Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Desire for material gain ultimately goes in vain

We all want inner peace, feel satisfied and want to be happy.  And the best way to achieve this,we think, is by satisfying all our material desires.  We tell to ourselves, “Once I accomplish my goal or goals I would be the happiest person.”

The problem is that even if we succeed in fulfilling some of our material desires we find that it does not give the expected happiness which we had thought of.  And soon some other desires pops up in our hearts and we start putting in our best efforts to fulfill it hoping that achieving it will fill our hearts with immense joy and satisfaction.  But upon achieving it too happiness and peace eludes us. And again we start working on our new material desires. The cycle continues.  In fact the desire for material gain ultimately goes in vain.

The other challenge is that it is not always possible to getwhat we want in this world. And if the desires remain unfulfilled then it generates anger and our mind becomes agitated. We constantly feel miserable.

So the books of wisdom such as Bhagavad Gita teaches us that happiness does not lie in endeavoring hard to satiate our material desires but in controlling them with intelligence and patience. Bhagavad Gita (5.23) teaches us that the forces of speech, the forces of belly, the forces of sexual desires should be controlled. In fact the urges of senses and mind which have the potential to make us and keep us agitated should be nipped in the bud.

Just like a fish if taken out from water and put in a golden jar suffers terribly and ultimately die. Similarly our soul cries in pain if we try to satisfy it by feeding it dollops of worldly pleasures.

Having material opulence does not guarantee happy heart.  Ravana had kingdom made of gold, Hiranyakasipu had every luxury which we can think of but their hearts remained always devoid of peace and bliss.  If we try to extinguish fire by pouring gallons of petrol over it the fire will become more dangerous. Similarly the more the material desires we cultivate the more our hearts will be agitated.

We are parts and parcels of Krishna and so we can be satisfied and be happy only when we dovetail all our desires towards the service of Krishna.  As of now we have willfully severed our relationship with Krishna so the material world keeps us agitated with the waves of worldly desires.   

But if we start tolerating material desires and start cultivating spiritual desires by following the guidelines of sacred books our mind will become peaceful, heart will be satisfied and we would achieve perfection.

“Those who are free from anger and all material desires, who are self – realized, self –disciplined and constantly endeavoring for perfection, are assured of liberation in the Supreme in the very near future.” Bhagavad Gita 5.26.

Spiritual desires keeps us blissful in this world and guarantee Supreme destination in next life. 

Bedi Hanuman: Why Hanuman is bound by chains in Jagannath Puri

How can Hanuman be bound by chains? Who can dare to do so? And how can the Supreme Lord allow his Supreme devotee to be tied by chains?

These are some of the natural thoughts which any devotee of the Lord will have. But spiritual life and spiritual world is filled with many interesting incidents which gives us immense joy.

There is indeed one such pastime when Hanuman the famous devotee of Lord Rama was asked by Lord Jagannath to be bound by chains.

But Why?

Jagannath Puri dham is located on the shore of Bay of Bengal. And in the city we have the world famous temple of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the entire universe.

It is said that as the temple is near the sea so the water of the sea used to enter the city and upto the temple bringing discomfort to the devotees. Once Varuna wanted to take darshan of the Lord so he went to the temple and as a result the city got flooded.

The residents wanted there should be someone who could prevent the water from the sea entering the temple town. Now who could do this herculean task. It is but natural that Lord Jagannath turned towards Hanuman who during the time of Lord Rama had easily crossed the ocean to find mother Sita.

Hanuman happily agreed. And everyone felt relieved and were happy.

 

But as the days passed Hanuman started becoming unhappy.

Why?

Because of the food which was given to him. It is said that during that time Lord Jagannath was only offered Khichdi (dish made from rice and lentils) as bhoga. And same was given to Hanuman also. He got fed up. He had the experience of enjoying delicious food in Ayodhya.

So one day he could not control himself and thought that let me go for sometime to Ayodhya and eat varieties of food as much as possible and then I will quickly return back to Puri.

So he went in the night to Ayodhya to savour the delicacies. But during his absence the sea entered the city. Everyone was wondering how it happened?

Soon they realized that Hanuman was not in town for brief time and had taken leave without approval.

 

Lord Jagannath ordered that Hanuman be tied by chains. Hanuman accepted his mistake and happily agreed to be tied. It is said that on every chain links name of Lord Rama is engraved.

