(Sorry
for the fonts flaws in the sanskrit words. I was not able to convert them all.)
Srimad-Bhagavatam
SB
Preface and Introduction
One will
be unable to capture the effects of the Tenth Canto without going through the
first nine cantos. The book is complete in twelve cantos, each independent, but
it is good for all to read them in small installments one after another.
SB
Preface: Śrimad-Bhagavatam begins with the definition of the ultimate source.
It is a bona fide commentary on the Vedanta-sutra by the same author, Śrila
Vyasadeva, and gradually it develops into nine cantos up to the highest state
of God realization. The only qualification one needs to study this great book
of transcendental knowledge is to proceed step by step cautiously and not jump
forward haphazardly like with an ordinary book. It should be gone through
chapter by chapter, one after another. The reading matter is so arranged with
its original Sanskrit text, its English transliteration, synonyms, translation
and purports so that one is sure to become a God-realized soul at the end of
finishing the first nine cantos.
The Tenth
Canto is distinct from the first nine cantos because it deals directly with the
transcendental activities of the Personality of Godhead Śri Krsna. One will be
unable to capture the effects of the Tenth Canto without going through the
first nine cantos. The book is complete in twelve cantos, each independent, but
it is good for all to read them in small installments one after another.
SB Canto
2
One
should also read and hear the Bhagavad-gita and Śrimad-Bhagavatam in the
association of devotees.
SB
2.2.30, Purport: When we speak of hearing and chanting, it means that not only
should one chant and hear of the holy name of the Lord as Rama, Krsna (or
systematically the sixteen names Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna,
Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare), but one should also
read and hear the Bhagavad-gita and Śrimad-Bhagavatam in the association of
devotees.
By
reading and hearing Śrimad-Bhagavatam as a scientific presentation, the
conditioned souls will gradually be promoted to the higher status of
transcendental knowledge after being freed from the illusory energy based on
sense enjoyment.
SB
2.7.53, Purport: In the Śrimad-Bhagavatam, the science of God, the first nine
cantos prepare the ground for hearing the Tenth Canto. This will be further
explained in the last chapter of this canto. In the Third Canto it will be more
explicit. A pure devotee of the Lord, therefore, must begin reading or hearing
Śrimad-Bhagavatam from the very beginning, and not from the Tenth Canto. We
have several times been requested by some so-called devotees to take up the
Tenth Canto immediately, but we have refrained from such an action because we
wish to present Śrimad-Bhagavatam as the science of Godhead and not as a
sensuous understanding for the conditioned souls. This is forbidden by such
authorities as Śri Brahmaji. By reading and hearing Śrimad-Bhagavatam as a
scientific presentation, the conditioned souls will gradually be promoted to
the higher status of transcendental knowledge after being freed from the
illusory energy based on sense enjoyment.
SB Canto
5
As a
matter of principle, devotees should read, speak and hear Śrimad-Bhagavatam
persistently, twenty-four hours daily if possible.
SB
5.6.16, Purport: The pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His
devotees are recorded in Śrimad-Bhagavatam so that those who recite these
pastimes and listen to them will become purified. Nitya? bhagavata-sevaya (SB
1.2.18). As a matter of principle, devotees should read, speak and hear
Śrimad-Bhagavatam persistently, twenty-four hours daily if possible. That is
the recommendation of Śri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Kirtaniya? sada hari? (CC Adi
17.31). One should either chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra or read
Śrimad-Bhagavatam and thereby try to understand the characteristics and
instructions of the Supreme Lord, who appeared as Lord Rsabhadeva, Lord Kapila
and Lord Krsna. In this way one can become fully aware of the transcendental
nature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As stated in Bhagavad-gita, one
who knows the transcendental nature of the Lord's birth and activities attains
liberation from material bondage and returns to Godhead.
Lectures
Bhagavad-gita
As It Is Lectures
As soon
as he begins reading Krsna book with a little faith and adherence, Krsna will
be very much pleased.
Lecture
on BG 4.9 -- Bombay, March 29, 1974: The people who are reading Krsna book very
seriously, and tries to understand Krsna, he will understand. Krsna is very
kind. As soon as he begins reading Krsna book with a little faith and
adherence, Krsna will be very much pleased.
If you
read Bhagavad-gita rightly, as it is spoken by Krsna, not foolishly
interpreting nonsensically, but as it is, as it is... Call the spade a spade.
Lecture
on BG 7.2 -- San Francisco, September 11, 1968: Therefore Krsna says that out
of many, many thousands of people, somebody is interested for making perfection
of his life. And out of many, many thousands of men who are actually trying to
make perfection of their life, you'll find somebody—or you may not find out—who
knows God or Krsna. But Krsna is so kind that He comes Himself to be known by
everyone. And He's so kind also that before His departure from this material
world, He leaves behind Him this Bhagavad-gita so that you can know from His
personal talks what is God. So if you read Bhagavad-gita rightly, as it is
spoken by Krsna, not foolishly interpreting nonsensically, but as it is, as it
is... Call the spade a spade. Krsna says that "I am the Supreme
Personality of Godhead." Don't interpret this version with your foolish
interpretation, but accept Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And by
His acts, by His sastric knowledge, wisdom... Everyone accepted previously, all
the acaryas. So we have to follow the footprints of the acaryas.
