Hare Krsna to all
Pranams
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Yesterday for our weekly Saturday Feast program, we
looked carefully at the verse in BG 3.9 which states that all work must be done
for Lord Vishnu otherwise all that work is Karma, or binding the soul to the
wheel of birth and death.
Personally I don’t think devotees think enough about the beginning
chapters of BG, which stress how to act in this world, which is the foundation
for how to act eventually upon the spiritual platform. Please consider thoughtfully, these quotes from Srila
Prabhupadas books.
Hare Krsna
Damaghosa das
1.Madhya 2.31 Certainly that heart is
steel-framed which, in spite of one's
chanting
the holy name of
the Lord with concentration, does not change and
feel
ecstasy, at which
time tears fill the eyes and the hairs stand
on
end."
(So this above
verse in CC gives us the end result of chanting Hare Krsna
mantra.
We should not
forget that this is the end point and reward for successful
execution
of chanting Hare Krsna maha mantra. To forget it means we
are just blindly following rules without profit.)
2. SB 2.3.24 P . If there is no such change,
the heart must be
considered
steel-framed, for it is not melted even when there
is
chanting of the holy name
of the Lord. We must always remember
that
hearing and chanting are the basic
principles of discharging
devotional duties, and if they are
properly performed there will
follow the
reactional ecstasy with signs of tears in the eyes
and
standing of the hairs on
the body. These are natural consequences
and
are the preliminary symptoms of the bhava
stage, which occurs before
one reaches the perfectional stage of prema,
love of Godhead.
If the reaction does not take
place, even after continuous hearing
and chanting of
the holy name of the Lord, it may be considered to
be
due to offenses
only. That is the opinion of the
Sandarbha. In the
beginning of chanting of the holy name of
the Lord, if the devotee has
not been very
careful about evading the ten kinds of offenses at
the
feet of the holy
name, certainly the reaction of feelings
of
separation will
not be visible by tears in the eyes and standing
of
the hair on
end.
3. Excerpts from Srila Bhaktivinoda and his
book called Sri Bhaktyaloka
There are two types
sanga-association an attachment. Association is of two types-with non devotees
and with women. Similarly attachment is also two types-attachment for prejudices and attachment for
assets.
Those matahmas who wish to attain perfection in Devotional service should carefully give up sanga in the form of association and attachment, otherwise this sanga will gradually ruin everything.
Those matahmas who wish to attain perfection in Devotional service should carefully give up sanga in the form of association and attachment, otherwise this sanga will gradually ruin everything.
Now let us consider sanga in the form of
attachment. Attachments are of two kinds-attachment for prejudices and
attachment for assets. First I will discuss the attachment for prejudices.
There are two type of prejudices-ancient and current. The conditioned
living entity has been performing fruitive activities and endeavoring for
knowledge since time immemorial and the prejudices that have developed in his
subtle body as a result are called ancient prejudices. Those prejudices are
known as ones nature. As stated in BG—the embodied spirit master of the city
of his body does not create activities nor does he induce people to act not does
he create the fruits of action. All this is enacted by the modes of material
nature.”Srila Baladev Vidyabhusana comments-The primordial material desire that is active since time
immemorial is called ones nature. Due to such a desire the living entity is
supplied with material bodies and other paraphernalia. False identification
with the bodies causes one to act and causes others to act although this is not
the pure souls real constitution or nature.” Regarding the bondage of prejudices
of knowledge the BG says (14.6) O sinless one the mode of goondess being purer than the others is
illuminating and it frees one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that
mode become conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge. Srila
Baladev comments-“I am wise, I am
happy”. By this pride the living entity is bound by goodness.
Peoples association with
karma and jnana is the result of attachment born from the prejudices of ones nature that are produced from past
karma and jnana.
From ancient prejudices one develops
association with karma and jnana Association with these ancient prejudices is
inevitable. Despite all attempts up to suicide one cannot give up ones
prejudices.
The prejudices or
attachments for good and bad attained in this life due to association are called
modern prejudices. Everyone in the
world is under the control of these two kinds of prejudices. When a living entity is not bound by
maya then by nature he is a servant of Krsna. Being bound by maya a living entity
cannot give up ancient and modern wicked prejudices. At that time ancient wicked prejudices
become his second nature. Only
sadhu sanga can reform the attachment to prejudices. Sadhu sanga is the only
remedy for this disease. Unless one reforms his attachments to prejudices, one
cannot attain perfection in Devotional service by any
means.