This is why here Hanuman is also called Vedi Hanuman or Bedi Hanuman i.e. Hanuman bound by chains. He is also known as is Daria Mahavir.

What about the Prasadam?

While pleading his case Hanuman told to Lord Jagannath about the reason why he had to flee in the night to Ayodhya. Lord Jagannath understood the problem and it is said that from that day onwards it was decided that Lord Jagannath will be offered different varieties of food and Hanuman would also get the different delicacies. Hanuman was now pleased and he decided to remain there only.

From that day onwards the tidal waves have never entered the city, never disturbed the residents.

Hanuman became the guardian deity of SriKshetra.

11 unique features of Ram Rajya

After vanquishing the demon Ravana, establishing Vibhishana the king of Lanka and most importantly rescuing mother Sita, Lord Rama who was about to complete his 14 years of exile decided to return to Ayodhya.

 

As soon as the news spread in Ayodhya that Lord Rama will be returning there was jubilation. The citizens of Ayodhya had tears of joy in their eyes, desperately wanting to see the Lord they were cursing the time which they thought was delaying the arrival of their beloved Rama, their lips were singing the glories of Lord Rama. Leaving everything aside everyone immediately departed to Nandigram.

 

It was a festive atmosphere.  Bharat was surrounded by his ministers, priests and thousands of citizens. Learned Brahmanas were reciting Vedic mantras, experts musicians were playing musical instruments.

 

There were several chariots made of gold and were driven by horses decorated with many ornaments. The chariots had many colorful flags of different shapes and sizes..

 

There were soldiers wearing golden armour, beautiful ladies and many dancers. Many servants were carrying different paraphernalia like umbrella, whisks and many other important items.

 

As soon as Lord Rama descended from the Pushpak Viman Bharat ran to embrace the Lord. Carrying the sandals of Lord Rama in his own hands, he placed it in front of the lotus feet of Lord Rama and pleaded him to become the king of Ayodhya for the pleasure of the everyone.

 

Seeing their beloved Lord, everyone was dancing and singing in joy. When Lord Rama accompanied by all his beloved family members were riding through the streets of Ayodhysa the citizens were singing and dancing in joy.  Everywhere there was festive atmosphere. People were showering colourful and fragrant flowers on the way. People had lit their homes with ghee lamp to welcome the Lord.

 

Lord Rama accepted the throne of Ayodhya and as a king he ruled like a father taking care of his own children. Lord Rama’s rule was so unique and so virtuous that still today everyone wants Rama Rajya.

 

Let us see  the 11 unique features of Rama Rajya as described in Valmiki Ramayana.

• Lord Rama ruled the entire earth for 11,000 years.

• At that time Ayodhya was the capital city of the entire world.

• During the reign of Lord Rama the forest, the rivers, the mountains, the hills, the earth, all seven islands and seven seas provided all the necessities of life in abundance. There was no scarcity of food, clothing and shelter. There was no poverty because people were not greedy and they did not exploit the nature.

• There was no physical and mental suffering, no disease, no old age, no lamentation, no fear and no distress.

• There was no theft during his reign.

• Even the forest animals forgot their enmity and would not kill each other.

• All the citizens loved Lord Rama, they always discussed the Supreme Lord’s activities. He was the life and soul of everyone and all considered him and worshipped him as the Supreme Lord.

• People lived for several hundreds years happily and would have many children.

• Even the agents of death would fear to enter the kingdom. People would die only if they wanted to die.

• No women used to become widow.

• The whole earth had transformed into Vaikuntha, the abode of the Supreme Lord.

We can still enjoy the pleasure of Vaikuntha if we live as per the teachings of Lord Rama. Let us enthrone Lord Rama in our hearts, let us spread his glories and create a society where there is no suffering but there is only happiness.

^{Also Read:}

After 500 years of injustice, Lord Rama’s temple to be built in Ayodhya

How to be a doer and not just dreamer

You are reading an article in a magazine or a newspaper and you immediately think the author is saying the same thing which I already know. “May be I could have written the article too and could have added few more interesting points.”

Your friend comes from a job interview and tells you the questions which were asked. You fret – I could have easily answered these questions and might have got the job.

You think you can do but you never did.

You think you can succeed but you never made the endeavour to succeed.

You think you have the talent but you are still living a mediocre life.