Srimad-Bhagavatam
Lectures
Read them
very nicely.
Lecture
on SB 1.2.5 -- Visakhapatnam, February 20, 1972, At Ladies Club: Bhagavad-gita
should be read, should be understood as prescribed in the Bhagavad-gita. Krsna
says, in the Fourth Chapter, eva? parampara-praptam ima? rajar?ayo vidu? (BG
4.2). The Bhagavad-gita should be understood by the line of disciplic
succession of authorized acaryas. Fortunately, in your South India all the
great acaryas appeared-Śankaracarya, Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Visnu Svami,
all of them. So you are very fortunate, and the acarya commentary is also
there. Ramanujacarya commentary is there, Madhvacarya commentary is there. So
you take advantage and read them very nicely. That is our request, Krsna
consciousness.
Śrimad-Bhagavatam
you should study very scrutinizingly, critically. And there is explanation of
great, I mean, stalwart devotees.
Lecture
on SB 1.5.1-4 -- New Vrindaban, May 22, 1969: Śrimad-Bhagavatam you should
study very scrutinizingly, critically. And there is explanation of great, I
mean, stalwart devotees. In Śrimad-Bhagavatam there are eight kinds of
commentary. In Bhagavad-gita... They are authorized. They are not ordinary
commentaries. Ordinary commentary, there may be many. Similarly, Śrimad
Bhagavad-gita there are nine kinds of commentary. So Śrimad Bhagavad-gita or
Bhagavata, they are themselves illuminating. Just like sunlight—there is no
need of a lamp to see the sunlight. Similarly, Śrimad-Bhagavatam or
Bhagavad-gita, they are self-illuminating. Simply word to word if you try to
understand, then you'll get enlightenment. Still, there are acaryas who can
help you.
As long
as you are reading, the sun is unable to take your life. It is not possible for
the sun to take your life. So if you constantly read, then where is the
opportunity of sun's taking your life?
Lecture
on SB 2.3.17 -- Los Angeles, June 12, 1972: So hearing is not very difficult
job. But you must hear from the realized soul. That is... Satan prasangan mama
virya-samvidah. If you hear from a professional man, that will not be
effective. Hearing must be from sadhu, from devotee, from the lips of the
devotee. Just like Śukadeva Gosvami was speaking to Maharaja Parik?it. So ...
Or even if you hear yourself, you read books, you will save your life. If you
simply read Krsna book or Bhagavad-gita or Teachings of Lord Caitanya, then you
know the... As long as you are reading, the sun is unable to take your life. It
is not possible for the sun to take your life. So if you constantly read, then
where is the opportunity of sun's taking your life? That means you are becoming
immortal. People are very much anxious to become immortal. Nobody wants to die.
Everyone knows that "I shall die." But if there is immediately some
danger, fire, immediately you go away from this room. Why? I do not wish to
die. I do not wish to die. Although I know I must have to die. Still, why do I
go away? I know that...
The GBC
member means they will see that in every temple these books are very thoroughly
being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical life.
Lecture
on SB 2.9.3 -- Melbourne, April 5, 1972: Cow protection means just like
Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He is tending the cows. He is
going, taking the cows personally from His royal palace going to the forest
whole day, working there. Is it not, cowherds boy? And taken some little fruit,
mother, whatever mother has given. They are playing that. So this is cow
protection, not that "Somebody will give money and we shall keep some
third class cows and feed there and become cow protector." We must tend
the cows very nicely so that they give us sufficient milk. And with that milk
we shall live. "No, because we are giving protection to cow, you send
money for the cows and the cow protectors, and earn money there and give us
money. We shall eat nicely and sleep." As soon as this practice is going
on, then next will be: "Give me some LSD, give me something else."
This will go on. We don't want that.
Similarly,
the GBC member means they will see that in every temple these books are very
thoroughly being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical
life. That is wanted, not to see the vouchers only, "How many books you
have sold, and how many books are in the stock?" That is secondary. You
may keep vouchers... If one is engaged in Krsna's service, there is no need of
vouchers. That is... Everyone is doing his best. That's all. So we have to see
that things are going on very nicely. So in that way the GBC members should
divide some zones and see very nicely that things are going on, that they are
chanting sixteen rounds, and temple management is doing according to the
routine work, and the books are being thoroughly discussed, being read,
understood practically. These things are required. Now, suppose you go to sell
some book and if somebody says, "You have read this book? Can you explain
this verse?" then what you will say? You will say, "No. It is for
you. It is not for me. I have to take money from you. That's all." Is that
very nice answer?
So read
books profusely, and learn the problems of life and the solution of life.
Lecture
on SB 5.5.5 -- London, September 3, 1971: So read books profusely, and learn
the problems of life and the solution of life. Everything is there. Read it.
Nectar of
Devotion Lectures
So every
one of you should read this Nectar of Devotion repeatedly.
The
Nectar of Devotion -- Los Angeles, June 23, 1970: So we have published our
Nectar of Devotion. So every one of you should read this Nectar of Devotion
repeatedly. The whole substance of Vaisnava philosophy and activities,
everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of Devotion once,
twice, thrice.
