Tag: happiness

If you invest in Krishna Consciousness, then return is guaranteed

When we invest money then we always expect a high return. So, we are advised to invest in certain sectors where although risk is there but return is huge, as the saying goes – high risk high gain, low risk low gain. Although we take the bait but we always remain anxious fearing loss. People indeed suffer loss, some even go bankrupt.

However, there is one sector where if you invest then return is guaranteed.  There is no chance of any loss. Anyone who invests never returns empty-handed. And during the investment, there is no anxiety or fear because it’s completely risk free.

Everyone is eligible to invest here – rich and poor, men and women, young and old, Hindus and non-Hindus, Indians and non-Indians.   

But here instead of investing money in a bank or a scheme one has to invest one’s time in developing Krishna Consciousness. For example, one should chant the names of Krishna like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. It is recommended to chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily which takes around 2 hours. The holy name of Krishna cleanses us internally and connects us to Krishna directly.

Soon one starts experiencing the fruits of investment.  The negative thoughts and emotions which were earlier disturbing us no longer trouble us. Krishna begins protecting us from negative people and surroundings.

We see how by investing in Krishna consciousness, our problems are getting reduced, and happiness is getting multiplied.

Krishna’s assurance

Anyone who has made such an investment has never regretted it. In this investment no one ever suffers any loss.

Krishna personally says this, “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).

If we increase the quantum of investment, then return too increases manifold. And if the investment touches 100% then we gain freedom from all sufferings forever. We then become eligible to live a joyous & opulent life for eternity with Krishna.

Let us become smart investors and make the most of this wonderful opportunity and invest in Krishna Consciousness.

In this world, we do not have guarantee of anything. We have heard stories of people becoming poverty stricken overnight.  People being kicked out from their offices and bungalows and dragged into jail. People who worked throughout their life to attain a position but then seeing it helplessly being taken away. This is how this nature works. So, we should not expect too much from this world. We should do our duty and whatever we get in return we should accept it as God’s gift.

And simultaneously, we should invest our time and energy in becoming Krishna Conscious. Because this will give us the topmost return. Krishna through Arjuna is teaching us that how we should be doing our duty in this world but while performing our God given duty, we should never forget Krishna.

Arjuna never forgot Krishna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Similarly, we should never forget Krishna while fighting our life’s battle.  

Three Reflections

• We see how by investing in Krishna consciousness, our problems are getting reduced, and happiness is getting multiplied.
• We should do our duty and whatever we get in return we should accept it as God’s gift.
• Arjuna never forgot Krishna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Similarly, we should never forget Krishna while fighting our life’s battle.  

Ask Yourself

• Did I complete my chanting today?

Action Item

• If not then immediately try to complete your chanting today.

Krishna rewards us as per our wishes

Krishna is an impartial Lord; he always rewards us as per our wishes. This he confirms in Bhagavad Gita, “As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly” (Bhagavad – Gita 4.11). So, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to get the best from Krishna. For this, we have to just take his shelter, and he will make our life wonderful.

If happiness is currently eluding us then it implies that we are now not being rewarded by Krishna. It is not because Krishna does not want to reward us, but it is because we do not deserve to be rewarded by Krishna. This happens because we have not agreed to take shelter of Krishna.

If anyone takes shelter of Krishna, Krishna considers him his own and gives him the best.

For example, when Dushasana was trying to dishonor Draupadi then she took shelter of Krishna, and Krishna immediately came to her rescue and saved her honor. Sudama surrendered all his possessions which he was carrying in the form of broken chipped rice to Krishna and Krishna gave him wealth greater than the emperor of the world.

This is Krishna’s mercy upon those who take his shelter.

Now, we may have a question as how to take shelter of Krishna. This is personally explained by Krishna in Bhagavad Gita. And he repeats this two times. This is the only verse which he says twice in this divine literature.

Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me. Bhagavad Gita 9.34

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. Bhagavad Gita 18.65

Always remain under Krishna’s shelter

Krishna advises us that in all situations and circumstances, we should be absorbed in him. During difficulties, we should remember Krishna and during happiness we should not forget Krishna. In this material world we do not know when happiness turns into disaster.

If we continuously remember Krishna, then no suffering will touch us. Sometimes externally it may look that devotees are being troubled by material miseries but internally they are not affected. This happens because devotees rise beyond their material mind and body.

For example, it looks like Prahlada was suffering when Hiranyakasipu was trying to kill him through various means. But Prahlada remained undisturbed and unharmed. And he also was always in bliss.

These stories of great devotees like – Draupadi, Sudama, Prahlada – teach us how we should live in this world amidst trials and tribulations. In this material world there will be people who will try to inflict suffering upon us. And sometimes the situations may not be as per our liking. 

But we should never get disheartened. This becomes possible when we give our heart to Krishna and decide to remain always under his shelter.

When Krishna sees this wish of ours, he happily comes and resides in our heart because he says in Gita that he rewards his devotees as per their wishes. Devotees then start experiencing great joy and feel completely protected.  

Three Reflections

• If happiness is eluding us, then it implies that we are not taking shelter of Krishna.
• Krishna advises us that in all situations and circumstances, we should be absorbed in him.
• When we give our heart to Krishna then Krishna comes and resides in our heart.

Ask Yourself

• Am I engaging my mind in thinking of Krishna or thinking on topics not related to Krishna?

Action Item

• As soon as your mind deviates from Krishna, force it to think about Krishna.

Detachment from material attachment gives unlimited happiness

The more we are attached to this world, the more unhappy we become. The more we are detached from this world, the more happy we become. And if we are completely detached from this material world then we become eligible to experience unlimited happiness.

Srimad Bhagavatam tells the story of a hawk who was having a piece of meat in his mouth. Seeing the meat the other hungry hawks who were stronger than him started attacking him.

Fearing his life the weaker hawk immediately dropped the piece of meat from his mouth and the angry hawks immediately stopped attacking him. The weaker hawk felt safe now and experienced joy as he was not being attacked any more.

It’s a valuable lesson for all of us. Just think about anything you were attached to in your life. And ask yourself if it caused happiness or pain, fear or joy, frustration or contentment? In almost all the cases, you might have experienced pain.

Any sort of material attachment becomes the cause of unhappiness.