If the above holds true for you then “welcome to the world of dreamers – the obsessive thinkers.”

While you may be thinking big, dreaming big in some corner of the world there will be someone who would have already started putting in best efforts to give shape to his/her ideas.

Doer do not sit idle. They hate to be idle. They relax by working hard. They enjoy their life while doing their work.

Dreamers hope it will happen. Doers do not rest till it happens.

In this world there are many dreamers but few doers. Many planners but few executers.

To be a doer contemplate on the following points

 

 

Stop thinking Start Acting

God is impartial so he has given 24 hours to everyone. So plan your day in advance and for the day plan your every hour. And monitor your hourly progress to see if you put your endeavour during that hour to pursue your goals. Or if you wasted your time in dreaming or idle gossips or reading and sending never ending whatsapp messages or updating facebook status.

 

True, it is always not easy to start it requires tremendous determination. So fight the forces which is stopping you to act now.

 

Have lots of patience

The proverb “Rome was not built in a day” may be too old but it still holds true. Nothing can be achieved immediately. Patience is a must. A woman cannot become mother as soon as she wants  she has to wait for 9 months. So don’t expect quick results. Many times we give up when we find we are not getting the results.

 

Foundation of a building requires lots of labour and during that time nothing is visible. But it is the most important part of the building, upon it multistorey building stands strongly withstanding the forces of nature.

 

Learn while doing

We need to have good knowledge to begin anything but could be possible that we may not be an expert in that area. There is theoretical understanding and practical understanding. If we start doing then during the journey we will gain precious knowledge which we may not get in books.

 

This is why big companies prefer to hire experienced professionals who have made their hands dirty while practically working on technology and not just learned scholars who knows all the definitions and have mastered the jargons.

 

I remember when a very experienced trainer wanted to work in a project my manager was reluctant to include her in the team. He felt that it will be difficult for her to practically apply the knowledge to solve business problems. The interesting fact is that she was the one who had trained the new resources on the technology on which we were supposed to work.

 

Learn while failing:

If you boast that you have never failed then could be possible that you never tried sufficiently.

 

If you want to enjoy the rains you should be ready to spoil your clothes.

 

If you want to achieve something big then you need to take the risk being fully aware that you may succeed or may not.  If you succeed then great.

 

But if not then it does not mean that you failed. During the course of your journey you will learn many vital lessons which will help you to move ahead in life.

 

 

After you start don’t stop

After you started your journey to accomplish your dream then you may lose motivation somewhere and stop pursuing your goals. Many people fail not because they lack the ability but because they refuse to continue. 

 

To keep yourself motivated always surround yourself with people who have positive attitude and who encourages you in your journey. Read the life story of great personalities.

 

One story which I like a lot is of Arjuna one of the most iconic personalities in Indian history. Arjuna was the hero of the epic Mahabharat war and was considered to be the best archer of the world. But he did not achieve this feat overnight, he worked hard for it.

 

Once when as a student Arjuna was in the ashram of his guru Dronoacharya he was taking food in the night and suddenly the lamp got extinguished because of wind. Arjuna continued eating. After sometime he thought although it is dark but still my hand easily finds my mouth. It is happening because I have a desire to eat so even the darkness is not able to stop me. So if my hunger to become the best archer of the world is strong then I can even practice archery in the night. And so from that day onwards Arjuna started honing his archery skills in the night also while rest others enjoyed sleep.

 

Read:Too Busy to Be Lazy

 

Read books which nourish your intelligence

As we need food to nourish our body so we need food to nourish our intelligence. Good books like Bhagavad Gita helps a lot in purifying our thought process and helping us to pursue our goals righteously with strong determination.

The books very logically talks about the actions which will guarantee failure and actions which will help us to not only achieve good results but also helps us to lead a better life to become a better human being.

 

If we work on the above guidelines then it can transform you and me from being a day dreamer to a doer.

 

As soon as we start acting God starts smiling – he guides us inspires us from within and happily gives us the desired result if we pursue our goal righteously.

