YouTube - Prabhupada - Lord Caitanya's moon is rising

YouTube - Prabhupada - Lord Caitanya's moon is rising

lesson one - You are not that body

You're Not That Body
by
Bir Krishna ,Swami
Cover Painting and Illustrations
by
Madhava priya devi dasi
Explanation


You're not that body!
Five thousand years ago Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
spoke the Bhagavad-gita (the Song of God) which contains information
about God, the living entities, karma (action and reaction in this
world), time, and the material energy.


The Bhagavad-gita is one of the Vedic literatures. The word veda (from
which the word Vedic comes) means knowledge. The Vedic literatures
deal with spiritual and material subject matters. The knowledge they
contain is perfect, because of its perfect source. God, or God's
devotees in disciplic succession from God.


The Bhagavad-gita teaches us that the soul is unbreakable,
unchangeable, insoluble, everlasting, immovable, and neither burnt nor
dried. l The Vedic literatures inform us that there are many eternal
souls of whom the chief is Krishna, who
is maintaining all of the other souls. The Bhagavad-gita explains that
the body, which we (who are souls) identify ourselves with in the
material world, is simply a machine. It is, of course, a very complex,
wonderful machine. Nonetheless, it is still a machine.


In the way that one drives a car, the soul is driving the body.
Unfortunately the soul thinks that it is the body, so the
characteristics that pertain to a particular body are thought by the
soul to be its characteristics. For example: if the body is white, has
a gigantic nose, is female, and is born in the United States; the soul
thinks that it is an American white woman that needs a nose job.



Because of the soul's identification with the characteristics of the
body, he (the soul) identifiesothers according to their machine,body
characteristics, and forms alliances andanimosities accordingly. Thus
he develops family attachment,racism,nationalism and even specism;
which are
all manifestations of the same disease (misidentification of the self
with the body). When the soul becomes Krishna conscious he no longer
distinguishes between living entities because of the
differences in the bodily encagement; therefore he sees the true
equality of all beings.

The soul is situated along with God (the Supersoul) in the heart of
this machine. The soul is driving this machine according to his
desires. The Supersoul is observing the soul's actions, and waiting
patiently for the soul to become frustrated in its attempts to enjoy
through manipulating the machine body.

When the soul decides that its attempts at enjoyment have been futile
and that all future endeavors will miserably fail, he may decide to
seek out God. At this point Krishna sends His representative in the
form of the spiritual master to guide the soul on its spiritual path.
The soul, being
covered by the material energy, is not capable of perceiving the
existence and direction of the Supersoul who is situated next to him
in the heart. Therefore the Supersoul directs His external
representative (the spiritual master) to help the sincere searcher.
1. Bhagavad-gita 2.24
2. Katha Upanisad 2.2.13
3. Bhagavad-gita 18.61
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2 Lord Caitanya

Lord Caitanya


The Vedas call the present age the "Age of Kali"the age of quarrel.
This age began approximately 5,000 years ago. In this age people are
less for tunate, less intelligent, shorter lived, have shorter
memories, and have weaker bodies. Good qualities such as sympathy for
other seducation , truthfulness, cleanliness,forgiveness, and mercyare
quickly disappearing. Society is beset withcheating, diplomacy, and
violence. The so called leaders of society are encouraging
intoxication, illicit sex, gambling, and meat eating, which are
considered the principles of irreligiousity.


There is one good quality in this age. That is, simply by chanting the
Lord's names, one can escape the miseries of this age, and go back to
the kingdom of God at the end of life.

Krishna incarnates in every age to preach the religious practice that
is applicable for that particular age. In other ages Krishna taught
meditational yoga, or temple worship, or sacrifice.

Krishna appeared about 500 years ago as Lord Caitanya. This advent was
predicted in the Vedic literatures more than 5,000 years ago. Lord
Caitanya taught the religious practice recommended for this age,
Sankirtana, the congregational chanting of the Lord's names: Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Devotees of the Krishna consciousness movement engage in the chanting
of the Lord's names in public, distributing transcendental literatures
(which encourage others to chant), and performing personal meditation
on the Lord's names (called Japa).
1. Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.3.51

3 Reincarnation

Reincarnation


Reincarnation means that the soul is changingbodies. This changeof
bodies occurs not only at death, but throughout life; from boyhood to
youthto old age, then to a baby's body. These moment by moment changes
are too small for the personto be aware of, but when we consider
greater amounts of time, then the change of bodies is obvious. The
change of body known as death is the most apparent.

The Bhagavad-gita compares the change of body at the time of death to
a person discarding old and useless clothes, and putting on new
garments. Regardless of whatever plans and adjustments we make, our
body eventually wears out, and we are obliged to accept a new one.


