An important part of devotee care is teaching devotees how to take care of themselves in various areas and various situations.
Devotee care is not making devotees dependent on carers, but assisting them or training them to be strong and fit in all areas of life.
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
THE BEST USE
In the material world, in any form of life, there is some so-called happiness and so-called distress. No one invites distress in order to suffer, but still it comes.
Similarly, even if we do not endeavor to obtain the advantages of material happiness, we shall obtain them automatically. This happiness and distress are obtainable in any form of life, without endeavor.
Thus there is no need to waste time and energy fighting against distress or working very hard for happiness. Our only business in the human form of life should be to revive our relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus become qualified to return home, back to Godhead.
Material happiness and distress come as soon as we accept a material body, regardless of what form. We cannot avoid such happiness and distress under any circumstances.
The best use of human life, therefore, lies in reviving our relationship with the Supreme Lord, Visnu.
- Srila Prabhupada, SB 7.6.3 Purport
http://vedabase.net/sb/7/6/3/en1
Similarly, even if we do not endeavor to obtain the advantages of material happiness, we shall obtain them automatically. This happiness and distress are obtainable in any form of life, without endeavor.
Thus there is no need to waste time and energy fighting against distress or working very hard for happiness. Our only business in the human form of life should be to revive our relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus become qualified to return home, back to Godhead.
Material happiness and distress come as soon as we accept a material body, regardless of what form. We cannot avoid such happiness and distress under any circumstances.
The best use of human life, therefore, lies in reviving our relationship with the Supreme Lord, Visnu.
- Srila Prabhupada, SB 7.6.3 Purport
http://vedabase.net/sb/7/6/3/en1
POSSIBLE
By the blessings of a Vaisnava, everything is possible.
This is described in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu as krpa-siddhi, or perfection attained simply by the blessings of a superior person. One usually becomes liberated and perfect by executing the regulative principles set down in the sastras. Nonetheless, many persons have achieved perfection simply by the blessings of a spiritual master or superior.
- Srila Prabhupada, SB 5.1.10 Purport
*
So if we can, somehow or other, get Srila Prabhupada's blessings, everything will be possible.
This is described in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu as krpa-siddhi, or perfection attained simply by the blessings of a superior person. One usually becomes liberated and perfect by executing the regulative principles set down in the sastras. Nonetheless, many persons have achieved perfection simply by the blessings of a spiritual master or superior.
- Srila Prabhupada, SB 5.1.10 Purport
*
So if we can, somehow or other, get Srila Prabhupada's blessings, everything will be possible.
IMPROVING OUR HABITS
Make a list of the habits you want to improve. Read it every day. Choose one habit daily to work on.
Here is my list:
1. Go to bed by 9 pm
2. Get up at 3:30 am
3. Chant my 16 rounds in one go
4. Chant more rounds during the day
5. Read one of Srila Prabhupada's books aloud for at least an hour
6. Participate in or lead the kirtana
7. Listen to Srila Prabhupada's lecture
8. Do not eat after 6 pm
9. Reduce time with the computer
10. Walk in nature daily for minimum 30 minutes
11. Think intelligently before I react to anything that happens to me
12. Pray for the preaching and coaching opportunities
Here is my list:
1. Go to bed by 9 pm
2. Get up at 3:30 am
3. Chant my 16 rounds in one go
4. Chant more rounds during the day
5. Read one of Srila Prabhupada's books aloud for at least an hour
6. Participate in or lead the kirtana
7. Listen to Srila Prabhupada's lecture
8. Do not eat after 6 pm
9. Reduce time with the computer
10. Walk in nature daily for minimum 30 minutes
11. Think intelligently before I react to anything that happens to me
12. Pray for the preaching and coaching opportunities
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
WHY WE DON'T REMEMBER?
Woman: How someone who has entered a new body and a new life doesn't remember anything of the past? If, for example, I suffer today because of what I did in the past, any form of retribution or suffering should be for me a total consciousness.
Prabhupada: Yes. Do you remember from your birth up to date, everything?
Woman: No.
Prabhupada: Then why do you forget in this life? Things which have happened in this life, in your childhood, so many things happened, but do you remember all of them? So that, does it mean that you did not do so?
Woman: No.
Prabhupada: Therefore, you remember or not remember, it doesn't matter.
Prabhupada: That is your nature: you forget. So you do not remember even the incidences of this life. How you can remember the incidents of your past life? Because you are forgetful. You are so imperfect that you forget after two hours everything. That is your nature. That does not mean that you had, you did not do anything. And, besides that, suppose your guardian remembers, "My dear child, when you were a small baby, you did it." But you don't remember. Similarly Krsna is there. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese arjuna tisthati [Bg. 18.61]. Anumanta upadrasta. He knows everything. You may forget. But Krsna knows. "You wanted this thing. All right. Take it. You worked for this. Now I give you the opportunity. You take this. You wanted to eat everything and anything, without any discrimination. All right. Now you become a hog." That is Krsna's favor. "And if you wanted Me..."
yanti deva-vrata devan
pitrn yanti pitr-vratah
bhutejya yanti bhutani
mad-yajino 'pi yanti mam
[Bg. 9.25]
"You wanted Me. You sacrificed everything for Me. Please come on." Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti kaunteya [Bg. 4.9]. So as you work, therefore this life is the preparation stage for your next life -- either you choose a better life, or a sinful life, or unimportant life. Just like if you get good education, that will make your future life nice. But if you don't go to school, how you can get a better life? Similarly karma... Karmana daiva netrena [SB 3.31.1]. According to your karma. If you have earned, worked very hard for a nice place, you'll get it.
Woman: So there's no end to the samsaras...
Prabhupada: Oh, yes. You are very intelligent. In this way, we are creating our karmas. And getting one, one kind of body to another, another, another. Therefore if we want to get out of this cycle of birth and death, then we must surrender to Krsna. Then the facility will be that after giving up this body, tyaktva deham punar janma naiti, no more birth in this material world. That is Krsna consciousness, the best service to the humanity, to stop this repetition of birth and death and go to home, back to home, back to Godhead. This is the special benediction of Krsna consciousness.
Woman: So, it is a shortcut to eternal life?
Prabhupada: Yes. This is the shortcut. Just if you become Krsna conscious fully, if you are trained up, just after death, you go to Krsna. That's all. Immediately.
- Srila Prabhupada, The Nectar of Devotion Lecture - Bombay, January 4, 1973
Prabhupada: Yes. Do you remember from your birth up to date, everything?
Woman: No.
Prabhupada: Then why do you forget in this life? Things which have happened in this life, in your childhood, so many things happened, but do you remember all of them? So that, does it mean that you did not do so?
Woman: No.
Prabhupada: Therefore, you remember or not remember, it doesn't matter.
Prabhupada: That is your nature: you forget. So you do not remember even the incidences of this life. How you can remember the incidents of your past life? Because you are forgetful. You are so imperfect that you forget after two hours everything. That is your nature. That does not mean that you had, you did not do anything. And, besides that, suppose your guardian remembers, "My dear child, when you were a small baby, you did it." But you don't remember. Similarly Krsna is there. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese arjuna tisthati [Bg. 18.61]. Anumanta upadrasta. He knows everything. You may forget. But Krsna knows. "You wanted this thing. All right. Take it. You worked for this. Now I give you the opportunity. You take this. You wanted to eat everything and anything, without any discrimination. All right. Now you become a hog." That is Krsna's favor. "And if you wanted Me..."
yanti deva-vrata devan
pitrn yanti pitr-vratah
bhutejya yanti bhutani
mad-yajino 'pi yanti mam
[Bg. 9.25]
"You wanted Me. You sacrificed everything for Me. Please come on." Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti kaunteya [Bg. 4.9]. So as you work, therefore this life is the preparation stage for your next life -- either you choose a better life, or a sinful life, or unimportant life. Just like if you get good education, that will make your future life nice. But if you don't go to school, how you can get a better life? Similarly karma... Karmana daiva netrena [SB 3.31.1]. According to your karma. If you have earned, worked very hard for a nice place, you'll get it.
Woman: So there's no end to the samsaras...
Prabhupada: Oh, yes. You are very intelligent. In this way, we are creating our karmas. And getting one, one kind of body to another, another, another. Therefore if we want to get out of this cycle of birth and death, then we must surrender to Krsna. Then the facility will be that after giving up this body, tyaktva deham punar janma naiti, no more birth in this material world. That is Krsna consciousness, the best service to the humanity, to stop this repetition of birth and death and go to home, back to home, back to Godhead. This is the special benediction of Krsna consciousness.
