Tag: Krishna

Why Krishna is called Govinda?

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

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

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

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

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

3 reasons why Krishna is called Govinda

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

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

Krishna gives pleasure to the cows

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

Krishna gives pleasure to the senses

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

Krishna gives pleasure to the land

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

Srila Prabhupada explains:

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

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

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

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

Bhagavad Gita quotes on mind control

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You suffer because of your uncontrolled mind

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

You easily get distracted because of your uncontrolled mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, he recommends two process:

1. Practice
2. Detachment

Controlling the mind by practice (abhyāsena)

Practice means to do something repeatedly till we become proficient.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

What practice to do to control the mind?

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

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

But you have to keep on trying.

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

The great Vedic sages practiced meditation to control the mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also Read

• Controlling the mind with intelligence as per Vedic literatures

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Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

I was aimlessly wandering in this world trying to look for pleasure. Some told me that the only way to be happy in this world is to become materially successful. “If you have power and position and possessions, then you will become the happiest person in the world.” 

I thought I got the formula to be happy and peaceful in this world.

But during the course my journey I found that happiness eludes me. When I looked at the life of so-called materially successful people, I found that they too are miserable.  Although they might not be aware of it. And the one thought which always haunted me was that even if I become the richest person on the planet earth, even if I become the most powerful person on this planet earth but it won’t last for long. Any day without any prior information death will come knocking at my door and will take me away.

With all my intelligence I will not be able to save my life. I will not be able to bribe death with all my wealth. And even with all my power I will not be able to overpower death. Death will not allow me to carry anything of this world. Whatever I have accumulated I will be forced to leave here. I will have to leave behind my family members and my friends.

What is the value of money, power, and position in this world?  All are useless.

So, what should be done?  What is life? Who am I?

If everything is meant to end finally then let it end now.

If I have to die, then why not I kill myself and end everything.

I thought let me finish my life because it is useless.

But I found that I do not want to die. I want to live. I want to exist. I want to feel happy. I want to enjoy my life. I want to sing. I want to dance. I want to have wonderful relationship with the people.

If I am nobody just meant to die, then from where these feelings are coming. Why my heart wants love? Why my eyes want to see things which are beautiful? Why I am looking always for happiness? Why I do not want to suffer? What is this world? Why the sun rises every morning and then sets every evening? Why every living creature of this world are struggling to live? Why no one wants to die? Everyone wants to live. Everyone wants to just enjoy their life.

I found I am pleasure seeking. I hate to be miserable.

But I had lost interest in the world. I had lost interest in the studies. I had lost interest in the people. Because nothing gave me any pleasure. I was not living my life. I was simply dragging my life. Yes, my impurities were forcing me do get involved in non sensical material activities.

But it was not me. My mind was dragging me to get indulged in such activities. After wasting my time in worldly pleasure-seeking activities, I cried with tears sometimes and without tears many times.

I read several books of the scientists to know about the world. It did not give me any answer. I turned towards many religious people, read their books but did not get any satisfactory answer.

And then I met the devotees of Krishna. I was desperate to know the truth. They gave me your books. I began reading your books, hearing your lectures. In started attending the classes.

One by one my doubts were getting answered. I wanted to know more. I wanted to know everything.

I remember during one of my first few visits to Radha Kunjabihari temple in Iskcon Pune. During Guru Puja I saw devotees happily worshipping you and dancing in front of you. I thought who are you? Why all are worshipping you? Why should I worship you?

When I read your books, I found that it is filled with pearls of wisdom.  For the first time ever in my life, I found that your books, your lectures have all the answers to all my questions.  The answers were convincing, filled with logic.

The more I read your books, more I heard your lectures, more I read about you my love for you kept on increasing. 

This flickering material world was frustrating me, burning me, torturing me.  I did not know what to do.

But you came in my life like a monsoon rain. You cleared all my doubts.

I do not want to die because as a soul I am eternal. So, I want to live eternally.

I seek pleasure because because as a soul I am pleasure seeking. So, I hate to suffer.

I want wonderful relationship with all because in the spiritual world every soul has wonderful relationship with others. So, I hate to be alone.

I was wandering in the forest filed with thorny bushes and venomous serpents. But like a caring father you held my hand and revealed to be the most important secret which was the cause of all my sufferings.

You revealed to me that I belong to Krishna. Krishna is my father, my mother, my friend, my best well-wisher. You told that Krishna is the Supreme Lord; he is the Supreme Truth.  But unfortunately, I left him to enjoy away from him.  

