Gita-shloka-5.7-: A Krshna conscious person does not like to hear anything except topics relating to Krsna; And, because his mind is controlled, his senses are also controlled., 29th Aug

Gita-shloka-5.7-: A Krshna conscious person does not like to hear anything except topics relating to Krsna; he does not like to eat anything which is not offered to Krsna; and he does not wish to go anywhere if Krsna is not involved. And, because his mind is controlled, his senses are also controlled.

TRANSLATION

One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses, is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled.

PURPORT

One who is on the path of liberation by Krsna consciousness is very dear to every living being, and every living being is dear to him.

This is due to his Krsna consciousness.

Such a person cannot think of any living being as separate from Krsna, just as the leaves and branches of a tree are not separate from the tree.

He knows very well that by pouring water on the root of the tree, the water will be distributed to all the leaves and branches, or by supplying food to the stomach, the energy is automatically distributed throughout the body.

Because one who works in Krsna consciousness is servant to all, he is very dear to everyone.

And, because everyone is satisfied by his work, he is pure in consciousness.

Because he is pure in consciousness, his mind is completely controlled.

And, because his mind is controlled, his senses are also controlled.

Because his mind is always fixed on Krsna, there is no chance of his being deviated from Krsna.

Nor is there a chance that he will engage his senses in matters other than the service of the Lord.

He does not like to hear anything except topics relating to Krsna; he does not like to eat anything which is not offered to Krsna; and he does not wish to go anywhere if Krsna is not involved.

Therefore, his senses are controlled.

A man of controlled senses cannot be offensive to anyone.

One may ask, "Why then was Arjuna offensive (in battle) to others? Wasn't he in Krsna consciousness?" Arjuna was only superficially offensive because (as has already been explained in the Second Chapter) all the assembled persons on the battlefield would continue to live individually, as the soul cannot be slain.

So, spiritually, no one was killed on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra.

Only their dresses were changed by the order of Krsna, who was personally present.

Therefore Arjuna, while fighting on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra, was not really fighting at all; he was simply carrying out the orders of Krsna in full Krsna consciousness.

Such a person is never entangled in the reactions of work.

Bhagvatam: Although He is full in Himself, He nonetheless becomes pleased when His devotee offers Him patram pushpam phalam toyam-a leaf, flower, fruit or water- in devotion, 29th Aug

Bhagvat: Although He is full in Himself, He nonetheless becomes pleased when His devotee offers Him patram pushpam phalam toyam-a leaf, flower, fruit or water- in devotion. Although He is full in Himself, He nonetheless wants all the living entities to surrender unto Him so that they may engage in His service. Sometimes He requests His devotee to preach His glories all over the world, although He alone is quite competent to perform this task. Even though the Supreme Personality of Godhead is endowed with all possessions and is self-sufficient, He depends on His devotees. The relationship of the Lord with His devotees is extremely confidential.

TRANSLATION

O my Lord, because You are endowed with causeless mercy, all opulences, all prowess and all glories, strength and transcendental qualities, You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of everyone.

PURPORT

In this verse the words tato 'si bhagavän prabhum mean "Therefore You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of everyone." The Supreme Personality of Godhead is endowed with all six opulences in full, and moreover He is extremely kind to His devotee. 

Although He is full in Himself, He nonetheless wants all the living entities to surrender unto Him so that they may engage in His service. Thus He becomes satisfied. Although He is full in Himself, He nonetheless becomes pleased when His devotee offers Him patram pushpam phalam toyam—a leaf, flower, fruit or water—in devotion. 

Sometimes the Lord, as the child of mother Yashodä, requests His devotee for some food, as if He were very hungry. Sometimes He tells His devotee in a dream that His temple and His garden are now very old and that He cannot enjoy them very nicely. 