Woman: So, it is a shortcut to eternal life?
Prabhupada: Yes. This is the shortcut. Just if you become Krsna conscious fully, if you are trained up, just after death, you go to Krsna. That's all. Immediately.
- Srila Prabhupada, The Nectar of Devotion Lecture - Bombay, January 4, 1973
PERSONAL COACHING
With coaching, we can help people:
- Develop a Personal Mission Statement and define what they want to BE, DO and HAVE in life
- Find their true self and connect with it
- Find their way, purpose, voice or dharma
- Connect with the Supersoul within the heart, listen to Him and take His guidance
Coaching requests you to answer these two questions:
If not you, who?
If not now, when?
- Develop a Personal Mission Statement and define what they want to BE, DO and HAVE in life
- Find their true self and connect with it
- Find their way, purpose, voice or dharma
- Connect with the Supersoul within the heart, listen to Him and take His guidance
Coaching requests you to answer these two questions:
If not you, who?
If not now, when?
MOTHS ARE CAPTIVATED
The deluding energy, or material nature, can act upon the living beings proportionately in terms of the living beings' falling prey to the deluding attraction of maya.
Moths are captivated by the glaring brightness of light, and thus they become prey to the fire. Similarly, the deluding energy is always captivating the conditioned souls to become prey to the fire of delusion, and the Vedic scriptures warn the conditioned souls not to become prey to delusion but to get rid of it.
The Vedas warn us to go not to the darkness of ignorance but to the progressive path of light. The Lord Himself also warns that the deluding power of material energy is too powerful to overcome, but one who completely surrenders unto the Lord can easily do so.
But to surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord is also not very easy. Such surrender is possible by persons of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness.
SB 1.17.24 Purport
Moths are captivated by the glaring brightness of light, and thus they become prey to the fire. Similarly, the deluding energy is always captivating the conditioned souls to become prey to the fire of delusion, and the Vedic scriptures warn the conditioned souls not to become prey to delusion but to get rid of it.
The Vedas warn us to go not to the darkness of ignorance but to the progressive path of light. The Lord Himself also warns that the deluding power of material energy is too powerful to overcome, but one who completely surrenders unto the Lord can easily do so.
But to surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord is also not very easy. Such surrender is possible by persons of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness.
SB 1.17.24 Purport
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
WHAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
It is not what happens to you but what you do with it that makes a difference.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
WHEN PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT
If you meet people who say they don't know what they want, you can ask them one or all these questions, that can help them discover or choose what they want:
- What one great thing would you dare to dream, if you knew you could not fail?
- If you would have unlimited time and money, what would you do?
- If you would have a magic wand, what would you create in your life?
- If you would wake up in the morning and everything is perfect, what would you see?
- What one great thing would you dare to dream, if you knew you could not fail?
- If you would have unlimited time and money, what would you do?
- If you would have a magic wand, what would you create in your life?
- If you would wake up in the morning and everything is perfect, what would you see?
WHAT OTHERS THINK
Do not worry what others think of you because they don't.
They mainly think of themselves.
And if they are Krsna conscious, they think of Krsna.
They mainly think of themselves.
And if they are Krsna conscious, they think of Krsna.
FACILITY
The Supreme Personality of Godhead expanded Himself into many for His ever-increasing spiritual bliss, and the living entities are parts and parcels of this spiritual bliss.
They also have partial independence, but by misuse of their independence, when the service attitude is transformed into the propensity for sense enjoyment, they come under the sway of lust.
This material creation is created by the Lord to give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill these lustful propensities, and when completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities, the living entities begin to inquire about their real position.
- Srila Prabhupada (Bhagavad-gita 3.37 Purport)
They also have partial independence, but by misuse of their independence, when the service attitude is transformed into the propensity for sense enjoyment, they come under the sway of lust.
This material creation is created by the Lord to give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill these lustful propensities, and when completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities, the living entities begin to inquire about their real position.
- Srila Prabhupada (Bhagavad-gita 3.37 Purport)
"ISKCON SHOULD DO THIS"
Devotees sometimes come to me and tell me, "ISKCON should do this. ISKCON should do that."
I say: "What is ISKCON? Who is ISKCON? I think YOU are ISKCON - therefore YOU should do what you think ISKCON should do. It is everyone's responsibility to make ISKCON as Prabhupada wanted it. It is not only current leaders' responsibility."
I say: "What is ISKCON? Who is ISKCON? I think YOU are ISKCON - therefore YOU should do what you think ISKCON should do. It is everyone's responsibility to make ISKCON as Prabhupada wanted it. It is not only current leaders' responsibility."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
EXCELLENT QUESTIONS
Are you willing to take responsibility for your mistakes — and for the attitudes and actions that led to them?
Are you willing — however begrudgingly — to forgive yourself, and even laugh at yourself?
Will you look for value in your experiences, especially the most difficult
ones?
In summary:
Are you willing to learn from what happened and make changes accordingly?
inquiryinstitute.com
Are you willing — however begrudgingly — to forgive yourself, and even laugh at yourself?
Will you look for value in your experiences, especially the most difficult
ones?
In summary:
Are you willing to learn from what happened and make changes accordingly?
inquiryinstitute.com
FUNERAL
Q: What would you like people to say at your funeral?
A: He ruined my illusion. He ruined my sense gratification. I hated him but later I understood - he is my well-wisher.
A: He ruined my illusion. He ruined my sense gratification. I hated him but later I understood - he is my well-wisher.
THE INDIAN TALKING STICK
After I trained Indian chiefs who head up Indian nations in the United
States and Canada, the chiefs gave me a beautiful gift — an intricately
carved, five-foot-tall Talking Stick with the name Bald Eagle
inscribed on it.
The Talking Stick has played an integral part in
Native American government for centuries. In fact, some of the
Founding Fathers of the American Republic (particularly Benjamin
Franklin) were educated in the ideas behind the Talking Stick by
Indian chiefs of the Iroquois Federation. It is one of the most
powerful communication tools I've ever seen, because, while it is
tangible and physical, it embodies a concept that is powerfully
synergistic.
This Talking Stick represents how people with differences
can come to understand one another through mutual respect, which then
enables them to solve their differences and problems synergistically,
or at the very least through compromise.
Here's the theory behind it. Whenever people meet together, the
Talking Stick is present. Only the person holding the Talking Stick is
permitted to speak. As long as you have the Talking Stick, you alone
may speak, until you are satisfied that you are understood. Others are
not permitted to make their own points, argue, agree or disagree.
All they may do is attempt to understand you and then articulate that
understanding. They may need to restate your point to make sure you
feel understood, or you may just simply feel that they understand.
As soon as you feel understood, it is your obligation to pass the
Talking Stick to the next person and then to work to make him feel
understood. As he makes his points, you have to listen, restate and
empathize until he feels truly understood. This way, all of the
parties involved take responsibility for one hundred percent of the
communication, both speaking and listening.
Once each of the parties
feels understood, an amazing thing usually happens. Negative energy
dissipates, contention evaporates, mutual respect grows, and people
become creative. New ideas emerge. Third alternatives appear.
Remember, to understand does not mean to agree with. It just means to be
able to see with the other person's eyes, heart, mind and spirit. One
of the deepest needs of the human soul is to be understood. Once that
need is met, the personal focus can shift to interdependent problem
solving.
But if that very intense need for understanding is not met,
ego battles take place. Turf issues arise. Defensive and protective
communication is the order of the day. Sometimes contention, even
violence, can erupt.
The human need to feel understood is like the lungs' need for air. If
all the air were suddenly sucked out of the room you are in, how
motivated would you be to get air? Would you be interested in having
a discussion or working out some difference between you and everyone
else? Of course not. You'd want just one thing. You'd be open to other
things only after you got air. Feeling understood is the equivalent of
psychological air.
From "THE 8TH HABIT" book by Stephen Covey
States and Canada, the chiefs gave me a beautiful gift — an intricately
carved, five-foot-tall Talking Stick with the name Bald Eagle
inscribed on it.
The Talking Stick has played an integral part in
Native American government for centuries. In fact, some of the
Founding Fathers of the American Republic (particularly Benjamin
Franklin) were educated in the ideas behind the Talking Stick by
Indian chiefs of the Iroquois Federation. It is one of the most
powerful communication tools I've ever seen, because, while it is
tangible and physical, it embodies a concept that is powerfully
synergistic.