You also revealed to me the spiritual world and told me that I belong to the spiritual world which is eternal and full of bliss. This temporary material world is not my original home, but the spiritual world is my original home.

I do not know why I left Krishna. But today I know that I want only to be with Krishna.

My frustration with the life ended by your mercy.

However, during my spiritual journey, I have understood one important thing – the process to attain Krishna is simple, but it is not easy.  No one in the entire universe can stop me from becoming a devotee of Krishna but my mind. It is my mind which is my fiercest enemy. I see other people as my enemy. I see others doing harm to me. I see people making plans to insult me, to put me down. But when I go deeper, I find that it is my mind which is creating feeling of pain and pleasure for me.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, you gave me the address of the eternal world where you reside eternally with your and my beloved Krishna. You also showed me the path following which I can reach you in the spiritual world.

But my mind, always knocks me down. And almost all the time I am helpless in front of my mind. I know that if I ignore my mind, if I do not surrender to my mind and with grit practice devotion to Krishna then all the miseries of my life will vanish in a moment. But I am extremely weak in front of my mind. Because for millions of lives, I have served only one master faithfully which is my mind.

I have become so accustomed to serving my mind that I do not have courage to say no to it.  My mind has become extremely powerful. It has bound me from all the sides. No matter how much I try I fail to free myself from its clutches. So, on this auspicious occasion of your appearance day, I pray at your lotus feet to free me from the clutches of my evil mind.  It has devastated my life.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, Please give me strength so that like Avantī brāhmaṇa in all situations and circumstances I should tolerate the urges of my mind. Nothing in this world should agitate me. Nothing in this world should allure me.  For me pleasure and pain remain the same. Happiness and distress should not distract me from my eternal goal.

I never had much desire to continue living in this world. At this very moment too I to not have any love for my life.  I do not fear death. In fact, I never feared death. I always feared life.  

But after coming to Krishna Consciousness I neither fear death nor life.  But I only fear one thing a life devoid of Krishna consciousness.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, please shower your mercy upon me that in whatever situation and circumstances I may be in I continue chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra minimum 16 rounds a day. And I never break any of the four regulative principles.

I pray at your lotus feet millions of time again & again to free me from the clutches of my mind.

There are so many wonderful devotees of Krishna who are doing wonderful service for Krishna as per your instructions. But most of my time gets wasted in struggling with my life. Please bestow your mercy upon me so that I may also do at least something for Krishna.

My heart is filled with lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, illusion and false ego.

I came away from Krishna because I wanted to be away from Krishna. I was selfish. Today also when I look within then with utter shame, I want to admit that I am still selfish. Whatever I do I do it for myself. I always think about myself.

The foremost quality of a devotee is that he does not have any selfish motive. He does not have any enjoying mentality. But I try to enjoy my life without Krishna, without you and without the devotees.

And even when I try to serve you then my mind forces me to serve my ego.

I am in a helpless situation because of my mind. I know that as long as this material body remains, I will have to live with my mind. So, the only way to defeat the mind is to purify it. And I do not have the willpower and purity to purify my mind.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, I beg at your lotus feet to purify my mind free me from the clutches of my evil mind.

And shower your unlimited mercy upon me so that I can serve Krishna selflessly, I serve you selflessly, I serve the devotees selflessly and I serve the entire humanity selflessly.  

Dear Srila Prabhupada, I am eternally grateful to you for all you have given to me. I am not qualified enough to express it in proper words. Or I think there are not enough words which can ever glorify you. 

Today the whole world especially the devotees are celebrating your Vyasa Puja. On this most auspicious day, I just want to say “Thank You” for everything. And I beg you to continue guiding me forever.

Your eternal insignificant servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

What is the reason behind Hathi Besha of Lord Jagannath?

We might have seen many pictures of Lord Jagannath having Hathi Besha or elephant head like Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva. It looks so different. What could be the reason behind Hathi Besha of Lord Jagannath? 

Specially on the day of Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is decorated as Gajanana or Hati Besha. His face is decked up as having an elephant head.

Lord Jagannath is extremely merciful and fun loving. He is known for many sweet pastimes which delights all.  He goes extra mile to please anyone and everyone.  

The Lord took the Hathi Besha because he wanted to satisfy the desire of a person who visited his temple in Puri.

A devotee of Ganesha visits the temple

Ganapati Bhatta was a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Once he came to Jagannath Puri. He had heard a lot about the temple in Puri and the different festivals which are conducted in the temple. He had come during Snana Yatra time and went to the temple to participate in the bathing ceremony of the Lord. He was excited.