Although everyone must die, still we are makingplans as though death
was not certain. Saints have described this as the most amazing thing
in this world. That is, even though we see that everyone is dying and
getting old, we think that it will not happen to us, and we neglect
the real purpose of human life: self-realization. One must inquire as
to what happens at the time of death.
Although one may have the body of a man in thislife, the soul may take
the body of a woman in the next. One may have an oriental body in one
birth,a western body in the next; or one may take birth in an animal
or insect species as a result of one'sactivities and desires in this
life. It is importantto understand how the soul transmigrates from one
body to the next.
1. Bhagavad-gita 2.13
2. Bhagavad-gita 2.22
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4 How is Our Next Body Determined?

How is Our Next Body Determined?


There are two factors that determine which body we shall obtain in the
next birth. The first is our karma -the reactions to our good and bad
activities that were performed in this life and in previous lives. The
second factor is our desire to enjoy particular sense objects.


The example of a man purchasing a car is appropriate in this regard.
He has a desire to enjoy in a particular way with his car, and he also
has a certain amount of money to spend. He takes both
factors into account to determine which model to purchase.


Krishna tells us that the state of consciousness that we have upon
leaving the present body determines the type of body that we will have
in the next birth.' This is our "final exam" which we
should study for throughout this life by cultivating remembrance of
Krishna. One may think that at the time of death he will suddenly make
up for the rest of his life by "getting religion." However, things
don't work that way. The thoughts, desires
and attachments that one has cultivated throughout his life will be
reflected in those final moments. There is no way to cheat on this
"exam."


As far as activities are concerned, we should only perform activities
that carry no karmic weight (technically called "akarmic" activities),
so that we will not have to return to this world either to receive bad
or good results. Then we will return
to the spiritual abode of the Lord.
1. Bhagavad-gita 8.6
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5 four defects

Tendencies of Conditioned Souls

We are part and parcels of God, pure spiritual entities by nature, but
due to contact with the material energy we become covered by
ignorance.

Because of this covering, we display faults in our character. Four
types of faults are especially prominent: 1. The tendency to make
mistakes, 2. The tendency to be illusioned, 3. Having imperfect
senses, and 4. The propensity to cheat. Every conditioned soul
(contaminated by material consciousness) is subject to these four
defects. Therefore the conditioned soul is not able to distinguish
between matter and spirit, nor give adequate spiritual guidance to
others.

In order to progress spiritually, we must take guidance from persons
who are free from these four defects. God and His pure devotees are
free from these defects. Religious principles can only be given by
God. His pure devotees simply repeat these principles. They do not
speculate as do mundane theologians, whose presentations are, at best,
pseudo spirituality.

If one tries to manufacture his own religious process, pick and choose
practices as he likes, or follow a spiritual guide who is not a pure
devotee of God then he will be victimized by these four defects. Even
a bonafide spiritual process, if interpreted by someone who is not
pure, will be contaminated and not yield spiritual fruit. Only by
strictly following the instructions of God, as repeated by His pure
devotee can one be freed of these four faults.
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6. The Post-Graduate Study of God

The Post-Graduate Study of God

There is one God. All bonafide religious scriptures teach of the same
God and stress the importance of loving Him. Religion, in fact, means
to come to the stage of loving God without any personal self-centered
motivation.

Because of the different circumstances in which God-consciousness is
taught, there are different grades of information given to the
spiritual aspirants. For example, if people are very degraded and
engaged in gross sinful practices, it may be necessary to stress
sub-religious principles that must be followed just to bring them
tothe human platform. One may preach "Thou shaft not kill" or "Do not
commit adultery" or "Honor your father and mother".

In this way, the saints preach according to time, place and
circumstance, taking into account what each group of persons needs in
order to advanceto the next stage of God-consciousness. In the Krishna
consciousness movement, spiritual aspirants are instructed in the four
regulative principles: 1. No meat, fish or eggs, 2. No illicit sex, 3.
No gambling, and 4. No intoxication. If someone does not follow these
principles, he can never understand God.

The higher principles taught in the Vedic literatures, such as the
nature of God, the nature of pure love of God, the nature of the
spiritual world and activities there, are considered the post graduate
study of God-consciousness. Srila Prabhupada's books deal with this
most exalted science.

7. Methods of Obtaining Knowledge

Methods of Obtaining Knowledge

There are three basic methods of obtaining knowledge, two of which are
faulty, and one which is faultless when properly applied. The two
faulty methods are: 1. Direct perception, and 2. Induction (making
general conclusions from limited experience). The faultless method is
the descending process by which one hears from the proper authority
who is faultless (Krishna or His pure devotees).

The two faulty methods are known as the "ascending process."
"Ascending" means to go up. So one who follows these processes is
trying to understand God or Truth with his limited faulty faculties.
We see the adherents of these methods changing their theories
constantly. They are not sure of anything.

In Krishna consciousness we hear Krishna's opinion which is perfect,
because He is omniscient; that is, there is nothing unknown to Him.
His words are always perfect and true. There is no need of a new
opinion every 5 minutes. Krishna's devotees who are in the disciplic
succession simply repeat His words and therefore what they speak is
also perfect.