This Talking Stick represents how people with differences
can come to understand one another through mutual respect, which then
enables them to solve their differences and problems synergistically,
or at the very least through compromise.
Here's the theory behind it. Whenever people meet together, the
Talking Stick is present. Only the person holding the Talking Stick is
permitted to speak. As long as you have the Talking Stick, you alone
may speak, until you are satisfied that you are understood. Others are
not permitted to make their own points, argue, agree or disagree.
All they may do is attempt to understand you and then articulate that
understanding. They may need to restate your point to make sure you
feel understood, or you may just simply feel that they understand.
As soon as you feel understood, it is your obligation to pass the
Talking Stick to the next person and then to work to make him feel
understood. As he makes his points, you have to listen, restate and
empathize until he feels truly understood. This way, all of the
parties involved take responsibility for one hundred percent of the
communication, both speaking and listening.
Once each of the parties
feels understood, an amazing thing usually happens. Negative energy
dissipates, contention evaporates, mutual respect grows, and people
become creative. New ideas emerge. Third alternatives appear.
Remember, to understand does not mean to agree with. It just means to be
able to see with the other person's eyes, heart, mind and spirit. One
of the deepest needs of the human soul is to be understood. Once that
need is met, the personal focus can shift to interdependent problem
solving.
But if that very intense need for understanding is not met,
ego battles take place. Turf issues arise. Defensive and protective
communication is the order of the day. Sometimes contention, even
violence, can erupt.
The human need to feel understood is like the lungs' need for air. If
all the air were suddenly sucked out of the room you are in, how
motivated would you be to get air? Would you be interested in having
a discussion or working out some difference between you and everyone
else? Of course not. You'd want just one thing. You'd be open to other
things only after you got air. Feeling understood is the equivalent of
psychological air.
From "THE 8TH HABIT" book by Stephen Covey
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
LOVE AND SEX
The highest pleasure of this material world is sex life. Even in the spiritual world there is sex pleasure in Krsna. But this is not something like sex life in the material world.
Here in the material world the energy is sex, and in the spiritual world the energy is love. Here the love is misrepresented in sex. That is not love, but lust. Love is only possible with Krsna, nowhere else.
In the spiritual life there is no sex life. In the spiritual world there is no sex intercourse. Although there is man and woman, there is no sex intercourse. By chanting the glories of God there in the spiritual world, they get so much great pleasure that is far beyond this pleasure of sex life.
If you have something best then you forget low grade pleasure. So this sex pleasure is lower grade pleasure. It is not pleasure, it is illusion, but in material world this is the greatest pleasure.
Therefore everyone they are coming back to this sex pleasure, everyone. Even so-called religionists and swamis, they are coming down to the sex pleasure. Because in this material world that is the only highest pleasure. So, so long one will be attracted by the sex pleasure it is still in the material world.
In the spiritual world there are very, very beautiful women, thousand, thousands times. Here, in the heavenly planets, they are calculated the best perfectional body of the woman. But in the spiritual world, still further. But there is no attraction of sex.
They are working together, serving together, everything. But the sex attraction, there is no. They are elevated so much in the service of the Lord.
Sex attraction is a kind of pleasure. So there are different types of pleasure.
Here, if somebody, good foodstuff is there, and.... That is also another sense pleasure, and by the time one beautiful woman is canvassing, "Now, come and let us enjoy," he will give up this good food. He'll go for sex. Because he will think this is better than that. So one pleasure is rejected if one is engaged in better pleasure.
Param drstva nivartate [Bg. 9.59]. So in the spiritual world the service of the Lord is so pleasing, that they can neglect this sex pleasure. That is spiritual world. They have no attachment for sex pleasure.
The sex attraction is very great in the material world. But in the spiritual world it is different. From Srimad-Bhagavatam we know that the opposite sex namely the female members of Vaikuntha are many many times more beautiful than they are in the heavenly planets. Their hips and attractive smiles cannot stimulate sex urge passion of the man or male devotees.
I never discourage marriage, providing it is for Krsna's service and not for simply sex life. It is always meant for a higher purpose. In God's creation there is male and female even in the spiritual world and there is purpose for such creation. This purpose is so that male and female may join together, not for sex-life, but to glorify the Lord.
From Srimad-Bhagavatam we learn that in Vaikuntha the women are much more beautiful in their figure, smiling, dressing, etc., but the men and women there are so much attracted by the chanting of Hare Krsna that they do not get any sex impulse even by intimate mingling.
Here also we sometimes get very good example, because when our nice boys and girls are dancing together in chanting Hare Krsna at least for that time they forget all about the sex impulse. This is perfection of life, to be so much attracted to Krsna that all insignificant pleasures are utterly forgotten.
In spiritual life also there are men and women. They are very beautiful and attractive, but they are all so much absorbed in thought of Krishna that in the spiritual world there is no sex life. That means that Krishna consciousness is so sublime and happy that it surpasses the pleasure of sex life.
- Srila Prabhupada
Here in the material world the energy is sex, and in the spiritual world the energy is love. Here the love is misrepresented in sex. That is not love, but lust. Love is only possible with Krsna, nowhere else.
In the spiritual life there is no sex life. In the spiritual world there is no sex intercourse. Although there is man and woman, there is no sex intercourse. By chanting the glories of God there in the spiritual world, they get so much great pleasure that is far beyond this pleasure of sex life.
If you have something best then you forget low grade pleasure. So this sex pleasure is lower grade pleasure. It is not pleasure, it is illusion, but in material world this is the greatest pleasure.
Therefore everyone they are coming back to this sex pleasure, everyone. Even so-called religionists and swamis, they are coming down to the sex pleasure. Because in this material world that is the only highest pleasure. So, so long one will be attracted by the sex pleasure it is still in the material world.
In the spiritual world there are very, very beautiful women, thousand, thousands times. Here, in the heavenly planets, they are calculated the best perfectional body of the woman. But in the spiritual world, still further. But there is no attraction of sex.
They are working together, serving together, everything. But the sex attraction, there is no. They are elevated so much in the service of the Lord.
Sex attraction is a kind of pleasure. So there are different types of pleasure.
Here, if somebody, good foodstuff is there, and.... That is also another sense pleasure, and by the time one beautiful woman is canvassing, "Now, come and let us enjoy," he will give up this good food. He'll go for sex. Because he will think this is better than that. So one pleasure is rejected if one is engaged in better pleasure.
Param drstva nivartate [Bg. 9.59]. So in the spiritual world the service of the Lord is so pleasing, that they can neglect this sex pleasure. That is spiritual world. They have no attachment for sex pleasure.
The sex attraction is very great in the material world. But in the spiritual world it is different. From Srimad-Bhagavatam we know that the opposite sex namely the female members of Vaikuntha are many many times more beautiful than they are in the heavenly planets. Their hips and attractive smiles cannot stimulate sex urge passion of the man or male devotees.
I never discourage marriage, providing it is for Krsna's service and not for simply sex life. It is always meant for a higher purpose. In God's creation there is male and female even in the spiritual world and there is purpose for such creation. This purpose is so that male and female may join together, not for sex-life, but to glorify the Lord.
From Srimad-Bhagavatam we learn that in Vaikuntha the women are much more beautiful in their figure, smiling, dressing, etc., but the men and women there are so much attracted by the chanting of Hare Krsna that they do not get any sex impulse even by intimate mingling.
Here also we sometimes get very good example, because when our nice boys and girls are dancing together in chanting Hare Krsna at least for that time they forget all about the sex impulse. This is perfection of life, to be so much attracted to Krsna that all insignificant pleasures are utterly forgotten.
In spiritual life also there are men and women. They are very beautiful and attractive, but they are all so much absorbed in thought of Krishna that in the spiritual world there is no sex life. That means that Krishna consciousness is so sublime and happy that it surpasses the pleasure of sex life.
- Srila Prabhupada
Monday, January 17, 2011
ACKNOWLEDGE KRSNA'S KINDNESS
They have taken from nature, but they are thieves because everything in nature belongs to Krsna. Isavasyam idam sarvam: "Everything is God's creation." (Iso, mantra 1)
In Bhagavad-gita Krsna states that if one does not perform yajna [sacrifice], he is a thief. Yajna means acknowledging that things have been taken from Krsna.
We should think, "Krsna, You have given us many, many things for our maintenance." This much acknowledgement Krsna wants; that's all. Otherwise, what can He expect from you? What are you in His presence?
We should acknowledge Krsna's kindness. Therefore, before we eat we offer the food to Krsna and say, "Krsna, You have given us this nice food, so first You taste it." Then we eat it.