 

Hard working people never fail they just learn and grow

The first Kartik Month 2018 lamp offering

The smile and joy on the face of the devotees, who recently became part of our Krishna conscious family, while offering ghee lamp to Lord Damodara showed how Krishna has stolen their hearts.   All had come for special program on this holy month of Kartik. Last Saturday was also Karva Chauth and many ladies were fasting on this occasion. But some while fasting came to attend the program. They left in the middle as soon as the moon appeared in the night sky and after worshipping the moon they came back to chant the holy names of Krishna. While offering the lamps everyone sang the Damodarastakam  prayers, its lyrics is little difficult but when we sing it regularly we get used to it.

 

We all have love for Krishna but sadly because of heaps of material desires our hearts natural desire to love Krishna does not manifest immediately.

 

Krishna with his open hands always invites us to join him. Our heart too longs for Krishna’s love but we fail to understand this and force our heart to fall in love with the love things of this world. The worldly things cannot satisfy our hungry heart and so here in spite of having material positions and possessions we do not feel complete satisfaction.

 

Whether we love Krishna or not Krishna loves us unconditionally. When we decided to leave him in the spiritual world, he did not leave us. He came with us residing in our heart as Paramatma. In happiness and in distress he is with us. In whatever species of life we choose to be  by our actions he accompanied us.

 

Krishna is more eager to be with us than we are. He wants us to be back with him. In fact he immediately comes under the control of those who starts loving him selflessly.

 

One of the most famous pictures of Krishna is of being bound by mother Yashoda to a grinding motor.  When mother Yasoda was trying to tie Krishna every time the rope fell short by two fingers. Scriptures explain that one finger represents our endeavour and other the mercy of Krishna. When Krishna was pleased by his mother’s endeavour he showered his mercy upon her and happily agreed to be bound by his mother’s love.

 

Devotees offer lamp to this picture of Krishna. As the ghee lamp burns our material desires burns and our heart gets illuminated with Krishna’s love.

 

Krishna wants us but he also wants to see how much eager we are to be with him.

 

So the scriptures tell us to cleanse our hearts of all material allurements by chanting the holy names. The process takes time not because the medicine of the holy name is less powerful but because many times we do not follow the prescription of the spiritual doctors as it is. But if we continue to remain in the process and put in our best efforts to the best of our capability then slowly we would succeed in purging all our material desires.  Our heart will then become as soft as butter and Krishna, the eternal butter thief, will immediately come and steal our heart.

 

Krishna will become ours and we will be of Krishna –  a relationship which will give us so much joy that cannot be experienced here and cannot be explained in words.

 

Prime Minister Modi to launch world’s largest Bhagavad Gita which weighs 800 kg

 

Iskcon is coming up with an edition of Bhagavad Gita which will be largest in the world.  Currently there is only one copy of this Gita available. The devotees in Italy under the leadership of Madhu Sevita Das have worked hard to print and publish it.

 

Speaking to Iskcon News Yudhistir Govinda Das, head of ISKCON Communications in India, said, “This Astounding Bhagavad Gita is truly a masterpiece. There is only one copy in the world of this book which weighs 800 kg and measures 3.8 x 2.8 meters. This copy of the Gita will surely generate a lot of awareness and interest around the world about the teachings of this sacred text.”

 

Gopal Krishna Goswami, ISKCON’s Governing Body Commissioner and Chairman of the India Bureau, and Yudhistir Govinda Das recently met Prime Minister Modi at his official residence and requested him to participate in the launch of this unique Gita. Mr. Modi was excited to hear about it and have agreed to participate in the book launch.

 

Iskcon has been playing a phenomenal role in spreading the teachings of Bhagavad Gita in each and every corner of the world. Appreciating the efforts of Iskcon, the  2nd World Hindu Congress held at Chicago, United States, honoured ISKCON for its effort in making Bhagavad Gita popular all over the world.

No Urdu Gita and Ramayana in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir government under pressure from the secular media and academicians decided to withdraw the notification which asked the educational institute to buy urdu version of Bhagavad Gita and Koshur Ramayana for their libraries.

 

The Education department had issued the directive on 22^nd October to purchase these books for the libraries.

 

Greater Kashmir reports, “The decision, according to the circular, had been taken in a meeting  chaired by advisor to Governor B B Vyas on October 4. “The school education department will consider purchasing sufficient number of copies each of Urdu version of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Koshur Ramayan authored by Shri Sarwanand Premi for making these available in schools,” read an official communiqué dated 22.10.2018 sent by under-secretary school education department to directors, school education Kashmir/ Jammu.”