Srila Prabhupada gave the example of a small boy who asks his father
what is the name of the object into which his father is speaking. His
father replies, "microphone." The boy repeats. Even though the boy may
not have complete under?
standing, because he is repeating what is true, his words are true.

Revelation, not speculation, is the only way one can understand God.
Krishna wants us to know Him, so He reveals Himself through the
scriptures and His pure devotees.
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8. The Spiritual Master

The Spiritual Master

The Vedas tell us that if one wants to make advancement in spiritual
life it is imperative toaccept a spiritual master.' In any discipline
we need a teacher. Book learning is not sufficient. For example, a
surgeon must study under an expert experienced surgeon. He cannot
confine his learning to books. One who does not accept a bonafide.
spiritual master as his guide is sure to be bewildered in his attempts
at self-realization.

One must be extremely careful in choosing a spiritual master, as there
are many pretenders who simply wish to cheat innocent persons. There
are standards mentioned in the Vedic
literature that one should use when picking one'seternal guide: 1. The
spiritual master must come in an unbroken chain of disciplic
succession from God Himself, 2. The spiritual master must be a
perfect disciple of his spiritual master; a first class servant
rendering humble service, 3. The spiritual master must be fixed in the
regulative principles and practices of Krishna consciousness, never
falling down, 4. The spiritual master must haveheard nicely from his
spiritual master so that he is simply repeating in his own words the
teachings given to him.

The spiritual master teaches by example as wellas precept. By
observing his behavior, the prospective disciple can verify that the
spiritual master is not deviating from the teachings that he
received from his own spiritual master and is, in turn, passing along
to his disciples. In this way,the disciple can understand how to apply
the teachings to his own life.
1. Mundaka Upanisad 1.2.12
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9 The Disciplic Succession

The Disciplic Succession

In order to make progress in spiritual life the Vedas enjoin that one
must accept a spiritual master in disciplic succession from God
Himself. In this way, the knowledge revealed directly by God is
carefully passed down without change from spiritual master to
disciple.

The members of the Krishna-consciousness movement are in the
Brahma-Madhva Gaudiya disciplic succession. This succession originated
with Lord Brahma, the first created being in this
universe. He was instructed directly by the Supreme Lord from within
the heart. Lord Brahma's disciple was Narada Muni. Narada Muni's
disciple was Srila Vyasadeva. The disciplic
succession was carried forward to Lord Caitanya, who, although He is
Krishna Himself, accepted a spiritual master in this line to set an
example. Lord Caitanya's direct disciples were the Six Goswamis of
Vrindavana, who carried out the tradition by initiating disciples of
their own and writing volumes of books about the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. In the modern age we have Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura,
Srila Gaura-kisora das Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati Thakura, and Srila Prabhupada; the founder-acharya of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada empowered his disciples to carry out this most sacred
tradition. The disciplic succession is therefore continuing.
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10 Who is Srila Prabhupada?

Who is Srila Prabhupada?


Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness, is a nitya-siddha devotee of Lord Krishna. This
means that he has always been perfect in Krishna-consciousness. It is
not that he attained that state at some point in time. He descended
from the spiritual world at the request of the Supreme Lord to preach
Krishna consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada, translated, commented on, and published many books.
Through these books knowledge of Krishna consciousness has been spread
throughout the world. Srila Prabhupada informed us that he is present
in his books. He stated that the publication of his books was his most
important preaching activity. Lord Krishna can be found in every page,
and, in fact, every word of his books. Anyone who reads or even
respects his books will become a devotee of Lord Krishna. While he was
here with us on this planet, he stressed the distribution of his books
and encouraged his disciples to increase the numbers of books
distributed year by year. He told them that he would live forever in
his books. Hundreds of millions of his books have been distributed to
date.

Srila Prabhupada stated that his books are the law books for the
Krishna consciousness movement, and, one day, would be the law books
for all human society.

11 When Krishna Comes to this World

When Krishna Comes to this World

In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna states that He comes to this world
whenever there is a rise in religion and a decline in religion. He
comes to re-establish religious principles, annihilate the
miscreants, and protect the devotees.By the phrase "rise in
irreligion," Krishna indicates that irreligious activities such as
meat eating, illicit sex, intoxication, gambling, and Godlessness in
general are widespread. In the modern age, we not only find the
majority of the populace performing these irreligious acts, but
the government and leaders in general are encouraging irreligion.

One who performs irreligious acts is breaking "the laws of God, which
are immutable. Modern theologians very enthusiastically declare that
religious principles must be changed or adapted
to meet the changing conditions in this world. But God does not see
things this way. He holds one responsible for breaking His laws
regardless of what excuse one may offer, or what theologian one may
quote.

In this age of Kali (quarrel) Krishna appears as His Holy Names: Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna
Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare'
Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Simply by worshiping Him by chanting these
names, one can attain all spiritual perfection and be freed from the
influence of this dark age.
1. Bhagavad-gita 4.7
2. Bhagavad-gita 4.8

12: 4 sinners & 4 saints

The Four Sinners-The Four Saints

In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna explains the four types of persons who
reject Him, as well as the four types of persons who approach Him.