Association with prejudices is very
dangerous. By affectionately associating with pure devotees of the Lord ones
association with prejudices in the form of karma and jnana is destroyed. Due to
this association with prejudices a living entites propensity for ignorance and
passion becomes stronger. Whatever propensities for goodness passion and ignorance are seen in peoples eating
sleeping and sensual activites are all due to association with prejudices.
Karmis and jnanis disrespect Vaisnvavas only due to this attachment for
prejudices.Until the attachment for prejudices is destroyed the 10
offenses in chanting will not be
uprooted.
4.The 6th Offenses to chanting the Holy
Names-Give some concocted interpretation to the chanting of the Holy
Names. This means the chanting of
Hare Krsna depends upon proper understanding of the philosophy before one can
chant without offense. Otherwise
why there are so many books on the subject? And why no
tears and hairs standing on end when we sing the names of God??
5.Define Pure Bhakti Yoga-SB 3.29.8 P To act under the direction
of a bona
fide spiritual master with a motive to satisfy the
Supreme Personality
of Godhead is pure devotional service. But if one
has a motive for
personal sense gratification, his devotional service is
manifested
differently
6. One time Sruti Kirti
told a story when Prabhupada was in the LA Temple.
Prabhupada had his
japa beads on his hand, then took the bead bag
and tossed it on his
table and said: "there my 16 rounds are finished,
now I can do any damn
thing I want."
7. NBS 13 P-If a diseased person is being cured of the
symptoms of his disease
but does not care for the principles of healthy living,
there is every
possibility of a relapse. Similarly, the neophyte
devotee serious
about advancing in devotional service must carefully
follow the
principles of regulative devotional service; otherwise
there is every
possibility of his falling down. Strictly
speaking, if a devotee
ignores the regulative principles and acts according to
his whims--if,
for example, he does not eat krsna-prasadam but eats
anywhere and
everywhere, such as in restaurants--there is every
possibility of his
falling down. If he accumulates money without spending
it for
devotional service, there is every possibility of his
falling down. If
he applies his energy not in the service of the Lord but
in some
material activity, there is every possibility of his
falling down. If
the devotee does not engage himself always in hearing and
chanting the
topics of Krsna and His activities but instead indulges
in idle talk,
there is every chance of his falling down. If a neophyte
devotee does
not follow the orders of the spiritual master and simply
officially
sticks to the principles, or if he does not strictly
follow the
principles, there is every possibility of his falling
down. To become
greedy is another cause of falldown. And to associate
with persons who
are not in devotional service is the last word in maya's
allurements
for causing a devotee to fall down
8.
750203mw.haw
1. Devotee (1): No, I know, but for his actions other than just following
the four regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds. He does so
many other things during the day. Where does he derive his authority
if he's not, let's say, living in the temple?
Prabhupada: I do not follow. The authority is guru. You have accepted.
Bali Mardana: For everything.
Jayatirtha: Say I have some outside job, I'm living outside, but I'm
not giving 50% of my income. So then that work that I'm doing, is it
actually under the authority of the guru?Prabhupada: Then you are not following the instruction of guru. That
is plain fact.Jayatirtha: So that means that whole activity during the day, working,
that means I am not following the instruction of the guru. It's
unauthorized activity.Prabhupada: Yes. If you don't follow the instruction of guru, then you
are fallen down immediately. That is the way. Otherwise why you sing,
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. It is my duty to satisfy guru.
Otherwise I am nowhere. So if you prefer to be nowhere, then you
disobey as you like. But if you want to be steady in your position,
then you have to follow strictly the instruction of guru
1. Devotee (1): No, I know, but for his actions other than just following
the four regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds. He does so
many other things during the day. Where does he derive his authority
if he's not, let's say, living in the temple?
Prabhupada: I do not follow. The authority is guru. You have accepted.
Bali Mardana: For everything.