I see in IT industry people are attached to go to onsite to USA or to European countries. Now everyone’s dream cannot be fulfilled. Those who are too attached to go to abroad always remain in anxiety thinking that whether he will get an opportunity or not.

And there are others who too are vying for the same opportunity. So, there is always unhealthy competition. And once one fails to go abroad then he becomes completely dejected.

Now suppose that there is an employee who works hard but is not attached to go abroad and also not attached to not to go abroad then will he ever be in misery? Will any kind of unhealthy competition bother him? Obviously, not.

Attachment to Krishna

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna to do his work as a matter of duty with utmost sincerity and simultaneously not to get attached to this world. Instead, the Supreme Lord, asks Arjuna, the fearsome warrior, to get attached to him.

So, detachment from this world means getting attached to Krishna, the Supreme Lord.

The more we are detached to Krishna, the more we suffer. The more we are attached to Krishna the less we suffer. And if we are completely attached to Krishna then there is no suffering, there is only unlimited happiness.

So, the devotees of the Lord who are always attached to the Lord are always blissful, joyful and peaceful. Nothing of this world troubles them because they understand that nothing of this world is worthy enough to give them anything more valuable than Krishna. So, they are always engaged in chanting and singing the glories of Krishna.

“Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.” Bhagavad Gita 9.14

Three Reflections

• Material attachment becomes the cause of suffering.
• Material detachment gives relief from material suffering.
• Attachment to Krishna bestows unlimited spiritual happiness.

Ask Yourself

• Think of anything or any person whom you were attached to and ask yourself whether it caused pain or pleasure?

Action Item

• Identify an attachment which is troubling you and list down the steps which you plan to take to get detached from it.

Pleasures of this world fail to give pleasure to the soul

You and I are spirit souls, so our foremost duty is to give utmost pleasure to the soul. If we fail to do so, we will experience dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Look around you and you will see everyone trying their best to be happy. We too crave for joy, pleasure and happiness in our life. But most often we find that in spite of achieving all what we had desired to achieve we still remain unhappy.

Let us try to see why it happens.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is sac-cid-ananda-vigraha i.e. eternal, blissful and full of knowledge. We being parts and parcel of the Lord we also are eternal, blissful and full of knowledge.

Our soul craves happiness. But the happiness which the soul longs for is spiritual, which is possible only when we get and remain connected to the Supreme lord. But unfortunately, we think that the pleasures of this world can satisfy our soul.

So, through material positions and possessions we try to derive happiness. We try to accumulate many things here. We struggle hard for name, fame and money thinking that it will open gateway to happiness. But many people possess these, and we may also have got these but still our soul is not satisfied. Inner fulfillment and inner joy always elude us.

Why is it so? Suppose that if we take a fish out of water and put it in a golden jar then will the fish be happy? Definitely ‘Not’. Fish is happy only in water and not out of water.

Similarly, we are spiritual beings, and we will get happiness from spiritual things and not material things.

Soul is an eternal servant of the Supreme Lord

Soul becomes happy when it is strongly connected to the Supreme Lord. If not, then nothing of this entire material universe can give joy to the soul.

For example, we see that in Ayodhya everyone was so happy when Lord Rama appeared. All the residents of Ayodhya were automatically attracted to the Supreme Lord. But when Lord Rama left Ayodhya then everyone felt deep pain in their heart.

It was not that during the time of Lord Rama’s exile to the forest there was material poverty in Ayodhya. People had all material comforts because Bharat was managing the kingdom expertly. But still their heart was burning in separation. 

But as soon as Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya everyone’s heart was filled with joy.

Pure devotees of the Lord understand this fact and through their example they teach us how we should not be mad for things of this world. Instead, we should always strive to serve the Lord.

Because this is the eternal purpose of life, and this gives unlimited joy. For example, we see that Bharat could have become the king of Ayodhya and would have remained so. But Bharat refused to become the king.

The only desire which he had was the desire to serve Lord Rama. We see Lakshman was constantly serving Rama and Hanuman was doing the same.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Lod, appeared in this world to reveal us our true identity. He says, “jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya — kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’” which means “It is the living entity’s constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.108-109.

So, if we are looking for eternal joy and satisfaction then we should always be serving the Supreme Lord Krishna or Lord Rama or Lord Chaitanya. This is what our soul looks for and longs for.

Three Reflections

• As spirit souls, our foremost duty is to give utmost pleasure to the soul.
• Material pleasures cannot satisfy the soul.
• Soul longs for spiritual pleasures, which is possible only when we connect to Krishna.

Ask Yourself?

• Why people having name, fame and money go into depression?

Action Item?

• Try a spiritual activity like chanting the names of Krishna or reading Krishna book and see how you feel.

Material happiness is illusory | Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.37

• Srimad Bhagavatam Class: SB 11.3.37
• Chapter Name: Liberation from the Illusory Energy
• Venue: Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata
• Day/Date: Sunday, 1^st June 2025
• Speaker: HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu

While speaking on Srimad Bhagavatam verse SB 11.3.37, HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu explained in detail that how “Material happiness is illusory.”

SB 11.3.37

sattvaṁ rajas tama iti tri-vṛd ekam ādau
sūtraṁ mahān aham iti pravadanti jīvam
jñāna-kriyārtha-phala-rūpatayoru-śakti
brahmaiva bhāti sad asac ca tayoḥ paraṁ yat

Translation

Originally one, the Absolute, Brahman, comes to be known as threefold, manifesting itself as the three modes of material nature — goodness, passion and ignorance. Brahman further expands its potency, and thus the power to act and the power of consciousness become manifest, along with the false ego, which covers the identity of the conditioned living being. Thus, by the expansion of the multipotencies of the Absolute, the demigods, as the embodiment of knowledge, become manifest, along with the material senses, their objects, and the results of material activity, namely happiness and distress. In this way the manifestation of the material world takes place as the subtle cause and as the material effect visible in the appearance of gross material objects. Brahman, which is the source of all subtle and gross manifestations, is simultaneously transcendental to them, being absolute.