The types that reject Him are: 1. The man who works like an ass and
tries to enjoy like one, forgetting God completely, 2. Someone who is
not even civilized enough to think of God, 3. Someone who is caught up
in the pursuit of mundane knowledge, and 4. The out and out atheist
who is determined never to worship God and attempts to convert others
to his view point..

God is approached by those: 1. Desiring relief from distress, 2.
Desiring knowledge, 3. Desiring wealth or other material benefits, and
4. Who are inquisitive or curious. Of course these are mixed.motives,
but ultimately one will be purified of these if one sticks to the
spiritual path.

"Pure love of God" means that one simply wants to please God, and one
is ready to sacrifice his own happiness to accomplish this end. When
one feels this way, he experiences the greatest happiness. Pure love
of God is the greatest gift that God can give.

1. Bhagavad-gita 7.16, 7.19
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13 Impersonalism vs. Personalism

Impersonalism vs. Personalism


Many transcendentalists attempt to escape the miserable conditions of
this world by approaching God. Unfortunately, many of them think that
the highest realization of God is His energy. Thus, they realize the
eternal aspect of the Lord, but never get to enjoy the knowledge and
bliss that accompany personal realization.


Impersonalists often speak of God as "The Light" or "The Force", but
these (the light and the force) are His energies. God is a person, the
controller and proprietor of these energies, and when the
impersonalists seek to merge with His energies, they miss the joy of a
personal relationship with Him. The impersonalist thinks that by
losing his personality in "oneness" with God he will find relief from
suffering; but the devotee knows that the soul's individual identity
is never lost. By having a spiritual relationship with the Lord, the
individual soul will discover, and be able to express his real
personality, experience complete satisfaction, and be free from all
suffering.


The soul is by nature active and pleasure seeking; therefore, in the
unnatural situation of impersonal realization, the soul is
dissatisfied, and again falls down to this world, attempting to enjoy
the material variety, being unaware of the spiritual variety that a
devotee enjoys in the association of the Personality of Godhead,
Krishna.


The sun is the energetic source of the sunshine ,(the energy). The
energetic is comparatively more important than its energy. In the same
way the devotees recognize Krishna as the energetic source of all
energies. The devotees worship the energetic (Krishna) rather than His
energy, and reject the idea of merging into His energy.

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14 Remembrance, Forgetfulness and,Knowledge

Remembrance, Forgetfulness and Knowledge

Krishna, as the Supersoul in everyone's heart, 'helps one to fulfill
one's desires in this world. According to our aspirations, we require
to forget some things (such as God if one is an atheist), we require
to remember other things, and we need knowledge.


Even the animals have instinctually based behavior that coincides with
their desires. This so-called instinct is actually Krishna in the
heart helping them to carry out their plans. Krishna knows the
aspirations of all living entities.Krishna does this to give them
facility to enjoy all of the varieties in this world. When the soul
has finally realized the futility of attempting to enjoy separately
from God, he turns to Krishna in the heart.


o We have forgotten that we are part and parcels of Krishna, His
eternal servants, because we want to pretend to be the" master of all
we survey."Krishna, however, sends messengers (saints,
sages, preachers) to us to remind us of whwe are. Krishna says that to
one who seeks Him, serving Him with devotion, He gives knowledge how
to approach Him. When someone comes to full
Krishna consciousness, He reveals their eternal relationship with Him
and removes all ignorance.


1. Bhagavad-gita 15.15
2.Bhagavad-gita 10.10
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15 Perveted material world

The perverted Material world

In the Bhagavad-gita, krishna compares this material realm with a
banyan tree that has its roots upwards and branches down. we may think
that such a tree does not exist, but we can perceive such a tree as
the reflection of an actual tree on the bank of a river.

The root of such a tree, or where the actual tree and the reflected
tree join, can be compared to the desire of the individual soul, which
is manifest by his utilization of free will. By this free will he may
choose to enter into the spiritual realm(actual tree) or the material
world(reflected tree).

Just as a reflection is an inverted replica of the original, the
relationships in this world are reversed representations of the
relationships in the kingdom of God.

The Vedas tell us that there are five rasas, or relationships, that
exist in the trancendental dimension: 1.Passive adoration,
2.Servitude, 3.Friendship, 4.Parental affection, and 5.Conjugal love.
The rasas are sometimes flavored by indirect relationships that come
and go appropriately according to different situations. All of these
relationships have as their focal point Krishna, Who is understood as
the enjoyer in every instance, whereas the individual soul is the
enjoyed, taking as his only pleasure the satisfaction of the Supreme
Soul. This attitude brings complete satisfaction to the soul.

here in the perverted reflection(material world) the individual soul
attempts to be the enjoyer, taking all other entities, the material
energy, and even God as the objects of enjoyment. The conditioned soul
structures his life is such a way as to maximize this enjoyment, but
is continuously frustrated. Ultimately, everything is taken away by
the Supreme Lord in the form of time.
bhagavad gita 15.1-4


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16 Material love

Material love

What we call "love" in this world is simply the self-centered desire
to enjoy the "beloved" object. So our love for something or someone is
dependent upon whether or not our senses are being pleased.