So we
have published our Nectar of Devotion. So every one of you should read this
Nectar of Devotion repeatedly. The whole substance of Vaisnava philosophy and
activities, everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of
Devotion once, twice, thrice.
The
Nectar of Devotion -- Los Angeles, June 23, 1970: Hare Krsna. So we have
published our Nectar of Devotion. So every one of you should read this Nectar
of Devotion repeatedly. The whole substance of Vaisnava philosophy and
activities, everything is there. So every one of you read this Nectar of
Devotion once, twice, thrice. Unless you have got full-fledged ideas what is
this devotional service... That was written by... Actually, it was spoken by
Lord Caitanya to Rupa Gosvami. For ten days continually He instructed Rupa
Gosvami at Prayaga, Daśaśvamedha-gha?a. You have seen the picture in TLC.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu was at Allahabad, Prayaga, and Rupa Gosvami met Him there.
He was offering obeisances flat. You have seen that picture. So at that time
Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally gave him instruction what is this cult of
bhakti. So for ten days. And he took note of it and later on he placed this
book in the form of Bhakti-rasam?ta-sindhu. That is in Sanskrit. It will be
difficult for you. Therefore I have presented a summary study, and the summary
study has come to 407 pages. If we would have elaborately described each and
every verse, then it would have come to at least thousand pages.
So the
whole substance is creamed. You should take advantage of this. And don't
indulge in much unnecessary talks. Time should be very properly utilized.
If we
take the chance of living with the devotees, and try to serve the Gosvamis, who
wanted to establish the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, then our life will
be successful. This is Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. Study Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
very minutely, and this result you will achieve very easily.
The
Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 8, 1973: If we take the chance of living
with the devotees, and try to serve the Gosvamis, who wanted to establish the
mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, then our life will be successful. This is
Bhakti-rasam?ta-sindhu. Study Bhakti-rasam?ta-sindhu very minutely, and this
result you will achieve very easily. Śrila Rupa Gosvami has left The Nectar of
Devotion.
Festival
Lectures
You can
scientifically and philosophically study.
Ratha-yatra
-- San Francisco, June 27, 1971: One of the book is known as Teachings of Lord
Caitanya. It is very important book. If you want to learn this Krsna
consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You can scientifically and
philosophically study. But if you have no inclination to study, if you simply
take to this chanting of Hare Krsna, gradually everything will be revealed unto
you, and you will understand your relationship with Krsna.
If you
want to learn this Krsna consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You
can scientifically and philosophically study.
Ratha-yatra
-- San Francisco, June 27, 1971: One of the book is known as Teachings of Lord
Caitanya. It is very important book. If you want to learn this Krsna
consciousness movement, we have got enough books. You can scientifically and
philosophically study. But if you have no inclination to study, if you simply
take to this chanting of Hare Krsna, gradually everything will be revealed unto
you, and you will understand your relationship with Krsna.
General
Lectures
We can
see from His presentation of this Bhagavad-gita how supreme He is. He spoke
this truth five thousand years before, and continually, for five thousand
years, all scholars are studying this scripture, and studying very devotedly to
understand it.
Lecture
on Maha-mantra -- New York, September 8, 1966: There are five authorities,
recognized authorities, in India so far this is..., spiritual life is
concerned. One of them is Śri Ramanujacarya and other is Sankaracarya. The
other is Madhvacarya, other is Vi??u Svami, and other Nimbarka, Nimbaditya (?).
Principal. The whole, I mean, some of them flourished, say, two thousand years
before; some of them 1,500 years before; some of them eleven hundred years
before. Just like there are different ages, they have come. But all of them, in
spite of their coming in different ages, they all are in one opinion—Krsnas tu
bhagavan svayam: (SB 1.3.28) "Krsna, Lord Krsna, is the Supreme
Personality of Godhead." Just like we have cited, iśvara? parama? Krsna?
(Bs. 5.1): "The supreme controller, the Supreme Lord, is Krsna." Now,
we can see from His presentation of this Bhagavad-gita how supreme He is. He
spoke this truth five thousand years before, and continually, for five thousand
years, all scholars are studying this scripture, and studying very devotedly to
understand it.
Conversations
and Morning Walks
1972
Conversations and Morning Walks
All these
books should be regularly read.
Room
Conversation -- April 2, 1972, Sydney:
Prabhupada:
You read regularly, Nectar of Devotion, regularly. All these books should be
regularly read. That will give you guidance. You haven't got to ask repeatedly
to me; everything is there.
1976
Conversations and Morning Walks
He must
be expertly reading, not as a book worm, expert.
Morning
Walk -- February 26, 1976, Mayapura:
Jayapataka:
Service and reading are nondifferent?
Prabhupada:
Yes, if one is actually reading. Just like Rupa Gosvami. He was reading.
Nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau. But he must be expertly reading, not as a book
worm, expert.
Jayapataka:
And on the other hand, sometimes devotees are only engaged in service, and
then, without reading, and they...
Prabhupada:
But every, everyone... You cannot expect everyone is capable for reading.
Jayapataka:
They have desire to read, but they have no opportunity. And then in their
service, they become... They lose sight sometimes, where they, because of
fallen condition, they cannot remember Krsna in their service. But while
reading, one can easily..., cannot help but remember Krsna.
