Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Are there 33 crore gods or only “ONE GOD”

Purushottam Nitai Das November 27, 2013
Some scholars masquerading as spiritualists opine that in Hinduism there are 33 crore gods and one can chose anyone and worship as per their liking. It’s just like a quack telling a diseased person to choose any medicine as per his taste and it will cure his disease. In the present age many such spiritual quacks swarm the world misguiding the people.
The various gods which are mentioned in the Vedic literatures are in fact demigods who have been given certain responsibilities by the Supreme Lord.  For e.g. the Sun- god, the Moon – god, Indra, Vayu, Agni etc have specific duties to carry out but they aren’t the supreme controller. And who is that Supreme Lord or bhagavan has been very logically explained by Parasara Muni, father of Vedavyas. He explains that the Supreme Lord has 6 attributes in totality (completeness) – He is (i) very beautiful, (ii) very powerful, (iii) very intelligent, (iv) very famous, (v) proprietor of everything and (vi) and very detached. No one can claim to possess all these qualities fully. Further description of that Supreme Lord has been given by Brahma in Brahma – Samhita – “There are many personalities possessing the qualities of Bhagavan, but Krishna is the supreme because none can excel Him. He is the Supreme Person, and His body is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. He is the primeval Lord Govinda and the cause of all causes.” (Brahma-Samhita 5.1). Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.28 further explains “All the lists of the incarnations of Godhead submitted herewith are either plenary expansions or parts of the plenary expansions of the Supreme Godhead, but Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.”  In the Govardhan pastime it was proved that Indra although the king of the heaven have certain jurisdiction and power but he gets his power from the Supreme God, Krishna, and he cannot work independently on his own.
So let us not get obfuscated by hearing about 33 crore gods. Vedic books and genuine Vedic scholars have established unequivocally that there is only one Supreme God and he is Krishna.  

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Solving life’s perplexities

Purushottam Nitai Das November 26, 2013
In Bhagavad Gita 2.7, Arjuna says, “karpanya – dosopahata – svabhavah”, “Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness.”   Here the word “karpanya” has been used which means “miserliness”. A miser person is one who neither enjoys and do not even allow others to enjoy. Srila Prabhupada explains that a miser person do not take trouble to solve the problems of life. He remains engrossed in the material life and also keeps his family members entangled in the material conception of life. Such a life neither benefits him and nor does any good to his family members. Brhad – aranyaka Upanisad (3.8.10) explains, “He is a miserly man who does not solve the problems of life as a human and who thus quits this world like the cats and dogs, without understanding the science of self-realization.”

Arjuna being very intelligent and compassionate was thinking whether the war will be of any benefit to the humanity or not and so he approached Krishna for guidance.  Krishna’s guidance removed Arjuna’s ignorance.  In confusion or in desperation we too can take Krishna’s help, our eternal friend and guide, by reading Bhagavad Gita reverentially. He will help us to get out of our miserly weakness and guide us to get out of material perplexities.

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To attain peace and bliss serve Krishna

Purushottam Nitai Das November 25, 2013
If we water the roots of a tree then automatically each and every parts of the tree gets nourished. We then do not have to separately water the branches, the leaves, the twigs, the flowers or the fruits. But if we neglect the root but only take care of the different parts of the tree then sooner or later the tree will dry.

Krishna is the root and we all are his offshoots, we exist only because of him. Just like watering the root of the tree nourishes each and every parts of the tree, similarly by serving Krishna our senses gets completely satisfied as we are Krishna’s parts and parcels. If we do not abide by this principle and try to serve our own senses neglecting Krishna then we would never feel satiated. Our heart will be like a barren ground where the flowers of happiness will never blossom. Srila Prabhupada explains that the central point of Bhagavad Gita is to make people realize that to achieve peace and happiness one should try to serve the senses of Krishna rather than serving their own senses. The formula to attain peace and bliss is to “serve Krishna”; it is panacea for all material dissatisfaction.