Important points from the purport of this verse SB 11.3.37

1. ..since the Absolute is eternal existence, this material world, being the potency of the Absolute, must also be accepted as real, although the various manifestations of the material world are temporary and thus illusory.
2. The conditioned soul must come to understand, “I am a pure spirit soul, part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa. Now let me stop my useless activities and serve Kṛṣṇa, since I am part of Him.”
3. Therefore, if one is prematurely dazzled by the expansion of the Lord’s bodily effulgence, known as Brahman, and therefore does not actually come to know the Supreme Personality of Godhead, there is no possibility of actually understanding one’s eternal identity as an eternal blissful expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Below article is based on the class given by HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu

Are we independent to enjoy

A bullock cart driver pulls the rope tied to the right nostril of the bull and the bull thinks that he is moving towards right on its own. The driver then pulls the rope tied to the left nostril and the bull moves to left thinking it is moving on his own. And then the driver does not do anything, and bull moves straight. But each time, the bull thinks it is in control of his movement.

Similarly, maya devi binds us with the three modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. Sometimes she puts us in goodness, sometimes in passion and other times in ignorance. But each time we think that we are acting as per our own choice independently. This is the nature of the conditioned soul.

We want to enjoy in this world. But it is explained that material enjoyment is an illusion. Mayavadi say that material world is illusion. They say that the material object does not exist, for example a building does not exist. But this is wrong understanding.

A devotee (sadhakas) thinks that material happiness is illusory. But this is also paradoxical. Suppose that we are offered a gulab jamun (a sweet) and when we are eating it, we are experiencing happiness then how can we say its illusory? We have theoretical understanding that material happiness is illusory. There is indeed some happiness in material enjoyment. So, how scriptures say its illusory.

There are three reasons why material happiness is illusory. Let us reflect upon those.

Three problems with material happiness

1.Happiness is insignificant

The happiness which we get in this material world is insignificant. It is said that in this world we get that much happiness which prevents us from getting unlimited happiness.

Suppose that the happiness we get here is x, then in heavenly planet we get 1000 times more happiness i.e. 1000x. And as we keep on going to higher planets happiness keeps on multiplying. In this material world, happiness is highest in Brahmaloka. And if we go beyond this material world then in the spiritual world the happiness is infinite.  So, whatever happiness we get here is very insignificant as compared to the happiness, we get in spiritual world like Goloka.

A real example to illustrate the point

Once in Italy, devotees were on Harinam Sankirtan.  It was a sunny day. Devotees did Sankirtan for long time and they were tired and were also sweating.  They were thinking of taking bath in cold water and they came near a lake. Everyone was excited. The kirtan reached crescendo. They thought that this is pinnacle of happiness. They took off their clothes and jumped into the lake. The water was cool, and they felt relieved from exhaustion.

But suddenly they were bitten by something. Then they show that it was jelly fish. The sting was painful. Within no time everyone was getting bitten by jelly fish. Some devotees jumped out of the lake, but some thought let me go to other side of the lake and enjoy the cold water. But the entire lake was infested with jelly fish.

By the time the devotees came out of water their body was red like a hot charcoal. The happiness was there in the water of the lake, but the pain of the sting of jelly fish overpowered the happiness.

So, it is said that some happiness is there here, but it is accompanied with lots of miseries.

2. Material enjoyment makes us attached

Material enjoyment binds us. We get attached to the object we are trying to enjoy. If we take the example of social media especially you tube reels then we see that people spend hours watching reels. Each reel is just a minute or two long but one gets addicted to it and keeps on watching for hours.  Now there is unlimited browsing facility on internet and people are becoming addicted to internet.

Devotees also many times think that little sense gratification is fine and is also required for survival. But what start little does not end little.

For example, when a bait is offered to a fish then fish think that it’s a nice eatable for me to enjoy. Fish thinks that I will only take the food and quickly come out of it. So, the fish pounces on the bait. The fisherman immediately does not do anything. He waits for some time till the fish comes under its grip. Fish does not understand that it is being caught and by the time it understands it is too late.

Similarly, we are given free sample for enjoyment, and we think we will enjoy little but slowly get entangled. And then we get so much attached to it that even if we ty to come out of it, it becomes nearly impossible. So, material enjoyment is dangerous too.

3.Material enjoyment causes reaction

Whatever we try to enjoy, we get reaction for this. Material enjoyment leads to suffering. We have experienced this. Sometimes the reaction come late but comes for sure. As devotees we are fortunate, because when we try to enjoy then Krishna gives quick token punishment. And then we realize that it happened because we attempted to enjoy. So, for a happy life, we should give up desire for material enjoyment.

Solution

These are the three reasons why material enjoyment is called illusory.

Despite knowing this fact, we do not understand that material enjoyment is illusory.

It is said that a person cannot take to Krishna Consciousness unless he understands that material happiness is illusory. And it is also said that a person cannot understand that material happiness is illusory unless he takes to Krishna Consciousness.

So, the crux of the matter is to understand that material enjoyment is illusory and it is important for all of us to take to Krishna Consciousness.

Why to make a Krishna Conscious New Year Resolution this year?

Have you ever tried making Krishna Conscious New Year Resolution? If not, then this year give it a try.

We all make New Year resolutions. In the beginning of every year, we promise to ourselves to consistently engage in those activities which will positively impact our life. We determine to work for good health, lots of wealth, beautiful spouse, luxurious house and so on. We want all these stuffs so that we can thoroughly enjoy our life.

Now, if we jog our memory a little, then we will find that last year too we had same resolutions, and also the previous year, and couple of year back too. In fact, every year we almost make the same promise to ourselves and desire the same stuffs, hoping that it will bring joy to our lives.

Hoping for happiness in this material world

Our quest for enjoying our life is not just continuing year after year but life after life. Throughout life we struggle to bring joy to our life. But surprisingly the happiness which we desperately seek for always elude us.

And even if we succeed in accomplishing some material goals, we find that the pleasure which we get from it is temporary and flickering. And such success is always accompanied with the fear of losing it at any moment. So, where is the happiness?

Now in spite of trying so hard, if we are not able to get something then it means two things – either the way we are trying is wrong or the object which we are pursuing is not worthy enough to give us what we are looking for.

Looking for happiness is not wrong. Scriptures say that we are pleasure seekers – ānanda-mayo ‘bhyāsāt. But the problem is that the things which we think will give us pleasure actually do not have the capability to give us pleasure.

For example, if someone chews a bamboo stick and hope to experience the sweetness of sugarcane juice then can it be possible? Definitely not.

