttama Adhikari

Maharaj never sees bad in others & never criticizes others

In Nectar Of Instruction, Text 5, Srila Rupa Goswami explains that a pure devotee of Krishna is always engaged in undeviated devotional service and his heart is completely devoid of propensity to criticize others.

This quality we see in Maharaj. Maharaj never sees bad in others. He always sees good in others. And Maharaj extends himself to a great extent to give Krishna to others.

He is very personal in his dealings. He always respects others’ feelings and sentiments. He is our best well-wisher.

Maharaj preaches by his actions

He preaches by his words and also by his actions. What attracts people is not philosophy but the conduct of a person. We may recite all the 700 verses of Bhagavad Gita. We may expertly explain the meaning of these verses. We may sing nice kirtans. All these things will enthrall people, no doubt.  But it may not transform them.

But our one act of kindness, one word of love will completely change the heart of a person. This quality we see in Maharaj.  It is because of Maharaj’s loving and caring attitude that he has been able to preach to thousands of people all over the world.

His humility and simplicity and desire to serve selflessly attracts the hearts of so many people. This is the reason why thousands of people love Maharaj so much.

Maharaj knows the language of the heart.

In his Journey Home book Maharaj writes about the interaction which he had with many wonderful people. And many times, those with whom Maharaj met did not know English and as far as I know Maharaj does not speak Hindi. I have never heard him speaking in Hindi or any other Indian languages. But Maharaj was able to communicate with all.

Language has never been a barrier for Maharaj to establish relationship with others!

Maharaj has very intimate friends in Vrindavan. He has lived in Vrindavan. He loves the Vrajvasis and they love him. But most of the Vrajvasis with whom Maharaj has good relationship do not know English. And Maharaj do not know the language of the Vraja.

So, it is surprising that how Maharaj has such a wonderful relationship with those fortunate residents of Vrindavan.  Vrajavasis are simple hearted devotees of Krishna. They see Maharaj’s unconditional and unmotivated love for them.

Always eager to serve the Vrajvasis

Maharaj is always eager to serve the vrajvasis.  Once one vrajvasi came to Radha Gopinath temple in Mumbai. Maharaj was so happy to see him. He made all the arrangements for his stay. He made sure that he gets proper prasadam.  Then Maharaj went to his room.

Suddenly Maharaj got up at around 1 am in the night. He called for the devotee who was asked to take care of the Vrajvasi. The devotee was surprised. “What is so urgent, Maharaj?”

Maharaj said, “The room given to the Vrajvasi has western toilet and it will be difficult for him to use that toilet in the morning.  Out of humility he won’t share his problem. He won’t be able to come for the morning program.”

He further said, “Make arrangement for him so that in the morning he is able to use Indian toilet. But it should be done in such a way that he is not disturbed now. When he gets up then someone should be there to guide him.”  The arrangements were made accordingly.

This shows how Maharaj’s caring nature. He takes care of even the smallest need of a person.

Maharaj is a visionary

Maharaj has played a pivotal role in establishing the iconic Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. HG Bisswaroop Prabhu, one of the founding members of the hospital, was once saying that as young doctors they all could have established their individual clinic or hospitals. And they could been successful too.

But Maharaj told them that if they work independently then they will get individual success but if they come together and do things together, they will create history.

Inspired by Maharaj, the young doctors decided to give up the lure of working in big hospitals or establishing their private practice. But they decided to come together and serve together for a higher cause. And today the hospital they established is one of the famous hospitals in Mumbai.

Bhaktivedanta hospital is not just a regular hospital where people get treatment for their physical illness. But it is a spiritual care center. People not just get medicine for their physical suffering but most importantly they get medicine of the holy names which can alleviate all the sufferings forever.

Patients and their family members are given spiritual education, they are inspired to chant the holy names of Krishna and everyone gets prasadam. The hospital staff members take deities of Lord Jagannath on a mobile cart to every patient in the evening so that they get blessings of the Lord. And it is not that only Hindu patients come to the hospital. Many non-Hindus come, and they appreciate the service there.

Preaching by the doctors of the hospital

Devotee doctors along with other members of the hospitals have preached to thousands of people who come to the hospital. It is said that every year around 365 people who visit the hospital become devotees who start chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  So, every day one person becomes devotee and begins chanting 16 rounds of maha-mantra. An extraordinary achievement!