For example, people generally love animals such as cats because of the
sensual attraction to soft fur, or dogs because of the dog's desire to
please the master. But, very few people are interested in embracing a
cockroach, because a cockroach is displeasing to our senses. However,
a cockroach is a living entity with feelings like any other due to its
essential spiritual nature.


When we think that we are experiencing a loving mood with some other
creature, we are illusioned because we are unaware of their
consciousness which is not "at one" with ours. It is thinking of its
own gratification.


When one loves Krishna, one will love all living entities equally and
truly, because of the spiritual family relationship that is there.
Krishna tells us that we are all His "parts and parcels", His sons and
daughters. A devotee of Krishna has no hatred for any living entity,
just pure, unselfish love.


A Krishna conscious person is able to properly express this unselfish
love and benefit all living entities, because he is aware of their
real self-interest. However others, even if they are well-intentioned,
can never give any real help to the self--the soul in the body.
Material help is temporary. Spiritual help is eternal.
The real self-interest of all living entities is Krishna consciousness.
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17: The Modes of Nature

The Modes of Nature


The Bhagavad-gita informs us that all conditioned souls are forced to
act helplessly by , the impulses born of the modes of material nature.
The soul is thinking that he is acting by his own volition but in
actuality the modes are shaping the soul's desires and actions.


There are three modes of nature: goodness, passion, and ignorance.
According to the specific combination of the three modes that a soul
is affected by, he acts accordingly. The three modes combine to
provide the impulses for every conceivable type of activity in this
world, just as the three primary colors can be combined to yield all
the colors of the spectrum.


According to the combination of modes, one is attracted to certain
types of eatables. For example, the pig is very enthusiastic to
partake of stool (which human beings consider abominable), because the
pig loves food in the mode of ignorance. Food in the mode of goodness
is sweet, juicy, fattening, and palatable. Food in the mode of passion
is too bitter, too sour, too salty, pungent, dry, and hot. Food in the
mode of ignorance is decomposed, tasteless, stale, putrid, and unclean
(such as meat).


A devotee is only interested in eating food that has been offered to
Krishna which purifies his consciousness, and helps him in his
spiritual progress.
1. Bhagavad-gita 3.5
2. Bhagavad-gita 17.8
3. Bhagavad-gita 17.9
4. Bhagavad-gita 17.10
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18 Frustration and Material Pleasure

Frustration and Material Pleasure


Our nature is spiritual--different from the material body that we are
inhabiting. We can never become happy by attempting to satisfy the
body. The soul must be satisfied.


Srila Prabhupada gave an example of the "Bird in the Cage" to
illustrate this point. If the owner of the bird only pays attention to
the cage, polishing it carefully, and neglects the inhabitant of the
cage (the bird), the bird will die. In the same way, if we simply pay
attention to the body, neglecting its inhabitant (the soul),
spiritually we will be as good as dead. Of course, the soul never
dies; but he will certainly be very miserable.


Our practical experience is that even when we obtain some object that
we think will satisfy our senses, we soon become frustrated because
the happiness is not forthcoming. The material world is arranged in
such a way that despite all attempts at enjoyment, the conditioned
soul is continuously frustrated. Fulfilling the desires of the senses
does not bring peace, because even if the senses are temporarily
satisfied, they demand newer and newer experiences. They are
insatiable. Rather than becoming satisfied, the senses become inflamed
by the process of seeking enjoyment.' Thus, the living entity
alternates between boredom and craving. Because of this frustration we
become angry and often end up fighting with others.


Krishna conscious happiness is not like that. It is unlimited, and
goes on eternally.


1. Bhagavad-gita 3.39


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19: Three gates leading to Hell

Three gates leading to Hell

The Bhagavad-gita describes that there are three gates leading to
hell: lust, anger, and greed. These activities cloud the consciousness
like a drug and have caused many people to lose their good name,
morality, family and health, as well as to grievously harm others.
Spiritually, these activities blind a person and make him unable to
understand spiritual truth. Falling deeper and' deeper into illusion,
the soul will have to suffer
' greatly. One who is sane should give up these three principles. l By
following the four regulative principles and chanting the Hare Krishna
MahaMantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare
Rama Hare Rama Rams Rama Hare Hare, one becomes gradually freed of
these unwanted desires.


When Lord Krishna appeared 500 years ago as Lord Caitanya, He compared
the process of chanting Hare Krishna to the cleansing of a mirror. The
mirror of our mind or consciousness is clouded by the contaminated
association that we have had in this world; not only during this
lifetime but throughout past lives. The chanting cleanses the mirror
of the mind, puts out the fire of material lust, makes our lives
auspicious, situates us on the transcendental platform, awakens us to
transcendental knowledge, and gives us the pleasure for which we have
been hankering.