Prabhupada:
If he cannot remember Krsna, he will sleep. That is the test. When you have
seen so many reading but sleeping, that means there is no Krsna. Yahan krsna
tahan nahi mayara adhikara. Sleeping is maya, so if he's thinking of Krsna,
there cannot be sleeping.
Jayapataka:
No, I'm talking not about the reading half, but the service half.
Prabhupada:
Service also... Everything depends on advancement in Krsna consciousness. If
Krsna is there, either you read or work as a coolie, the same thing.
1977
Conversations and Morning Walks
Bhagavata
is the only guide. Read Bhagavata, repeatedly whole life. Safe. Always. Always,
whenever there is time, read, read, read.
Room
Conversation -- February 16, 1977, Mayapura:
Prabhupada:
What can they do in darkness? (laughter) That is the only engagement in
darkness.
Jayapataka:
They could have chanted Hare Krsna.
Prabhupada:
No... Even Hare Krsna people. Naviviktasano bhavet, matra svasra duhitra va (SB
9.19.17). It is strictly forbidden: "You should not sit alone even with
your mother, sister or daughter, what to speak of wife." Balavan
indriya-gramo vidva?sam api kar?ati: "The senses are so strong, even
learned persons, advanced, they also become victimized." Balavan
indriya-grama?. Balavan means very strong. When the... It is forbidden even
with mother, sister or..., and daughter. That is the only capturing instrument
in the material world. Maithunyam agara, prison house of sex, this material
world. It is a prison house, but locked up by sex. The ordinary prison house,
they are locked up by guards, and here the locking process is sex. Maithunyam
agara. The words are selected in Bhagavata. They are thinking free. (laughs)
They are imprisoned, locked up. And everyone falsely thinking, "I am free.
Our nation is free. I am free." What nonsense free? You are locked up
already. That he does not... Now this word is used, maithunyam agaram ajna?. He
has preferred to remain in this prison locked up by sex because he is rascal. Maithunyam
agaram ajna?.
Pradyumna:
Where is that, Śrila Prabhupada?
Prabhupada:
In the... Find out, Fifth, Fifth Canto, Fifth Chapter. Bhagavata is the only
guide. Read Bhagavata, repeatedly whole life. Safe. Always. Always, whenever
there is time, read, read, read.
anarthopaśama?
sak?ad
bhakti-yogam
adhok?aje
lokasyajanato
vidva?ś
cakre
satvata-sa?hitam
(SB
1.7.6)
Vyasadeva
has done this satvata-samhita. Anartha. To live in this material world is
anartha, unnecessary. Hm? You have got it?
Pradyumna:
yada na
paśyaty ayatha gu?eha?
svarthe
pramatta? sahasa vipaścit
gata-sm?tir
vindati tatra tapan
asadya
maithunyam agaram ajna?
Prabhupada:
Ajna?.
Jayapataka:
Which verse?
Pradyumna:
It's Canto Five, Chapter Five, verse number seven. "Even though one may be
very learned and wise, he is mad if he does not understand that the endeavor
for sense gratification is a useless waste of time. Being forgetful of his own
interest, he tries to be happy in the material world, centering his interests
around his home, which is based on sexual intercourse and which brings him all
kinds of material miseries. In this way one is no better than a foolish
animal."
Prabhupada:
Yes. Maithunyam agaram ajna?. The selection of words in Bhagavata are, from
even literary point of view, perfect. Pada? pada? yad vipada? na te?am (SB
10.14.58). Bhavambudhir vatsa-pada? para? pada? pada? pada? yad vipada? na...
This is literary. Samaśrita ye pada-pallava-plavam. Again plava? plavam.
Anuprasa. This is literary, anuprasa.
Correspondence
1969
Correspondence
My
special request to you is that you seriously read our literature, especially
Bhagavad-gita As It Is.
Letter to
Ann Clifford -- Los Angeles 2 August, 1969: So if you will come to our temple
on Park Avenue and chant and speak with the devotees as far as possible, you
will find that all lesser attachments and lesser enjoyments will fall very
short of your attachment for and attraction for service of the Lord in Krishna
Consciousness. That is a fact, and my special request to you is that you
seriously read our literature, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, chant Hare
Krishna always; then you will find your life becoming sublime.
So try to
understand this philosophy of Krishna Consciousness by reading our books and
literatures, discussing amongst the devotees.
Letter to
Oliver -- Los Angeles 19 August, 1969: So try to understand this philosophy of
Krishna Consciousness by reading our books and literatures, discussing amongst
the devotees and chanting Hare Krishna Mantra as much as possible. Whenever
there is any inquiries, you can write to me directly, and I shall try to reply
them.
You
should read our own books over and over again.
Letter to
Hamsaduta -- Tittenhurst 2 November, 1969: So these Christian and Buddhist
scriptures were delivered for a different class of men, and we needn't spend
our time in studying their doctrines. You should read our own books over and
over again and as far as possible do not try to enter into controversy. We do
not concern ourselves with any other religion. Our religion is to become the
servant of the servant of the servant of Krishna (CC Madhya 13.80).