Once when I had gone to the hospital for a program then during a presentation the hospital authorities told us about incidents when patients have left their body in a devotional atmosphere.

A dying man is encouraged to chant the names of Krishna

One incident was of a man whom the doctors said had just few minutes left. His wife and doctors helped him to chant the holy names of Krishna at the last moment.  They showed us a picture in which his wife was helping him to hold the chanting beads and was encouraging him to chant at the last moment o his life.  This is the best way to serve the society.

Under the guidance of Maharaj, the doctors of Bhaktivedanta hospital serve the Vrajvasis free of cost. Free eye camps, free dental camps and other initiatives are taken by the doctors in the holy dham of Vrindavan.

Maharaj teaches us how to love and serve Krishna selflessly

Maharaj always emphasize that we should practice devotion to Krishna with utmost sincerity and without any ulterior motives. When I was getting initiation from Maharaj then during the initiation lecture, he said that as devotees we should always be away from any kind of politics.

“Do not get involved in any politics. Have no desire for name, fame, power and position. Your only desire should be to practice Krishna consciousness sincerely and serve all selflessly.”

This is the mood of Maharaj. And we all should try to imbibe this mood.

Maharaj is following the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada. Today he is one of the most prominent spiritual teachers. He is also the author of two best sellers – “The Journey Home” and “The Journey Within.”

If we want to transform our lives, then we should hear his lectures which is widely available on YouTube. If we want to know about Maharaj’s spiritual journey then we should read “The Journey Home”, his autobiography. This book has sold thousands of copies all over the world. It has been translated into many languages. It is New York Times best seller. Maharaj’s another book “The Journey Within” teaches us how to change our inner self and lead a Krishna conscious meaningful life.

This human life is extremely precious because it gives us an opportunity to free ourselves from all the sufferings. And most importantly provides an opportunity to return back to the kingdom of Krishna, Goloka Vrindavan.

If we remain under the shelter of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, follow his teachings sincerely our journey to the kingdom of Krishna will be smooth and pleasurable. In fact, every moment we will experience the presence of Krishna in our hearts.

On the auspicious occasion of Maharaj’s 70^th Vyasa Puja, I pray at his lotus feet to shower his mercy upon me so that I continue chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra sincerely and follow the four regulative principles of no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex. And I should engage every moment of my life in serving the mission of Lord Chaitanya and Srila Prabhupada without any selfish desire. 

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How devotees of Krishna celebrate New Year?

Devotees of Krishna celebrate New Year in a Krishna conscious way. They welcome New Year by chanting the holy names of Krishna.  On the New Year day, the first activity they do is that they visit temple to take darshan of the Lord.

The darshan of the Lord opens at 4:30 am in most of the Iskcon temples of the world. Hundreds of devotees congregate early in the morning on 1^st January in the temple. They want to begin their New Year by seeing the most beautiful form of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani. 

Devotional activities in the morning of New Year

With the blow of the conch shell, ringing of the bell and with the loud chant of Hare Krishna the curtain of the altar opens exactly at 4:30 am. Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani appears in front of the assembled devotees.

Everyone bows down and pay obeisances to the Lord. In the heart everyone prays to Krishna and Radha to shower their mercy upon them. They pray to the divine couple so that in this New Year they always remain under their divine shelter.

Mangala Arati begins. Everyone participates. They sing, they dance, and they pray.

After Mangala Arati devotees take part in Narasimha Arati. They pray to Lord Narasimha Dev to remove all the obstacles from their devotional life.

Then there is Tulasi Arati. Devotees bow down to Tulasi Maharani and say the following prayer

            “I offer my repeated obeiances to Vrinda, Srimati Tulasi Devi, who is very dear to Lord Keshava (Krishna). O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Lord Krishna and possess the highest truth.”

Tulasi is very dear to Krishna. She is an intimate associate of Krishna and always engaged in serving Krishna. So, devotees pray to Tulasi Maharani to engage them in the service of Krishna.

Chanting, hearing & enjoying prasadam in New Year

After morning arati devotees sit down in the temple to chant the Hare Krishna maha – mantra. Many new people who come to the temple also participate in chanting the holy names of Krishna.