Jayatirtha: Say I have some outside job, I'm living outside, but I'm
not giving 50% of my income. So then that work that I'm doing, is it
actually under the authority of the guru?Prabhupada: Then you are not following the instruction of guru. That
is plain fact.Jayatirtha: So that means that whole activity during the day, working,
that means I am not following the instruction of the guru. It's
unauthorized activity.Prabhupada: Yes. If you don't follow the instruction of guru, then you
are fallen down immediately. That is the way. Otherwise why you sing,
yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. It is my duty to satisfy guru.
Otherwise I am nowhere. So if you prefer to be nowhere, then you
disobey as you like. But if you want to be steady in your position,
then you have to follow strictly the instruction of guru
9. 730506SB.LA
Lectures
215476/530501
So the beginning you
cannot do so, that anything
you can dovetail. No.
In the beginning you have to learn first of all
how to become Krsna
conscious. You are, we are in
the training period.
We are in the training
period. We should not
imitate: "Oh, Yudhisthira
Maharaja was ordered
to speak lies, so let us go on speaking all
lies." No, not that.
You cannot do so. First of all, be trained up.
For being trained up,
you have to follow the regulative principles,
the orders of
spiritual master. In this way, sevonmukhe hi jihvadau.
When your all parts of
your limbs will be engaged in Krsna's service,
hrsikena
hrsikesa-sevanam, in this way when you are actually
advanced,
then whatever you
do in Krsna
consciousness, that is good.
Example-760314mw.may-
Acyutananda: If a man says, "I am giving you this donation because
it
is a spiritual
organization," but if the money is misused, does that
man
benefit?
Prabhupada: If money
is misused, then both of them become implicated.
If it is not used for
Krsna, then both of them becomes under the laws
of
karma.
(This particular quote
example is to show us how exacting do the laws of nature operate
upon
us all. One would
naturally think that if he or she gives some donation to some spiritual group,
then some good spiritual result would come. But it is just the opposite, if one
is not careful. )
10. Bg 7.29 T
Intelligent persons who are endeavoring for liberation from old
age
and death take refuge in Me in devotional service. They are actually
Brahman because they entirely know everything about transcendental and
fruitive activities.
and death take refuge in Me in devotional service. They are actually
Brahman because they entirely know everything about transcendental and
fruitive activities.
Bg 4.16
T Even the intelligent are bewildered in
determining what is action
and what is inaction. Now I shall explain to you what action is
knowing which you shall be liberated from all sins.
and what is inaction. Now I shall explain to you what action is
knowing which you shall be liberated from all sins.
Bg 2.49
T O Dhananjaya, rid yourself of all fruitive activities by
devotional
service, and surrender fully to that consciousness. Those who want to
enjoy the fruits of their work are misers.
service, and surrender fully to that consciousness. Those who want to
enjoy the fruits of their work are misers.
Bg 4.17
T The intricacies of action are very hard to understand.
Therefore
one should know properly what action is, what forbidden action is, and
what inaction is.
one should know properly what action is, what forbidden action is, and
what inaction is.
PURPORT
If one
is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has
to understand the distinctions between action, inaction and
unauthorized actions. One has to apply oneself to such an analysis of
action, reaction and perverted actions because it is a very difficult
subject matter. To understand Krsna consciousness and action according
to the modes, one has to learn one's relationship with the Supreme;
i.e., one who has learned perfectly knows that every living entity is
the eternal servitor of the Lord and that consequently one has to act
in Krsna consciousness. The entire Bhagavad-gita is directed toward
this conclusion. Any other conclusions, against this consciousness and
its attendant reactions, are vikarmas, or prohibited actions. To
understand all this one has to associate with authorities in Krsna
consciousness and learn the secret from them; this is as good as
learning from the Lord directly. Otherwise, even the most intelligent
to understand the distinctions between action, inaction and
unauthorized actions. One has to apply oneself to such an analysis of
action, reaction and perverted actions because it is a very difficult
subject matter. To understand Krsna consciousness and action according
to the modes, one has to learn one's relationship with the Supreme;
i.e., one who has learned perfectly knows that every living entity is
the eternal servitor of the Lord and that consequently one has to act
in Krsna consciousness. The entire Bhagavad-gita is directed toward
this conclusion. Any other conclusions, against this consciousness and
its attendant reactions, are vikarmas, or prohibited actions. To
understand all this one has to associate with authorities in Krsna
consciousness and learn the secret from them; this is as good as
learning from the Lord directly. Otherwise, even the most intelligent
person will be
bewildered.