- Srila Prabhupada
In Bhagavad-gita Krsna states that if one does not perform yajna [sacrifice], he is a thief. Yajna means acknowledging that things have been taken from Krsna.
We should think, "Krsna, You have given us many, many things for our maintenance." This much acknowledgement Krsna wants; that's all. Otherwise, what can He expect from you? What are you in His presence?
We should acknowledge Krsna's kindness. Therefore, before we eat we offer the food to Krsna and say, "Krsna, You have given us this nice food, so first You taste it." Then we eat it.
- Srila Prabhupada
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
"I know no one but Krsna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly in His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord unconditionally."
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught, "O Lord! Whether You trample me under Your feet or embrace me or leave me brokenhearted by not being present before me, that does not matter. You are completely free to do anything, for You are my worshipable Lord unconditionally."
That is love. We should think, "God may do whatever He likes, yet I will still love Him. I don't want anything in exchange." That is the sort of love Krsna wants.
- Srila Prabhupada
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught, "O Lord! Whether You trample me under Your feet or embrace me or leave me brokenhearted by not being present before me, that does not matter. You are completely free to do anything, for You are my worshipable Lord unconditionally."
That is love. We should think, "God may do whatever He likes, yet I will still love Him. I don't want anything in exchange." That is the sort of love Krsna wants.
- Srila Prabhupada
Sunday, January 16, 2011
BEING HURT
Other people can hurt us to the extent we allow them to hurt us.
Our immediate reaction in moments when we are not understood, when our truth is not being accepted, is being hurt. This reaction is our own choice.
Actually, it is not that others hurt us. We hurt ourselves by how we choose to react.
Why we always have a tendency to fight for proving that our opinion is right?
This is redundant and brings a huge loss of energy.
I know what my thought is, I know that my motives are truthful and right and if the other person does not accept this, does not understand that, this is not our problem but his.
If I think like this, I cannot put myself in a situation to choose being hurt as a reaction. I will not react like this in that moment.
- Maja Muše
Our immediate reaction in moments when we are not understood, when our truth is not being accepted, is being hurt. This reaction is our own choice.
Actually, it is not that others hurt us. We hurt ourselves by how we choose to react.
Why we always have a tendency to fight for proving that our opinion is right?
This is redundant and brings a huge loss of energy.
I know what my thought is, I know that my motives are truthful and right and if the other person does not accept this, does not understand that, this is not our problem but his.
If I think like this, I cannot put myself in a situation to choose being hurt as a reaction. I will not react like this in that moment.
- Maja Muše
Saturday, January 15, 2011
GO FOR THE BEST
First define what IS the best.
What are the best things to do today?
What are your best goals?
What is the best to do about your problems?
Define the best in every area of your life and - go for it!
What are the best things to do today?
What are your best goals?
What is the best to do about your problems?
Define the best in every area of your life and - go for it!
FEARLESSNESS
One who takes shelter of the Supreme Lord has nothing to fear, even in the midst of the greatest calamity. There is no fear in transcendental realization. Fearfulness and loss of mental equilibrium take place in persons who are too affected by material conditions.
The bhakti-yoga process helps one become free from all kinds of fear and feel the presence of the Supersoul in his heart. One cannot be fearless unless one is fully in Krsna consciousness. A conditioned soul is fearful due to his perverted memory, his forgetfulness of his eternal relationship with Krsna. Krsna consciousness is the only basis for fearlessness.
Fear is due to worrying about the future. A person in Krsna consciousness has no fear because by his activities he is sure to go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. Therefore his future is very bright.
The bhakti-yoga process helps one become free from all kinds of fear and feel the presence of the Supersoul in his heart. One cannot be fearless unless one is fully in Krsna consciousness. A conditioned soul is fearful due to his perverted memory, his forgetfulness of his eternal relationship with Krsna. Krsna consciousness is the only basis for fearlessness.
Fear is due to worrying about the future. A person in Krsna consciousness has no fear because by his activities he is sure to go back to the spiritual sky, back home, back to Godhead. Therefore his future is very bright.
Friday, January 14, 2011
THE VALUE OF QUESTIONS
Question Thinking helps us think productively rather than reactively, and to choose wisely rather than simply react. Building such a reliable capacity for thinking is central to the skills required for intentional and sustainable change, whether that change is sought in our professional or personal lives.
Questions open our minds, our eyes, and our hearts. With them, we learn, connect, and create. And with them, we can create better futures and better results.
I have a vision of workplaces and a society — of individuals, families, institutions, and communities — that are vibrant with the spirit of inquiry. Our orientation would shift from one of fixed opinions and easy answers to one of curiosity and thoughtful questions.
This is the path that lights the way for open-minded and successful collaboration, for exploration, discovery, and innovation — and for the real possibility of a desirable future for us all.
I believed the way to fix a problem was to look for the right answers. Instead, I learned that the best way to solve a problem is to first come up with better questions.
- Marilee Adams, Change Your Questions Change Your Life
http://inquiryinstitute.com
Questions open our minds, our eyes, and our hearts. With them, we learn, connect, and create. And with them, we can create better futures and better results.
I have a vision of workplaces and a society — of individuals, families, institutions, and communities — that are vibrant with the spirit of inquiry. Our orientation would shift from one of fixed opinions and easy answers to one of curiosity and thoughtful questions.
This is the path that lights the way for open-minded and successful collaboration, for exploration, discovery, and innovation — and for the real possibility of a desirable future for us all.
I believed the way to fix a problem was to look for the right answers. Instead, I learned that the best way to solve a problem is to first come up with better questions.
- Marilee Adams, Change Your Questions Change Your Life
http://inquiryinstitute.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL
People are not happy because they are successful. People are successful because they are happy.
And we can become happy and successful simply by sincerely chanting Hare Krsna every day.
And we can become happy and successful simply by sincerely chanting Hare Krsna every day.
NO QUESTION OF BEING DISAPPOINTED
If you want actually to make progress in your devotional life, the utsahan, enthusiasm, is the first thing. If you are lacking enthusiasm, then you should rest, instead of making too much agitation within the mind.
If something has dropped in the water, in the river, you cannot see the things dropped within the water by agitating the water. Just stand still for some time. As soon as the water is settled up, you'll see the things as they are.
So as soon as our enthusiasm is agitated, it is better to sit down in any temple suitable and chant Hare Krsna. There is no question of being disappointed.
After all, we commit so many mistakes. That is human nature. To err is human. That is not fault. But try to rectify with cool head.
That is required.
- Srila Prabhupada
If something has dropped in the water, in the river, you cannot see the things dropped within the water by agitating the water. Just stand still for some time. As soon as the water is settled up, you'll see the things as they are.
So as soon as our enthusiasm is agitated, it is better to sit down in any temple suitable and chant Hare Krsna. There is no question of being disappointed.
After all, we commit so many mistakes. That is human nature. To err is human. That is not fault. But try to rectify with cool head.
That is required.
- Srila Prabhupada
THE ARROW OF CUPID
There may be thousands of beautiful women before a devotee, but that does not disturb his mind.
He sees they're all energies of Krsna. "They are gopis of Krsna. They are enjoyable by Krsna. I have to serve them. They're gopis. Because I am servant of the servant." Gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayoh dasa-dasa-dasanudasah [Cc. Madhya 13.80].
So a devotee should try to engage all beautiful women in the service of Krsna. That is his duty. Not to enjoy them. That is sense gratification. This is the position of a devotee.
He's not pierced by the arrows of Cupid, but he sees everything, nirbandhe krsna-sambandhe. He sees everything in relationship with Krsna. Yukta-vairagyam ucyate. That is vairagyam.
He does not accept anything for his sense gratification, but he engages everyone in the service of Krsna. Then we can get out of the influence of the arrow of Cupid. This is the process.
- Srila Prabhupada
He sees they're all energies of Krsna. "They are gopis of Krsna. They are enjoyable by Krsna. I have to serve them. They're gopis. Because I am servant of the servant." Gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayoh dasa-dasa-dasanudasah [Cc. Madhya 13.80].
So a devotee should try to engage all beautiful women in the service of Krsna. That is his duty. Not to enjoy them. That is sense gratification. This is the position of a devotee.
He's not pierced by the arrows of Cupid, but he sees everything, nirbandhe krsna-sambandhe. He sees everything in relationship with Krsna. Yukta-vairagyam ucyate. That is vairagyam.