“A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.” (Bhagavad Gita 5.29)

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Uncontrolled lust caused downfall of Tarun Tejpal

Purushottam Nitai Das November 23, 2013
In Bhagavad Gita 3.39, Krishna calls “lust as an eternal enemy” because it can never be satisfied and it always burns like fire.  If unchecked lust can be devastating, it can ruin a person’s life forever. Few days ago Tarun Tejpal was considered one of the most prominent journalists of India but today he is one of the most hated figures. He is charged with attempted rape and sexual assault.  Whether it is Bill Clinton or Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former chief of International Monetary Fund (IMF chief), lust addiction has caused the downfall of scores of reputed personalities. While counseling Yudhisthira, Vidura told that lust is one of the main reasons why people commit heinous crimes. History is filled with such examples – It was lust only which destroyed Ravana and which brought ignominy to Jayadratha.
This is why since ages sages have been voicing their opinion against lust addiction. The fire of lust should be doused before it becomes devastating. Lust can be checked by inculcating strong moral values and simultaneously cleansing our heart by sincerely chanting the holy names of the Lord like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
“There are three gates leading to this hell—lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul”. (Bhagavad Gita 16.21).

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Self Control brings success

Purushottam Nitai Das November 21, 2013
A person who remains undisturbed and unbewildered amidst internal and external chaos is called self controlled. One of the foremost reasons as why a person fails to accomplish his coveted goal is because of his inability to rein in on his emotions.  Just like a person possessed by alcohol becomes insane, similarly a person overpowered by his emotions behaves irrationally.  A person may possess the intelligence and may have abundant talents to succeed in life but if he does not have the ability to control his inner life then the chances of him doing some remarkable deeds will be very minimal. We should never get bogged down by our emotions but act as per the writ of the life transforming literatures like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. This world is full of duality – good and bad things will keep on happening in our life. Bu without getting too much disturbed by life’s negativity we should determinedly march ahead.

“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.” Bhagavad – Gita 2.70.

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Envision the world through the prism of Gita

Purushottam Nitai Das November 13, 2013
When confronted with adversities we look towards God and hope that he will change the situation as per our own liking. We expect God to do a magic in our life. But we see that in case of Arjuna the external situations and circumstances always remained the same. When Arjuna was utterly confused, he beseeched Krishna to show him the right path. “Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.7). Before Krishna spoke to him the message of Gita he was about to fight the war and after the Gita was spoken he still had to fight. Externally nothing changed. Krishna showed Arjuna the right path by purifying his consciousness.

Spirituality does not necessarily change the circumstances but it spiritualizes and cleanses our consciousness helping us to distinguish between righteous and unrighteous path. If we bring Krishna in our life then like Arjuna he will grant us a vision to envision the world through the prism of Gita which would help us to overcome any difficulties of our life.

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Are we still spiritually blind?

Purushottam Nitai Das November 12, 2013
The message and the messenger was the same but still two different people interpreted it in different ways. Arjuna heard the message of Gita from Krishna directly and Dhritarashtra heard from Sanjay, his assistant. After hearing the wisdom words Arjuna’s life completely got transformed, his all doubts got dispelled and he became ready to face the battle of life.  But in spite of hearing the astute words of Krishna, Dhritarashtra remained spiritually blind. His desire to enjoy the kingdom overpowered his intelligence. Dhritarashtra lost all his 100 sons and was responsible for the death of thousands of warriors.
Gita’s message is not just for Arjuna but for entire humanity. We need to introspect and find out if we are following the footsteps of Arjuna or of Dhritarashtra. Do we want to remain materially diseased like Dhritarashtra and keep on hankering for material positions and possessions at the cost of our spiritual life? The only reason why Arjuna emerged victorious was because he acted as per the wishes of Krishna. Are we listening to Krishna’s words or are we succumbing to our material lust, we need to ask ourselves.

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GOD NEVER RETIRES

Purushottam Nitai Das October 19, 2013
God Retires! A presumptuous headline beamed through all the major dailies of India in Oct. The occasion was the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, one of the most celebrated cricketers of modern times. His fans eulogized him: “Cricket is my religion and Sachin is my God”.

It showcases the illiteracy which has penetrated in Indian society about God and religion. It seems that Indians have forgotten the meaning of God and religion. Considered to be the holiest place on earth; people from all over the world throng to India for spiritual emancipation. India is a country where God walked and where sages and seers still drench themselves in spiritual fervour.

But sadly people today have a much skewed understanding about God. In Sanskrit God means parameshvarai.e. the supreme controller. God is the best in all aspects – he is the most beautiful, the most intelligent, the most magnanimous, the strongest, the most powerful, he is the proprietor of everything. No one can have all these qualities at a time or any of these qualities in full. Few mortals for short span of time may partially reflect one of these qualities.