11. Bg 4.20
T Abandoning all attachment to the results of his activities,
ever
satisfied and independent, he performs no fruitive action, although
engaged in all kinds of undertakings.
satisfied and independent, he performs no fruitive action, although
engaged in all kinds of undertakings.
PURPORT
This
freedom from the bondage of actions is possible only in
Krsna
consciousness when one is doing everything for Krsna.
consciousness when one is doing everything for Krsna.
12. Bg 4.33
P The purpose of all sacrifices is to arrive at the
status of
complete knowledge, then to gain release from material miseries, and,
ultimately, to engage in loving transcendental service to the Supreme
Lord (Krsna consciousness). Nonetheless, there is a mystery about all
these different activities of sacrifice, and one should know this
mystery. Sacrifices sometimes take different forms according to the
particular faith of the performer. When one's faith reaches the stage
of transcendental knowledge, the performer of sacrifices should be
considered more advanced than those who simply sacrifice material
possessions without such knowledge, for without attainment of
knowledge, sacrifices remain on the material platform and bestow no
spiritual benefit
complete knowledge, then to gain release from material miseries, and,
ultimately, to engage in loving transcendental service to the Supreme
Lord (Krsna consciousness). Nonetheless, there is a mystery about all
these different activities of sacrifice, and one should know this
mystery. Sacrifices sometimes take different forms according to the
particular faith of the performer. When one's faith reaches the stage
of transcendental knowledge, the performer of sacrifices should be
considered more advanced than those who simply sacrifice material
possessions without such knowledge, for without attainment of
knowledge, sacrifices remain on the material platform and bestow no
spiritual benefit
Real knowledge
culminates in Krsna consciousness,
the highest stage of transcendental knowledge. Without the elevation
of knowledge, sacrifices are simply material activities. When,
however, they are elevated to the level of transcendental knowledge,
all such activities enter onto the spiritual platform. Depending on
differences in consciousness, sacrificial activities are sometimes
called karma-kanda, fruitive activities, and sometimes jnana-kanda,
knowledge in the pursuit of truth. It is better when the end is
knowledge.
the highest stage of transcendental knowledge. Without the elevation
of knowledge, sacrifices are simply material activities. When,
however, they are elevated to the level of transcendental knowledge,
all such activities enter onto the spiritual platform. Depending on
differences in consciousness, sacrificial activities are sometimes
called karma-kanda, fruitive activities, and sometimes jnana-kanda,
knowledge in the pursuit of truth. It is better when the end is
knowledge.
13. Bg 5.2
P One is considered to be a failure in life as long as he
makes no inquiry about his real identity. As long as he does not know his
real identity, he has to
work for fruitive results for sense gratification, and as long as one
is engrossed in the consciousness of sense gratification one has to
transmigrate from one body to another. Although the mind may be
engrossed in fruitive activities and influenced by ignorance, one must
develop a love for devotional service to Vasudeva. Only then can one
have the opportunity to get out of the bondage of material existence."
Therefore, jnana (or knowledge that one is not this material body
but spirit soul) is not sufficient for liberation. One has to act in
the status of spirit soul, otherwise there is no escape from material
bondage.
work for fruitive results for sense gratification, and as long as one
is engrossed in the consciousness of sense gratification one has to
transmigrate from one body to another. Although the mind may be
engrossed in fruitive activities and influenced by ignorance, one must
develop a love for devotional service to Vasudeva. Only then can one
have the opportunity to get out of the bondage of material existence."
Therefore, jnana (or knowledge that one is not this material body
but spirit soul) is not sufficient for liberation. One has to act in
the status of spirit soul, otherwise there is no escape from material
bondage.
14.
760510SB.HON
Lectures
The injunction is that tad viddhi, if you want to understand
transcendental subject matter, not material, spiritual... Spiritual is
completely unknown to us because we do not know what is spiritual. We
are identifying with this body. You do not know even that "I am spirit
soul." So where is the possibility of spiritual understanding? One
cannot see himself, what he is. He is thinking, "I am this body,"exactly like the dog. The dog is thinking, "I am dog." So if I think,
"I am American," "I am Indian," where is the difference? There is no
difference. Yasyatma-buddhih kunape tri-dhatuke. If one thinks that "I
am this body," then he's no better than sa eva go-kharah. The animals,
they also think like that, "I am this body."