He does not accept anything for his sense gratification, but he engages everyone in the service of Krsna. Then we can get out of the influence of the arrow of Cupid. This is the process.
- Srila Prabhupada
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
2011 PERSONAL STRATEGY
1. Eliminate excuses
2. Focus on fewer things
3. Increase self training
4. Increase chanting
5. Increase teaching
6. Increase reading
7. Help more, judge less
8. Simplify
9. Coach spiritual warriors
10. Be more affectionate
2. Focus on fewer things
3. Increase self training
4. Increase chanting
5. Increase teaching
6. Increase reading
7. Help more, judge less
8. Simplify
9. Coach spiritual warriors
10. Be more affectionate
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
INCREASES THE ENTHUSIASM
The sound of this material world and that of the spiritual world are completely different.
The sound of the spiritual world is nectarean and eternal, whereas the sound of the material world is hackneyed and subject to end.
The sound of the holy name -- Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare -- everlastingly increases the enthusiasm of the chanter.
If one repeats monotonous material words, he will feel exhausted, but if he chants Hare Krsna twenty-four hours a day, he will never feel exhausted; rather, he will feel encouraged to continue chanting more and more.
- Srila Prabhupada
The sound of the spiritual world is nectarean and eternal, whereas the sound of the material world is hackneyed and subject to end.
The sound of the holy name -- Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare -- everlastingly increases the enthusiasm of the chanter.
If one repeats monotonous material words, he will feel exhausted, but if he chants Hare Krsna twenty-four hours a day, he will never feel exhausted; rather, he will feel encouraged to continue chanting more and more.
- Srila Prabhupada
SIX SUCCESS PRINCIPLES
One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with:
1. Full-hearted enthusiasm
2. Perseverance
3. Determination
4. Following the prescribed duties
5. Association of devotees
6. Engaging completely in activities of goodness
- Upadesamrta 3
Read more here:
http://vedabase.net/noi/3/en1
1. Full-hearted enthusiasm
2. Perseverance
3. Determination
4. Following the prescribed duties
5. Association of devotees
6. Engaging completely in activities of goodness
- Upadesamrta 3
Read more here:
http://vedabase.net/noi/3/en1
HOW TO CHANT ATTENTIVELY?
Once the German devotee Uttama-sloka dasa came to Srila Prabhupada with an important question that had been burning in his mind for a long time:
"How can I chant with full attention?"
Srila Prabhupada's answer was brief and powerful:
"Just try to hear yourself chant sincerely."
"How can I chant with full attention?"
Srila Prabhupada's answer was brief and powerful:
"Just try to hear yourself chant sincerely."
Monday, January 10, 2011
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING
Govinda dasi:
Whenever we preach that you can utilize anything and everything in the service of Krsna, that everything belongs to Krsna and therefore we can utilize everything in His service, but then the rascals may say, "Well, if we can use everything in Krsna's service, then why is it that these four things are excluded and they can't be used?"
Prabhupada:
Because Krsna does not want it. I cannot utilize everything and anything for Krsna which Krsna does not like. Because you are Krsna's servant, so you have to take permission from Krsna, "Would You like this?" If He says, "Yes," yes, I can use that. If Krsna says, "Yes, I will eat meat," oh, I shall kill all the animals and give Him, offer Him. But if Krsna says, "No, I want fruits," then how can I give everything Him against His will? Is that devotion?
Krsna says, patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati [Bg. 9.26]. He says that "Fruits, flower, vegetables -- anyone give Me with devotion, I eat." Therefore you have to do that. Everything, anything, does not mean that you will go against the will of Krsna. Does it mean that?
If Krsna says, "You bring this," "Ah, never mind." Even though I do not like it, I shall do it. Just like Krsna said that "You fight." Is fighting good? He was good man. He didn't want to fight. But Krsna said, "You fight," so against his will he fought. That is anything and everything.
From gentleman's point of view, from nonviolence point of view, Arjuna was very nice. He was not willing to fight. But Krsna said, "You must fight," and therefore everything was engaged. That is everything: with permission of Krsna.
Not that you can manufacture anything, "Oh, it is for Krsna's service." You can offer everything to Krsna under His permission, or His representative's permission, not whimsically. Is that clear? Yes.
Because you are Krsna's servant, you have dedicated your life to serve Him, how you can offer anything which He does not like? Anything and everything does not mean beyond the jurisdiction of His permission. That you cannot do.
- Srila Prabhupada
Whenever we preach that you can utilize anything and everything in the service of Krsna, that everything belongs to Krsna and therefore we can utilize everything in His service, but then the rascals may say, "Well, if we can use everything in Krsna's service, then why is it that these four things are excluded and they can't be used?"
Prabhupada:
Because Krsna does not want it. I cannot utilize everything and anything for Krsna which Krsna does not like. Because you are Krsna's servant, so you have to take permission from Krsna, "Would You like this?" If He says, "Yes," yes, I can use that. If Krsna says, "Yes, I will eat meat," oh, I shall kill all the animals and give Him, offer Him. But if Krsna says, "No, I want fruits," then how can I give everything Him against His will? Is that devotion?
Krsna says, patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati [Bg. 9.26]. He says that "Fruits, flower, vegetables -- anyone give Me with devotion, I eat." Therefore you have to do that. Everything, anything, does not mean that you will go against the will of Krsna. Does it mean that?
If Krsna says, "You bring this," "Ah, never mind." Even though I do not like it, I shall do it. Just like Krsna said that "You fight." Is fighting good? He was good man. He didn't want to fight. But Krsna said, "You fight," so against his will he fought. That is anything and everything.
From gentleman's point of view, from nonviolence point of view, Arjuna was very nice. He was not willing to fight. But Krsna said, "You must fight," and therefore everything was engaged. That is everything: with permission of Krsna.
Not that you can manufacture anything, "Oh, it is for Krsna's service." You can offer everything to Krsna under His permission, or His representative's permission, not whimsically. Is that clear? Yes.
Because you are Krsna's servant, you have dedicated your life to serve Him, how you can offer anything which He does not like? Anything and everything does not mean beyond the jurisdiction of His permission. That you cannot do.
- Srila Prabhupada
UTILIZE EVERYTHING IN KRSNA'S SERVICE
One should not give up anything which can be utilized in the service of the Lord. That is a secret of devotional service. Anything that can be utilized in advancing Krsna consciousness and devotional service should be accepted.
Since a pure devotee knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the Lord's service, he is never affected by material activities. Instead, by his transcendental plans he purifies such activities.
Those who are really conversant with this knowledge can UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the service of the Lord because nothing in this material world is unconnected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
A devotee knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING in the service of the Lord, and this is characteristic of the maha-bhagavata.
Krsna conscious persons UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the service of the Lord. The non–Krsna conscious persons UTILIZE EVERYTHING for sense gratification ...
You can UTILIZE EVERYTHING if it is in Krsna consciousness, not for satisfaction of your lust.
So we do not hate anything, material advancement. We can UTILIZE EVERYTHING for Krsna's service. Our only preaching is that "Don't forget Krsna." That is our business. And if you have got a special talent, utilize it for Krsna.
You haven't got to give up everything. You can be engaged in everything but if you UTILIZE EVERYTHING according to the instruction of Krsna then it will be successful. Otherwise it will be failure.
A Vaisnava, he knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING for Krsna.
Since a pure devotee knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the Lord's service, he is never affected by material activities. Instead, by his transcendental plans he purifies such activities.
Those who are really conversant with this knowledge can UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the service of the Lord because nothing in this material world is unconnected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
A devotee knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING in the service of the Lord, and this is characteristic of the maha-bhagavata.
Krsna conscious persons UTILIZE EVERYTHING for the service of the Lord. The non–Krsna conscious persons UTILIZE EVERYTHING for sense gratification ...
You can UTILIZE EVERYTHING if it is in Krsna consciousness, not for satisfaction of your lust.
So we do not hate anything, material advancement. We can UTILIZE EVERYTHING for Krsna's service. Our only preaching is that "Don't forget Krsna." That is our business. And if you have got a special talent, utilize it for Krsna.
You haven't got to give up everything. You can be engaged in everything but if you UTILIZE EVERYTHING according to the instruction of Krsna then it will be successful. Otherwise it will be failure.
A Vaisnava, he knows how to UTILIZE EVERYTHING for Krsna.
PARTICULAR TASTE
Sri Rupa Gosvami says that learned acaryas recommend that we follow the regulative principles even after the development of spontaneous love for Krsna.