Similarly, hoping for happiness in this world is akin to chewing a bamboo stick.  No matter how hard we chew, nectar won’t flow from it.  In fact, the opposite happens, the teeth breaks. Similarly, the more we are mad for material pleasures, the more insane we become.

A foolish person keeps on trying to derive some nectar in this world. They hope that in future they will succeed in attaining it.

What happens when a donkey dreams to marry a beautiful girl?

Once in a house lived a donkey and a bull. Their master was a heartless person. He would take lots of work from the bull. One day the bull thought that let me pretend that I am sick so that I can take rest today.

So, in the morning when the master came the bull did not get up. The man tried a lot, but the bull acted as if he is in pain. The person thought that I have lots of work, but this bull is now sick, so what to do.

His eyes went to the donkey. He thought that let me take donkey for work today. And the master saw that the donkey was happy to work. The donkey worked whole day and by the time he returned back, he was extremely tired.

The master gave him some dry grass, he ate it and slept. The next day when the master came, bull acted again as if he is sick. Master looked at the donkey. Donkey was ready to go for work. Again, he worked throughout the day and came late evening extremely tired and exhausted. Now, it became a daily routine.

Donkey reveals his heart

Once the bull asked donkey why are you torturing yourself? There is no need to work so hard. Learn from me and act as if you are sick. The donkey protested, “You do not know the actual reason, why I am working hard, so you are speaking nonsense.”

“What is the reason?” the bull inquired.

The donkey said, “Once I heard our master chastising his daughter and saying that “I am going to get you married to this donkey, one day.” So, in order to impress the master, I am working so hard. And I know that if I remain dedicated to my work then one day, I will get to marry his beautiful daughter.” 

Soon the master came and the donkey although tired, limping, frothing from the mouth went to work hard with a hope that he will one day marry the beautiful daughter of his cruel master. This hope motivated him to work harder.  

Why are we not experiencing eternal joy?

The same hope you and I also carry in our heart. All the materialists of the world have the same hope. Everyone thinks that a day will come when they will be able to fulfil their dream and become happy forever.

But an intelligent and thoughtful person understands the futility of such hope.  They understand that whatever little pleasures which this world offers never satiates the heart. On the contrary, it becomes the cause of great distress.

Srimad Bhagavatam says, “Material desire is undoubtedly the cause of the greatest unhappiness, and freedom from such desire is the cause of the greatest happiness.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, 11.8.44

So, does it mean that we are forever forbidden to experience eternal joy in our life? Not at all. In fact, to be happy is our eternal fundamental right. The only reason we are not attaining it because we are looking to get it from the wrong source.

Since, we are souls, we are spiritual and not material. So, we should seek spiritual pleasures. Krishna is the source of all transcendental ecstasy, ānanda-dughaṁ, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.29.3.

What happens when we bring Krishna in our life?

Understanding this reality, we should pursue Krishna in our life.  In Nectar of Instruction, Verse 7, Srila Rupa Goswami says, “The holy name, character, pastimes and activities of Kṛṣṇa are all transcendentally sweet like sugar candy.”

This sweetness, we too can experience if we add Krishna in our life. Just as by watering the root of a tree its branches, twig, leaves, flowers automatically get nourished. Similarly, by engaging in the service of Krishna, we will automatically feel joyful because Krishna is the source of our origin. He is the root, we his parts and parcels.

Also, Krishna’s presence can save us from different kinds of disturbances which keeps causing great fear in our heart. Just like in a forest, fire starts automatically from anywhere, similarly many times miseries enter in our lives at any time without any invitation.

But Krishna’s shower of mercy can give us relief from all sufferings. As deer tremble in fear of lions, material miseries fear in front of Krishna and quickly flees away.  We all aspire for a life free from suffering and full of happiness. Krishna offers such a life. He promises this in Bhagavad Gita.

“O scion of Bharata, surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode.” Bhagavad Gita 18.62

Experience the change by making Krishna Conscious Resolution this New Year

In the beginning of New Year, we have always made non Krishna Conscious resolutions. And have failed to get what our heart actually looks for. So, this year let us do something different, let us make Krishna Conscious New Year Resolution. Let us take a vow to bring Krishna in our life. Let us make him the centre of our life.

And instead of pursuing material pleasures, this year let us engage our mind, body and words in a way which gives pleasure to Krishna. It is said that the taste of the pudding lies in tasting it. So, let us try to taste the pleasure which scriptures promises we get when we become Krishna Conscious.

Let us offer this New Year to Krishna and experience how it changes our life for good.

To be Krishna Conscious whole year, make a resolution to do the following things:

• Chant at least two rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
• Daily read Bhagavad Gita of Srila Prabhupada for at least 30 minutes.
• Visit nearby Iskcon temple at least once a week preferably in the morning so that you can attend morning arati and Srimad Bhagavatam Class in the temple. If not possible in the morning then visit in the evening and attend Gaur Arati. Or whatever time suits you and is practically possible but please do visit the temple and take darshan of the deities.
• Also, join a weekly program conducted by devotees in your area.

These activities won’t take much time and whatever little time it takes is worth giving. And also do not forget to go to temple early in the morning on 1st Jan.

These Krishna Conscious activities will bring auspiciousness in life and make entire year a blissful year. So, this year please do make a Krishna Conscious resolution.

Gita tells us that we are spiritual beings & not a programmable robot

Are we programmable robots or spiritual beings with spiritual consciousness, let us see what Bhagavad Gita says about it.

Modern scientific viewpoint states that we the human beings are nothing but a bag of chemicals & we came into existence owing to some spontaneous chemical reactions and will cease to exist once the chemical reaction ceases.

Scientific theory epitomizes the doctrine of the renowned atheist charvak muni who said when this body dies nothing is left. So, one must enjoy ones life as much as possible. Beg, borrow and steal but enjoy was his message to the humankind.

Modern educational curriculums are designed taking into consideration the aforementioned viewpoint.

Why a robot will have feelings for other robots

Scientists believe that a human brain can be programmed to act in a particular way in the same manner as a robot is programmed in laboratories to act in a particular way.

Today in schools & colleges a student’s brain is stuffed with loads of information to ensure that his brain is programmed to believe that he is the doer of everything and this life of his is to enjoy to the fullest. Every year across the world schools & colleges are manufacturing highly skilled robots, loaded with technical savoir faire.