The chanting of the Lord's names is the most important activity for a
devotee. This chanting is the most important religious practice of
this age (Yuga-dharma) A devotee should chant incessantly. In order to
do this one must cultivate humility.


1. Bhagavad-gita 16.21
2. Sri Sri Siksastaka 1
3. Sri Sri Siksastaka 3

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20: Krishna's Energies

Krishna's Energies


Krishna, the Supreme Lord, has three types of energies: 1. Material,
2. Spiritual, and 3. Marginal. The material energy is the dull matter
that has no consciousness. The spiritual energy is the conscious
energy that is devoted to His service. The marginal energy consists of
the living entities--individual souls, such as ourselves, that have
the choice of either identifying with matter or spirit.


In actuality, the marginal potency (individual spirit souls) is also
spiritual. Because of his marginal position, the soul can be
illusioned by the material energy, and completely forget his real
nature. As soon as the soul associates with the material nature, he
becomes conditioned. He tries to enjoy this material world, which is
by nature different from him, and consequently he is frustrated in his
attempt.


If the spirit soul associates with the spiritual nature through the
processes of devotional service: hearing about Krishna, chanting His
glories, remembering Him, worshiping Him, serving His lotus feet,
offering prayers, carrying out His orders, becoming His friend, and
surrendering to Him, the soul will be situated in his constitutional
position and enjoy unlimitedly.


The soul is often compared to a small spark that will only continue
blazing as long as it remains in the fire. When it is removed from the
fire its. illumination is quickly extinguished. Similarly, the soul
will experience eternity, bliss and knowledge only as long as he
remains engaged in Krishna's service. Otherwise, his true nature will
be covered.

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21 Krishna is everywhere

Krishna is everywhere

Krishna is in everyone's heart, and, in fact, in every atom of the
creation. Nothing exists without Krishna. He appears in His expansion
as the Supersoul. In this form, He is guiding us in this world giving
us intelligence, remembrance, and forgetfulness; and patiently waiting
for us to give up our futile endeavor to enjoy the material world.


The Vedic literatures describe that there are two souls in the heart
of every. entity: God and the individual soul. This is compared to two
birds in a tree; one bird is trying to enjoy the fruits of the tree,
while the other is observing. When the bird who is trying to enjoy
(the individual soul) turns to the observing bird (God), God becomes
pleased and sends a spiritual master to the individual soul to guide
him on his spiritual path.


Because the conditioned soul is covered with the material energy, he
is not capable of perceiving directly the existence and direction of
the Supersoul who is situated next to him in the heart; but when the
Supersoul sends His external manifestation (the spiritual master) to
help the sincere seeker, the soul is able to perceive spiritual
reality through the words of the spiritual master. Gradually, as the
soul comes to Krishna consciousness, he will be able to perceive
Krishna in his heart, as well as in everything around Him.


1. Bhagavad-gita 15.15
2. Svetasvatara Upanisad 4.?
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22 Krishna is the reservoir of all beauty

Krishna is the reservoir of all beauty

The Bhagavad-gita states that everything comes from Krishna. In the
tenth chapter, He says that He is the source of all material and
spiritual worlds.


As the Universal Form, Krishna's features are bewildering even to his
pure devotees. But, in His original feature with two hands holding a
flute, He is unlimitedly attractive. Devotees are interested in
worshiping Krishna in His original form.


The source of anything contains all the qualities present in the
emanation and more. For example, in our homes we have the benefit of
electricity which ultimately comes from a large power station situated
miles away. We can understand that the power station's capacity to
generate electricity far exceeds the tiny amount that we have access
to in our homes. The beauty of Krishna far exceeds anything that is
present in His creation.


The attractive features of Krishna have been classified in six
different divisions by the great sages. He is 1. All beautiful,
possessing perfect bodily characteristics, 2. All knowing, 3.
Completely renounced, 4. The strongest person, 5. The most wealthy,
and 6. The most famous.


The more we learn about Krishna, His appearance, His qualities, and
His personality, the more we will be attracted to Him and our natural
love for Him will be awakened.


1. Bhagavad-gita 10.8


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23 Krishna's Body is Spiritual

Krishna's Body is Spiritual


Krishna is non-different from His body. His body is eternal, full of
bliss, and knowledge. He never changes His body, but in His selfsame
body appears in different ways, according to His desires, in His
various incarnations .This is the same as a dramatic artist who can
expertly assume different roles according to the scripts which he is
called upon to perform. It is stated in the Vedic literatures, that
when we see God in His original manifestation, He is known as
Krishna--the all attractive Personality of Godhead.


In His various manifestations in this world, Krishna establishes
religious principles; annihilates miscreants, and helps His devotees.
At the same time, He exhibits these activities to attract people who
have no information about God other than their faulty speculation or
the speculations of others such as theologians. When people see or
hear about Krishna's wonderful activities, they become attracted to
Him, and become interested in spiritual life.