Devotees also attend Srimad Bhagavatam class.

And everyone enjoys delicious Krishna prasadam on the New Year day.

At home too devotees celebrate New Year in a devotional way

The devotees who are not able to come to temple organize special program at their homes. 

This year because of Coronavirus many devotees won’t be able to go to temple. But everyone will celebrate New Year at their homes in a Krishna conscious way. The activities will remain the same. They will sing Mangala arati, Narasimha arati, Tulasi arati, chant the Hare Krishna maha – mantra, read Srimad Bhagavatam and will honour Krishna prasadam.

For the devotees New Year begins with chanting, dancing and enjoying delicious Krishna prasadam. It is the best way to celebrate New Year.

Krishna conscious spiritual programs on the eve of New Year

On the eve of New Year also, many spiritual programs are organized in the temple.  Even congregation devotees arrange devotional programs at their homes and invite other devotees.

Nagar Sankirtan in Pune on the eve of New Year

I remember in Pune HH Loknath Swami Maharaj used to organize nagar sankirtan on 31^st Dec night. We were in colleges and every one of us used to be excited to participate in the nagar sankirtan. We used to sing and dance on the way while chanting the names of Krishna. Firecrackers were lit. Of course, the firecrackers were ecofriendly. So, while chanting the names of Krishna we used to welcome New Year. 

While we used to sing and chant the holy names of Krishna, we used to see many people in restaurants & pub celebrating New Year. They used to drink liquor, smoke cigarettes, eat nonveg, listen to movie songs. Materialistic people’s idea of celebration ultimately leads them to the path of degradation.

But devotees’ idea of celebration is to do everything as per the guidelines of the scriptures. They always keep Krishna in the centre. So, all activities become spiritual. It helps us to advance in spiritual life.

Spiritual picnic on the eve of New Year at Iskcon New Town, Kolkata

Devotees even organize picnic on 31^st December. In Iskcon New Town Kolkata temple for last couple of years spiritual picnic is being organized. Devotees come together and cook together. Many devotees use their culinary skills to prepare different varieties of food for the Lord.  For children games are organized. There is bonfire. Spiritual songs are sung. Special delicacies are prepared and offered to the Lord. And later the offered prasadam is served to all. Its festive atmosphere.

You might be wondering why devotees of Krishna celebrate New Year according to Gregorian calendar.

Why devotees of Krishna celebrate New Year?

It is true that the Vedic calendar is different from Gregorian calendar. So, our New Year does not begin on Jan 1st. For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, New Year begins from the day of Gaur Purnima i.e. the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya.

However, the beauty of Krishna Consciousness is that whatever be the occasion it can be used to grow in spiritual life.

In one of the classes HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj explains that Iskcon organizes New Year programs so that devotees do not have to explore other avenues to celebrate.  And the festivity even attracts new people who can later become devotees of Krishna.

In fact, for a devotee of Krishna, every day is a day of celebration.

Srila Prabhupada says that for a devotee of Krishna every day is a New Year.

Srila Prabhupada: Our Every Day is a New Year

During a morning walk Srila Prabhupada said,  “Well, our every day is a New Year. Nava-navayauvana. Our Krishna consciousness is so nice, the more you advance, you see new year, new year. That’s all. Nothing is old. People are seeing that they are simply chanting the old slogan, Hare Krishna. But we are feeling new pleasure in every moment. Take any other chanting, you cannot chant more than few hours. But the Hare Krishna mantra we can chant perpetually. So, unless there is new enlightenment, how we can do that?”  (Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, Los Angeles, January 3, 1974)

This is the glory of spiritual life. Every moment becomes a moment of celebration. Krishna’s devotees do not have to wait for the New Year to arrive. For them, every day is a New Year. Because every moment they experience new transcendental pleasure.

Material world always bring miseries

Materialistic people wait for New Year. New Year means new hope. They hope that in the New Year they will be able to lead a better life. They will have better health, better relationship. There will not be any job insecurity and no financial challenges.

But the nature of this world is such that it defeats us again and again. It frustrates us. At the beginning of 2020 no one would have thought that a tiny little coronavirus will kill thousands of people all over the world. It will shut down the entire world. People who died because of the Coronavirus would have never thought about it. But such calamities keep on coming. It reminds us that how vulnerable we are in this material world.