Continue
to chant all of your rounds daily, and read our magazines and books as much as
possible. In this way your future will be very bright, and surely you will be
able to do great service to this movement within your lifetime.
Letter to
Vasudeva -- London 20 November, 1969: Krishna is very merciful to His sincere
devotees, but also we have to remember that Maya is very strong. Therefore, we
have to always be engaged in serving Krishna. At every moment we should be
doing this or that service for Krishna's transcendental pleasure. If we do not
remember this, then Maya is right there to grab us. It all depends upon our
leaning towards Krishna or towards Maya. If you lean towards Krishna, you will
be in Krishna Consciousness; and if you lean towards Maya, then you will be
captivated by material nature. Krishna and Maya are just like light and shadow
which are directly next to one another. If you move a little this way, you are
in light and there is no question of shadow. But if you move a little the other
way, you are in darkness. So if we remember to always be engaged in Krishna's
service, then there will be no Maya and everything will be all right. Please
always remember this great secret of advancement in Krishna Consciousness. So
as you are showing promise to be a nice artist, I think you may next paint some
pictures of the Spiritual Masters in the line of disciplic succession. Also,
continue to fix up the new temple nicely and promote the Sankirtana Movement as
far as possible. These, along with promoting our literatures will give you
sufficient engagement to fill your time. Also, continue to chant all of your
rounds daily, and read our magazines and books as much as possible. In this way
your future will be very bright, and surely you will be able to do great
service to this movement within your lifetime.
1970
Correspondence
We have
presented the complete philosophy of Krsna Consciousness in our books Bhagavad
Gita as it is, Srimad Bhagawatam, Teachings of Lord, Chaitanya, Krsna, and
others being printed, so the classes and personal study should be undertaken
penetratingly.
Letter to
Jayapataka - So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 February 13, 1970:
Now we want some men who understand all the purports of the Shastras so that
they will be able to face any questionnaires put to them especially ………. This
is a very important business, and I want all of my disciples to be thoroughly
versed in this way. Our first business to every initiated devotee is to chant
daily sixteen round of beads without fail, and to follow the regulative
principles rigidly, and our literatures must be studied with great attention.
We have presented the complete philosophy of Krsna Consciousness in our books
Bhagavad Gita as it is, Srimad Bhagawatam, Teachings of Lord, Chaitanya, Krsna,
and others being printed, so the classes and personal study should be
undertaken penetratingly. Please see that all the devotees are following these
principles; this program is the essential basis of our spiritual advancement.
If chanting and following of the regulation is done sincerely, without offense,
all questions and doubtful points of philosophy will be cleared up by
realization of Krsna from within the heart of the devotee.
I hope
you will read our books attentively and you should ask guidance in
understanding Krsna Consciousness from your elder God-brothers.
Letter to
Goverdhan - So. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, Cal. 90034 March 6, 1970: I hope
you will read our books attentively and you should ask guidance in
understanding Krsna Consciousness from your elder God-brothers. If you stick to
the principle of regularly chanting Hare Krsna and executing devotional
service, Krsna will give you all protection in all circumstances of life.
Read them
one after another.
Letter to
Unknown -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970: For the further understanding of this
religious process I would recommend you to read our three books namely Sri
Isopanisad, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and Easy Journey to Other Planets. When you
have finished them, you can read Srimad-Bhagavatam and Teachings of Lord
Caitanya. Besides these we have many other books and our "Back to
Godhead" magazines, in which we are fully describing about this religion
only. So you read them one after another, and whenever there is a question you
may write to me and I shall be very glad to answer it as far as possible.
Study our
literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo,
and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for
answering.
Letter to
Tejiyas -- Los Angeles 20 May, 1970: Please follow the rules and regulations
for advancing in Krsna Consciousness beginning with strict observance of the
four restrictions, and chant daily the prescribed number of sixteen rounds on
the beads, and you will grow strong in spiritual strength. Study our
literatures with the cooperation of your God-brothers and sisters in Buffalo,
and any questions you may have may be submitted to Srimad Rupanuga for
answering. So in this way always find some engagement in Krsna's service and
you will be supremely happy and successful in your life.
If you
are more serious about Krsna Consciousness then you should not only read our
books and literatures with due care.
Letter to
Sriman Murthy -- Los Angeles 22 May, 1970: Krsna's further mercy upon you is
exhibited that you are now living in our Temple. Our different centers are
specially meant for reclaiming sincere souls to understand Krsna Consciousness,
and if you are more serious about Krsna Consciousness then you should not only
read our books and literatures with due care, but also if possible you should
come here and live with me for some time.
Study our
literatures with the help of your senior God-brothers and sisters.
Letter to
Aditi -- India 29 September, 1970: Study our literatures with the help of your
senior God-brothers and sisters, go on Sankirtana when possible, take special
care to remain always engaged in some Krsna conscious activity, chant Hare
Krsna Mantra always and be happy.
Read our
literatures sincerely.
Letter to
Karandhara -- Surat 18 December, 1970: I am very much happy that you are now
attempting for opening up some centers in South America. It has long time been
my desire to have some of our branches there. So you train up some qualified
men and send them and if they can do something there it will be a great
achievement. Simply they must chant Hare Krsna, observe the regulative
principles and read our literatures sincerely and their success is guaranteed.
