Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Three necessary shelters for devotees – nama brahma, daru brahma & shabda brahma

Supreme Lord appears in all the four yugas. In Satya Yuga, in the north he appears as Badrinath, in Treta Yuga in south as Ramnath i.e. Lord Rama, in Dwapar Yuga in the west as Dwarkanath and in Kali yuga in the east, the Supreme Lord appears as Lord Jagannath.

Those who are born in the eastern part of India like Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and northeastern states are very fortunate because they are closer to Lord Jagannath.

Not just that even Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appears in Bengal. And our founder acharya, Srila Prabhupada is also from Kolkata, Bengal. Our vaisnava songs are in Bengali, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta is in Bengali. So, we can understand that Lord is very merciful to the people of West Bengal.

From here the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread all over the world. Krishna who appears in Vrindavan also appears in Mayapur as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His purpose is to enlighten the suffering souls who is struggling hard because of ignorance.

Forgetting his real identity the souls covered in the material body tries to enjoy in this world little realizing that the more he tries to enjoy the more he will be subjected to suffering.

So, the Supreme Lord comes to tell us to give up the false hope of happily living here. But instead break free from the material bondage and take complete shelter of Lord Krishna. 

Echoing the sentiments of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his ardent follower and a great vaisnava saint, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, “bolo krishna bhajo krishna koro krishna-sikha.” The revered saint is asking us to be fully absorbed in serving Krishna.

nama brahma, daru brahma & shabda brahma

Bolo Krishna means “nama brahma” i.e. chanting the names of Krishna. Bhajo Krishna means “daru brahma” i.e. worshipping Lord Jagannath. Koro Krishna siksha means “shabda brahma” i.e. teaching Srimad Bhagavatam.

Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, taught us how to do it.  The sincere followers of Srila Prabhupada are constantly engaged in these activities.

Regarding śabda-brahma, Srila Prabhupada says, “…the real essence of śabda-brahma is the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. By vibrating this transcendental sound, the meaning of everything, both material and spiritual, is revealed.” Śrimad Bhagavatam  4.24.40

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu performed many pastimes to educate us how to take shelter of nama brahma, daru brahma and shabda brahma.

He constantly chanted the names of Krishna, preached people to dedicate their life to Krishna and by his personal example showed how to be engaged in the worship of the Lord especially Lord Jagannath. These wonderful pastimes of Mahaprabhu are given in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

In Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta it is described how Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to participate in Rath Yatra festival, how he used to perform sankirtan in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath and how he used to visit the temple of Lord Jagananth daily to take his darshan.  Mahaprabhu used to see Jagannath as Radha Shyamsundar.

While taking darshan of Lord Jagannath, he would recite the verses of Jagannathastakam.

kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo
mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupah
rama-sambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesarcita-pado
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

“Sometimes in great happiness Lord Jagannatha makes a loud concert with His flute in the groves on the banks of the Yamuna. He is like a bumblebee tasting the beautiful lotus like faces of the cowherd damsels of Vraja, and great personalities such as Laksmi, Siva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesa worship His lotus feet. May that Jagannatha Svami be the object of my vision.”

If we remain under the shelter of nama brahma, daru brahma and shabda brahma as taught by Mahaprabhu, we will always be protected by the Lord.

(Reference: Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HH Bhakti Vijay Bhagvat Swami Maharaj, June 23, 2025, Iskcon Newtown Kolkata)

Three Reflections

• In Satya Yuga, Lord appears as Badrinath, in Treta Yuga as Ramnath (Lord Rama), in Dwapar Yuga as Dwarkanath and in Kali yuga as Jagannath.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu teaches us always take shelter of nama brahma, daru brahma and shabda brahma.
• Nama brahma means the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, daru brahma means Lord Jagannath and shabda brahma means Lord Jagannath.

Ask Yourself

• Do I regularly take shelter of nama brahma, daru brahma and shabda brahma?

Action Item

• Daily chant the names of Krishna, worship Jagannath or Krishna or Mahaprabhu and read Srimad Bhagavatam.