No matter how hard we try we cannot be happy without Krishna.

Devotees of Krishna remain free from misery

A devotee of Krishna knows that this material world is extremely dangerous. So, he always remains under the shelter of Krishna.  And Krishna never disappoints his devotees. He always protects his devotees.

When a devotee takes shelter of Krishna, he sees that Krishna personally intervenes to protect him. He experiences Krishna’s mercy. He sees that Krishna is so loving and so caring that he will never allow him to suffer in this world. He develops complete faith in Krishna. He knows that whatever be the situations and circumstances, Krishna will always be with him.

In Krishna’s shelter he enjoys his life. In this world he is happy by living as per the guidelines of Krishna. And after leaving this world he joins Krishna in the spiritual world and enjoys his life there.

Devotees of Krishna celebrate every moment

This is thebeauty of Krishna conscious spiritual life. Bliss is guaranteed. One experiences new pleasure every moment. And that pleasure is unlimited. The so-called happiness of this material world is temporary and not satiating. In fact, the happiness which we experience in this world is mere absence of pain.

But the joy which a devotee gets in practicing devotion to Krishna is so riveting that the seeker wants it more and more. In fact, a devotee feels complete satisfaction just by chanting the names of Krishna. He does not want anything else.

Like a chataka bird which desperately waits for a drop of rain to quench its thirst, a devotee of Krishna longs to quench the thirst of his heart with the holy names of Krishna.

Srila Rupa Goswami used to experience so much happiness by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra that he wanted to chant it again and again.  He desperately used to beg to Krishna, “O Krishna! Give me millions of tongues and millions of ears, so that I can relish the unlimited joy I am experiencing in chanting your holy names.”

Such pleasure awaits us too. We can also celebrate every moment of our life. The only requirement is that we have to become a sincere devotee of Krishna. 

Materially speaking every New Year brings us closer to death. And none of us want to die.

But a devotee of Krishna comes closer to Krishna every moment. 

In this world he remains free from all sufferings and remain joyful. And as promised by Krishna in BG 8.15 – 16, after this life he returns to the abode of Krishna which is filled with unlimited bliss. In the kingdom of Krishna there are no diseases, no old age and no death.

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

What spiritual resolution to take this New Year?

In New Year people take resolutions. So, this New Year, we should take a resolution that in year 2021, we will become a better devotee of Krishna.  We will chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra with utmost sincerity. No matter whatever be the situations and circumstances we will never give up chanting. We will live as per the guidelines of the scriptures.

Lord Chaitanya who is none other than Krishna came to teach us about the need of living a Krishna Conscious life. He taught us how to become a devotee of Krishna. He has asked us to continuously chant the names of Krishna.

In his Siksastakam prayers he has explained in detail about the glories and potency of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Chanting cleanses our hearts of all the impurities and helps us to develop love for Krishna. And once we attain this state then our every moment will be a moment of celebration. And our every day will be a New Year.

So, if we want to celebrate every moment of our life then we have to become a better devotee of Krishna.  We have to practice devotional life with sincerity and seriousness.

Let us show our sincerity to Krishna from the first day of New Year.

Let us celebrate New Year by completely engaging in Krishna conscious spiritual activities.

Following eight spiritual activities, we must do in the morning of New Year for a wonderful life.

8 Krishna conscious spiritual activities to do in the morning of New Year

1. The first activity which we should do in the morning of New Year is to take darshan of the beautiful form of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna.
2. We should pay our respectful obeisances to the divine couple.
3. We should meditate upon the lotus feet of Krishna.
4. We should earnestly beg Krishna for his shelter.
5. We should pray that we always remain absorbed in practicing devotion to him throughout the year.
6. We should sincerely chant the holy names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna maha – mantra in the morning.
7. We should hear the words spoken by Krishna or about Krishna i.e. read or hear Srimad Bhagavatam or Bhagavad Gita.
8. And we should offer nice food to Krishna in the morning and then eat the prasadam (spiritual food).

If we begin New Year in a Krishna conscious way, then our entire year will be full of happiness.