Vedic books give detailed description of “Who is God”.  Here are some examples: isvarah paramah Krishna — “Krishna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead” (Brahma-samhita 5.1); Krishna tu bhagavan svayam — “Lord Sri Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.38). “Devaki’s son [Krishna] is the Supreme Lord” [Narayana Upanisad (4)]. Even Krishna Himself declares explicitly about His supreme position: mattah parataram nanyat kincid asti dhananjaya — “O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me” (Bhagavad-Gita 7.7).

So let us stop demeaning God by calling anyone as God. God is Always God & God Never Retires.

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Janmashtami celebration at ISKCON, Kolkata

Purushottam Nitai Das August 30, 2013

Janmashtami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna, was celebrated at ISKCON Kolkata on 28th August (Wednesday), 2013.  Dance, Drama, Abhishek, Kirtan, Krishna Katha were the major highlights of the festival. Since, morning large numbers of people started assembling in the temple hall to take beautiful darshan of the Lord.  The program started at 4:30 a.m. with Mangala Arati in which everyone enthusiastically participated.   The temple was beautifully decorated. Lord Krishna was dressed with beautiful garments, garlands, colourful flowers, jewels and ornaments.  Many school children participated in cultural programs based on Krishna’s pastime.

A grand Abhishek of the Lord was performed using milk, honey, water and other ingredients. A melodious kirtan accompanied the Abhishek, devotees joyful danced and melodiously sang the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, “HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE”.

Krishna’s appearance brings auspiciousness in our lives. If we take shelter of Krishna then all our miseries will wither away.  Arjuna was in the midst of a ghastly warfare, he was fighting unconquerable warriors like Bhisma, Drona and Karna but still he was victorious because Lord Krishna was always with him.  If we too want to be victorious, if we too desire to sail smoothly in this turbulent ocean of material world then like Arjuna we should also take shelter of Krishna.   Krishna will then protect us from all the dangers and our lives will be full of bliss and ecstasy.

On 29thAugust, the 117th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, was celebrated with great fanfare. Srila Prabhupada was born next day after Janmashtami, the Nandotsav day.   

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Let us meet Krishna at least on his birthday

Purushottam Nitai Das August 27, 2013
Krishna ran desperately the moment he got the news that his childhood friend Sudama had come to meet him. Krishna was the emperor of Dwarka, he lived in a royal palace and was lovingly served by several of his associates.  But still he remembered his old friend who was living in penury and did not have even proper clothes to cover his body. But Krishna is hardly impressed by a person’s material position and possessions. For Krishna everyone is his own friend. Brihad Bhagavatam narrates the story of Gopa Kumar who when returned to the spiritual world was lovingly embraced by Krishna. Krishna told Gopa Kumar that “I have been missing you since the time you left me. I was eagerly waiting for you to return back to the spiritual world. This is your original home and not the material world. I am so happy that you have come back.”

Krishna is waiting for each of us.  Tomorrow is Janmastami, it is the day when Krishna appeared in this world. One of the most important reasons for Krishna to appear is to please his devotees and give us a glimpse of the life of the spiritual world. Krishna’s advent brought great joy and happiness in the lives of the devotees. Each and every brajvasis enthusiastically celebrated his appearance. Krishna is the Supreme Lord; all the Vedic literatures confirm this. Isvarah parama Krishna — “Krishna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead” (Brahma-samhita 5.1); Krishna tu bhagavan svayam — “Lord Sri Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead” (Bhagavatam 1.3.38). “Devaki’s son [Krishna] is the Supreme Lord” [Narayan Upanisad (4)].  But still for our sake he comes to this world.

How much eagerness we have to celebrate our birthday or the birthday of our loved ones. We take off on that day and make elaborate arrangements. Krishna is also very near to us. We exist because of him and he provides all the necessities of our life. All our near and dear ones are his gift to us. So, at least on his birthday we can keep aside all our unending material responsibilities and celebrate his birthday. We can visit temples and offer our prayers to him. We can chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare /Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare”. Krishna manifests in this world in the deity form and also he is present in his name. By taking darshan of the deities and by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra we can personally meet him.

Sudama being poor just carried chipped rice with him but Krishna very much liked it. For few morsels of chipped rice Krishna provided inexplicable opulence to Sudama.  Nothing we do for Krishna ever goes in vain. “In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear. (Bhagavad – Gita 2.40). So tomorrow is an opportunity for us to express our love to Krishna and let us not miss this opportunity.  

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