The injunction is that tad viddhi, if you want to understand
transcendental subject matter, not material, spiritual... Spiritual is
completely unknown to us because we do not know what is spiritual. We
are identifying with this body. You do not know even that "I am spirit
soul." So where is the possibility of spiritual understanding? One
cannot see himself, what he is. He is thinking, "I am this body,"exactly like the dog. The dog is thinking, "I am dog." So if I think,
"I am American," "I am Indian," where is the difference? There is no
difference. Yasyatma-buddhih kunape tri-dhatuke. If one thinks that "I
am this body," then he's no better than sa eva go-kharah. The animals,
they also think like that, "I am this body."
15.
741117SB.BOM
Lectures
This is
self-realization. Self-realization means to see one's
proper
identity. At the present moment we are not finding out our proper
identity. We are seeing to the body. I see you, your body, and you see
me, my body. We have no vision of the real person, which is, who is
occupying this body. This is the first lesson we get from
Bhagavad-gita: dehino 'smin yatha dehe. Dehi... This body is called
deha, and the owner of the body is called dehi.
identity. At the present moment we are not finding out our proper
identity. We are seeing to the body. I see you, your body, and you see
me, my body. We have no vision of the real person, which is, who is
occupying this body. This is the first lesson we get from
Bhagavad-gita: dehino 'smin yatha dehe. Dehi... This body is called
deha, and the owner of the body is called dehi.
So when we can see
that we are not this body, "I am not this body,"
that is beginning of self-realization. That is called brahma-bhuta
stage. Aham brahmasmi: "I am not this material body." Aham brahmasmi.
This is self-realization.
that is beginning of self-realization. That is called brahma-bhuta
stage. Aham brahmasmi: "I am not this material body." Aham brahmasmi.
This is self-realization.
(Prabhupada
explained above, that as long as one thinks and acts as
this
body,
then that fruitive work will continue to bind us to birth and
death. “As long as he does
not know his real identity, he has to work for fruitive results for sense
gratification”.)
(Srila Prabhupada explains below that liberation is not
just chanting 16 rounds and following the 4 regulative principles-because that
is just the beginning. )
16. 760607mw.la
Conversations
Hari-sauri: Because sadhana-bhakti is a gradual process,
they
immediately want the highest perfection
quickly.
Prabhupada: That is the danger. But if they at once go to
rasa-lila,
because they are not trained up neither they are
liberated, they'll
think this rasa-lila is just like our young boys, young
girls mix
together, have sex like that.
… And they'll do that. That sahajiya tendency is
very
easy to take up…. Thinking of Radha-Krsna lila, that
is in liberated stage,
not in the conditioned stage.
Ramesvara: Each one of us has an original relationship
with Krsna,
some as plant, some as tree, some as cow, some as cowherd
boy. So if
that is re-established, why should the devotee desire to
change it?
Prabhupada: That will be revealed when you are
liberated. Why you are
bothering now?
Ramesvara: That's the point.
Prabhupada: A patient is thinking, "How shall I dance
when I become
healthy?" First of all, rascal, become healthy, then talk
of all this.
The rascals are thinking like that. You are patient;
first of all cure..
(So all these devotees in these days were following the
regulative principles as
best they could, yet still Prabhupada says that ones
siddha deha,(spiritual body)
will be revealed when one is liberated, but not right
now!)
17. 760816rc.bom
Conversations
Acyutananda: Some of the devotees, they said that it is
for liberated
souls. So they said, "Well, we are all
liberated."
Prabhupada: Yes. Liberated for going to
hell.
18. 760816rc.bom Conversations
Prabhupada:
Liberated soul never says that "I am liberated." As
soon
as he says
"liberated," he's a rascal. A liberated soul will never
say
that "I am
liberated." That is liberated.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, He is
God--guru more murkha
dekhi' karila sasan. "My Guru Maharaja saw Me a
fool number one, and
he has chastised Me." He's God. This is the
example. If one
remains always a servant ever-lastingly of guru, then
he is liberated. And
as soon as he thinks that he is liberated, he's a
rascal. That is the
teaching of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Guru more
murkha
dekhi'. Caitanya
Mahaprabhu is murkha? Why He's posing Himself that
murkha? "I am fool
number one." That means that is liberation. You
must be ready always
to be chastised by guru. Then he's liberated. And
as soon as he thinks
that "I am beyond this chastisement, I am
liberated," he's a
rascal. Why Caitanya
Mahaprabhu says guru more
murkha dekhi' karila
sasan? This is sahajiya-vada. He is thinking, "Oh
I have become
liberated. I don't require any direction of my guru. I'm
liberated." Then he's
rascal. Why this Gaudiya Matha failed?