Atheists fail to understand why people want to connect to God

Do we ever visit a doctor whose treatment has repeatedly failed to cure our disease?  We may go to his clinic once, twice, thrice or at the most a dozen times but the moment we get convinced that his treatment is not effective then we start looking for a new doctor.

Numerous recommendations and his several degrees do not attract us anymore. And if we find that there are people who have been wary of the doctor’s credentials then within no time, we dump him.

So, when a certain section of the society – the atheists and persons sympathizing with them – ridicule the spiritualists then we should ask that despite severe criticism why do people’s faith in God is still intact. Why people want to connect to God?

Unless and until the “lovers of God” may not be getting some higher taste they would have given up practicing devotional life after trying for some time.  Atheists call the spiritualists illogical, superstitious and sentimental. But in spite of several negative campaigns to belittle the “lovers of God”, people’s unfathomable love for God has not diminished.

This is why we see hundreds and thousands of people flocking to Jagannath Puri to participate in the Rath Yatra festival. During Kumbh Mela in Allahabad millions congregate to take holy dip. During Janmashtami people fast till midnight eagerly awaiting the appearance of Krishna. And daily people all over the world chant the names of God like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

The imperishable spiritual wealth

One may ask what a person gains by taking a dip in sangam, he could have taken bath in his house also? Or what is the use of pulling the ropes of the chariot during Rath Yatra? Or why torture ourselves by fasting till midnight during Janmashtami?

Materialists like the atheists tend to judge any activity based on material gain or loss. For example, if people invest money in mutual funds, then expectation is that return will be more than the investment. Similar sort of material profit people expects in spiritual investments too.

By participating in Rath Yatra, by celebrating Janmashtami or by chanting the names of Krishna one may not be able to accumulate material wealth.

But it helps one to amass spiritual wealth, which is much more valuable and also imperishable.

The inner bliss, the deep satisfaction and the everlasting peace a spiritual seeker experiences by participating in spiritual activities is inexplicable.

It cannot be explained scientifically or logically.  For example, can a mother’s love for her child be explained scientifically or logically? Certainly not.

Similarly, the joy a spiritual seeker experiences when he connects with God cannot be explained in words, it cannot be measured materially.

People still love God despite several efforts by atheists to discourage them is because people do feel the presence of God. And they also see that how God personally intervenes in their life and help them. This is why people want to connect to God.

Three Reflections

• Unless and until the “lovers of God” may not be getting some higher taste they would have given up practicing devotional life after trying for some time.  
• By participating in Rath Yatra, by celebrating Janmashtami or by chanting the names of Krishna one amasses spiritual wealth, which is much more valuable and also imperishable.
• The joy a spiritual seeker experiences when he connects with God cannot be measured materially.

Ask Yourself

• Are the views of the atheists disturbing me?

Action Item

• Immediately speak to a senior devotee and discuss with him/her the atheist’s viewpoint which is disturbing you.

Ever increasing faith in Krishna

As soon as one begins practicing devotion to Krishna, his faith starts increasing in Krishna every day.  He starts experiencing presence of Krishna in his life. Sometimes he does not get what he wants to get, and he becomes angry with Krishna.

Sometimes he gets what he wants to get, and he is happy with Krishna. But slowly it dawns upon him that Krishna is already giving him what he wants in his life. And most of the times the Lord gives him more than what he needs.

In Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord says, “But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form – to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.” Bhagavad Gita 9.22

Gradually, a devotee begins realizing that beyond providing all material necessities, Krishna is giving him what no one has ever given him and i.e. joy and satisfaction.  Krishna’s sincere devotee begins understanding the futility of material hankerings. Power, post and position does not excite him anymore. He stops madly running after sense gratification.

A devotee is even able to give up the desire to enjoy with opposite sex which is extremely difficult to give up. It’s an abominable desire and it does not give any happiness too. Hogs and dogs enjoy it uninterruptedly and if it is so pleasurable then why not dogs and hogs start jumping in joy after the act.

Scriptures again and again caution us against giving into lust because it opens the floodgates of misery.