 

But as expected it drew the ire of the secular intellectuals. Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of J&K, immediately tweeted, “Why just the Gita and Ramayana? If religious texts are to be placed in schools, colleges and government libraries (and I’m not convinced that they need/should be) then why is it being done selectively? Why are other religions being ignored?”

 

It has to be noted that the books were just supposed to be made available in the libraries and it was not to be taught as part of any academic curriculum. But still as expected the secular intellectuals were aghast at the decision.

 

If the books would have been made available in the libraries the students would have got a chance to know more about the vastness of Indian culture and tradition. It would have helped them to develop a broader outlook.

 

Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana are not meant for Hindus but it is part of Indian culture and tradition and every Indian be it from J&K should have no qualms in accepting it. Their ancestors were Hindus too before they embraced Islam.

 

In fact Kashmir  got its name from sage Kashyapa who is one of the most revered sages of Vedic India.

11 reasons why Kartik month is the holiest month

“As Sat- yuga is the best of yugas (ages), as the Vedas are the best among scriptures, as Ganga is best of rivers, so Kartik is the best of months , the most dear to Lord Krishna”. – Skanda Purana

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Kartika (or Kartik) month or Kartik maas is considered to be the holiest month. This month is very dear to the devotees of Krishna because it is very dear to Lord Krishna. And whatever is dear to Krishna is dear to the devotees.

Kartik month (Kartik maas) 2025 begins on 7th Oct and ends on 5th Nov.

So, the devotees of Iskcon in 2025 will be celebrating the sacred Kartik month from 7th October, Tuesday to 5th November, Wednesday.

Lord Shri Krishna says, “ Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me ; of all months, Kartik is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dwarka is most dear, and of all days , Ekadashi is most dear.” (Padma Purana, Uttara Khand 112 .3 )

The scriptures says that any devotional activity performed during this holiest month is very pleasing to Krishna.

Kartik is special because it represents Srimati Radharani, beloved of Krishna, and our eternal mother. In Bhagavad Gita 10.35, Krishna says, “Of months I am Margasirsa [November-December]”. Kartik month [October – November] represents Radharani and it precedes Krishna’s month.

Srimati Radharani is also known as Kartika Devi. If we can please her with our sincere devotion during this auspicious month then Krishna will also be pleased.

Skanda Purana glorifies the Kartik month, “ As Sat- yuga is the best of yugas (ages), as the Vedas are the best among scriptures , as Ganga is best of rivers, so Kartik is the best of months , the most dear to Lord Krishna.”

11 reasons why Kartik Month is so sacred

Kartik month (Kartik maas) is the best of the month for spiritual progress. Scriptures say that Kartik month is the holiest month. Sacred Vedic literatures sing the glories of the auspicious month in the following ways:

• A person who offers a lamp to Lord Damodara during Kartika attains the eternal spiritual world. In the spiritual world there is no suffering.

• One who offers a steady ghee lamp to Lord Hari during the month of Kartika enjoys pastimes in Lord Hari’s splendid spiritual world. (Source: Padma Purana)

• Of all gifts the gift of a ghee lamp during the month of Kartika is the best. No gift is its equal. (Source: Narada Purana, in a conversation of Sri Mohini-devi and Sri Rukmangada)

Devotees take special vows called urja – vrata during this month. The purpose is to utilize most of the time and energy in practicing devotion to Krishna.

How to observe Kartik month?

Since Kartik is the holiest month, so the scriptures say that we should worship Krishna in a special way. This is described below:

Offering Ghee Lamp to Lord Damodara

During this month the Damodara pastime took place wherein mother Yashoda binds Krishna to a grinding mortar with a rope. The pastime illustrates that how Krishna who is the Supreme Lord and supremely powerful can be conquered by love.

• So, during Kartika which is also known as damodara month devotees offer lamp to the picture or deity of Krishna. Devotees choose that picture or deity of Krishna where he is bound by rope of love by his mother, Yashoda.

• Sanatana Goswami in Hari Bhakti Vilasa says that during Kartika month we should offer ghee lamp daily to Krishna.

• The lamp can be offered both in the morning and in the evening. If devotees do not have time they can offer lamp as per their convenience either in the morning or evening.

Singing Damodarashtakam

• While offering lamp with love we should sing Damodarashtakam prayers written by the sage Satyavrata.