1971
Correspondence
Your
quotations from our Vaisnava sastras are very nice and I request you thoroughly
to study all of our literatures very thoughtfully and try to understand the
sublime import of this Krishna consciousness philosophy.
Letter to
Stephen -- Bombay 4 January, 1971: Your quotations from our Vaisnava sastras
are very nice and I request you thoroughly to study all of our literatures very
thoughtfully and try to understand the sublime import of this Krishna
consciousness philosophy. The basic principle of advancement in our Krishna
consciousness is stressed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu that if one simply chants the
Hare Krsna Mahamantra without offense and has firm faith in Krsna and Spiritual
Master then he will advance and he only can understand the deep import of Krsna
consciousness.
Study our
literatures with the help of other devotees.
Letter to
Gerald -- ISKCON Akash Ganga Bldg; 89 Bhulabhai Desai Road; Bombay-26 India
19th February, 1971: Do not be disappointed if sometimes your mind gives some
agitation. Such agitation is only temporary and will be driven away by
chanting. So chant loudly whenever there is some disturbance and hear the
transcendental sound attentively. Study our literatures with the help of other
devotees and render some devotional service in the Temple or on Samkirtan
Party. As your heart becomes more and more purified by the chanting process you
will feel constant happiness in Krsna's service and at that time Krsna takes
all the sinful reactions from the devotee thus protecting him from all
distresses of life.
1972
Correspondence
You must
all study very scrutinizingly all of the books so that when the need arises you
can repeat in your own words their purport.
Letter to
Hrdayananda -- Bombay 6 January, 1972: And you must all study very
scrutinizingly all of the books so that when the need arises you can repeat in
your own words their purport. Also I will be very pleased if you contribute
articles to BTG. By writing regularly, what you read will become realized. As
much as possible read, chant, and preach. This is our life and soul. If we keep
to this simple formula then there is no doubt that we will be victorious
wherever we go and very soon we shall become the only religion in the world.
I
recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand the subject
matter from different angles of vision.
Letter to
Bhargava -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972: If we are Krishna Conscious, any type of
occupation will suit me and we shall always be satisfied. Therefore, I
recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand the subject
matter from different angles of vision and be always discussing it with your
godbrothers even while you are working at the press, and when you are working
and you cannot read, then listen to the tapes of my lectures and hear in that
way. And never neglect to chant your 16 rounds of beads daily, rise early
without fail, attend mangal arati, take bath, and follow the other regulative
principles, and everything will come out very successfully, you can rest
assured of that.
I
recommend you to read books more and more.
Letter to
Bhargava -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972: If we are Krishna Conscious, any type of
occupation will suit me and we shall always be satisfied. Therefore, I
recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand the subject
matter from different angles of vision and be always discussing it with your godbrothers
even while you are working at the press, and when you are working and you
cannot read, then listen to the tapes of my lectures and hear in that way.
If we are
Krishna Conscious, any type of occupation will suit me and we shall always be
satisfied. Therefore, I recommend you to read books more and more and try to
understand the subject matter from different angles of vision and be always
discussing it with your godbrothers even while you are working at the press.
Letter to
Bhargava -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972: So I am requesting all of my students to
read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind
becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject
matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily
you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness. It is not a matter of
changing our engagement, adjusting this or that material condition, in order to
find our real happiness. Krishna Consciousness is not like that. It is able to
be performed under any variety of material conditions or with any type of
engagement. Therefore if your duty as a photographer is very much helpful to
our propanganda work and for improving our BTG then there is very much need for
your remaining in that occupation and doing it to your best capacity. It is a
fallacy to say that my present engagement with the press is not the best for my
spiritual advancement, and if we think in this way we may go on trying out one
engagement after another and always say the same excuse. This restlessness or
agitation of the mind cannot be rectified by altering the material
circumstances. If we are Krishna Conscious, any type of occupation will suit me
and we shall always be satisfied. Therefore, I recommend you to read books more
and more and try to understand the subject matter from different angles of
vision and be always discussing it with your godbrothers even while you are
working at the press, and when you are working and you cannot read, then listen
to the tapes of my lectures and hear in that way. And never neglect to chant
your 16 rounds of beads daily, rise early without fail, attend mangal arati,
take bath, and follow the other regulative principles, and everything will come
out very successfully, you can rest assured of that.
I
recommend you to read books more and more and try to understand the subject
matter from different angles of vision.
Letter to
Bhargava -- Los Angeles 13 June, 1972: The more we become renounced from this
material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only
able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So
first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the
tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am
requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without
fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours
daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita,
and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna
Consciousness. It is not a matter of changing our engagement, adjusting this or
that material condition, in order to find our real happiness. Krishna
Consciousness is not like that. It is able to be performed under any variety of
material conditions or with any type of engagement. Therefore if your duty as a
photographer is very much helpful to our propanganda work and for improving our
BTG then there is very much need for your remaining in that occupation and
doing it to your best capacity. It is a fallacy to say that my present
engagement with the press is not the best for my spiritual advancement, and if
we think in this way we may go on trying out one engagement after another and
always say the same excuse. This restlessness or agitation of the mind cannot
be rectified by altering the material circumstances. If we are Krishna
Conscious, any type of occupation will suit me and we shall always be
satisfied. Therefore, I recommend you to read books more and more and try to
understand the subject matter from different angles of vision and be always
discussing it with your godbrothers even while you are working at the press,
and when you are working and you cannot read, then listen to the tapes of my
lectures and hear in that way. And never neglect to chant your 16 rounds of
beads daily, rise early without fail, attend mangal arati, take bath, and
follow the other regulative principles, and everything will come out very
successfully, you can rest assured of that.