By constantly chanting the names of Krishna, reading Srimad Bhagavatam daily, visiting temples regularly, taking charanamrtia of the Lord, taking association of devotees especially senior devotees, the heart and mind gets purified of all lusty and abominable desires.

Slowly the things of this world stop distracting sincerely practitioners. Instead, he gets attracted towards the activities of the spiritual world. The pastimes of Krishna enchants his heart, serving the deities in the temple gives him great joy. Whatever time he has he uses it in the service of Krishna. By doing so every moment he relishes his Krishna Conscious life.

As heart gets cleanses of impurities, he completely loses faith in the false promises of the material world. Instead, he develops unshakable faith in Krishna and Krishna’s words. A devotee sees that if he lives a life centred around Krishna then Krishna personally takes charge of his life.

Loving Krishna unconditionally

As love of Krishna begins fructifying in the heart, a devotee stops demanding anything /from Krishna but starts contemplating how to always serve Krishna. Day by day, his faith in Krishna keeps on increasing. Now, his love for Krishna is not dependent on what he is getting or what he is not getting. Having complete faith in Krishna, he loves him unconditionally.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, “marobi rakhobi—jo iccha tohara/nitya-dasa prati tuwa adhikara” – Slay me or protect me as You wish, for You are the master of Your eternal servant.

Three Reflections

• Slowly it dawns upon a devotee that Krishna is already giving him what he wants in his life. And most of the times the Lord gives him more than what he needs.
• Scriptures again and again caution us against giving into lust because it opens the floodgates of misery.
• As heart gets cleanses of impurities, a devotee completely loses faith in the false promises of the material world. Instead, he develops unshakable faith in Krishna and Krishna’s words.

Ask Yourself

• Is Krishna not giving me what I need to live in this material world?

Action Item

• List down the things you need to live in this world and check if Krishna has provided you these things after you began practicing devotion to Krishna sincerely or not.

Facing criticism for becoming a devotee of Krishna

If someone is criticizing you for becoming a devotee of Krishna then do not worry, you are not alone.  Many sincere devotees have faced this problem or are facing this problem.

There will always be someone who will discourage us when we will want to become serious in our devotion to Krishna. But now we know that Krishna is our best well-wishing friend. He is the only one who can give great joy to our heart. And he is the only one who can relive us from all the sufferings and save us from all the dangers.

We have tried so many things in our life to satisfy our heart and to free our mind from fear and anxiety, but nothing worked. But when we began practicing devotion to Krishna especially chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, we started experiencing what we had always been longing for – never ending satisfaction and happiness.

Chanting is Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s wonderful gift to us.

Benefits of Chanting

Chanting the names of Krishna:

• Purifies our heart of all the impurities.
• Burns our past sins which is the root cause of our sufferings.
• Helps us to connect to Krishna.

Lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion and false ego are the impurities which keeps us away from Krishna and constantly troubles us. The sins which we committed in past – either in this life or previous life – are the reasons that we go through different sufferings in this world.

And there is no material means which can purify our heart of these impurities or give us relief from sinful reactions.

But Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is none other than Krishna says that chanting is so potent that it cleanses our heart of all impurities and relives us from all the sins. As chanting begins purifying our heart, we start relishing the names of Krishna which now appears as nectar.

“Glory to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam, Text 1

Once we develop taste for chanting, nothing of this world distracts us anymore. This is the reason that devotees like Haridas Thakura would chant 192 rounds daily because he experienced great joy in chanting.

Criticism does not bother a sincere devotee

And this is the reason that we too do not want to give up chanting because we know that a day will come when we too will begin relishing Krishna holy names.

When that happens, we will attain freedom from material bondage, forever we will never again have to suffer. And by the grace of Krishna, one day we will attain love of Krishna too.

Such a blissful future is knocking at our door, so why we will give up devotion to Krishna, why we will stop chanting the names of Krishna. And why we will be bothered about someone who is criticizing us for becoming a devotee of Krishna.