Krishna also enjoys acting in many different ways. God is not
impersonal. He has desires like ourselves, but His desires are not
fraught with the impurities that contaminate ours. He enjoys dancing,
playing, singing, fighting, and all the activities that we can
imagine.


In the spiritual world these activities are constantly going on. This
is the destination of the pure devotees of the Lord: to interact with
the Lord in His eternal pastimes.


1. Brahma-samhita 5.1
2. Bhagavad-gita 4.6


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24 No Loss of Diminution

No Loss of Diminution


All material accomplishments are finished at the time of death. "You
can't take it with you." The pharaohs in Egypt were buried with their
worldly belongings (including their wives and servants); yet thousands
of years later their bodies were dug up and all the worldly belongings
were still there (unless grave robbers had taken them). We come into
this world naked and leave in the same way, regardless of what we have
acquired in this lifetime: prestige, money, family, education, etc.


Devotional service performed in this lifetime is never lost. If one
becomes 1% Krishna conscious in this lifetime, he will take up
devotional service from this point in the next. Krishna informs us
that in Krishna consciousness there is no loss or diminution, and that
a little Krishna consciousness will protect one from the most
dangerous situation--losing the facility of having a human body in the
next life.


A devotee who leaves his body after a little devotional service goes
to the heavenly planets, and thereafter takes birth in a well-to-do
family. During this birth he gets further opportunities to progress in
devotional service.


A devotee who leaves his body after a great deal of devotional service
takes birth in a family of transcendentalists where he is immediately
engaged in devotional service and is able to perfect his Krishna
consciousness.
Of course, a devotee who leaves this world after perfecting his
devotional service, never comes back to this world again, but attains
Krishna's eternal abode, Goloka Vrindavana.
1. Bhagavad-gita 2.40
2. Bhagavad-gita 6.41
3. Bhagavad-gita 6.42

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25 The Regulative Principles of Freedom

The Regulative Principles of Freedom

There are positive and negative injunctions for those wishing to be
successfully in spiritual life. For example, if one wishes to start a
fire he must apply heat(positive injunction) as well as avoid pouring
water(negative in junction) which would hurt his recovery.

there are four pillars of sinful life: the eating of meat, fish and
eggs; the taking of intoxication;the attempt to enjoy illicit sex(sex
outside marriage); and gambling. these activities pollute the
consiousness, where as devotional service purifies the consciousness.

On addition, one who performs these activities will have to suffer a
heavy karmic burden. That is, he will have to experience very negative
reactions in the future for the activities performed at present.
One normally thinks that regulations are restrictions on freedom, but
a little reflection will
help one realize that this is not so. When criminal activity is
restricted, citizens are "free" to walk of the streets. When one
regulates his eating and exercising, one becomes "free" to enjoy
healthy life. Likewise, by not engaging in meat?eating, intoxication,
illicit sex and gambling, the individual becomes free of their
negative effects. His consciousness becomes less restricted by
material conditions and bad karma so that he is able to better
understand spiritual truths.
One who does not follow these restrictions, is not considered to be
truly a human being, even though he may possess a human body.
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26 Service to God

Service to God


The Vedic literatures recognize that each person is an individual,
with specific abilities and propensities. A devotee is engaged in
Krishna's service in accordance with these proclivities. What makes
the activity devotional service is that the results are offered to
Krishna.


In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna stresses that all of the results of all
of our activities should be offered to Him. l The devotee consults the
spiritual master to determine which activities are in harmony with his
psychophysical nature, and how to offer the results of such activities
to the Supreme Lord. The devotee may be engaged in a variety of
activities, but in each of them the devotee is thinking of pleasing
Krishna and the spiritual master.


Devotional service is open to everyone, regardless of caste, creed,
race, or sex. Devotees see beyond the body to the soul, and therefore
are free from all material bias. A devotee is never to be considered a
man, woman, black, white, or any other designation that pertains to
the body. A devotee is simply seen as a servant of God.


1. Bhagavad-gita 9.27

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27 The Six Senses

The Six Senses


In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna explains that we have six senses,
including the mind. At the present time, because we are identifying
with the material body, we are controlled by these senses. Depending
upon which of the three modes of nature (goodness, passion, and
ignorance) we happen to be affected by, we seek certain objects for
each of these senses in order to satisfy them (the senses). As one
thinks about the sense objects one develops a desire or attachment for
them and this desire causes one to attempt to obtain them. However,
once obtained, the senses demand more or different sense objects. The
person who relies on his senses to obtain knowledge is bewildered
since his senses are faulty.


This world is full of variety. Businesses are creating and providing
products not only to fulfill all types of desires for sense
gratification, but to stimulate new desires with the aid of the mass
media. Thus, the living entity is being pulled here and there by his
senses in an never-ending attempt to become satisfied.