You want
to perform sacrifice so continuously read our Vedic scriptures and perform the
Vaikuntha yajna.
Letter to
Himavati -- Los Angeles 15 June, 1972: So remain always compact in Vaikuntha
yajna, simply by thinking of the Glories of the Lord. Don't try to do anything
artificially. That is sahajiya, which means a class of men that take everything
very cheap. You want to perform sacrifice so continuously read our Vedic
scriptures and perform the Vaikuntha yajna.
I am very
much stressing at this point that all of my students shall be very much
conversant with the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness, and that they should
read our books very diligently.
Letter to
Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: I am successful only because I am
following strictly the orders of my Guru Maharaja, and I do not deviate.
Therefore people respect what I am saying and they listen because I do not say
one thing and do another. So now you are doing my work and you shall be like me
and be yourselves the worthy representatives of our disciplic succession.
I am very
much stressing at this point that all of my students shall be very much
conversant with the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness, and that they should
read our books very diligently at least one or two hours daily and try to
understand the subject matter from varieties of angles.
Each word
is pronounced by me and repeated by the students and then altogether we chant
the sloka several times until we have learned it.
Letter to
Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: We are holding our morning class here
in Los Angeles in the temple and I am speaking from 7 to 8 am, and the process
is that we are going through some chapters of Srimad-Bhagavatam by taking one
sloka each day, and reading the Sanskrit aloud, each word is pronounced by me
and repeated by the students and then altogether we chant the sloka several
times until we have learned it.
We
discuss the subject matter very minutely and inspect it from all angles of approach
and savor the new understandings.
Letter to
Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: We are holding our morning class here
in Los Angeles in the temple and I am speaking from 7 to 8 am, and the process
is that we are going through some chapters of Srimad-Bhagavatam by taking one
sloka each day, and reading the Sanskrit aloud, each word is pronounced by me
and repeated by the students and then altogether we chant the sloka several
times until we have learned it. And then we discuss the subject matter very
minutely and inspect it from all angles of approach and savor the new
understandings. So you introduce this system in all of the centers in your
zone, and you will discover that everyone becomes very much enlivened by these
daily classes.
I advise
you to daily read our books as far as possible and try to understand the
subject matter from different angles of vision by discussing frequently with
the devotees.
Letter to
Bob -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: One makes his advancement in Krishna
Consciousness by giving up voluntarily his attachment to material nature or
maya and such renunciation is called tapasya. But we are not very willing to
perform austerities without good reason, therefore any man with scientific and
philosophical good brain such as your good self, must appreciate first what is
the transcendental knowledge. If you get knowledge, automatically tapasya will
follow, and then you make your advancement in spiritual life. So to get
knowledge is the first item for anyone who is hoping to find his perfection of
life. Therefore, I advise you to daily read our books as far as possible and
try to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision by
discussing frequently with the devotees at New York Temple. In this way you
will become gradually convinced, and by your sincere attitude and devotional
service you will make progress.
Give them
all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the
things from every point of view.
Letter to
Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972: Now I am feeling very much inclined for
retiring behind the scenes to translate my Srimad-Bhagavatam. This means that
now you all leaders, especially the GBC members, must become very much
responsible and do the work that I am doing to the same standard. So I want you
leaders especially to become very much absorbed in the philosophy of
Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and become yourselves completely convinced
and free from all doubt. On this platform you shall be able to carry on the
work satisfactorily, but if there is lack of knowledge, or if there is
forgetfulness, everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must
encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as
possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and
inspire them to study the things from every point of view. In this way, by
constantly engaging our tongues in the service of the Lord, either by
discussing His philosophy or by chanting Hare Krishna, the truth is that
Krishna Himself will reveal Himself to us and we shall understand how to do
everything properly. Now we have got so many students and so many temples but I
am fearful that if we expand too much in this way that we shall become weakened
and gradually the whole thing will become lost. Just like milk. We may thin it
more and more with water for cheating the customer, but in the end it will
cease to be any longer milk. Better to boil the milk now very vigorously and
make it thick and sweet, that is the best process. So let us concentrate on
training our devotees very thoroughly in the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness
from our books, from tapes, by discussing always, and in so many ways instruct
them in the right propositions.
Study our
books and see our philosophy from different lights of directions.
Letter to
Bhagavatananda -- New York 8 July, 1972: Try to always study our books and see
our philosophy from different lights of directions, become convinced yourself
of this knowledge and without a doubt all of your difficulties of mind will
disappear forever and you will see Krishna face-to-face.
If you
chant daily 16 rounds and read at least one hour daily Srimad-Bhagavatam, plus
your other prescribed duties, never mind this or that, you will feel yourself
becoming happy more and more and these practices will protect you from maya or
hazy consciousness without any doubt.