Govardhana Lila Quiz

Govardhana Lila is one of the most celebrated pastimes of Krishna.  This Govardhana Lila Quiz has been designed so that you can assess your knowledge about this wonderful pastime.

Krishna performed many pastimes in this world. These pastimes are called as lilas. Through these pastimes Krishna is showing the glimpse of the spiritual world.  There is variegatedness in the kingdom of Krishna.  Every moment there is celebration because every moment Krishna performs different pastimes.

Vrajvasis know no one but Krishna. And Krishna is always there for them.

So, when Indra, the king of heaven, wanted to punish Vrajvasis then they were in great agony. They immediately approached Krishna. Because Krishna was their centre of life. Krishna was their best friend, best well wisher and the ultimate saviour.

Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill effortlessly and the entire residents of Vrajvasis took shelter under the Govardhan Hill.  

Although Indra wanted to submerge Vrindavan, he wanted to destroy Vrindavan, he wanted to inflict great pain upon the Vrajvasis but he failed.

Instead of experiencing pain the residents of the glorious land of Vrindavan were experiencing ultimate joy.

Vrajvasis always wanted to be with Krishna. And under the Govardhana Hill which Krishna was holding like an umbrella the Vrajvasis were experiencing unlimited joy.  Their dream had come true. They were with Krishna and Krishna was with them.

In our life too if in difficulty we seek shelter of Krishna then the difficulty will become an opportunity to come closer to Krishna.  And if Krishna comes in our life then all our sufferings will disappear just as darkness disappears when the sun rises.

“kṛṣṇa—sūrya-sama; māyā haya andhakāra

yāhāṅ kṛṣṇa, tāhāṅ nāhi māyāra adhikāra”

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

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta,Madhya-lila 22.31

Know how much you know about Govardhana Lila by giving this quiz. You can give the quiz as many number of times you want.

Before attempting the quiz, it will be helpful if you read about this pastime given in Srimad Bhagavatam – Lord Kṛṣṇa Lifts Govardhana Hill

All the best!

Quiz on Kartik Month

Test and enhance your knowledge of the auspicious Kartik month by attempting the Kartik month quiz.  Kartik month is very dear to Lord Krishna as this month represents Srimati Radharani.

Srimati Radharani is also called Kartika Devi. Radharani is the topmost gopi.  She is very dear to Krishna. Krishna experiences unlimited pleasure when he is with Radha. He says, “The happiness I feel when meeting Radharaṇi is hundred times greater than the happiness I get from meeting others.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Adi 4.258

When he meets her, he expresses his deep love for her, “My dear auspicious Radharani, Your body is the source of all beauty. Your red lips are softer than the sense of immortal sweetness, Your face bears the aroma of a lotus flower, Your sweet words defeat the vibrations of the cuckoo, and Your limbs are cooler than the pulp of sandalwood. All My transcendental senses are overwhelmed in ecstatic pleasure by tasting You, who are completely decorated by beautiful qualities. Sri Caitanya caritamrta Adi 4.259

Since Kartik Month(or Kartik Maas) represents Srimati Radharani, so this month is very dear to Krishna. Lord Krishna (Damodara) is the presiding deity of this month.

In this month any spiritual activity we do, we get so much benefit. So, if we chant one round of Hare Krishna maha – mantra in this month then we get the benefit of chanting several rounds of Hare Krishna maha mantra. That is the great benediction of this month.

This is why scriptures sing the glories of this month. 

All the followers of Vedic literatures and especially the devotees of Krishna observe Kartik month.

Devotees engage in following spiritual activities in the month of Kartik

1. Chanting the holy names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna maha mantra
2. Offering ghee lamp to Lord Damodara. Damodara is another name of Krishna.
3. Singing Damodarastakam prayer composed by Satyavrata Muni.
4. Reading spiritual literatures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
5. Worshipping Tulasi Devi who is a great devotee of Lord Krishna

Do you observe Kartik month? If not, then start observing and reap great spiritual benefits.

Attempt the Kartik month quiz. The quiz has interesting questions which will also help you to learn more about this auspicious month.

All the best!

Related articles:

• Damodar Lila: Why Yashoda punishes Krishna, the Supreme Lord
• 11 reasons why Kartik month is the holiest month
• 5 most important spiritual activities to perform during Kartik month

Ramayan Quiz

This Ramayana quiz will help you know how much you know Ramayana. And how much you know about Lord Rama.