But when he saw Lord Jagannath was not having an elephant head like Ganesha, he became disappointed.

He left the place.  He had given his heart to Ganesha and wanted to worship only Ganesha.

Lord Jagannath resides as paramatma within everyone’s heart. He immediately understood the desire and the cause of dissatisfaction of Ganapati Bhatta.

Jagannath took the form of a brahmana

The Supreme Lord took the form of a brahmana. He went to Ganapati Bhatta. Meanwhile the devotee of Ganesha was planning to leave Puri.

As a brahmana, the Lord tried to convince Ganapati Bhatta to again visit the temple. He was reluctant. But the Lord persuaded him.  So, he agreed. He decided to visit the temple in the evening.

The Lord had planned something special for him that day.

As promised to the brahmana, Ganapati Bhatta went to the temple in the evening.

Ganapati Bhatta sees Hathi Besha of Lord Jagannath

As he saw the Lord he began dancing in joy. 

It was unbelievable. It was so surprising.

Lord Jagannath was having an elephant head, Hathi Besha, like Ganesha. He saw his beloved Lord Ganesha and he saw all merciful Lord Jagannath.

To please Ganapati Bhatta, Lord Jagannath appeared in this form. The Supreme Lord was having a big smile on his smile.

Ganapati Bhatta’s heart cried in joy. He bowed again and again to the Lord.

The Supreme Lord is the source of all the demigods

He now understood that Lord Jagannath is the Supreme Lord. Everything comes from him. He is the source of all the demigods. The demigods are not independent but are parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord. All the powers which they have come from the Supreme Lord only.

Srimad Bhagavatam 4.31.14 says, “As pouring water on the root of a tree energizes the trunk, branches, twigs and everything else, and as supplying food to the stomach enlivens the senses and limbs of the body, simply worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead through devotional service automatically satisfies the demigods, who are parts of that Supreme Personality.”

When we worship Krishna, we satisfy all the demigods

This pastime of Lord Jagannath clearly tells us that if we worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna or Lord Jagannath then there is no need to worship any demigod because Krishna is the original source of everything. During the Govardhan pastime also Lord Krishna had demonstrated that demigod worship is not required.  

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.1 says, “Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.”

In fact, the demigods too get pleased when he sees that we are worshipping the Supreme Lord Jagannath or Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath are the same.

Lord Jagannath is supremely merciful and magnanimous. He fulfils everyone’s desire.  He has millions of devotees but to satisfy one devotee he took Hathi Besha form.

We should always approach the Lord with spiritual desire and not material desire. Material desire even if fulfilled will not bring happiness in our life.

But if our desires are devotional then it will bring us closer to the Lord and give us unlimited happiness.

What is the best way to overcome maya?

We the living entities always have two options. One option is to take shelter of Krishna. And the other option is to take shelter of Krishna’s illusory energy i.e. maya. If we are not with Krishna, then by default we are with maya.

And when our master is maya then we are in a dangerous situation because maya constantly subject us to many kinds of sufferings.

Maya is extremely powerful. It consists of three modes of material nature. With these three modes, maya shackles the living entities and imprisons them in this world. 

The miserable condition of all the living entities is best explained by Lord Chaitanya, “In the material condition, the living entity is sometimes raised to higher planetary systems and material prosperity and sometimes drowned in a hellish situation. His state is exactly like that of a criminal whom a king punishes by submerging him in water and then raising him again from the water.” Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya 20.118

Along with it maya also steals the intelligence of all her prisoners who start living in the illusion that he/she is enjoying here. For example, a hog eats stool and thinks he is happy. Bereft of intelligence we, the conditioned souls, begin to believe that suffering is part and parcel of our life. We start living with it. We all know we are going to die. But still we live as if we are never going to die.

We become so ignorant that we don’t even question as why we are suffering in this world and why we are dying.

But Krishna is extremely merciful. He incarnates in this world to give us a chance to free ourselves from these never-ending suffering.

If we choose Krishna we choose an eternal blissful life.

But if we choose not to choose Krishna, we choose a life of suffering.

Because on our own we cannot free ourselves from the clutches of maya. Krishna says in BG 7.14, “This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” 

So, if we want freedom from pain and suffering then we need to choose Krishna.

The best way to take shelter of Krishna is to chant the holy names of Krishna like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi, 7.76 says, “For spiritual progress in this Age of Kali, there is no alternative, there is no alternative, there is no alternative to the holy name, the holy name, the holy name of the Lord.”