Thus He requests the devotee to repair them. Sometimes He is buried in the earth, and as if unable to come out Himself, He requests His devotee to rescue Him. Sometimes He requests His devotee to preach His glories all over the world, although He alone is quite competent to perform this task. Even though the Supreme Personality of Godhead is endowed with all possessions and is self-sufficient, He depends on His devotees. 

Therefore the relationship of the Lord with His devotees is extremely confidential. Only the devotee can perceive how the Lord, although full in Himself, depends on His devotee for some particular work. This is explained in Bhagavad-gitä (11.33), where the Lord tells Arjuna, nimitta-mätram bhava savyasäcin: "O Arjuna, merely be an instrument in the fight." Lord Krshna had the competence to win the Battle of Kurukshetra, but nonetheless He induced His devotee Arjuna to fight and become the cause of victory. 

Sri Chaitanya Mahäprabhu was quite competent enough to spread His name and mission all over the world, but still He depended upon His devotee to do this work. Considering all these points, the most important aspect of the Supreme Lord's self-sufficiency is that He depends on His devotees. This is called His causeless mercy. The devotee who has perceived this causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by realization can understand the master and the servant.

Gita-shloka-5.6 : Material activities of a philanthropic and altruistic nature, are nothing but material engagements. Unless one is engaged in the devotional service of the Lord, mere renunciation of activities cannot make one happy,28th Aug

Gita-shloka-5.6 : Material activities of a philanthropic and altruistic nature, are nothing but material engagements.  Unless one is engaged in the devotional service of the Lord, mere renunciation of activities cannot make one happy. The sages, purified by works of devotion, achieve the Supreme without delay.

TRANSLATION

Unless one is engaged in the devotional service of the Lord, mere renunciation of activities cannot make one happy. The sages, purified by works of devotion, achieve the Supreme without delay.

PURPORT

There are two classes of sannyasis, or persons in the renounced order of life.

The Mayavadi sannyasis are engaged in the study of sankhya philosophy, whereas the Vaisnava sannyasis are engaged in the study of Bhagavatam philosophy, which affords the proper commentary on the Vedanta-sutras.

The Mayavadi sannyasis also study the Vedanta-sutras, but use their own commentary, called Sariraka-bhasya, written by Sankaracarya.

The students of the Bhagavata school are engaged in devotional service of the Lord, according to pancaratriki  regulations, and therefore the Vaisnava sannyasis have multiple engagements in the transcendental service of the Lord.

The Vaisnava sannyasis have nothing to do with material activities, and yet they perform various activities in their devotional service to the Lord.

But the Mayavadi sannyasis, engaged in the studies of sankhya and Vedanta and speculation, cannot relish transcendental service of the Lord.

Because their studies become very tedious, they sometimes become tired of Brahman speculation, and thus they take shelter of the Bhagavatam without proper understanding.

Consequently their study of the Srimad-Bhagavatam becomes troublesome.

Dry speculations and impersonal interpretations by artificial means are all useless for the Mayavadi sannyasis.

The Vaisnava sannyasis, who are engaged in devotional service, are happy in the discharge of their transcendental duties, and they have the guarantee of ultimate entrance into the kingdom of God.

The Mayavadi sannyasis sometimes fall down from the path of self-realization and again enter into material activities of a philanthropic and altruistic nature, which are nothing but material engagements.

Therefore, the conclusion is that those who are engaged in Krsna consciousness are better situated than the sannyasis engaged in simple Brahman speculation, although they too come to Krsna consciousness, after many births.

Gita-shloka-5.5,- In the first process of sankhya, one has to become detached from matter, and in the devotional yoga process one has to attach himself to the work of Krsna, 27th Aug

Gita-shloka-5.5,- In the first process of sankhya, one has to become detached from matter, and in the devotional yoga process one has to attach himself to the work of Krsna. Factually, both processes are the same, although superficially one process appears to involve detachment and the other process appears to involve attachment. However, detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are.

TRANSLATION

One who knows that the position reached by means of renunciation can also be attained by works in devotional service and who therefore sees that the path of works and the path of renunciation are one, sees things as they are.