Because
they tried to become
more than guru. He, before passing
away, he gave
all direction and
never said that "This man should be the next
acarya." But these
people, just after his passing away they began to
fight, who shall be
acarya. That is the failure. They never thought,
"Why Guru Maharaja
gave us instruction so many things, why he did not
say that this man
should be acarya?" They wanted to create
artificially somebody
acarya and everything failed. They did not
consider even with
common sense that if Guru Maharaja wanted to
appoint somebody as
acarya, why did he not say? He said so many
things, and this point
he missed? The real point? And they insist
upon
it. They declared
some unfit person to become acarya. Then another man
came, then another,
acarya, another acarya. So better remain a foolish
person perpetually to
be directed by Guru Maharaja. That is
perfection.
(Better we learn how to act first, then liberation will come later)
19. Bg 5.26
P In the conditioned soul the desire to enjoy the fruitive
results of
work is so deep-rooted that it is very difficult even for the great
sages to control such desires, despite great endeavors. A devotee of
the Lord, constantly engaged in devotional service in Krsna
consciousness, perfect in self-realization, very quickly attains
liberation in the Supreme. Owing to his complete knowledge in
self-realization, he always remains in trance.
work is so deep-rooted that it is very difficult even for the great
sages to control such desires, despite great endeavors. A devotee of
the Lord, constantly engaged in devotional service in Krsna
consciousness, perfect in self-realization, very quickly attains
liberation in the Supreme. Owing to his complete knowledge in
self-realization, he always remains in trance.
(So now here below,
Srila Prabhupada talks about just ordinary karma yoga-, not even bhakti yoga,
and how karma yoga is superior of Vaidhi Bhakti
yoga)
20. 740401mw.bom
Prabhupada: Karma-yogi means one who does everything for Krsna. He's
karma-yogi.Guest (1): One who does everything for...?
Prabhupada: For Krsna.
Guest (1): For Krsna.
Prabhupada: Just like you are doing, doing some work. For whom you are
doing?Guest (1): For my own benefit.
Prabhupada: That's all. So that is karma. But when you do the same
thing for Krsna, that is karma-yoga.
Prabhupada: Karma-yogi means one who does everything for Krsna. He's
karma-yogi.Guest (1): One who does everything for...?
Prabhupada: For Krsna.
Guest (1): For Krsna.
Prabhupada: Just like you are doing, doing some work. For whom you are
doing?Guest (1): For my own benefit.
Prabhupada: That's all. So that is karma. But when you do the same
thing for Krsna, that is karma-yoga.
Prabhupada: ..done
not meant for Krsna, that is
for his own satisfaction. Just like Arjuna wanted to become
nonviolent: "No, no, Krsna. I cannot kill my kinsmen." That is a good
proposal. But that was his satisfaction.Guest (1): That is very correct.
Prabhupada: Yes. That was his satisfaction. But Krsna wanted that "You
must fight." And when he agreed to that, that is his perfection.Before that, he was trying to satisfy he.(himself)
... Whatever you do, that is your satisfaction. That is karma.
..karma. ...for your own sense satisfaction,
that is karma. And if you do it for Krsna's satisfaction, that is
karma-yoga.
for his own satisfaction. Just like Arjuna wanted to become
nonviolent: "No, no, Krsna. I cannot kill my kinsmen." That is a good
proposal. But that was his satisfaction.Guest (1): That is very correct.
Prabhupada: Yes. That was his satisfaction. But Krsna wanted that "You
must fight." And when he agreed to that, that is his perfection.Before that, he was trying to satisfy he.(himself)
... Whatever you do, that is your satisfaction. That is karma.
..karma. ...for your own sense satisfaction,
that is karma. And if you do it for Krsna's satisfaction, that is
karma-yoga.
Makhanlal: Pure bhakti
and karma-yoga considered to be
exactly the
same?