When we chant we awaken our dormant love for Krishna. We start getting closer and closer to Krishna. Just as sun appears darkness disappears.  Similarly, as soon as we invite Krishna to reside in our heart by chanting his beautiful names all the sufferings begin disappearing from our heart.

Krishna frees us from the clutches of maya. We no longer suffer from the vicious cycle of birth and death. We start leading a blissful life.

Krishna is the best master. He is our best well-wisher. He can help us to easily overcome maya.

How to attain freedom from never ending suffering?

We all want freedom from never ending sufferings but in spite of that we are kncoked down by suffering again and again.

The Coronavirus pandemic has killed thousands of people all over the world. Even the wealthiest and the mightiest people of the world are helpless in front of it.

It has plunged the whole world into misery. As we are struggling for survival and trying our best to save ourselves from this tiny little virus, let us pause for a moment and ask ourselves as why we are always subjected to suffering in this world?

Or why suffering never ceases to end in this world? And is there any place in the entire creation of God where there is no suffering and where we can live fearlessly?

Its not that people were free from the diseases before the attack of the virus. It will also not happen that once the cure of the virus has been found people will never suffer from any diseases.  People were dying in the past; people are dying in the present and people will continue to die in the future.

Suffering in this world is everywhere

In fact, Bhagavad Gita 8.16 says that there are no planets in the entire material universe where there is no suffering and no death.

Miseries in this world follow us like a shadow.

We do not want to suffer from any disease but still we suffer. None of us want to grow old but every moment we grow old. In fact, a tiny little kid playing carelessly in its pram is also growing old every second.

We all want to live forever. We all want to remain united with our parents, with our spouse, with our siblings, with our children, with our friends forever. But we are forced to get separated. But we are not able to save them when the agents of death take them away from us. We helplessly watch as they are slowly devoured by death.

Their tears and our tears do not melt the heart of the cruel and emotionless death. A day will come when we will also be forced to leave this world.

As per the stringent laws of the material universe we cannot live here permanently. And as per the laws of this world as long as we live here, we will also have to undergo different types of sufferings.

Three types of sufferings

The scriptures tell about three types of miseries which always afflicts anyone and everyone in this world.

• adhidaivika-klesa: Sufferings caused by the higher powers like the demigods. Droughts, earthquakes, storms and other natural calamities come under this category.
• adhibhautika-klesa:  Sufferings caused because of other living beings like insects, mosquitoes, or fellow human beings.
• adhyatmika-klesa: Sufferings because of one’s own body and mind. For example, mental anxiety, fear, indecision, other mental illness or physical problems related to our body.

Everything ends one day

We make so many plans to mitigate these miseries.  We anchor our hope on technological advancement hoping that it will succeed one day in shielding us against all the miseries which nature inflict upon us. We believe that by creating more wealth, we will attain freedom from never ending suffering. Wealth will help us to secure our future and we can then celebrate our life.

And most importantly we desperately hope that a day will come when the medical science will discover an elixir which will make us immortal.

Like us, our forefathers too had the same wishes. They too did not want to suffer. They too did not want to die.

But history is testimony to the fact that no one has ever succeeded in bypassing the laws of this material world.

The Supreme Lord, our original father, and the architect of this world have clearly said that this world is temporary, this body of ours is temporary, this world is full of suffering, this body of ours is full of suffering and no matter how hard we try everything is going to come to an end one day.

The rebellious child

So, did God create us to live miserably and die miserably? Does God enjoy seeing us, his children, suffer? Definitely Not.

In fact, most of the children of God are supremely blissful and are celebrating their life in the company of God in the kingdom of God. But unfortunate souls like us decided to be here in this material world away from God.

Sometimes a child out of foolishness rebels against his family, rejects his father’s wise advice and runs away from his house. Away from his home, away from his family and away from his loving and caring mother and father he simply suffers.

Our condition is akin to that rebellious son. We are suffering because we ran away from our spiritual homes and came to this material world. In the spiritual world under the shelter of Krishna we were enjoying our life along with the residents of the spiritual world. And away from Krishna here we are suffering every moment.

Are we destined to suffer forever?

So, what is the solution? Are we condemned forever? Are we going to suffer forever.? Are we never going to attain freedom from never ending suffering? Not at all. Although we leave Krishna, but Krishna never leaves us. He always lives with us in our heart as Parmatma. He incarnates in this world again and again to invite us to return back to his abode.

And he is always accessible to us through his holy names. Padma Purana says that the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.