Chanting the names of Krishna

• Chanting the holy names of the Lord is very important. Those of us who have taken a vow to chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra daily should chant more sincerely.

• Those who are chanting less than 16 rounds of mahamantra can increase their round at least by one or two.

Reading Scriptures

• We should daily read scriptures either Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita or any of Srila Prabhupada’s books.

• Reading is very important as it purifies our intelligence and clears many of our doubts.

Hearing about Krishna

• We should try to hear lectures of Srila Prabhupada or senior devotees this month.

• We should try to associate more with the devotees. Spiritual association will help us to develop spiritual consciousness and by seeing other devotees’ resolve we too get impetus to practice devotional life with sincerity.

Visiting Temple

• If possible we should try to visit the temple and participate with the devotees in offering lamp to the Lord.

• Chanting, singing, dancing and offering lamp to the deities in the temple is always very pleasing and brings joy to our heart.

Worshiping Lord Krishna at home

• But if we are staying at a place where temple is not nearby then we can invite devotees, family members, neighbours, office colleagues and together we can offer ghee lamp to the Lord.

• It is true that we may not be able to invite people every day to our homes but at least once in a week specially on weekends we can do so and rest of the days of the weeks we can offer the lamp with our family members at home.

Eating Only Prasada

• During this month we should try to eat only prasada i.e. food offered to the Lord.

• If some devotees have still not started offering food to the Lord then they can start doing it from this month onwards.

• Or at least to begin with some food items should be offered to the Lord and then eaten.

• Prasada means mercy and so we should not deprive ourselves from getting the mercy of the Lord.

Observing Celibacy

• At lease this month we can try to observe the vows of celibacy.

What not to do during this auspicious Kartik month?

 Don’t break four regulative principles

• Since this is a very auspicious month so we should not indulge in any inauspicious things.

• During this month we should try our best to observe the four regulative principles – no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex.

Try to give up meat and intoxicants at least this month

• Suppose that you have just started practicing devotional life and have not been completely able to give up meat eating or intoxication then you can try to not indulge in it at least during the holiest month of Kartik.

• And if you can observe it during the Kartika month then Krishna and Srimati Radharani will be very pleased and give determination to give up meat eating and intoxication forever.

What about tea and coffee?

• Those who take tea and coffee, if possible, can also stop it at least for this month and instead take herbal tea and herbal coffee if they need it.

Krishna will be pleased with our resolve to observe regulative principles.

• Whether it is tea or coffee or meat or intoxicants these are not necessary for our body but unfortunately many of us because of social pressure or may be due to ignorance started consuming it and now find it difficult to give it up.

• But if at least in the month of Kartik we take a vow to not indulge in any activity which is forbidden by the scriptures then Krishna will strengthen our resolve to give up all those things which is coming between us and him.

Facebook/Whatsapp/Twitter addiction

• Let us not try to indulge in social media too much this month. Most of us are addicted to Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter.

• We spend hours checking messages, forwarding messages, compiling messages, identifying the right emoticons to be sent with the messages.

• Although the message may be spiritual but we need to ask ourselves if it is helping us to come closer to Krishna.

• I have observed that I get hundreds of messages on social media and most of it I rarely read. And this is true for many others.

• Many times while chanting we check our whatsapp messages or facebook or Twitter.

• We need to use the social media judiciously so that it does not impact our devotional journey.

Conclusion

Kartik month is the holiest month because this month belongs to Srimati Radharani. Any spiritual activity we do in this month is going to please Srimati Radaharni.

And if Radha is pleased then Krishna is pleased.

If we observe the auspicious Kartik month as per the guidelines of scriptures then we will attain success in our spiritual life. We will attract the mercy of Krishna and Radharani.

Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa 2.16.198 says, “In the month of Kartik one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarastaka, which has been spoken by Sage Satyavratra and which attracts Lord Damodara.”

Vedic Scriptures and pure devotees have explained the importance of Kartik month. They say that Kartik is the holiest month. So during the Kartik month, we should always try to meditate on the beautiful Damodara pastimes of the Lord. And try to bind Krishna within our heart with love.