We should take a vow to not again get distracted by the false promises of this temporary world. And we should do our best to always remain connected to Krishna by never giving up chanting the names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Three Reflections

• We should not be bothered about someone who is criticizing us for becoming a devotee of Krishna.
• Chanting is so potent that it cleanses our heart of all impurities and relives us from all the sins.
• Once we develop taste for chanting the names of Krishna, we will attain freedom from material bondage and forever we will never again have to suffer.

Ask Yourself

• Is someone criticising you when you are chanting the names of Krishna?

Action Item

• Develop friendship with a devotee who encourages you to chant the names of Krishna.

With Ulta Rath Yatra Jagannath, Baladeva & Subhadra is back to the temple

The nine – day mega 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra festival concluded yesterday, 5^th July 2025, with Ulta Rath Yatra.  Ulta Rath Yatra started from Gundicha Temple, Brigade ground, at around 1 pm and reached Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple at around 6 pm.

During Ulta Rath Yatra too thousands of devotees participated. Large number of devotees accompanied the procession and there were huge number of people standing on the street to welcome the Lord and pull the rope of the chariots of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra.

At many places devotees had made elaborate arrangements to offer 108 bhoga or 56 bhoga to the Lord.

During the procession, devotees were making beautiful rangolis to welcome the Lord.

When the procession was going through CIT road then people were showering flowers to greet the Lord.

Sankirtan during the procession

Throughout the procession, devotees were performing sankirtan.  Devotees were performing kirtan in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. Many people who were standing on the side of the road to see the Lord and pull the rope of the chariot were also singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started this sankirtan movement around 500 years ago to connect people’s heart to Krishna. And today by the grace of Srila Prabhupada and his many followers the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra has spread far and wide.

 In Kali yuga, chanting is the yuga dharma. So, if anyone chants this mahamantra sincerely, he will surely get the grace of Krishna and will attain perfection.

Krishna’s devotees are always victorious

During the Ulta Rath Yatra procession, devotees were also distributing Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Back to Godhead magazines and other books of Srila Prabhupada. Many people were attentively looking through the contents of the book and magazines and were buying it too.

If we want to connect to Krishna, then it is imperative that we study Bhagavad Gita regularly. By reading this we will come to know what Krishna expects us to do. And if we live as per the teachings of Krishna as given in Gita then like Arjuna, we will always be victorious in the battles we have to fight in our life.

In the last verse of Bhagavad Gita it is said, “Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.” Bhagavad Gita 18.78

An opportunity to show our love to Jagannath

Krishna came 5000 years back to show us the right path. And as Jagannath every year he comes out on the street during Rath Yatra festival inviting us to take his shelter. Our never-ending struggle in life will end once we accept Jagannath’s invitation and dedicate our life to him.

Rath Yatra festival provides us an opportunity to show our love to Jagannath. By participating in it, by calling out the name of Jagannath, by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra we gradually get closer to the Lord.

The Ulta Rath Yatra procession lasted for 5 hours. Devotees continued pulling the ropes of the chariot and singing and dancing. By the time the chariots reached Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple, it was around 6 pm. Everyone was excited to see the Lord coming back to the temple.

Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra finally took their place on the altar in the temple and looked quite happy. From here they will give darshan to the devotees and different opportunities to serve them.

For everyone who had come for the Ulta Rath Yatra festival there was delicious khichdi, aloo dum and halwa prasadam. It was a wonderful way to conclude the grand festival.

Three Reflections

• Thousands of devotees participated in Ulta Rath Yatra festival.
• Throughout the procession, devotees were performing sankirtan in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi.
• Rath Yatra festival provides us an opportunity to show our love to Jagannath.

Ask Yourself

• Am I willing to take shelter of Lord Jagannath?

Action Item

• If yes, then quickly get connected to local Iskcon temple. You will get an opportunity to serve Jagannath.

Opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath at Gundicha Temple

I got an opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi during the 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra at the Gundicha temple. It was possible by the mercy of the Lord and his devotees. Lord Jagannath along with his brother and sister looks extremely beautiful at Gundicha temple. Devotees are daily coming in large numbers to take darshan of the Lord.