According to the regulative principles, there are nine departmental activities, as described above, and one should specifically engage himself in the type of devotional service for which he has a natural aptitude.
For example, one person may have a particular interest in hearing, another may have a particular interest in chanting, and another may have a particular interest in serving in the temple.
So these, or any of the other six different types of devotional service (remembering, serving, praying, engaging in some particular service, being in a friendly relationship or offering everything in one's possession), should be executed in full earnestness.
In this way, everyone should act according to his particular taste.
- Nectar of Devotion
According to the regulative principles, there are nine departmental activities, as described above, and one should specifically engage himself in the type of devotional service for which he has a natural aptitude.
For example, one person may have a particular interest in hearing, another may have a particular interest in chanting, and another may have a particular interest in serving in the temple.
So these, or any of the other six different types of devotional service (remembering, serving, praying, engaging in some particular service, being in a friendly relationship or offering everything in one's possession), should be executed in full earnestness.
In this way, everyone should act according to his particular taste.
- Nectar of Devotion
MARSHALL GOLDSMITH
A few lines from the executive coach Marshall Goldsmith:
A common regret of old people is, “I got so focused on trying to get what I did not have, I failed to appreciate all that I did have. I had almost everything. I wish that I would’ve taken the time to appreciate it.”
Old people almost never regret the risks they took that failed. They almost always regret the risks that they failed to take.
We often confuse the words “simple” and “easy.” The changes I help people make are generally very simple. However, they are never easy. Just as with diet and exercise, changing behavior involves hard work and takes time.
Look in the mirror. Not just at how you look, but at who you are. If you want to be a better leader, a better professional, or just a better person, don’t kid yourself. To achieve meaningful goals, you’ll have to pay the price. There’s no product, no diet, no exercise program, and (I hate to admit it) no executive coach who can make you better. Only you can do it. If your source of motivation doesn’t come from inside, you won’t stick with it.
A common regret of old people is, “I got so focused on trying to get what I did not have, I failed to appreciate all that I did have. I had almost everything. I wish that I would’ve taken the time to appreciate it.”
Old people almost never regret the risks they took that failed. They almost always regret the risks that they failed to take.
We often confuse the words “simple” and “easy.” The changes I help people make are generally very simple. However, they are never easy. Just as with diet and exercise, changing behavior involves hard work and takes time.
Look in the mirror. Not just at how you look, but at who you are. If you want to be a better leader, a better professional, or just a better person, don’t kid yourself. To achieve meaningful goals, you’ll have to pay the price. There’s no product, no diet, no exercise program, and (I hate to admit it) no executive coach who can make you better. Only you can do it. If your source of motivation doesn’t come from inside, you won’t stick with it.
WHAT QUESTIONS?
Ask the easier questions and your life will be hard.
Ask the hard questions and your life will be easier.
Ask the hard questions and your life will be easier.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
FREE LOVERS
Those who are eternally free, liberated, they are godly. They are always ready to serve the Lord with love and devotion. And they are fully satisfied by that.
Just like a mother. She is satisfied simply by loving child, or friend is satisfied simply by loving a friend. Of course, that sort of pure love is very rare in this material world, but at least we can get an idea from these worldly examples how it is on a spiritual platform.
The eternally liberated souls, they are satisfied simply by loving Krsna.
Everyone wants to love. That is natural propensity. When there is no loving object, then in this world we get cats and dogs, because we must love somebody. If we don't find any suitable human being to love, we turn our love to some animal.
So our love for Krsna is dormant. It is within us, but because we have no information of Krsna, we are focusing our love on something which creates frustration. Here in this material world, love is 99.9% frustration, because the love is not reposed to the proper place.
The proper place is Krsna. If we love Krsna, then we can love everyone. Just like if we pour water on the root of the tree then the other parts of the tree, leaves and flowers and fruits and branches, automatically become nourished. So if we learn to love Krsna, then we can perfectly love others.
Those who are eternally liberated, they love Krsna. Therefore they are perfect in the spiritual world. The Supreme Lord is person, and His innumerable lovers, living entities, they are also individual persons. Love means there is person, individual.
Without individual person, there is no question of love. When the word "love" is used, there must be two lovers. Then the word love is applicable. If there is no person, love cannot be with the air. There must be person. So the Supreme Lord is person, and the lovers, the living entities, they are also persons.
We have a mundane experience of love affairs and we like it, so just imagine when that love is pure and true, how much pleasure there is. That thing is there in the spiritual world, pure love. And object is Krsna. Therefore those who love Krsna, His pure devotees, are always so much in bliss.
Just like a mother. She is satisfied simply by loving child, or friend is satisfied simply by loving a friend. Of course, that sort of pure love is very rare in this material world, but at least we can get an idea from these worldly examples how it is on a spiritual platform.
The eternally liberated souls, they are satisfied simply by loving Krsna.
Everyone wants to love. That is natural propensity. When there is no loving object, then in this world we get cats and dogs, because we must love somebody. If we don't find any suitable human being to love, we turn our love to some animal.
So our love for Krsna is dormant. It is within us, but because we have no information of Krsna, we are focusing our love on something which creates frustration. Here in this material world, love is 99.9% frustration, because the love is not reposed to the proper place.
The proper place is Krsna. If we love Krsna, then we can love everyone. Just like if we pour water on the root of the tree then the other parts of the tree, leaves and flowers and fruits and branches, automatically become nourished. So if we learn to love Krsna, then we can perfectly love others.
Those who are eternally liberated, they love Krsna. Therefore they are perfect in the spiritual world. The Supreme Lord is person, and His innumerable lovers, living entities, they are also individual persons. Love means there is person, individual.
Without individual person, there is no question of love. When the word "love" is used, there must be two lovers. Then the word love is applicable. If there is no person, love cannot be with the air. There must be person. So the Supreme Lord is person, and the lovers, the living entities, they are also persons.
We have a mundane experience of love affairs and we like it, so just imagine when that love is pure and true, how much pleasure there is. That thing is there in the spiritual world, pure love. And object is Krsna. Therefore those who love Krsna, His pure devotees, are always so much in bliss.
Friday, January 7, 2011
FIX THE MIND ON THE SELF
The mind should be fixed in self. We are self and Krsna is also self. So, just like if you fix up your eyes on the sun, then you can see the sun and yourself also.
Sometimes in dense darkness we cannot see ourself also. That you have experienced. So I cannot see my body in dense darkness. Although body is with me, I am the body or I am whatever I am, I cannot see myself.
So if you are in the sunshine, sunlight, then you see the sun as well as yourself. Therefore to see the self means first of all see the Supreme Self. The Supreme Self is Krsna.
In the Vedas it is said, Kathopanisad, nityo nityanam cetanas cetananam. The Supreme Self is the chief eternal of all eternals. He is the chief living being of all living beings.
So this Krsna consciousness movement means to fix up in self.
If you fix up your mind in Krsna, then you can fix up your mind in everything.
If you take care of your stomach, then you take care of all the bodily limbs. If your stomach is supplied nice nutritious food, the stomach is cleared of all disturbances then you keep good health.
If you pour water in the root of the tree, then you take care of all the branches, leaves, flowers, twigs, everything, automatically.
So if you take care of Krsna then you do the best service to all others. Automatically.
- Srila Prabhupada
Sometimes in dense darkness we cannot see ourself also. That you have experienced. So I cannot see my body in dense darkness. Although body is with me, I am the body or I am whatever I am, I cannot see myself.
So if you are in the sunshine, sunlight, then you see the sun as well as yourself. Therefore to see the self means first of all see the Supreme Self. The Supreme Self is Krsna.
In the Vedas it is said, Kathopanisad, nityo nityanam cetanas cetananam. The Supreme Self is the chief eternal of all eternals. He is the chief living being of all living beings.
So this Krsna consciousness movement means to fix up in self.
If you fix up your mind in Krsna, then you can fix up your mind in everything.
If you take care of your stomach, then you take care of all the bodily limbs. If your stomach is supplied nice nutritious food, the stomach is cleared of all disturbances then you keep good health.
If you pour water in the root of the tree, then you take care of all the branches, leaves, flowers, twigs, everything, automatically.
So if you take care of Krsna then you do the best service to all others. Automatically.
- Srila Prabhupada
FORCED TO CONCENTRATE
As stated before, we should not try to sit down and stare at the tip of our nose.
At the present moment, attempts to engage in that type of yoga are artificial.
Rather, the recommended method is chanting loudly and hearing Hare Krsna.