Related articles:

5 most important spiritual activities to perform during Kartik month

24 wonderful results one get by offering lamp in Kartik

23 negative results one get for not observing Kartik vrata

Festivals in the month of Kartik 2019

When Yashoda punishes Krishna, the Supreme Lord

Why Balaram could not untie Krishna

Controlling the controller with the ropes of love

Damodarastakam

7 unique features of Bhagavad Gita

 

Bhagavad Gita, one of the most celebrated literary masterpiece, contains pearls of wisdom which has served as a beacon light for humanity since ages.

 

Gita mahatmya 7 says, ekaṁ śāstraṁ devakī-putra-gītam: let there be one scripture only, one common scripture for the whole world – Bhagavad-gita. Eko devo devakī-putra eva: let there be one God for the whole world – Sri Krishna.

 

In Bhagavad Gita there is a conversation primarily between Krishna, the Supreme Lord, and Arjuna who represents the living entities and who is struggling in the midst of a battlefield with his emotions.

 

Arjuna’s Identity Crisis

Krishna in Bhagavad Gita teaches us that even a personality like Arjuna who was the greatest warrior of his time too became helpless when he was just about to  fight the most important battle of his life at Kurushetra.

 

Arjuna had started giving his own reasons to not fight the war, “It’s true that I am a Kshatriya and I should not shy away from fighting but they are not my enemies they are my relatives. If I kill them I will incur sins.”

 

It is true that situations most of the time will not remain in our control but we can chose our responses by controlling our consciousness.  Like Arjuna a situation may arise when we may have the skill to win but may lose the will to fight the battle of life.  

 

Arjuna came to the battlefield as a warrior but upon seeing Bhsima and Drona he started identifying himself as a grandson, as a student and as a brother.

 

• As a warrior he was supposed to fight with Bhisma but as a grandson he was supposed to offer respects to Bhsima.

 

• As a warrior he was supposed to slay Dronacharya, one of the most formidable warriors on the side of the Kauravas, but as a student he started remembering his duty as a disciple.

 

• And as a brother he was supposed to shower love and affection on his siblings and was not supposed to destroy them.

 

This identity crisis made Arjuna helpless so much so that his famed weapon, Gandiva, started falling from his hand and he started quivering.

 

During this difficult phase of his life even a slightest mistake would have destroyed his reputation and the fate of the Pandavas during the epic battle.

 

Fighting in proper consciousness

Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura explains that when Arjuna was reluctant to fight the battle then Krishna, in a chastising mood, said to Arjuna, “Now you are not honoring my words, but later, because you are a great hero, your natural eagerness to fight will unavoidably manifest itself. Then, when you set out to kill Bhisma and others on your own accord, I will laugh at you.”

 

Although Arjuna is giving many reasons not to fight but Krishna knows that since he belongs to a warrior clan so he will ultimately fight.

 

So if Arjuna is anyway going to fight then why does Krishna speak the message of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna?

 

It is because Krishna wanted that Arjuna fights in proper consciousness i.e. Krishna Consciousness. If Arjuna fights whimsically and is driven by modes of nature then he may commit sins and suffer. But if he fights as per the instructions of Krishna he will not just emerge victorious but he will not be subjected to any sinful reactions.

 

Arjuna being learned knew that in crisis it is better to seek guidance from one who is more knowledgeable, trustworthy and best well-wisher.  So without hesitation he turned towards Krishna and petitioned him, “Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.”

 

If we also make friendship with Krishna then when confronted with difficulties we will know where to go and whose shelter to take.

 

Identifying the eternal identity

Krishna first establishes that when we are confronted with many identities then we should rise above all identities and focus on our spiritual identity which is eternal and never changing.  All identities related to this ephemeral world has beginning and an end. Any identity in this world if it is preventing us to do our spiritual duty then we should reject it unconditionally.

 

If we are situated in our spiritual identity as an eternal parts and parcels of Krishna then situations of this world will not bewilder us.  And Krishna like an expert captain of the ship will help us to navigate through the turbulent waves of material miseries.

Action in Krishna consciousness

The nature of this world is that sufferings will come, bewildering situations will arise. But if we purify our intelligence with message of Bhagavad Gita then we will get the strength to tolerate the provoking situations and expertly find a solution to the challenging situation.

 

As long as we are living in this world we have to act, none of us can remain idle and not do anything. But if we do our duties as per our own accord then we put ourselves under the jurisdiction of material laws. But if we do our duties by keeping Krishna in the centre then we will be acting for Krishna and Krishna will always guide us and protect us.