Devotees brought something for Jagannath

I got the deity service during weekdays (Thursday, 3^rd Jul and Friday, 4^th July) in the morning hours after darshan arati. As it was weekday so I thought not many will be there to see the Lord but since morning I saw devotees coming in large numbers to the temple. Anyone who were coming were carrying something to offer to the Lord – flowers, Tulasi leaves, sweets, fruits and some were offering money at the lotus feet of the Lord.

As a pujari I had the service to offer the bhoga which devotees were bringing for the Lord. Devotees were eager to have something from the lotus feet of Lord Jagannath – Tulasi or flower or fruits. I tried to satisfy the desire of the devotees but was not able to give it to all else nothing would have remained in front of the Lord. Devotees also brought 56 bhoga items to offer to the Lord. Many devotees were chanting in front of the Lord. They were also clicking pictures of the Lord and making videos.

Different days different dress

During his stay at Gundicha, Jagananth, Baladeva and Subhadra are dressed differently on different days.  The Lord is dressed as per the different pastimes he performs especially in Vrindavan.

On Thursday they were having Banabhoji Besha and on Friday the pastime of Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura was depicted.

During Banabhoji Besha Lord Jagannath and Lord Baladeva were dressed as cowherd boys going for a picnic with his cowherd friends. On this day, many fruits were offered to the Lord. 

On Friday, Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura in Vrindavan was shown.

Krishna enjoying with his cowherd friends in Vrindavan

In Srimad Bhagavatam, it is described in detail how the demon who had come to kill Balarama was easily eliminated by Balarama.

Krishna was performing so many wonderful pastimes with his friends in Vrindavan. Everyone was enjoying, there was not even a fraction of unhappiness. Vrindavan forest was covered with lush green trees, flowers, fruits. Cool and soothing breeze gave comfort to all. Summer appeared as spring.  In that serene ambience they were playing different sports, singing songs, dancing with Krishna, joking with each other, pulling each other’s legs and eating delicious prasadam.

The two brothers were enjoying with their cowherd friends in Vrindavan when this demon sneaked in disguising himself as a cowherd boy. He took the form of a cowherd boy who had stayed at home on that day. And this demon participated in a game which Krishna was playing with his dear friends.

Balarama slays Pralambāsura

In that game, the group was divided into two – one led by Krishna and the other led by Balarama. Pralamba was on the side of Krishna. As per the rule of the game, the group which got defeated had to carry the members of other group on their shoulders.

The group led by Balarama won and as a punishment the cowherd boys on the side of Krishna had to carry cowherd boys on the side of Balarama on their shoulders. We may wonder, how can Lord be defeated. Acharyas explain that Lord is defeated by the love of his devotees.

So, Krishna was carrying Śrīdāmā and Pralamba took Balarama on his shoulder thinking that he will kill him when the opportunity comes. But how can it be possible for anyone to harm Balarama who is an expansion of Krishna. Soon, Balarama understood who this person is. He swiftly slayed him by smashing his head with his fist.

Pralamba had disguished himself thinking that he will not be recognized. But in front of the Lord who we are is revealed. So, we should never think that we can deceive the Lord. Lord knows who we are and what is there in our heart.

Begging Lord Jagannath to purify our heart of all impurities

With folded hands we should stand in front of Lord Jagannath who is Lord Krishna with folded hands and beg him to free us from all impurities which is forcing us to not take his full shelter.

During Rath Yatra Lord is extremely merciful. So, we should again and again pray for his mercy and try to serve him as much as possible.

While doing the deity service, I saw several devotees constantly bowing in front of the Lord, raising their both hands while chanting Jai Jagannath and were constantly chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra on their beads.

I am extremely grateful to Lord Jagannath for giving me an opportunity to serve him at Gundicha Temple. Hope next year too I get an opportunity to serve Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra during Rath Yatra festival in the Gundicha temple.