Then, even if the mind is diverted, it will be forced to concentrate on the sound vibration "Krsna".
It isn't necessary to withdraw the mind from everything; it will automatically be withdrawn, because it will be concentrated on the sound vibration.
If we hear an automobile pass, our attention is automatically diverted.
Similarly, if we constantly chant Hare Krsna, our mind will automatically be fixed on Krsna, although we are accustomed to think of so many other things.
- Srila Prabhupada
At the present moment, attempts to engage in that type of yoga are artificial.
Rather, the recommended method is chanting loudly and hearing Hare Krsna.
Then, even if the mind is diverted, it will be forced to concentrate on the sound vibration "Krsna".
It isn't necessary to withdraw the mind from everything; it will automatically be withdrawn, because it will be concentrated on the sound vibration.
If we hear an automobile pass, our attention is automatically diverted.
Similarly, if we constantly chant Hare Krsna, our mind will automatically be fixed on Krsna, although we are accustomed to think of so many other things.
- Srila Prabhupada
JEALOUS
This material world is a world of jealousy and envy. I am envious of you, and you are envious of me. The Krsna consciousness movement, however, is meant for one who is no longer jealous or envious. By becoming free from jealousy and envy, one becomes a perfect person.
Dharmah projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsaranam satam (SB 1.1.2). Those who are jealous and envious are within this material world, and those who are not are in the spiritual world. Therefore, we can test ourselves. If we are jealous or envious of our friends or other associates, we are in the material world, and if we are not jealous we are in the spiritual world. There need be no doubt of whether we are spiritually advanced or not. We can test ourselves.
Bhaktih paresanubhavo viraktir anyatra ca (SB 11.2.42). When we eat, we can understand for ourselves whether our hunger is satisfied; we don't have to take a certificate from others. Similarly, we can test for ourselves whether we are in the material world or the spiritual world. If we are jealous or envious, we are in the material world, and if we are not we are in the spiritual world.
If one is not jealous, one can serve Krsna very well, because jealousy and envy begin with being jealous of Krsna. For example, some philosophers think, "Why should Krsna be God? I am also God." This is the beginning of material life -- to be envious of Krsna. "Why should Krsna be the enjoyer?" they think. "I shall also be the enjoyer. Why should Krsna enjoy the gopis? I shall become Krsna and make a society of gopis and enjoy." This is maya.
No one but Krsna can be the enjoyer. Krsna therefore says in Bhagavad-gita, bhoktaram yajna: [Bg. 5.29] "I am the only enjoyer." If we supply ingredients for Krsna's enjoyment, we attain the perfection of life. But if we want to imitate Krsna, thinking, "I shall become God and enjoy like Him," then we are in maya. Our natural position is to provide enjoyment for Krsna. In the spiritual world, for example, Krsna enjoys, and the gopis, the transcendental cowherd girls, supply the ingredients for Krsna's enjoyment. This is bhakti.
- Teachings of Queen Kunti 6: The Master of the Senses
Dharmah projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsaranam satam (SB 1.1.2). Those who are jealous and envious are within this material world, and those who are not are in the spiritual world. Therefore, we can test ourselves. If we are jealous or envious of our friends or other associates, we are in the material world, and if we are not jealous we are in the spiritual world. There need be no doubt of whether we are spiritually advanced or not. We can test ourselves.
Bhaktih paresanubhavo viraktir anyatra ca (SB 11.2.42). When we eat, we can understand for ourselves whether our hunger is satisfied; we don't have to take a certificate from others. Similarly, we can test for ourselves whether we are in the material world or the spiritual world. If we are jealous or envious, we are in the material world, and if we are not we are in the spiritual world.
If one is not jealous, one can serve Krsna very well, because jealousy and envy begin with being jealous of Krsna. For example, some philosophers think, "Why should Krsna be God? I am also God." This is the beginning of material life -- to be envious of Krsna. "Why should Krsna be the enjoyer?" they think. "I shall also be the enjoyer. Why should Krsna enjoy the gopis? I shall become Krsna and make a society of gopis and enjoy." This is maya.
No one but Krsna can be the enjoyer. Krsna therefore says in Bhagavad-gita, bhoktaram yajna: [Bg. 5.29] "I am the only enjoyer." If we supply ingredients for Krsna's enjoyment, we attain the perfection of life. But if we want to imitate Krsna, thinking, "I shall become God and enjoy like Him," then we are in maya. Our natural position is to provide enjoyment for Krsna. In the spiritual world, for example, Krsna enjoys, and the gopis, the transcendental cowherd girls, supply the ingredients for Krsna's enjoyment. This is bhakti.
- Teachings of Queen Kunti 6: The Master of the Senses
Thursday, January 6, 2011
SOMEHOW ONE MUST REMAIN ALOOF
He who is in Krsna consciousness does not care for material distress, insult or honor because he is aloof from all these.
He knows well that distress, honor and insult pertain to the body only and that he is not the body.
Socrates, for instance, who believed in the immortality of the soul, was condemned to death, and upon being asked how he would like to be buried, replied, "First of all you may have to catch me."
So one who knows that he is not the body is not disturbed, for he knows the soul cannot be caught, tortured, killed or buried.
He who is conversant with the science of Krsna knows perfectly well that he is not the body, that he is part and parcel of Krsna, that his real relationship is with Krsna, and that somehow or other, although he has been put in the material body, he must remain aloof from the three qualities of material nature.
He is not concerned with the modes of goodness, passion or ignorance, but with Krsna.
One who understands this is a jnani, a wise man, and he is very much dear to Krsna.
A distressed man, when he is put into opulence, may forget God, but a jnani, who knows the real position of God, will never forget Him.
- On the Way to Krsna 4: The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise
He knows well that distress, honor and insult pertain to the body only and that he is not the body.
Socrates, for instance, who believed in the immortality of the soul, was condemned to death, and upon being asked how he would like to be buried, replied, "First of all you may have to catch me."
So one who knows that he is not the body is not disturbed, for he knows the soul cannot be caught, tortured, killed or buried.
He who is conversant with the science of Krsna knows perfectly well that he is not the body, that he is part and parcel of Krsna, that his real relationship is with Krsna, and that somehow or other, although he has been put in the material body, he must remain aloof from the three qualities of material nature.
He is not concerned with the modes of goodness, passion or ignorance, but with Krsna.
One who understands this is a jnani, a wise man, and he is very much dear to Krsna.
A distressed man, when he is put into opulence, may forget God, but a jnani, who knows the real position of God, will never forget Him.
- On the Way to Krsna 4: The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise
PRAY FOR WHAT?
No one has to pray to God to ask for anything, and he who does so is foolish because he does not know that the all-knowing God is within his heart and is well aware when he is in distress or in need of money.
The wise man realizes this and does not pray for relief from material miseries.
Rather, he prays to glorify God and inform others how great He is.
He doesn't pray for his personal interest, for bread, dress or shelter.
The pure devotee, when he is distressed, says, "Dear Lord, this is Your kindness. You have put me into distress just to rectify me.
I should be put in much greater distress, but out of Your mercy You have minimized this."
This is the vision of a pure devotee who is not disturbed.
He who is in Krsna consciousness does not care for material distress, insult or honor because he is aloof from all these.
- On the Way to Krsna 4: The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise
The wise man realizes this and does not pray for relief from material miseries.
Rather, he prays to glorify God and inform others how great He is.
He doesn't pray for his personal interest, for bread, dress or shelter.
The pure devotee, when he is distressed, says, "Dear Lord, this is Your kindness. You have put me into distress just to rectify me.
I should be put in much greater distress, but out of Your mercy You have minimized this."
This is the vision of a pure devotee who is not disturbed.
He who is in Krsna consciousness does not care for material distress, insult or honor because he is aloof from all these.
- On the Way to Krsna 4: The Roads of the Foolish and the Wise
ONLY
One who hears the unheard, sees the invisible and believes in unbelievable, he can achieve the impossible.
Only open mind receives wisdom. Only open arms receive gifts. Only pure heart receives love.
And only dear persons receive this message.
Only open mind receives wisdom. Only open arms receive gifts. Only pure heart receives love.
And only dear persons receive this message.
FEW QUESTIONS FOR A NEW YEAR
* What’s possible for me beyond where I’ve dared to dream before?
* How can I keep the big picture in mind during day to day challenges?
* Inspired by chanting the holy name, what world-altering questions can I ask about my relationships, career, and future?
* How can I keep the big picture in mind during day to day challenges?