So, since schooldays itself these mechanized robots starts considering this life to be full & final and are ready to resort to any means to enjoy this (& only this) life. If I am a bag of chemicals & my colleagues or my friends or my family members are also a bag of chemicals then what’s the harm in destroying that bag? I have to enjoy my life any how (beg, borrow & steal).

How a robot can solve life’s problems

However, when confronted with any adversity these highly talented mechanized robots tries to switch on their intelligence button but fails to find out that particular program which can solve their problem.

So, we find these highly skilled, highly intelligent and high profile robots hangings itself with a small rope from the ceiling of the house, taking dollops of rat poison to end the troublesome safari of life or taking the shelter of the sleeping pills.

In spite of being force- fed dollops of arguments against suicide, drug abuse, depression why is it that even the most knowledgeable materialistic brain (high profile engineers, doctors, scientists, business magnates, lawyers) easily succumb to it.

Inundated with plethora of materialistic information human intelligence fails to do an RCA (Root Cause Analysis) of the problem. The brain tries to find the solution based on the existing source codes which were force – fed in schools & colleges to ensure that the being turns out to be a technological masterpiece (robot) unparalleled and unequivocally the best.

However unfortunately, unlike the computer program the output is not always as per the expectations.

Differences between a robot and us

Let us understand the difference between a robot and a human being.

Robot is a mechanical machine devoid of any consciousness whereas human beings are spiritual beings full of consciousness. Unlike human being a robot does not feel pain & pleasure, tears does not start pouring down from it’s eyes with love and ecstasy upon seeing it’s own creator (mother & father) or fellow robots (brothers & sisters).

The flaw of the modern education system is that it does not answer the questions: who we are, what is the purpose of this life & why do we suffer. It provides information only to deal with dead matter. There is no information about isvara(the Supreme Lord), jiva (the living entity), prakrti (nature), kala (eternal time) and karma (activity) in today’s educational curriculum.

We should understand that we are not a robot devoid of consciousness instead we are spiritual beings full of consciousness. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna very clearly says that we are spiritual beings. He explains that we are souls and our material body is functioning only because of the presence of soul within this material body.

“That which pervades the entire body you should know to be indestructible. No one is able to destroy that imperishable soul.” Bhagavad Gita 2.17

As a soul we are sat-cit-ananda i.e. eternal, blissful and full of knowledge. A robot will not experience pain or pleasure. At the most, it can be programmed to smile, to laugh or even to shed tears.

But we the human beings cannot be programmed to show emotions in a mechanical way. We actually experience happiness or distress and accordingly express our feelings. Why just the human beings, in fact all living beings like animals, birds, aquatics etc experiences pain and pleasure.

Gita has answer to all the important queries

We are undergoing pain, pleasure and happiness owing to our previous karma. And we are getting affected by it because as Bhagavad Gita explains we are spiritual beings.

As Srila Prabhupada explains, “We are suffering or enjoying the results of our activities from time immemorial, but we can change the results of our karma, or our activity, and this change depends on the perfection of our knowledge.”

As we are conditioned and fail to understand what is right or what is wrong, we should take the shelter of scriptures like Bhagavad-gita which provides answers to all our questions.

Srila Prabhupada explains,”Being an associate of Lord Krishna, Arjuna was above all ignorance, but Arjuna was put into ignorance on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra just to question Lord Krishna about the problems of life so that the Lord could explain them for the benefit of future generations of human beings and chalk out the plan of life. Then man could act accordingly and perfect the mission of human life.” 

Throughout Bhagavad Gita Krishna has again and again emphaised that we are spiritual beings and so we should act accordngly if we want to lead a happy life.

Unfortunately, we have banished these religious treatises in pursuit of modernity. However, since time immemorial the priceless, timeless and sublime philosophy of Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Isopanisad, Puranas & other revered religious scriptures has been a beacon light for the entire human civilization.

A research

Recent research conducted by leading universities all over the world acknowledges the positive impact of spirituality in a person’s life.

Recently published paper ‘Impact of Adoption of Yoga Way of Life on Emotional Intelligence of Managers’ by Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore (https://www.iimb.ac.in/node/4034) states that those individual who has strong spiritual inclination has great ability to withstand failure and stress.

We spiritual beings should be spiritually empowered

Why not include Bhagavad Gita and other revered Vedic scriptures in schools and colleges curriculum. Once done the schools & colleges will no longer produce hundreds & thousands of mechanized robots every year instead, we will have young scholars who are not just technically savoir faire but are also spiritually empowered.

The paper also concludes yoga increases the Emotional Intelligence (EI) of a person which in turn increases the person’s managerial performance. It also says that Yoga can even replace six-sigma.

Empowered with the philosophy of these scriptures a person will not be bewildered when confronted with adversity; he will not be agitated, will not be frustrated and will never indulge in any life threatening and life destructive activities.

Like Arjuna he will be fearless, will always perform righteous deeds and usher the world in a new era of peace, prosperity & happiness.

Bhagavad Gita not just teaches us that we are spiritual beings but also empowers us to deal with even the toughest problems of our life.

What are the benefits of praying and chanting in Brahma Muhurta?

Since ages, the divine sages have been saying that Brahma Muhurta has unlimited benefits and so it is the best time to pray to God and chant the mantras.

Now the question is why Brahma Muhurta is so important and what benefits one gets by praying and chanting mantras during this time.  

What is Brahma Muhurta:

Let us first try to understand what is muhurta and how it is calculated.

• As per Vedic calculation, one danda is equal to 24 minutes.
• Two dandas, or forty-eight minutes, is equal to one muhurta.
• In 24 hour cycle, we have 24*60 = 1440 minutes.
• Total muhurta is (1440 min/48 min) = 30 i.e. from sunrise to sunrise, there are 30 muhurtas.
• Brahma Muhurta starts 2 muhurtas (48 * 2 min) before the rise of the sun i.e. 1 hour 36 minutes before sunrise is the time of the start of Brahma Muhurta and it ends 48 minutes before sunrise.

Let us understand it with an example:

• Suppose that on a particular day sun rises at 5:30 am.
• That day, the Brahma Muhurta starts 48×2=96 minutes before 5:30 am i.e. 1 hour 36 minutes before sun rise, i.e. at 03.54 am.
• It ends 48 minutes before sunrise, i.e. at 04.42 am.
• So, on that day, the Brahma Muhurtha falls between 03.54 am to 04.42 am

Now, let us understand what does Brahma means. It has many meanings. Brahma can mean impersonal Brahma or can refer to Brahmaji or it also means something big or great or auspicious. So, Brahma Muhurta means, auspicious time or greatest time or best time. It is also called amrit vela.