Three References

• On Thursday the Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra were having Banabhoji Besha and on Friday the pastime of Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura was depicted.
• Like Pralambāsura, we should never think that we can deceive the Lord. Lord knows who we are and what is there in our heart.
• We should stand in front of Lord Jagannath with folded hands and beg him to free us from all impurities which is forcing us to not take his full shelter.

Ask Yourself

• Is there something in my heart which I am hiding from the Lord?

Action Item

• Reveal your heart to the Lord and beg him to purify all the impurities which is keeping us away from him.

Everyone ultimately has to surrender to Krishna

Either we have to surrender to Krishna voluntarily or we will be forced to surrender but eventually everyone has to surrender to Krishna, the Supreme Lord.  

When a person surrenders to his enemy then he loses all his glory. The surrender is too painful for him. But when one surrenders to the will of the Lord then the surrender is not painful but it’s joyful. It brings joy to both – the Lord and the one who surrenders to him.

Every one of us has to surrender to the Lord at some point in time. The decision is ours. We have to decide when we want to surrender. If we do not surrender to Krishna willingly then at the time of death we will be compelled to surrender to him. And that surrender is terrible.

Krishna is very sweet but in the form of death is extremely fearful.

Krishna’s fearful form

Arjuna personally witnessed that terrifying form of Krishna when he saw how people were entering into his mouth and dying helplessly. Arjuna was seeing Krishna’s gigantic all destroying Universal form. 

He saw people rushing into Krishna’s fearful mouth. Sometimes their heads were being crushed by his teeth while entering into the mouth. Seeing this Arjuna was aghast and terrified.

He said, “I see all people rushing full speed into Your mouths, as moths dash to destruction in a blazing fire.” Bhagavad Gita 11.29

Arjuna pleads with Krishna to come back to his two-handed sweet form. The Supreme Lord accepts his request and shows him his beautiful form.

“When Arjuna thus saw Kṛṣṇa in His original form, he said: O Janārdana, seeing this humanlike form, so very beautiful, I am now composed in mind, and I am restored to my original nature.” Bhagavad Gita 11.51

So, we have to decide if we want to surrender to sweet Krishna who is the darling of all the brajvasis, or do we want to surrender to all devouring fear personified Krishna in the form of death. 

Krishna tells how to surrender to him

In the material world surrender means accepting defeat. But here surrender means accepting the ultimate reality. It’s like a rebellious child surrendering to his father. When a child surrenders to his father then his father not only accepts him with open arms but also forgets and forgives his all-previous mistakes.

Attaining Krishna is not difficult because the Lord himself tells us how we can get his grace.  

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

Like a loving father, Krishna is waiting for us with his open arms to embrace us. We just need to turn towards him and say – Krishna I am yours. Now you are the goal of my life. Please accept me.

Krishna will surely accept us because he never rejects anyone who surrenders to him.

But if we fail to surrender to Krishna then we should be ready to see in the form of death.

Three Reflections

• If we do not surrender to Krishna willingly then at the time of death we will be compelled to surrender to him.
• Arjuna saw people rushing into Krishna’s fearful mouth. Sometimes their heads were being crushed by his teeth while entering into the mouth.
• We have to decide if we want to surrender to sweet Krishna or fear personified Krishna in the form of death.  

Ask Yourself

• Am I ready to surrender to Krishna as per Krishna’s wishes?

Action Item

• Everyday say to Krishna, “I am yours. Please accept me.”

Why do bad things happen to good people like me?

Almost all the time we complain. Sometimes we may be vocal about it but most of the time we silently complain. Why did it happen to me? Why do bad things always happen to good people like me?  Occasionally we console ourselves philosophically that maybe it’s happening because of some previous bad karma which I might have done unknowingly. But most of the time, we consider ourselves a victim of an unjust system.

In our life’s journey we face adversities which either we may foresee, or it may come unexpected. Previous karma does not necessarily seal our future; our future mostly depends on how we react to a situation.

Suppose that someone speaks unpalatable words to us then at that moment we have the opportunity to either aggravate the situation or cool down the tempers. The other person’s insulting words may have fallen on us due to some previous bad karma but if we react with spiritual wisdom then the situation and our problems will not increase.