* Inspired by chanting the holy name, what world-altering questions can I ask about my relationships, career, and future?
Monday, January 3, 2011
TO ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE
... the human intelligence is meant for understanding the spiritual identity and the goal of life and act accordingly.
That is Krsna consciousness movement.
It is an educational movement to enlighten the people from gross ignorance to the highest enlightenment of spiritual understanding.
- Prabhupada Interview with Newsday Newspaper -- July 14, 1976, New York
That is Krsna consciousness movement.
It is an educational movement to enlighten the people from gross ignorance to the highest enlightenment of spiritual understanding.
- Prabhupada Interview with Newsday Newspaper -- July 14, 1976, New York
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
Just like externally, behavior makes internal inclinations.
If you associate with some bad company, the internally also you develop bad propensities.
And if you associate with good company, then internally you develop good propensities.
So internally, externally, they are interrelated.
By external behavior we influence our internal energy.
And by internal atmosphere we get the external body.
- Prabhupada Interview with Newsday Newspaper -- July 14, 1976, New York
If you associate with some bad company, the internally also you develop bad propensities.
And if you associate with good company, then internally you develop good propensities.
So internally, externally, they are interrelated.
By external behavior we influence our internal energy.
And by internal atmosphere we get the external body.
- Prabhupada Interview with Newsday Newspaper -- July 14, 1976, New York
Saturday, January 1, 2011
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Everything belongs to Krsna. Why you are claiming yourself, as nation or individual or community? That's not proper.
Just like pickpocket and a gang, gangsters, organized rogues, thieves. It does not change the quality.
There was some talk, you know, between Alexander the Great and the robber. The robber proved that "You are a greater robber. That's all. Why you are trying to punish me?"
Alexander the Great arrested one robber, and he was going to punish him. So the robber explained that "Why you are punishing me? You are also a robber. You are going under the name of conqueror, and because I am not as great as you are, therefore you are trying to punish me. So why you are...?" So Alexander the Great, he was very, mean, highly advanced in... He immediately released him. "Yes. I am also a robber. Why shall I punish you?"
Stenayor sa ucyate. Everyone in this material world, one who has no Krsna consciousness, he's a thief, he's a rogue, he's a robber. Everyone.
Just like the Americans. They occupied the land of America by killing the Red Indians, and now they are claiming proprietor, and there is immigration department: "Nobody can come here. It is our land." This is going on.
- Srila Prabhupada
Just like pickpocket and a gang, gangsters, organized rogues, thieves. It does not change the quality.
There was some talk, you know, between Alexander the Great and the robber. The robber proved that "You are a greater robber. That's all. Why you are trying to punish me?"
Alexander the Great arrested one robber, and he was going to punish him. So the robber explained that "Why you are punishing me? You are also a robber. You are going under the name of conqueror, and because I am not as great as you are, therefore you are trying to punish me. So why you are...?" So Alexander the Great, he was very, mean, highly advanced in... He immediately released him. "Yes. I am also a robber. Why shall I punish you?"
Stenayor sa ucyate. Everyone in this material world, one who has no Krsna consciousness, he's a thief, he's a rogue, he's a robber. Everyone.
Just like the Americans. They occupied the land of America by killing the Red Indians, and now they are claiming proprietor, and there is immigration department: "Nobody can come here. It is our land." This is going on.
- Srila Prabhupada
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
At the start of a new year I want to ask you:
What is your dream?
What is your vision about your ideal life, ideal contribution?
What do you want to BE, DO and HAVE - ideally?
What one great thing would you dare to dream to achieve if you knew you could not fail?
What is IT?
I want to encourage you to write down your dream. There is a magic in writing down your dreams and goals. They are more likely to be realized.
And if on top of this you make a plan and take action - your dream may really come true, for God help those who help themselves.
What is your dream?
What is your vision about your ideal life, ideal contribution?
What do you want to BE, DO and HAVE - ideally?
What one great thing would you dare to dream to achieve if you knew you could not fail?
What is IT?
I want to encourage you to write down your dream. There is a magic in writing down your dreams and goals. They are more likely to be realized.
And if on top of this you make a plan and take action - your dream may really come true, for God help those who help themselves.
PEOPLE NEED
Most people need encouragement, at least in the beginning.
Later on, when they become strong and more intelligent, they need challenge.
Later on, when they become strong and more intelligent, they need challenge.
EXPECTING THE LORD'S MERCY
In the Tenth Canto, Fourteenth Chapter, verse 8, it is said,
"My dear Lord, any person who is constantly awaiting Your causeless mercy to be bestowed upon him, and who goes on suffering the resultant actions of his past misdeeds, offering You respectful obeisances from the core of his heart, is surely eligible to become liberated, for it has become his rightful claim."
This statement of Srimad-Bhagavatam should be the guide of all devotees.
A devotee should not expect immediate relief from the reactions of his past misdeeds. No conditioned soul is free from such reactionary experiences, because material existence means continued suffering or enjoying of past activities.
If one has finished his material activities then there is no more birth. This is possible only when one begins Krsna conscious activities, because such activities do not produce reaction.
Therefore, as soon as one becomes perfect in Krsna conscious activities, he is not going to take birth again in this material world.
A devotee who is not perfectly freed from the resultant actions should therefore continue to act in Krsna consciousness seriously, even though there may be so many impediments.
When such impediments arise he should simply think of Krsna and expect His mercy. That is the only solace. If the devotee passes his days in that spirit, it is certain that he is going to be promoted to the abode of the Lord.
By such activities, he earns his claim to enter into the kingdom of God. The exact word used in this verse is daya-bhak. Daya-bhak refers to a son's becoming the lawful inheritor of the property of the father.
In a similar way, a pure devotee who is prepared to undergo all kinds of tribulations in executing Krsna conscious duties becomes lawfully qualified to enter into the transcendental abode.
- Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 10
"My dear Lord, any person who is constantly awaiting Your causeless mercy to be bestowed upon him, and who goes on suffering the resultant actions of his past misdeeds, offering You respectful obeisances from the core of his heart, is surely eligible to become liberated, for it has become his rightful claim."
This statement of Srimad-Bhagavatam should be the guide of all devotees.
A devotee should not expect immediate relief from the reactions of his past misdeeds. No conditioned soul is free from such reactionary experiences, because material existence means continued suffering or enjoying of past activities.
If one has finished his material activities then there is no more birth. This is possible only when one begins Krsna conscious activities, because such activities do not produce reaction.
Therefore, as soon as one becomes perfect in Krsna conscious activities, he is not going to take birth again in this material world.
A devotee who is not perfectly freed from the resultant actions should therefore continue to act in Krsna consciousness seriously, even though there may be so many impediments.
When such impediments arise he should simply think of Krsna and expect His mercy. That is the only solace. If the devotee passes his days in that spirit, it is certain that he is going to be promoted to the abode of the Lord.
By such activities, he earns his claim to enter into the kingdom of God. The exact word used in this verse is daya-bhak. Daya-bhak refers to a son's becoming the lawful inheritor of the property of the father.
In a similar way, a pure devotee who is prepared to undergo all kinds of tribulations in executing Krsna conscious duties becomes lawfully qualified to enter into the transcendental abode.
- Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 10
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF BEING DEPRESSED
Samah siddhav asiddhau ca (BG 4.22).
If you are working for Krsna, it is Krsna's desire if you be successful or not successful.
Here it is, the word is used, asiddhau. That means don't think that because you are Krsna conscious, you will be always successful. No. It doesn't matter.
Even if you are unsuccessful, you must know it firmly that without Krsna's desire, nothing can happen. If you are unsuccessful, then you should.... That is Krsna conscious.... You should know also that "It is Krsna's desire." It is Krsna's desire.
So there is no question of being depressed because you are unsuccessful. A devotee is never depressed in the horrible condition of life. Tat te 'nukampam su-samiksamano bhunjana... [SB 10.14.8].
- Srila Prabhupada
If you are working for Krsna, it is Krsna's desire if you be successful or not successful.
Here it is, the word is used, asiddhau. That means don't think that because you are Krsna conscious, you will be always successful. No. It doesn't matter.
Even if you are unsuccessful, you must know it firmly that without Krsna's desire, nothing can happen. If you are unsuccessful, then you should.... That is Krsna conscious.... You should know also that "It is Krsna's desire." It is Krsna's desire.
So there is no question of being depressed because you are unsuccessful. A devotee is never depressed in the horrible condition of life. Tat te 'nukampam su-samiksamano bhunjana... [SB 10.14.8].
- Srila Prabhupada
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