Ramayana written by sage Valmiki several thousand years ago is one of the most celebrated spiritual literatures of the world. Ramayana describes in detail about the wonderful pastimes of Lord Rama.

It is very important that we study the life story of these great personalities.

Lord Rama is not just a great historical personality, but he is in fact the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

He appeared in this mortal world in Treta Yuga to teach each one of us how to lead an ideal human life.

He was a very obedient son, a loving and caring brother, an ideal husband and a great king. During his reign even the animals felt secured. He took care of each of the citizens as his own child.

He and his consort mother Sita never thought about their own life. They both wanted that the citizens of Ayodhya lead an exemplary life and always remain happy.

In fact, they both separated so that people with lesser intelligence do not misunderstand them and indulge in any unrighteous activity.

This is the reason that people still talk of Ram Rajya. Because when Lord Rama ruled the earth there was no suffering. People were completely satisfied, and their life was filled with bliss.

Read: 11 unique features of Ram Rajya

Today also we all long for Ram Rajya. But Ram Rajya can be again established only when each one of us start living as per the teachings of Lord Rama.

To learn lessons from the life of Lord Rama, we should study Ramayana thoroughly. We will then be able to understand the wonderful qualities of Lord Rama and his associates.

So, give this Ramayana quiz and know how much you know Ramayana. The quiz contains 10 questions. Some are easy to answer, and some are little complicated. You get 100 seconds to answer. After you complete the quiz you will get to know your score. Don’t worry if you have given a wrong answer. You can attempt the quiz as many times you want till you get 100%.

Test your knowledge of Ramayana and spread the teaching of Lord Rama.

All the best!

How to gain control over your mind as per Bhagavad Gita?

In Chapter Six of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna describes in detail about the importance of controlling the mind. He tells Arjuna that by controlling the mind he can attain complete perfection in life. He makes it clear that without mind control, no one can attain peace and bliss in life. 

Let us see the verses related to mind control spoken by Krishna in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter Six.

Bhagavad Gita quotes on mind control

• “One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.” Bhagavad Gita 6.5

• “For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.” Bhagavad Gita 6.6

• “For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquillity. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same.”Bhagavad Gita 6.7

• “A transcendentalist should always engage his body, mind and self in relationship with the Supreme; he should live alone in a secluded place and should always carefully control his mind. He should be free from desires and feelings of possessiveness.” Bhagavad Gita 6.10

• “Thus practicing constant control of the body, mind and activities, the mystic transcendentalist, his mind regulated, attains to the kingdom of God [or the abode of Kṛṣṇa] by cessation of material existence.” Bhagavad Gita 6.15

• “When the yogī, by practice of yoga, disciplines his mental activities and becomes situated in transcendence – devoid of all material desires – he is said to be well established in yoga.” Bhagavad Gita 6.18

• “As a lamp in a windless place does not waver, so the transcendentalist, whose mind is controlled, remains always steady in his meditation on the transcendent Self.” Bhagavad Gita 6.19

• “Gradually, step by step, one should become situated in trance by means of intelligence sustained by full conviction, and thus the mind should be fixed on the Self alone and should think of nothing else.” Bhagavad Gita 6.25

• “From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self.” Bhagavad Gita 6.26

• “The yogī whose mind is fixed on Me verily attains the highest perfection of transcendental happiness. He is beyond the mode of passion, he realizes his qualitative identity with the Supreme, and thus he is freed from all reactions to past deeds.” Bhagavad Gita 6.27

Why Arjuna says it is extremely difficult to control the mind?

Arjuna was hearing Krishna patiently. But at one point of time he looked confused. Krishna understood Arjuna had some doubts. So, he paused. Without wasting a moment Arjuna said, “O Madhusūdana, the system of yoga which You have summarized appears impractical and unendurable to me, for the mind is restless and unsteady.” Bhagavad Gita 6.33

It is true that one who has controlled his mind can attain anything in his life. But our mind is most of the time unsteady, uncooperative, and restless.

Arjuna goes to the extent of saying that if you instruct me, I will conquer all the enemies. If you order me, I can even control the wind. But if you tell me to control the mind then it won’t be possible.