Once a person lost his job and was not able to find another one. He became so upset and disturbed that in a fit of rage he stabbed a person. This not only landed him in prison but he completely ruined his future. A person with a proper mindset might have used that period to upgrade his skill or to go for higher studies. 

Good or bad situations will keep on coming and going, how we respond to them will shape our future. The altitude which we will reach in our life depends on our attitude.

Do not lament, do something

God has bestowed upon us sufficient intelligence to convert any problems into an opportunity. So, whenever we find ourselves in an unpleasant situation then instead of giving a knee – jerk reaction we should contemplate for a while and then make the next move. During those difficult times, if we judiciously use our intelligence then that insidious situation may even become a springboard to reach closer to God.

When Vidura was rebuked, humiliated and was practically forced out of the kingdom by Duryodhana then Vidura did not lament and said, “Why did it happen to me?” He did not grumble that although he was on the righteous path and on the side of truth then why did it happen to him.

Instead of getting caught in all these negativities he simply went on a spiritual journey. Vidura met sages like Maitreyi and devotees like Uddhava. He heard from them pearls of wisdom, learnt many spiritual lessons, absorbed himself in hearing Krishna’s pastimes.  He constantly remembered Krishna and perfected his life. Vidura converted his misfortune into fortune. On the other hand, Duryodhana lost everything including his life.

So, when next time we come through any unpleasant situation and circumstances then let us not feel like a victim and complain, “Why do bad things happen to good people like me?” but instead let us try to do something meaningful. And the best is to utilize it to get closer to Krishna, the Supreme God. This is the best way to convert your misfortune into fortune.

Three Reflections

• Previous karma does not seal our future; our future mostly depends on how we react to a situation.
• When Vidura faced humiliation, then instead of lamenting and fretting, he handled it positively and perfected his life.
• During difficulties, let us not feel like a victim and complain, “Why do bad things happen to good people like me?” but instead let us try to do something meaningful during that time.  

Ask Yourself?

• Do I always blame God for our problem?

Action Item

• Identify a problem which is troubling you the most and decide not to lament about it but instead start taking action to solve it.

As soon as soul look towards the Supersoul, he becomes free from all anxieties

Mundaka Upanisad and Svetasvatara Upanisad say that the Supersoul and the Soul are like two birds on the same tree yet too far from each other.  The Supersoul desperately look towards the soul, but the Soul is indifferent to Supersoul’s gesture of love. 

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, as Supersoul, Paramatma, is always with us in our heart yearning for our attention but we are too busy to reciprocate with him.

For millions and zillions of years he has been patiently waiting for us. One would have become hopeless by this time. But still he has the hope that a day will come when we will look towards him and say “Yes, I have been missing you”.

We are always together yet away from each other. The two of us are on the same tree. We the individual soul is busy eating the fruits of the tree and the Supersoul is just watching us. Both of us are desperate.

The Supersoul is desperately waiting for the individual soul to turn towards him, and the individual soul is desperate because he wants to enjoy this world. While endeavouring for material gain, we, the souls, go through many difficulties.

Fear and frustration become our constant companion. During this period, Supersoul continues to look towards us hoping to seek our attention. But still, we are reluctant to look towards him.

Krishna, never leaves us

Mundaka Upanisad (3.1.2) and Svetasvatara Upanisad (4.7) explain this graphically, “Although the two birds are in the same tree, the eating bird is fully engrossed with anxiety and moroseness as the enjoyer of the fruits of the tree. But if in some way or other he turns his face to his friend who is the Lord and knows His glories—at once the suffering bird becomes free from all anxieties.”

Krishna is our eternal friend, but we have forgotten our friendship with him. We independently decided to break this bond and pursue our goals separately.  Here we struggle hard to achieve something. Sometimes our endeavour fructifies and sometimes not. Whatever may be the outcome, the fruits which we get fail to keep us happy, so we continue struggling hard.

And whatever we accumulate, we leave here only because when we die, we do not carry anything with us.