Letter to
Saucarya -- Vrindaban 23 October, 1972: You are feeling some discomfort in your
life in Krishna Consciousness, but I can assure you that this is only temporary
condition of little importance, because main thing is that somehow or other you
have got a little attraction for Krishna and you have become His devotee and
this is the highest platform of development of life. So you should always feel
yourself very much blessed by Krishna that you have come to this point after so
much long struggling, so if there is from time to time little discomfort, do
not pay it any attention. Now you have got the formula how to achieve very
quickly the supreme perfectional stage, and it is up to you if you will
practice it seriously or not. If you chant daily 16 rounds and read at least
one hour daily Srimad-Bhagavatam, plus your other prescribed duties, never mind
this or that, you will feel yourself becoming happy more and more and these
practices will protect you from maya or hazy consciousness without any doubt.
Of course, it is very much favorable to our advancement in spiritual life if we
are engaged in some service for Krishna which is also pleasing t us to perform.
So if you have got some special talent or experience you may discuss with
Jagadisa how to engage yourself in that way. That is his duty as leader, to
give you good engagement.
1973
Correspondence
Please
read my books very carefully.
Letter to
Roger -- Calcutta 26 January, 1973: Thank you very much for your kind
sentiments. By engaging in this Krsna Consciousness Movement you will be
perfecting your own life as well as helping others to also come to the platform
of God-consciousness. This is the real business of human life, though
unfortunately the majority of human beings are neglecting. Now it is our
business to wake them up to Krsna Consciousness. Please read my books very
carefully and become convinced on this point. Chant Hare Krsna, take prasadam,
and follow the regulative principles very rigidly. This will make you more and
more advanced in spiritual life.
We should
become habituated to read the books more profoundly.
Letter to
Sukadeva -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 23 July, 1973: Regarding the starting of a
society newsletter, I think there is no need for it. Do not unnecessarily
increase your responsibilities. What responsibilities you have make perfect.
Besides, we already have our society journal, Back to Godhead. As for receiving
news of other centers, why should you be so anxious? The news is always the
same, sankirtana is going on, deity worship, with little change. We should
rather turn our interest to learn from the books more and more. We should
inquire about Krsna. Temple life is going on with little change, but we should
become habituated to read the books more profoundly.
1974
Correspondence
In my
books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is
anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and
again.
Letter to
Bahurupa -- Bombay 22 November, 1974: I am pleased to hear that you are
chanting 16 rounds daily and reading my books regularly and following the four
rules. In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully
so if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to
read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you
and by this process your spiritual life will develop. Krishna Consciousness is
not a hackneyed thing but it is something which is our natural and original
consciousness. Presently our consciousness is clouded just like a mirror
becomes covered with dust So the cleansing process is this chanting and hearing
and doing some service and trying to please the Spiritual Master. By this
process our consciousness becomes clear and we are able to understand
everything.
You
should always read my books daily and all your questions will be answered.
Letter to
Hugo Salemon -- Bombay 22 November, 1974: Our process is something universal. It
cannot be checked by any means. Anyone in any place, in any country can chant
Hare Krishna. If it is possible to go to the temple, then take advantage of the
temple. A temple is a place where by one is given the opportunity to render
direct devotional service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. In conjunction with
this you should always read my books daily and all your questions will be
answered and you will have a firm basis of Krishna Consciousness. In this way
your life will be perfect.
If you
continue to read our books very carefully and try to understand our philosophy
very deeply, this is nice.
Letter to
Mr. Quinn -- Bombay 17 December, 1974: If you continue to read our books very
carefully and try to understand our philosophy very deeply, this is nice.
1975
Correspondence
Please
study my books intensely.
Letter to
Aticandra -- Bombay 4 January, 1975: First thing is that one must understand
Srimad-Bhagavatam fully. The first verse, if you simply explain, will take
volumes and volumes. So, please study my books intensely and do not fail to
chant 16 rounds daily following the four regulative principles strictly. This
will make everything perfect.
1976
Correspondence
I wish
that all my students can become as adept at presenting the information in the
books like this.
Letter to
Tusta Krsna -- Vrindaban 18 September, 1976: I thank you very much for your
very nice presentation of the issue of birth. You have assimilated the process
of birth very nicely through the books. This has pleased me very much and I
wish that all my students can become as adept at presenting the information in
the books like this. You can make this a grand subject for agitation in that
country and your preaching on this point alone will make you very famous.
Therefore you should speak everywhere on this subject matter from the
Bhagavatam and gita and you will be glorified. As the disciple is glorified so
also the spiritual master becomes glorified more. Use this issue to advance
your propaganda and become a leader in the society.
They must
study my books at least three hours a day (including classes).
Letter to
Bhadravardhana, Hrdayagovinda -- Vrndavana October 25, 1976: Please perform
your service of training up the new men very carefully. Present the philosophy
of Krsna consciousness as it is. There is no need to add anything or take
anything away. As it is. They must learn to strictly follow the four regulative
principles and chant 16 rounds minimum every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. The
new men should also go out for samkirtan, chanting or distributing my books.
This will make them strong. Also, they must study my books at least three hours
a day (including classes).