 

Through Arjuna Krishna is teaching two important lessons:

• Human life is meant for hard work and so we should put in our best efforts like Arjuna in any activity we are doing and which is not against religious principles.
• In spite of all our material credentials we should always take guidance of Krishna and not act as per our whims.

 

Unique features of Bhagavad Gita

1. Bhagavad Gita also makes it clear that Krishna is not an ordinary living entity but he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. B.G. 9.10, 10.12,10.13,10.8, 14.4. So, the teachings of Bhagavad Gita is perfect and timeless because it has been spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

 

2. In Gita it is established that we the living entities are suffering because we have turned away from Krishna. So like Arjuna we should give the reins of our life to Krishna.

 

3. In Gita, Krishna’s love for his devotees is established. Krishna assures that one who takes his shelter is always under his protection, gets delivered from all sins and he never suffers (B.G. 18.66).

 

4. Like a loving father who takes all responsibility of his child, Krishna also takes all responsibility of his devotee and provides him everything which he requires in his life. B.G. 9.22

 

5. In Gita Krishna glorifies bhakti, devotion, (B.G. 6.47) and also explains how practicing it practically is so easy and simple. B.G. 9.26,9.27.

 

6. Those souls who surrender to Krishna finally reaches his eternal and imperishable abode by his grace. (B.G.15.6, 18.56)

 

7. In Bhagavad Gita Krishna continuously establishes through logics and examples that as soon as the living beings who have forgotten his actual identity comes closer to him and start executing his responsibilities as per his guidelines then his life becomes successful. So the concluding verse of Bhagavad says, “Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.”

 

So, Gita mahatmya 1 says that Bhagavad Gita being a transcendental literature should be read carefully and if one follows its instructions wisely then he can free himself from all fears, miseries and anxieties of this world.

Krishna’s devotees – Too busy To be lazy

Once a person complained to Srila Prabhupada, “Your Krishna consciousness movement makes people dull.” Prabhupada immediately said, “The two most important wars which happened in Indian history was fought by Vaisnavas. One was the war between Lord Rama and Ravana and the other was the battle at Kurushetra.”  Prabhupada further said we want Vaisnavas like Arjuna who have a spirit to fight and not some dull people who are lazy.

Arjuna was the best archer of the world and also a great devotee of Krishna. He is praised as Gudakesa because he conquered sleep.  Once Arjuna was taking food in the night and suddenly the lamp blew off because of wind. Arjuna continued eating. After sometime he thought although it is dark but still my hand easily finds my mouth. It is happening because I have a desire to eat so even the darkness is not able to stop me. So if my hunger to become the best archer of the world is strong then I can even practice archery in the night. And so from that day onwards Arjuna started honing his archery skills in the night also while rest others enjoyed sleep.

But in spite of being the best warrior of the world Arjuna got bewildered when he was about to fight the most important battle of his life at Kurushetra.  He started giving his own reasons to not fight the war, “It’s true that I am a Kshatriya and I should not shy away from fighting but they are not my enemies they are my relatives. If I kill them I will incur sins.”

Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura explains that in response Krishna, in a chastising mood, says to Arjuna, “Now you are not honoring my words, but later, because you are a great hero, your natural eagerness to fight will unavoidably manifest itself. Then, when you set out to kill Bhisma and others on your own accord, I will laugh at you.”

Although Arjuna is giving many reasons not to fight but Krishna knows that since he belongs to a warrior clan so he will ultimately fight.

 

So if Arjuna is anyway going to fight then why does Krishna speak the message of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna?

It is because Krishna wanted that Arjuna fight in proper consciousness i.e. Krishna Consciousness. If Arjuna fights whimsically and is driven by modes of nature then he may commit sins and suffer. But if he fights as per the instructions of Krishna he will not just emerge victorious but he will not be subjected to any sinful reactions.

As long as we are living in this world we have to act, none of us can remain idle and not do anything. But if we do our duties as per our own accord then we put ourselves under the jurisdiction of material laws. But if we do our duties by keeping Krishna in the centre then we will be acting for Krishna and Krishna will always guide us and protect us.

Through Arjuna Krishna is teaching two important lessons:

• Human life is meant for hard work and so we should put in our best efforts like Arjuna in any activity we are doing.
• In spite of all our material credentials we should always take guidance of Krishna and not act as per our whims.