“The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.” Bhagavad Gita 6.34

We are completely helpless in front of our mind.  Just like a lamb is helpless in front of the tiger.

Many yogis and mystics have tried in the past to gain control over their mind, but they failed. Sage Viswamitra renounced everything, retired to the forest, and did penance(tapasya) for several years. But he too failed to control his mind. As soon as he saw Menaka, he could not resist himself and got allured.

There are innumerable such examples. Even great personalities face so difficulty in controlling the mind.

You suffer because of your uncontrolled mind

You and I too face so many challenges in life because of our restless mind. Whether it be your personal life or professional life, you face difficulties because your mind does not allow you to act wisely.  It compels you to indulge in certain activities for which you regret later.

You easily get distracted because of your uncontrolled mind.

Your restless mind does not allow you to focus on your work.

A student knows that if he studies hard, he will get good grades. But as soon as he opens his books within few minutes his mind takes him to some other world. His attention span is so short.

This is why we see many students who may be sitting with their books for hours but does not get good grades. Because they never studied.

Working professionals too face similar problem. You may be sitting at your work desk trying to complete your task, but you are not able to focus. It is not that you do not know how to do your work, but your mind does not allow you to concentrate. You are not able to sit for long hours and work. You easily get distracted.

After every few minutes, you begin checking your emails knowing very well that no important email is going to come. But you check because you are not able to focus on your task.

Again, you start working but after few minutes you start browsing internet. You look for some breaking news. You again and again check Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. You take breaks which are not required. You chitchat with colleagues to kill time.

So, a piece of work which you could have easily completed with few hours of focussed work, you take several hours or even days to complete it.

Just before an important meeting you frantically try to complete your presentation or status report.  It is only after repeated reminder emails that you complete internal trainings. You keep on procrastinating.  

You do not work proactively. You work only when an external force is applied. Just like a horse does not pull the cart unless it is whipped.

It is not because of lack of knowledge or talent that you do not grow in your professional life. But it is due to lack of self-discipline and commitment.

You remain mediocre because your mind remains distracted. It always overpowers you.

What advice Krishna gives in Bhagavad Gita to control the mind?

Arjuna, 5000 years ago was facing similar problem. Arjuna was not an ordinary personality. He was a formidable warrior. The best archer of his time. He had defeated many enemies. Had won many battles. But he too appeared helpless in front of his mind.

Krishna completely agreed with Arjuna.  He too said that controlling mind is indeed difficult.

But he did not stop there.  He immediately said that “It is not impossible!”

Krishna gave Arjuna hope.  In fact, he is giving hope to you and me.

Arjuna is not asking questions for himself only. He knew that everyone in this world face similar challenges. So, he is asking questions on behalf of you and me.

And Krishna is not answering only to Arjuna. But he is even answering to us.

He is asking us not to get disheartened.  He is assuring us that there is a way by which we can control our restless mind. 

Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa says to Arjuna, “O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.” Bhagavad Gita 6.35

So, he recommends two process:

1. Practice
2. Detachment

Controlling the mind by practice (abhyāsena)

Practice means to do something repeatedly till we become proficient.  

For example, when a child for the first time tries to ride a bicycle, he falls. He may start thinking that it is impossible for him to ride a bicycle.  During the process of learning he fails many times. But by trying again and again he learns the skill. He then fearlessly enjoys his bicycle ride.

It is true that controlling mind is more difficult than learning a bicycle.

But think when you were a child. You also initially thought riding a bicycle is impossible. You envied when you saw your elder brother or sister riding the cycle. You desperately wanted to be like them. And one day you succeeded.

Similarly, with practice you should try your best to gain control over your mind.

When you were a kid, you had enthusiasm. You had hope. You had a strong desire to learn something new.  Now when you grow old, you lack enthusiasm, hope and a desire to take up challenges.

But you need to nurture childlike enthusiasm. You should have hope in the words of Krishna. And a strong desire to subdue the mind.

What practice to do to control the mind?

You should practice focusing the mind on the activities you are doing currently. You should not allow the mind to get distracted.  You should bring back the mind to the present state as soon as it wanders.  

Will you succeed immediately. Definitely Not. Will you fail initially. Definitely Yes.

But you have to keep on trying.