Why meditation in Brahma Muhurat?

Early morning, our mind is at peace. Anger, anxiety, frustration, lamentation, hankering does not torture the mind much in the early morning hours. One reason is because at the night-time when we take rest then the impurities of the mind settles down. For example, when water is in agitated state then the dirt can be seen on the surface and all over the water. Now leave the water to calm down and you will see that the dirt settles down.

Similarly, our mind is busy throughout the day, it is full of thoughts – both positive and negative. When we take proper rest in the night then our mind relaxes, and the thoughts too settle down. So, when we get at this time then our mind is peaceful, and we can focus well on any activity we do. This is why parents and teachers would tell us to study tough subjects like mathematics or physics in the morning because mind is fresh and alert so it can grasp concepts quickly. 

Also, if we look around, we will see that nature is also at peace at this time. It is neither too hot nor too cold, no traffic, no people, no noise pollution, we can smell the cool breeze, serenity is everywhere, everything looks so divine. There is no disturbance outside and inside. So, at this time when we pray to God and chant mantras then we can completely focus on the Supreme Lord and the divine mantras sounds.

Praying in Brahma Muhurta brings us in mode of goodness

One of the benefits of Brahma Muhurta is that it brings us to the mode of goodness.

Just like the living entities are in different gunas or modes, similarly the day can also be divided into three gunas. Morning time is in the mode of goodness, day in passion and night in ignorance. We can practically experience every day.

Morning hours are cool and calm. Atmosphere is serene and we are at peace. As the day progresses, passion starts taking over. We become more passionate to work, we see people running here and there and everyone gets busy in some sort of activities. Night is in ignorance. In the night people become lazy, sleep overpowers them.

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says that if we want to be happy then we should rise above ignorance and passion and come to the level of goodness.

It is not that we can say that we are in complete goodness or passion or ignorance. Most of us are in mixed modes i.e., sometimes mode of goodness is prominent in us, sometimes passion takes over and sometimes we are overpowered by ignorance. If we are mostly in passion and ignorance then we will be always in stress and will be unhappy. So, it is imperative that our life is guided by goodness.

Life should be guided by goodness

To work we need passion, no doubt. But passion without proper direction can create havoc. Especially youths have lots of energy and are passionate to achieve results. But if they are not guided by goodness then their energy or enthusiasm may get wasted and sometimes can become destructive too.

For example, river water is controlled by its banks. Dams are built to use the water for constructive purpose. Kite can fly high in the sky only if it is properly controlled by a string. For gas stove, we have regulator else it will burn the whole house. Similarly, passion should be guided by goodness. This is why kings used to have qualified gurus. To rule and to check the inimical forces one needs passion. But if a king is guided by a guru who is in goodness, then king can use his passionate energy for the welfare of the society.

We see that Duryodhana, or Karna never listened to any sagely advice. They were chivalrous but since they did not utilize their energy properly, so they created havoc. Whereas the Pandavas were always guided by saintly personalities and especially by Krishna. So, ultimately Pandavas emerged victorious.

Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 14.6 – 9 gives the characteristics of the three modes

• Mode of goodness gives sukha (happiness) and jnana (knowledge)
• But mode of passion fills one with unlimited desires and hankerings
• Mode of ignorance is characterized by pramāda (madness), ālasya, (indolence), nidrābhiḥ (sleep).

How association affects our life?

Association plays a key role in our life. If we associate with a person who is lazy, is full of negativities then we will develop those bad qualities. And if we are with someone who is greedy and has lots of material desires then slowly such desires will fructify in our hearts tool.

But if we associate with those people who are self-controlled, is free from lust, anger and greed, who likes to pray and do meditation then gradually such noble qualities will also develop in us. This is about associating with people.

Similarly, with which part of the day we associate with impacts our life. If we are an early morning person, then it means that we are associating with that time of the day when it is in goodness. If we are getting up very late and just rushing to our office or getting busy in our household activities, then it means that we associating with that time of the day when it is in passion.

We can say that around 10 am passion starts and continues till evening till sunset. During this time anyway almost all of us have to be active. Ignorance is prominent in night. It is the time to rest our body and mind. But if we are awake till late night watching TV or movies or playing video games then we will develop ignorance.

Based on the modes we cultivate; we experience happiness and misery in life. In Bhagavad Gita 14.14-15 Krishna also tells what kind of destination people of different modes get.  

• People who are in goodness goes to the heavenly planets or get higher destinations.
• Those in passion is reborn on this earthly planet and continue with their material pursuits.
• Those in ignorance gets animal body or even may go to hell.

So, one of the benefits of getting up in Brahma Muhurta is that we get time to associate with that part of the day which is in goodness.

Spiritual practices in Brahma Muhurta brings us to mode of goodness

But if we are getting up in Brahma Muhurta and during this time, we get involved in spiritual activities then gradually we will develop mode of goodness. This is one of the great benefits of Brahma Muhurta. Srila Prabhupada says that all the sincere devotees should try their best to at least come to the stage of goodness. In goodness it is easy to fight with anarthas or impurities and get free from sufferings.

In military parlance it is said that if you sweat in peace then you bleed less in war. Similarly, if we sweat in the peaceful morning hours then we will be troubled less by our anarthas during the day and night hours.

Praying and chanting mantras like the Hare Krishan Mahamantra helps us a lot in fighting with our vices which is the root cause of our suffering. Chanting mantras throws out dirt from our mind making it cleaner and purer. And more our mind becomes clean more our life becomes auspicious and happy.

Imagine a life which is free of anger, anxiety, greed, lust, hankering, frustration and negative thoughts! Only positive spiritual thoughts fill our mind. How much happiness we will experience internally! In fact, the purpose of practicing devotion to God is to come to a state where we are free from all the negativities which brings so much suffering.

In the gurukuls students were trained to get up early in the morning and do sadhana. Unfortunately, in today’s time people do not understand the importance of time.

Flickering happiness or everlasting happiness?