So when we are chanting his names with sincerity, it means we are directly associating with him and taking his shelter. To live a life free of suffering and free of fear we do not have to wait to return back to the spiritual world. In fact, while living in this world, we can experience supreme bliss and live without fear.

Krishna frees us

Sufferings end when we reconnect with Krishna

When we practice devotion to Krishna our sufferings vanish because we get cleansed of all our sins. We eventually attain freedom from never ending suffering. Also, when we take shelter of Krishna then Krishna who is the controller of this material world takes charge of our life.

A tiny little fish can swim against the gigantic waves which can devour gigantic ships because it has taken shelter of ocean. Similarly, we too start living fearlessly in this world which is inundated with unlimited miseries by taking shelter of Krishna.

Prahlada Maharaj while offering his prayers to the Lord says, “O best of the great personalities, I am not at all afraid of material existence, for wherever I stay I am fully absorbed in thoughts of Your glories and activities.”

Material solution to the material suffering can give temporary relief. But the suffering eventually comes in different form and continues knocking us down again and again.

But Krishna promises that if we turn towards him then he will free us from all past sins and will remove all sufferings from our life. Bhagavad Gita 18.66

Krishna also assures that once we return back to his abode then we will never come again to this material world which is full of suffering.

“From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kuntī, never takes birth again.” Bhagavad Gita 8.16

So, let us worship the lotus feet of Krishna, the son of mother Yashoda, which makes one fearless and brings all auspiciousness.  This is the best solution to attain freedom from never ending suffering.

Bilvamangala Thakura: Blinded by Lust liberated by Love

Bilvamangala Thakura was a wealthy south Indian Brahmin and belonged to a cultured family. But he got attracted to a prostitute named Cintamani. The attraction soon became an attachment. And as it happens when we get attached to worldly enjoyment, we lose our intelligence and subsequently our dignity.

The fire of lust was so intense that he was not at all moved when his father died; in fact, standing near the pyre of his father he was engrossed in the thought of Cintamani. The body of his dead father did not bring tears to his eyes, but his eyes were eager to see the physical beauty of the lady.

Overwhelmed with the desire to be with her he ran from the funeral pyre of his father towards her house. Cintamani lived on the other side of the river. That day was full of grief; thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain had created chaos and had over flooded the river.

Determined Bilvamangala Thakura hurriedly came near the bank of the river and asked the boatmen to ferry him across the river. The boatmen fearing for their life refused to take him in spite of the lure of money.

But just like a moth get attracted to the deadly fire and gets burned ultimately, similarly Bilvamangala Thakura jumped into the deadly river risking his life.

Struggling for his life in the river, he got hold of a floating object and desperately grabbed it. It was a putrefied dead body of a person. Using it as the support he successfully crossed the river.

Cintamani’s house was locked, so he decided to climb the wall and enter through the window.

He saw a rope hanging on the wall, it wasn’t a rope it was a snake!

Blinded by lust, he grabbed it and reached to the window and jumped through it falling on Cintamin’s feet.

He had succeeded in his mission to be with his beloved on that dreadful night.

Seeing an uninvited guest jumping through the window in such an hour of the night Cintamani was frightened.

Bilvamangala Thakura had hoped that seeing him she will be happy but in fact, the lady was disgusted seeing a stinking lusty man who had come to meet her on the day when his father had died.

Rebuking him she said, 
“What a shame that you have so much attraction for my physical body which is made of flesh, bones, blood, mucus, stool and other such obnoxious substances. This body rots every day and ultimately becomes food for the worms. Your attraction for this temporary body is not going to do any good to you. Instead, if you have the same attachment for Krishna then your life would be successful; it will deliver you from all the miseries of material existence and give you an opportunity to join Krishna in his eternal abode thus giving you eternal happiness.”

Being rebuked, humiliated and thrown out from her house, he came to his senses. He understood the futility of attachment for flesh which weakens one’s heart.

He took a decision to devote his life to Krishna and take shelter of his lotus feet.

Remembering and chanting the names of the Supreme Lord he marched towards Vrindavan. But as it is said that old habits die hard and sinful tendencies are not easy to give up.

Bilvamangala Thakura’s weakness was lust and so Maya attacked him again in the form of a woman.

On his way to Vrindavan, he saw a woman and got captivated by her beauty.

Shackled by lust he followed her to her house. He knocked at the door; a very sober man came out.

Seeing a guest donning a devotee’s attire pleased him, he thought his guest to be a chaste devotee of the Lord and so he wanted to serve him at any cost.

When the pious and gentle man inquired from him as to how can he serve him, Bilvamangala Thakura took a promise from him that he would fulfill his desire.