And by repeated practice, you will ultimately attain victory over your mind.

The great Vedic sages practiced meditation to control the mind.

They meditated on the holy names and transcendental forms of the Lord. When their mind got distracted, they would force their mind to focus on their object of meditation.

Mantra meditation is the best way to gain control over your mind

In the present age mantra meditation is the recommended process to gain control over our restless mind.

You should chant the holy names of Krishna. While chanting you should focus on the words of the Mahamantra (Hare, Krishna & Rama) and simultaneously try to hear the transcendental sound.

We all who chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra have the experience that during chanting, our mind wanders many times. It is not unexpected.

But immediately we should bring back the mind from wherever it has gone and focus on chanting.

Initially when one starts chanting, mind wanders frequently. I remember during my college days when first time I held the beads in my hand and began chanting it was impossible to chant. I was not even able to chant for 5 minutes.

But by constant practice today I can chant for around 2 hours daily. I have spoken to many devotees and almost everyone has similar experience.

So, when we start chanting, our uncontrolled mind does not allow us to chant. But you should not give up. You should force yourself to chant. After repeated practice for few weeks, you will find that mind is not giving the same trouble as it was giving earlier. 

It takes several years of repeated practice to attain complete control over the mind. But during your initial days also, you will experience that you are in a much better situation. The mind is now not wandering a lot.

Mind has become more controlled. And if with patience you continue the process of practicing mantra mediation then eventually you will win over the mind.

The mantra which you will say are not ordinary words. When you chant ‘Hare Krishna’ it means you are praying to Srimati Radharani (Hare) and Krishna, the Supreme Lord. When we chant ‘Hare Rama’ you are calling the names of mother Sita and Lord Rama.

So, when you chant these holy names your mind gets purified of all bad thoughts and harmful impressions. You start getting freedom from negativity, freedom from lamentation and hankering.

As mind starts getting pure it becomes less restless. It becomes easy to control the mind.

How detachment (vairāgyeṇa) helps to gain control over the mind?

Vairagya or detachment means freeing your mind from those material activities which is harmful for the mind. When your mind associates with matter it becomes impure. And an impure mind troubles a lot.

So, you should not expose your mind to those environments which aggravates lust, anger, and greed.

But you should always expose your mind to such environment where it becomes peaceful and calm. Where it gets filled with positivity.  

Chanting the holy names of Krishna, reading literatures like Bhagavad Gita, being in association of sincere devotees of Krishna will help a lot in purifying the mind of all impurities.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “The more one hears about Krishna, the more one becomes enlightened and detached from everything that draws the mind away from Krishna. By detaching the mind from activities not devoted to the Lord, one can very easily learn vairāgya. Vairāgya means detachment from matter and engagement of the mind in spirit.”

Also, you should not do any activity which is not authorized in the Vedic scriptures like Bhagavad Gita. 

When you spend significant time in practicing Krishna consciousness then gradually your mind will get free from all the impurities which is the root cause of your uncontrolled mind. A purified mind is easy to control.

And a controlled mind becomes your best friend. You are then able to accomplish great results.

Conclusion

Controlling mind is a herculean task. But by following the formula given by Krishna in Bhagavad Gita, you can gain control over your mind. Krishna is teaching that by practice and detachment it is possible to control the mind. And a controlled mind will become your best friend.

Once your mind becomes your best friend, it will assist you in whatever activities you will do.

If you are a student, then you will be able to study hard with single minded attention. You will no longer face failure but will always get very good grades in exam.

If you are a working professional then you will be able to do your work with sincerity, with complete attention. You won’t get distracted. You will be able to complete your work in time and even before time. No last minute hurry. No stress. No fear of being reprimanded by the boss. No fear of being laid off because of poor performance.

One of the most important point you need to remember is that all activities should be done by keeping Lord Krishna in the centre.

If you do your duty sincerely by keeping Krishna in the centre, then it will become a spiritual activity. It will please Krishna. When Krishna gets pleased by your endeavour your life becomes successful.

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives an invaluable tip as how to gain control over the mind.

You should follow it as it is and enrich your life.

You will surely attain success and enjoy a peaceful and blissful life.

Also Read

• Controlling the mind with intelligence as per Vedic literatures

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