Time plays a very important role in our life. Many people watch late night shows, watch YouTube videos and think that they are enjoying their life. But in fact, this is wastage of time and human form of life. Happiness which a movie or TV show gives is so flickering and temporary. It may last for few minutes.

But by practicing devotion to God we remove impurities from our mind and heart and we connect to God. This gives us lots of joy. And this joy is everlasting. The happiness which a self-controlled person experiences is far greater than the happiness which even the emperor of the world may get.

So, we have to choose if we want flickering happiness or everlasting happiness.

Srila Prabhupada about Brahma Muhurta and morning program

In Iskcon, Srila Prabhupada has talked about the benefits of practicing devotion to Krishna in Brahma Muhurta. He made sure that all the devotees who sincerely wants to practice devotion gets up early in the morning in Brahma Muhurta. Especially those who stay in the temple, it is compulsory that they get up for morning program. Even for grihastas it is important that they get up early in the morning.  

Srila Prabhupada writes, “The brāhma-muhūrta takes place about one and a half hours before sunrise. It is recommended that one should rise from bed at that time and, after finishing daily ablutions, take to spiritual activities by performing maṅgala-ārati and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. This period is very convenient for the execution of spiritual activities.”

In a letter to one of his disciples, Srila Prabhupada underlins the importance of spiritual program in the morning.

“Everything is done in conformity to a regular standard. For example, all the temple members, without exception must rise by 4:00 A.M. and attend Mangal aratik. Everyone living in the temple must agree to the standard by proper understanding of the philosophy of tapasya. We cannot expect our guests to follow all our principles, but whoever lives in the temple must follow.” Srila Prabhupada letter on January 12, 1974 to Mudunda däsa

Attaining perfection by practicing devotion in Brahma Muhurta

If you go to any Iskcon temple, in any part of the world you will find that they have morning program. And as far as I have seen and known in all the temples in all over the world, morning program starts at 4:30 am. There could be few exceptions because of certain local issues. Even sincere grihastas get up early in the morning and do complete morning program at home.

All sincere devotees of Iskcon, follow following morning program schedule. Day begins with Mangala Arati at 4:30 am followed by Narasimha Arati, Tulasi Arati and Sistastakam prayers. All these aratis complete by around 5:30 am. After this devotees chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra which takes around 2 hours.  At 7:30 am there is darshan arati which is followed by guru puja. After guru puja there is Srimad Bhagavatam class for an hour. The entire morning is packed with spiritual programs.

We discussed what is Brahma Muhurta and its benefits. But the greatest benefit of Brahma Muhurta is that by praying and chanting mantras during this time we can perfect our life and come to a stage where we develop genuine and spontaneous love for the Supreme Lord.

A girl on her deathbed finds peace in Hare Krishna Mahamantra

A Polish girl suffering from cancer finds peace when she begins chanting and hearing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra

Dying peacefully

HH Indradumnya Maharaj writes about her in his diary.

“The girl was 16 when she discovered that she has cancer & the cancer had already spread all over her body. The girl was undergoing through tremendous physical pain but fortunately she had discovered a medicine which would help her to bear the unbearable pain. She would find solace & comfort in singing the Hare Krishna kirtan (song). Slowly her condition deteriorated further & it became impossible for her to even speak. Then she requested her brother to sing the kirtan for her.

Her brother who was studying in a college used to phone her and sing the kirtan for her everyday from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. It continued for 2 months. And one fateful night the girl left this world while her brother was singing the kirtan for her. Her brother was not aware that his sister has already died. He continued singing the Mahamantra. His mother who was with his sister during her last moments picked up the phone and informed him that his sister is no more. Controlling her tears, she thanked her son for singing the Mahamantra and said, “Your sister died peacefully.” (Reference: travelingmonk.com, I-never-Cry, Volume 11, Chapter 10, Oct 11, 2010).”

The girl was able to withstand tremendous physical pain because she was able to raise her consciousness from material to spiritual. No doubt, her physical body was suffering but her soul was experiencing peace and happiness when she chanted or heard the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

When can we transcend physical pain?

Our real identity is that we are spirit souls, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. Just like our dress covers our body, similarly our physical body covers our soul. The dress we wear does not last forever, similarly the body we wear goes through wear and tear before it makes it final journey to the graveyard. When we give up our old dress, we wear the new one. Similarly, our soul takes up new physical body when our present body becomes unsuitable for living.

If you and me can understand that we are souls and as souls, we are eternal then physical pain and unpleasant material circumstances won’t trouble us much. We will transcend all the pains.

Why don’t we experience we are souls?

But the problem is that we do not experience that we are souls?

Just like we feel that we are sitting inside a car, similarly why don’t we feel that as souls we are sitting inside our body?

Scriptures say that it is because our consciousness is contaminated in this world. It is covered with the impurities of lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion, false ego.

If you make a person wear glasses covered with thick layer of mud, then he won’t be able to see anything. For him everything will look same i.e. black.

Similarly, since we are engrossed in matter, and our consciousness is covered with multiple layers of impurities, so we cannot distinguish between matter and spirit. They look same to us and so we always identify ourselves with our physical body.

Now, if the person cleans the mud from his glasses, then he can see things clearly. Similarly, if we remove the impurities which is blinding our consciousness then we will be able to see ourselves as souls residing in temporary physical body.

Is it possible to clean the impurities? If yes, then how?

Cleaning the impurities is a difficult task, but it is not impossible. Merely by thinking or by verbally saying that we are not this body, but spirit souls will not make us realize that we are spirit souls.

For this, we will have to make conscious efforts. Scriptures have given us a process to remove these impurities.  The holy books say that in the present age, chanting the names of God is the most potent way to clean the heart of all the vices. But what mantra to chant? All the authorized mantras of the Lord are great, but the best is the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

When we start cleaning our heart, we slowly begin to differentiate ourselves from the physical body and physical world. In the beginning our understanding is at preliminary stage but gradually our vision becomes clearer and when we become completely pure, we clearly see that we are souls sitting inside the body.

As souls we belong to Krishna. The greatest benefit of chanting is that it not just purifies our heart, but it also helps to re-establish our relationship with Krishna, our Supreme Father.

When an orphan child reunites with his father, his joy is unlimited. Similarly, when we reconnect to Krishna, we experience incalculable bliss. As soon as we start the process of reconnecting with Krishna, happiness starts manifesting in our heart.