Eager to serve a devotee of the Lord he gave his word but to his utter shock, disbelief, and dismay Bilvamangala Thakura asked him to leave him alone with his wife.

Bound by his words and with tears in his eyes, he told his wife about the nefarious proposal of his guest disguised as a devotee.

Bilvamangala was left alone in the room with the lady.

With a choking voice, Bilvamangala said, “Mother, can I have your hairpin.”

He took the hairpin and to the lady’s utter shock, he immediately gouged both his eyes using the hairpin.

Falling at the feet of the lady and her husband, he begged for forgiveness.

He plucked his eyes to make sure that for the rest of his life he will never be seeing and nor getting enticed towards any form of the opposite sex.

Bilvamangala Thakura was now although physically blind but was spiritually awakened.

Life’s experience had taught him that lust can never be satiated but this disease aggravates as soon as one makes an endeavour to give in to lusty desires and thoughts.

From there he went to Vrindavan without getting distracted anymore. He had become so sincere in his devotion that life’s each moment he used in worshipping the Supreme Lord.

His genuine devotion attracted Krishna.

In fact, Krishna as a cowherd boy would come to meet him regularly carrying a glass of milk which he would give to him.

Bilvamangala Thakura did not know that the Supreme Lord was personally coming to see him. They both would speak with each other for hours.

Once when Krishna played his flute Bilvamangala Thakura was captivated by it and he wanted to embrace Krishna.

Krishna playfully escaped his embrace.

The great devotee of the Lord said you can escape from my hold but not from my heart.

Once Bilvamangala Thakura’s heart was flooded with lusty desires but with his determined devotion, he had cleansed his heart and had now enthroned Krishna in his heart.

Although his past wasn’t glorious, Krishna wasn’t bothered about his previous background.

In this world, once a person is caught doing something abominable, he is condemned and abandoned by all forever.

But Krishna is magnanimous and forgiving and is least interested in unearthing our previous sins.

As soon as he sees that our intentions are pure, and we are genuinely striving to purify our life he is eager to accept us and take us back to the spiritual world.

In Gita 16.21 and 16.22, Krishna tells that lust is a gateway to hell and those who can escape from it attains Supreme Destination.

Lust binds us to this material world but love for the Lord liberates us.

Bilvamangala Thakura was able to achieve Krishna only after his heart got thoroughly cleansed of all lusty desires.

So, to attain love of Krishna it is essential that we guard ourselves against the onslaught of lust and do not succumb to it.

(Published in Dandavats and ISKCON Desire Tree)

How to enjoy unlimited happiness in 2020?

2019 is gone. 2020 is in.  Most of us are busy welcoming 2020, hoping that this year will bring unlimited happiness and will fulfil all our unfulfilled desires.  We are also hoping that this year we should not be subjected to any types of miseries.

But is it not true that last year too we had the same hope at the beginning of the year? Not just last year, in fact every year we had hoped that our life will be free of all sufferings. But it is also true that just like a shadow, misery have always followed us.

We always look for mental peace but somehow or other many unpleasant events start unfolding in our lives which steals away all the peace of our mind.  We want good health but surprisingly we get affected by multiple diseases.  

Scriptures explain that we are always subjected by three types of miseries:  adhidaivika-kleśa (sufferings caused by the demigods, such as droughts, earthquakes and storms), adhibhautika-kleśa (sufferings caused by other living entities like insects or enemies), and adhyātmika-kleśa (sufferings caused by one’s own body and mind, such as mental and physical infirmities).

We may blame our destiny or curse the higher powers for our sufferings, but the truth is that we are responsible for all the pleasant or unpleasant situations in our lives.  We suffer because of the sins we have committed in our lives – either in this life or in previous life.

Padma Purana says that at all the time there are four effects of the sins (1) the sinful effect which has still not fructified (2) the sinful effect which lies as seed (3) the sinful effect that is already mature and (4) the sinful effect which is almost mature.  The distress from which we are suffering now are because of those sins which are “almost mature.” 

And other sins which are now lying in the seed form or have not fructified will lead to future sufferings. So when suffering suddenly appears in our life it means that the seeds of sin lying dormant matured.  And whatever sins we are committing now will surely lead to future sufferings. So, it is wrong to blame someone else for our own misdeeds.

Now if we want to lead a peaceful and blissful life then we need to first free ourselves from all the sins. All the sins should be burnt to ashes.  This can only be possible if we bring Krishna, the Supreme Lord and the Supreme Controller, in our life.  

In Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.14.19) Krishna says, “My dear Uddhava, just as a blazing fire turns firewood into ashes, similarly, devotion unto Me completely burns to ashes sins committed by My devotees.”

So, this New Year let us welcome Krishna in our life. Let us take a vow to take shelter of Krishna. This will guarantee peace and unlimited bliss in our life which we all are desperately looking for.  And the best way to take shelter of Krishna is by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Tulabharam challenge: When Satyabhama was about to lose Krishna

Satyabhama is a devoted wife of Krishna. But she is very demanding. She has a feeling that she rules Krishna’s heart and Krishna loves her more than other queens. Once when Narada Muni was in Dwarka he went to meet Satyabhama and during the conversation, he told her that it is Rukmini who actually occupies Krishna’s heart and not she.

Satyabhama could not tolerate this and she challenged Narada to prove it.

Narada through his tricky words lured Satyabhama for a Tulabharam challenge.

The condition was that if she fails in the challenge she will have to give Krishna in charity to Narada. This would make Krishna slave of Narada. And if she wins then it would be proven that she is the only one who rules Krishna’s heart and Krishna loves her the most.  

Satyabhama accepted the challenge because she believed that her wealth will easily outweigh Krishna on the balance (tula). The message soon spread in the palace and the other queens opposed it but Krishna like a submissive husband meekly surrendered to this challenge. A big-scale was arranged and everyone assembled to see this pastime.

Satyabhama put Krishna on one of the scales of balance and with supreme confidence, she started putting her wealth on the other scale. This was an opportunity for her to prove to the entire world that Krishna may have thousands of wives, millions of devotees but still Krishna loves her the most and her love for Krishna is the best.  

But to her dismay, the scale on which Krishna was sitting was not moving up even by an inch.  She was constantly thinking if her wealth does not outweigh Krishna then she will have to lose him. The thought sent shivers down her spine. She summoned all the valuables from the treasury including gold, diamonds, emerald and put it on the scale but still, it appeared to be insufficient. 

She was now desperate not to lose Krishna so she requested all the queens for their wealth except Rukmini because of obvious reasons.  The other queens of Krishna also feared that if Krishna is sold as a slave to Narada then Krishna will have to leave Dwarka and they will have to live without him forever.

So they all put together their prized possessions on the scale hoping that scale stuffed with the wealth of entire creation will outweigh Krishna. But still, the scale on which Krishna sat did not budge even by an inch. Satyabhama was in deep shock.

Now there was only one person in the entire creation left with whom she had to plead. Putting all her pride aside she pleaded Rukmini for help. Rukmini was ever there to help her. She did not bring her wealth to put on the scale.

Instead, she took a Tulasi leaf, prayed to Krishna and put it on the scale.

The scale became so heavy that it immediately came down lifting up the scale on which Krishna sat. In fact, even when all the wealth was removed and only the leaf was on the scale still it outweighed Krishna.  

The pastime shows that a humble offering to Krishna done with love is far superior to the wealth of the entire creation.

In Brahma Samhita 5.29, Lord Brahma says, “lakṣmī-sahasra-śata-sambhrama-sevyamānaṁ/ govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi”-  I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord who is always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of lakṣmīs.  Krishna has all the riches.  All the wealth which anyone possesses in the entire cosmic manifestation comes from Krishna, Lakshmipati, only.  

So how can we purchase Krishna with our material possessions?

Krishna is the proprietor of this entire creation. 

Krishna declares in Bhagavad Gita 10.8, “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me.”

Krishna has craving only for our love and so if we offer anything to him with love he just grabs it and enjoys the offering.  

This is why when Duryodhana invited Krishna to his palace for a meal then Krishna refused it.  Duryodhana wanted to win Krishna with the arrogant display of wealth. So Krishna did not even consider accepting his offering. Instead he went to the house of Vidura even without an invitation because the selfless love of Vidura and his wife pulled Krishna to their humble house.  

Vidura’s wife was so overwhelmed by seeing Krishna in his house that instead of removing the banana peel and offering the banana, she began offering him banana peels and Krishna was happily enjoying it.

Krishna gives a message to us in Gita 9.26 what actually he accepts “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.”

So the underlining principle is love. When Lord Rama was performing his pastime on this earthly planet then he enjoyed the half-eaten berry of Sabari as it was filled with her love and devotion.  Everything belongs to Krishna so what can we give to Krishna.

So does it mean that we have nothing to offer or we should offer only simple things to Krishna like a leaf, or a flower or water? Definitely not.

“Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me. B.G. 9.27.”  

So whatever we have should be offered to Krishna but it should be done with love and not with arrogance. Just because we are rich and offering valuable gifts to Krishna does not guarantee that he will accept it.  Also just because we are poor and we are offering something simple does not guarantee that he will accept it.  He will accept our gift only if it is filled with love, devotion, and humility.

So those of us who want to express our devotion to Krishna should constantly keep a watch on our consciousness. If our consciousness is contaminated with pride and arrogance then we will always fail to please Krishna.

If we want Krishna’s affection then we should make rigorous efforts to cleanse our hearts by chanting the holy names of the lord and fill it with lots of love and devotion.  And then like mother Rukmini we would also be able to win Krishna with our selfless love.

Damodar Lila: Why Balaram could not untie Krishna

Balaram was furious. Someone informed him that Krishna has been bound by ropes to a grinding mortar.

“How dare can anyone tie Krishna by ropes? Who has the audacity to even think of punishing Krishna? I will first free Krishna and then will punish that person.”

On the day when Krishna was bound by mother Yashoda to the wooden mortar Balram along with his mother Rohini had gone in the morning to meet the elder brother of Nanda Maharaj. 

So he was not there when Krishna was being punished.  When he returned, he came to know that Krishna has been bound by ropes to a grinding mortar.

Balaram was extremely angry. But someone softly uttered in Balaram’s ears, “Mother Yashoda has punished Krishna.”

Balaram immediately became quiet. He was now fearful too, “Hope mother Yashoda did not hear what I said else I will also be punished.”

Meanwhile Krishna was in tears. He was looking everywhere for help.

Nanda Maharaj was not around. Krishna’s cowherd friends wanted to help but were helpless. He knew the elder gopis from whose house he stole butter daily will not go against Yashoda. And to his agony the younger gopis were silently smiling.

But as soon as he saw Balaram he became hopeful. With tearful eyes he looked at Balaram and said, “Mother has punished me. Please free me.”

Balaram said, “Upon hearing your plight I rushed in to help you. You know if there would have been any demon I could have crushed him within seconds.

Krishna was disheartened. “You are my brother. You should help me. You are my first expansion. If you won’t help me then who will help me. I beg you.”

Balaram too became sad seeing Krishna’s suffering. He said, “Ok. Let me try again.”

Balaram went to mother Yashoda to convince her that she should free Krishna.

Meanwhile Yashoda had got busy in her household duties after tying Krishna to the mortar. Balaram went to her and told,

You know to whom you have tied by ropes. If I tell you about the glories of Krishna you will be astonished!

Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the source of all the material and spiritual worlds. Just by his desire the sun shines, the wind blows, the waves rise in the ocean. From the pores of his body millions of universes emanate.  

Sages and yogis do penance for thousands of years just to have a glimpse of him. You are so fortunate that he is born to you and he plays in your courtyard.

And you have bound him by ropes!

Its a great offense to the Supreme Lord Krishna. You should immediately untie him.”

When Krishna heard his brother speaking so eloquently, he was overjoyed. “My elder brother is so intelligent and smart. He is logically pleading my case. I think he will be able to convince mother now.”

Meanwhile Yashoda who had to do many household works was getting irritated. She said to Balaram, “So Krishna is the Supreme Lord. And what about you?”

“Seems she has understood about Krishna’s greatness so now let me reveal to her about my glories,” thought Balaram.

He confidently began extolling his virtuous qualities,

“I am the first expansion of Krishna. As Ananta Sesa I hold the entire universe on my millions of hoods. The wish of the Lord is my command.

If he desires, then I can immediately destroy any demons.

When my Lord Krishna had performed his pastime as Lord Rama then I was his younger brother Lakshman. As Lakshman I killed so many demons. 

Wherever Krishna performs his pastimes I accompany him. I am the…”

Now Yashoda had become really irritated.

She picked up a stick and said, “So all the Gods have no other work but to appear in my house. Just go away from here.”

“You are committing a big mistake.” Balaram warned.

Yashoda now sternly told Balaram, “Just let me do my work else you will also meet the same fate. Krishna will remain tied to the mortar. And if you don’t go now will tie you too.”

Balaram immediately ran away from there and said to Krishna, the supreme Lord, “I cannot do anything, and I don’t want to be punished because of you.”

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, was so sad. He was wondering, “Who will free me now?”

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Damodar Lila:When Yashoda punishes Krishna, the Supreme Lord

Damodar lila – Controlling the controller with the ropes of love

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