Prabhupada: Exactly the same.
Prabhupada: Pure bhakti is above karma-yoga. Pure bhakti is above
karma-yoga.Bhagavata: That is the difference between the Chapter Karma-yoga and
Karma-yoga in Krsna Consciousness.
Prabhupada: Yes. Pure, pure devotion means Sravanam kirtanam.Makhanlal: ...you're performing, is the vaidhi-bhakti stage of...
...of the sadhana-bhakti, the regulative principles.
Prabhupada: Yes, vaidhi-bhakti means regulative principles, and when
you are accustomed, automatically you perform, that is raga-bhakti.
Makhanlal: So vaidhi-bhakti is considered superior to karma-yoga then.
Prabhupada: No. Karma-yoga is better.
Makhanlal: Karma-yoga is better?
Prabhupada: Yes.
same?
Prabhupada: Exactly the same.
Prabhupada: Pure bhakti is above karma-yoga. Pure bhakti is above
karma-yoga.Bhagavata: That is the difference between the Chapter Karma-yoga and
Karma-yoga in Krsna Consciousness.
Prabhupada: Yes. Pure, pure devotion means Sravanam kirtanam.Makhanlal: ...you're performing, is the vaidhi-bhakti stage of...
...of the sadhana-bhakti, the regulative principles.
Prabhupada: Yes, vaidhi-bhakti means regulative principles, and when
you are accustomed, automatically you perform, that is raga-bhakti.
Makhanlal: So vaidhi-bhakti is considered superior to karma-yoga then.
Prabhupada: No. Karma-yoga is better.
Makhanlal: Karma-yoga is better?
Prabhupada: Yes.
Indian man: Pure
bhakti is superior.
Prabhupada: Pure bhakti is sravanam kirtanam. Sravanam kirtanam
visnu-smaranam pada-sevanam, that is pure bhakti. (break)
Yasomatinandana: ...formed by anybody.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Yasomatinandana: Karma-yoga.
Prabhupada: Unless one is inclined to take to devotion, it is not
possible to take to karma-yoga. Who can sacrifice the profit?
Yasomatinandana: Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras?
Prabhupada: Karma-yoga means yat karosi yaj juhosi kurusva tat
mad-arpanam.Yasomatinandana: Doing only for Krsna.
Prabhupada: Yes. That is karma-yoga.Devotee: Which means?
Prabhupada: "Whatever you do, the result give Me."Devotee: To Krsna.
Prabhupada: Yes.
Yasomatinandana: So we are also, those who are on the vaidhi-bhakti
(indistinct) on karma-yoga path because we are...
Prabhupada: Yes. They are acting under the order of the spiritual
Prabhupada: Pure bhakti is sravanam kirtanam. Sravanam kirtanam
visnu-smaranam pada-sevanam, that is pure bhakti. (break)
Yasomatinandana: ...formed by anybody.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Yasomatinandana: Karma-yoga.
Prabhupada: Unless one is inclined to take to devotion, it is not
possible to take to karma-yoga. Who can sacrifice the profit?
Yasomatinandana: Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras?
Prabhupada: Karma-yoga means yat karosi yaj juhosi kurusva tat
mad-arpanam.Yasomatinandana: Doing only for Krsna.
Prabhupada: Yes. That is karma-yoga.Devotee: Which means?
Prabhupada: "Whatever you do, the result give Me."Devotee: To Krsna.
Prabhupada: Yes.
Yasomatinandana: So we are also, those who are on the vaidhi-bhakti
(indistinct) on karma-yoga path because we are...
Prabhupada: Yes. They are acting under the order of the spiritual
master. That is
bhakti-yoga.
Bhagavata: So when one follows the nine activities of devotion purely,
that is pure bhakti.
Prabhupada: Yes.Bhagavata: Then when he's following those nine activities, then he's
superior.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Bhagavata: Then that's superior to karma-yoga, to follow those nine
principles purely.Prabhupada: Yes.
Makhanlal: Raganuga-bhakti is also superior to karma-yoga then?
Prabhupada: Bhakti is perfect stage. That is not for ordinary man.
Bhagavata: So when one follows the nine activities of devotion purely,
that is pure bhakti.
Prabhupada: Yes.Bhagavata: Then when he's following those nine activities, then he's
superior.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Bhagavata: Then that's superior to karma-yoga, to follow those nine
principles purely.Prabhupada: Yes.