Only by engaging the senses in the service of God can one be freed
from slavery to the senses.
1. Bhagavad-gita 2.62
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28: Controlled Senses

Controlled Senses

A devotee realizes that the source of his miseries in this world, the
senses, can also be the cause of his liberation and perfection in
Krishna consciousness. Generally it is thought that sense control
means severe austerity or joyless puritanism, but there is no need to
negate the senses or ignore the senses in Krishna consciousness. One
simply has to engage the senses in Krishna's service, recognizing that
Krishna is the proprietor of the senses.


The spiritual master and the Vedic literatures guide the devotee in
engaging his senses in the Lord's service. When the senses are thus
utilized, they regain their original spiritual nature and the devotee
can be said to be enjoying them.


If we understand our bodies to be temples of God and our senses to be
His property, then we can engage them happily in Krishna's service.


The ears are engaged in hearing about the Lord. The eyes are engaged
in seeing the beautiful form of the Lord. The nose can be engaged in
smelling the flowers offered to Krishna. The hands (touch) can be
engaged in working for Krishna and touching the lotus feet of Krishna
and His devotees. The tongue can be engaged in tasting food offered to
Krishna, and speaking about Him. Finally, the mind, the sixth sense,
can be engaged in thinking of Krishna's names, activities, forms,
qualities, and service. All the senses thus become a source of great
happiness for a devotee.
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29 A Krishna Conscious Diet

A Krishna Conscious Diet


Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita that whatever one eats, one should
offer to Him first, before partaking of it. If one neglects this
injunction, one is verily eating only sin. This means that there will
be a karmic reaction for eating any type of food--even food in the
mode of goodness--unless the food is first offered to God as a
sacrifice.


Krishna is a person and has personal likes and dislikes. There are
certain foods that He considers acceptable, such as fruits,
vegetables, grains, and milk products. If we want Krishna to accept
our offering, it is necessary to confine ourselves to the groups of
foods that He will accept, otherwise the offering will be in vain--He
will reject it.


The attitude in which one offers the foodstuffs to Krishna is most
important. Krishna states that one should offer the food with love and
devotion". This means that one should make the offering and do the
cooking with the idea of preparing the food for the pleasure of
Krishna.
A Krishna conscious person prepares the food in a clean place, never
tasting the . preparations before they are offered. He uses the
authorized ingredients. When he is finished with the preparation, he
puts a sample of each dish on a special plate that is used only for
Krishna's eating. Placing this dish on the altar before Krishna, he
prays with devotion for the Lord to accept his humble presentation.
After this offering, the plate is cleansed and put away. Then the
devotee partakes of the Lord's remnants, and is purified by doing so.
1. Bhagavad-gita 9.27
2. Bhagavad-gita 3.13
3. Bhagavad-gita 9.26
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chap30 A Higher Taste

A Higher Taste


People often wonder how a devotee can execute the process of
devotional service so faithfully while still being surrounded by so
many attractive material features. When Srila Prabhupada's Godbrother
was preaching in England to a member of the nobility, he requested the
nobleman to follow the four regulative principles: no meat, fish or
eggs; no gambling; no illicit sex; and no intoxication. The gentleman
replied, "Impossible!"


But a devotee is experiencing such pleasure from the Lord's service,
that he considers such material affairs as insignificant. This is
called a "higher taste". This material world is a perverted reflection
of the spiritual realm. So, when we experience the real thing, there
is no more attraction to the reflection.


One, for example, may be attracted to dancing for one's own pleasure,
which is certainly material. But, when one experiences dancing for
Krishna, he forgets such paltry, dry affairs as material dancing. A
devotee chants the holy names of God: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, and
dances in ecstasy.


Once can eat for Krishna, speak for Krishna, act for Krishna, or
practically anything one would do for himself, can be done for
Krishna. All the senses can be thus engaged in serving Krishna.


1. Bhagavad-gita 2.59
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Chap31 The Peace Formula

The Peace Formula


Everyone wants peace and happiness. This is not obtainable materially.
If we study history we will not find a single man who has obtained
this goal through material means. Unfortunately, we refuse to learn
from history, and we obstinately think that this elusive peace will be
ours one day.


A fish out of the water can never be happy, regardless of the
amenities that it is given to enjoy--furniture, clothes, television,
etc. Similarly, the soul, when it is not acting in its constitutional
position (servant of God) will always be uncomfortable.


Real peace can be had by accepting the fact that Krishna is the
enjoyer, proprietor, beneficiary of all activities, and our eternal
well-wisher.

Krishna is the proprietor of all of the planets and universes. No one
is greater than Him. He is the master of the material nature, and all
living entities are bound by His laws. Fortunately, He is also our
greatest friend. So by obeying and serving Him lovingly, we can find
true peace and happiness.


1. Bhagavad-gita 5.29

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Fwd: Without the remembrance of God .......

a wonderful quote .............

♫ Please Chant the holy names of God... because without Lord , our week would be * Sinday,

Mournday,

Tearsday,

Wasteday,

Thirstday,

Fightday

& Shatterday *