What happens when heart is completely cleansed of all the impurities?

At the onset of dawn there is some glimpses of sunlight, but darkness is also there. Similarly, when we start the process of Krishna Consciousness by chanting the names of Krishna then slowly darkness caused by impurities from our heart starts dissipating. Transcendental happiness starts appearing in our heart but because the impurities are still not completely purged so we do not experience complete joy. So, we suffer too.

When sun appears completely in the eastern horizon then darkness is completely gone. Similarly, when by our sincere chanting, Krishna’s love illuminates our heart then our heart is cleansed of all the impurities. In that spiritual light our consciousness awakens, we forgo all our physical and material attachment and joyfully swim in the ocean of transcendental bliss.

Conscious efforts to connect to Krishna

The fortunate young Polish girl was able to minimize her suffering because she intelligently took the medicine of the holy name. She could not do much about her physical pain. But she uplifted her consciousness by making conscious effort to connect to Krishna. She found joy in hearing the kirtan of Krishna because chanting and hearing nourished her soul.

Physical pain and pleasure are flickering. It comes and go. But spiritual joy is eternal and unlimited. So, we should make conscious efforts to connect to Krishna by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, it will bring peace and happiness.

The Bhagavad Gita verse which enhances my faith & conviction in Krishna Consciousness

All the verses of Bhagavad Gita enhance my faith and conviction in Krishna. But one verse which stand out is the verse from Bhagavad Gita 18.37.  In this verse Krishna says, “That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

I can relate with this verse and can say with full conviction that each word of this verse is true.  Especially this one from the verse “which appears poisonous in the beginning but becomes nectar in the end.” I have applied it in my life. And have always got the same result which is Krishna is saying.  In fact, I apply this verse almost daily in my life.

Because of past conditioning and ignorance, spiritual activities appear troublesome to me. In fact, as mentioned in this verse, poisonous, viṣam iva.

Spiritual activities appear poisonous in the beginning but becomes nectar in the end

For example, getting up early in the morning and doing mangal arati appears very difficult. Chanting sixteen rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra appears tedious. And I do not find much interest in reading literatures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and other books of Srila Prabhupada. All these important spiritual activities are poisonous to me. Every day I have to struggle to complete these important spiritual activities.

So, every morning I remind myself of this verse. I contemplate on its meaning. I tell myself that these activities are now looking poisonous but if I exert myself, give up laziness and complete these spiritual duties I will experience “happiness in the end.” This is what Krishna is promising in this verse. So, I keep faith in the words of Krishna and I complete all these activities like mangala arati, chanting the names of Krishna, reading spiritual books. And almost every day, at the end of the day, I find that once I complete these spiritual activities, I feel so satisfied and happy from within. 

Sense gratification appears nectar in the beginning but becomes poisonous in the end

But if I indulge in sense gratification like browsing internet, reading political news, doing prajalpa (mundane talks) then while doing these activities I feel some sort of so-called happiness. But after spending time in these non-Krishna Conscious activities, almost all the time I fret. I curse myself saying that what was the need for me to waste my time in this way. Sense gratification is a waste of time, and it takes us away from Krishna. So, Krishna has warned us in Bhagavad Gita 18.38 that sense gratification may appear like nectar in the beginning, but it becomes poison in the end.

“That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion.” Bhagavad Gita 18.38.

Once we begin doing, we begin enjoying

One of the great things about spiritual activity is that before we start doing it, it appears troublesome. But as soon as we start doing it, we start experiencing pleasure. For example, getting up early in the morning, taking bath, making preparation for mangal arati appears unpleasant. But as soon as we start making preparation for mangal arati and start worshipping the deity, we start enjoying from within.

Similarly, once we begin chanting, we feel nice. And once we complete chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, we feel so happy and so lucky. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. And also, once we have read few sentences from Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam then slowly we find ourselves getting absorbed in reading.

How Bhagavad Gita 18.37 verse helps me on the day of fasting?

On the day of fasting especially on the day of nirjala ekadasi this verse helps me a lot to successfully complete nirjala ekadasi. Nirjala ekadasi means fasting for 24 hours without water. On that day I keep on reciting this verse in my mind throughout the day and contemplate on its meaning. I keep on telling myself, “One day of trouble and sacrifice and the next day I will be on cloud nine, I will get lots of spiritual happiness.” And by remembering this verse I have been able to complete nirjala ekadasi for last many years.

Similarly on other days when I have to fast like during Janmashtami, Gaur Purnima, Narasimha Chaturdasi and other ekadasi days I keep on remembering this verse.

Spiritual life is full of nectar

Upon contemplation I come to the conclusion that we all have developed a wrong understanding that spiritual activities are troublesome. Because if spiritual activities would have been troublesome then I would have felt miserable after completing it. I have never seen any devotee in my entire life who felt miserable after chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra or after attending managal arati.

When we go to Mayapur we get up in the morning to attend 4:30 am Managal arati. We feel so blissful and happy seeing the deities of Radha Madhav and asta sakshis, of Panchatattva and of Lord Narasimhadeva. It’s a divine experience. And when we look around, we find everyone – men, women, children, old people – happy. Even those who come for the first time to the temple are also blissful.

When we do Govardhan Parikrama on foot in Vrindavan, we feel so exhausted. The parikrama marg is around 21 km and it takes 6-7 hours to complete the parikrama. During the parikrama, we get completely exhausted. Legs become stiff. We have to exert a lot to move ahead. But devotees do not give up. With full faith in Krishna they continue the parikrama. And once we are able to successfully circumambulate Giriraj Govardhan we feel so satisfied and happy. I have never met any person in my life who regretted the decision of doing Govardhan Parikrama.

Conclusion

This is the reason that I strongly believe what Krishna says in this verse “that spiritual life appears like poison in the beginning but becomes nectar in the end.” It has increased my faith and conviction in Krishna’s words. Because I have personally experienced it.  

In this verse Krishna also says that activities in the mode of goodness such as spiritual practices lead to “self-realization.” I cannot say much about self-realization because I have not attained it. But one thing I have realized that no matter how hard we try, we can never be happy by satisfying the unholy demands of our mind and senses.  But if we engage our mind and senses in Krishna Consciousness then we will be happy.

To conclude, “Krishna Consciousness appears difficult initially, but if we practice it with determination and faith then the end result is extraordinary.”