Makhanlal: Raganuga-bhakti is also superior to karma-yoga then?
Prabhupada: Bhakti is perfect stage. That is not for ordinary man.
21. 760920SB.VRN ..Sinful activities mean
anything you do without any purpose
to serve to Krsna,
that is sinful. That is sinful. Not
that "In the
material calculation
this is very good work, the opening of hospital
or this or that, very
good work. And Deity worship and going to the
temple is bogus." You
may think like that.
22. 720827SB.LA
Lectures
211232/530501
No.
Brahmana means one who has seen, brahma-darsana. Darsana means seeing.
And in that platform you can see God, or you can realize what is Absolute
Truth.
…Manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. Out of
many millions of
persons, kascit, somebody is trying to become a
brahmana. That is
siddhaye. Kascid yatati siddhaye. Siddhaye means
to become successful.
And yatatam api siddhanam. And out of many millions of persons who has
become successful, out of them some may know what is
Krsna.
So
anyway, brahma-darsanam. Brahma-darsanam means the
preliminary
understanding of the Absolute Truth. Brahmeti
paramatmeti bhagavan iti
sabdyate. In the preliminary understanding, impersonal
Brahman is
realized; and if you make further progress, then you are,
you realize
the localized aspect, Paramatma. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam
hrd-dese
'rjuna tisthati. In your heart you will see. And, further
progress
means you'll see Visnu, or Lord Krsna--brahmeti
paramatmeti bhagavan
iti. The one thing, thing is one, absolute, but a
different capacity.
… Ordinary men, those who are in the sunshine, they
cannot understand
what is the temperature in the sun globe. And even if you
go nearer to
the sun globe, it is very difficult to enter into the,
within the
planet. Similarly, the first understanding of the
Absolute Truth is
impersonal Brahman, brahma-darsanam. Then, if you
can make further
progress, then you will see that Absolute Truth within
your heart by
yoga system. And if you make further advance, then you
see Him eye to
eye and give your service, render your service
personally. These are
the stages.
23. 721001SB.LA
Lectures
Vaisnava means he is transcendental to the
brahminical qualities also. But if you do
not
maintain even brahminical
qualities, then where you are a Vaisnava?
So to become a Vaisnava is not so easy thing, because it
is
transcendental to the
brahminical quality. But it is very easy.
Lord
Caitanya has made it easy, provided you
stick to the principles. If
you simply chant regularly Hare Krsna...
This is the special facility
for the people in this age. You can remain
steady in transcendental
position. Ceto-darpana-marjanam
bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam. As
soon
as you remain in
the offenseless chanting platform, immediately
you
become transcendental to
these material qualities. Very simple.
Some conclusions:
We started out at the
very beginning with the verse from CC which stated that if ones heart is steel
framed, then tears wont come to the eyes when chanting nor will the hairs stand
on end. So
The last verse above
says everything is very easy-AS LONG as one remains upon the offenseless
platform of chanting Hare Krsna . I don’t know what everybody else concludes,
but as far as myself is concerned, if these transcendental symptoms do not
appear that means I am still chanting with
some offense.
So these verses test
our Krsna Consciousness and actual level of understanding.
Prabhupada has several
times said that when one joins this movement and gets
initiated
he is just like a
beginning student who has entered the university. A freshman is hardly
the
same as a graduating
senior who has passed all his tests. So when one can follow
the
basic pre requisites
such as 16 rounds a day and the 4 reg's, that mean he has come
to
at least the human
platform, and not necessarily the transcendental platform, as some mistakenly
are thinking. For example a fully qualified brahmana (kanistha adhikari) is
still on the material platform
So the whole point is
this-If we are actually on
the transcendental platform, which means every action we perform is for
the satisfaction of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna, then this work is A-karma,
or without reaction. That is moksa, and in that platform, tears will come to the
eyes when we chant Hare Krsna.
NoD 10
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also recommended this process of hearing
as
a means of self-realization in the present age of Kali.
In this age it
is very difficult to follow thoroughly the regulative
principles and
studies of the Vedas which were formerly recommended.
However, if one
gives aural reception to the sound vibrated by great
devotees and
acaryas, that alone will give him relief from all
material contamination.