When we accept a new body based on the karma we performed then again Krishna accompanies us. And he has been doing so again and again, life after life.

He is not upset by our constant neglect. He never leaves us. Just like a true friend he hopes that a day will come when we will remember him, embrace him and will say with deep love, “Yes Krishna, I have been missing you. I love you.”

As soon as we will turn towards Krishna, we will be free from all sufferings and enjoy a happy life with Krishna. But if we continue to look away from him then we will continue to suffer.

Three Reflections

• Krishna, the Supreme Lord, as Supersoul, Paramatma, is always with us in our heart yearning for our attention but we are too busy to reciprocate with his gesture of love.
• When he turns his face to his friend who is the Lord and knows His glories—at once the suffering bird becomes free from all anxieties.
• But if he continues to look away from the Lord, he will continue to suffer.

Ask Yourself

• How many times do I remember Krishna in a day?

Action Item

• Make it a point to remember Krishna constantly
  • In the morning chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
  • In the afternoon say a prayer to Krishna for at least 5 minutes.
  • In the night before going to sleep read Krishna book for 30 minutes.

Engaging senses in the service of Krishna for endless joy

Instead of using our senses in the service of Krishna, we use it for sense gratification thinking that this will give us great joy. Let us reflect on our life and ask ourselves if indulging in sense gratification really gives us pleasure?

We may say, “Yes when I eat a piece of pineapple pastry then I feel happy. Or if I watch a movie of my favourite star then I feel happy.”

But the question is how long that happiness lasts. For example, if you have eaten your favourite mango ice cream a month back, then is it still giving joy to your tongue? Or, you might have watched a movie a year back, then is it still making you happy?

We know the answer, “It is not.” Sense gratification can give us only temporary pleasure. And the pleasure is also not much.

So, is it not better to use our senses in such a way that the happiness which we experience never diminishes by time but instead multiplies by time? And the quantity of pleasure too is huge.

This is indeed possible. For this, we have to use our senses in the service of Krishna. Krishna is eternal, so any service to Krishna is eternal. Krishna is the source of all pleasures, so if we use our senses in the service of Krishna then pleasure is guaranteed.

Many times, we read stories of great devotees who give up all material power, positions, possessions and retire to the forest to meditate on the Lord. This is because the happiness which they begin experiencing by absorbing themselves in Krishna is far more than what they were getting when they were trying to gratify their senses through worldly means.

Make senses Krishna Conscious

Now, you and I may not have to go to the forest to attain that joy. Scriptures tell us how we can engage our senses in the service of Krishna and enjoy a happy life.

Let us see how to do it.

Instead of watching movies, TV serials, YouTube videos, we can use our eyes in relishing the divine beauty of the Lord.  Instead of listening to movie songs or hearing endless useless news, we should use our ears in hearing the glories of the Lord. Instead of using our tongue in discussing politics, sports or movies, we can use it in chanting the name of the Lord like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

In spiritual life we can use our tongue in enjoying delicious food too. So, if you like pineapple pastry or pizza then you can first offer it to Krishna with love so that he can eat. After Krishna eats the offered food, we can eat it too. The offered food is now not ordinary food but divine food, prasadam. When you eat it, you won’t just enjoy the taste but will get the mercy of the Lord too.

By being engaged in Krishna conscious activities, our senses will become purified and will begin experiencing higher taste. And then our senses will lose taste for material sense gratification.

Srila Prabhupada says, “When one is actually Kṛṣṇa conscious, he automatically loses his taste for pale things.” Bhagavad Gita 2.59 purport

Three Reflections

• Let us reflect on our life and ask ourselves if indulging in sense gratification really gives us pleasure?
• Happiness, one experiences in using senses in the service of Krishna is far more when used for sense gratification.
• By experiencing higher taste, senses lose taste for material sense gratification.

Ask Yourself

• Do I feel happy when I take the darshan of the Lord in the temple?

Action Item

• Instead of hearing political news or movie songs, start hearing lecture of Srila Prabhupada at least 30 minutes daily.
• Also read Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam for at least 30 minutes daily.