PURPORT

The real purpose of philosophical research is to find the ultimate goal of life.

Since the ultimate goal of life is self-realization, there is no difference between the conclusions reached by the two processes.

By sankhya philosophical research one comes to the conclusion that a living entity is not a part and parcel of the material world, but of the supreme spirit whole.

Consequently, the spirit soul has nothing to do with the material world; his actions must be in some relation with the Supreme.

When he acts in Krsna consciousness, he is actually in his constitutional position.

In the first process of sankhya, one has to become detached from matter, and in the devotional yoga process one has to attach himself to the work of Krsna.

Factually, both processes are the same, although superficially one process appears to involve detachment and the other process appears to involve attachment.

However, detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are.

Vinod Agarwal Bhajan lyrics जलवाये हुस्न दिखा जायो, तो कुछ बात बने, jalwaye husn dikha jayo to kuch bat bane

जलवाये हुस्न दिखा जायो, तो कुछ बात बने,  jalwaye husn dikha jayo to kuch bat bane

जलवाये हुस्न दिखा जायो, तो कुछ बात बने 

मेरी नज़रों में समां जायो, तो कुछ बात बने 

आपकी शक्ल नज़र आती है धुंदली धुंदली 

पर्दा नज़रों से हटा जाओ

तो कुछ बात बने 

आतिशे इश्क़ भड़क जाएगी रफ्ता रफ्ता

धीमे धीमे घी लगा जायो 

तो कुछ बात बने 

शोर्शे इश्क़ मोहब्बत की है सहमी सहमी 

तान बंसी की सुना जाओ

तो तो कुछ बात बने

Vinod Agarwal Bhajan lyrics     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qqx4GAXFsY           

#blogva006 

Bhagvatam:- Accepting her husband as the representative of the Supreme Person, a wife should worship him with unalloyed devotion by offering him prasäda. The family relationship of husband and wife should be established spiritually,26th Aug

Bhagvatam:- Accepting her husband as the representative of the Supreme Person, a wife should worship him with unalloyed devotion by offering him prasäda. The family relationship of husband and wife should be established spiritually according to the process mentioned above. Between the husband and wife, one person is sufficient to execute this devotional service. Because of their good relationship, both of them will enjoy the result.

TRANSLATION

You are both the supreme rulers and benedictors of the three worlds. Therefore, my Lord, Uttamashloka, may my ambitions be fulfilled by Your grace.

TRANSLATION

Sri Sukadeva Gosvämi continued: Thus one should worship Lord Vishnu, who is known as Sriniväsa, along with mother Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, by offering prayers according to the process mentioned above. After removing all the paraphernalia of worship, one should offer them water to wash their hands and mouths, and then one should worship them again.

TRANSLATION

Thereafter, with devotion and humility, one should offer prayers to the Lord and mother Lakshmi. Then one should smell the remnants of the food offered and then again worship the Lord and Lakshmiji.

TRANSLATION

Accepting her husband as the representative of the Supreme Person, a wife should worship him with unalloyed devotion by offering him prasäda. The husband, being very pleased with his wife, should engage himself in the affairs of his family.

PURPORT

The family relationship of husband and wife should be established spiritually according to the process mentioned above.

TRANSLATION

Between the husband and wife, one person is sufficient to execute this devotional service. Because of their good relationship, both of them will enjoy the result. Therefore if the wife is unable to execute this process, the husband should carefully do so, and the faithful wife will share the result.

PURPORT

The relationship between husband and wife is firmly established when the wife is faithful and the husband sincere. Then even if the wife, being weaker, is unable to execute devotional service with her husband, if she is chaste and sincere she shares half of her husband's activities.

TRANSLATION

One should accept this vishnu-vrata, which is a vow in devotional service, and should not deviate from its execution to engage in anything else. By offering the remnants of prasäda, flower garlands, sandalwood pulp and ornaments, one should daily worship the brähmanas and worship women who peacefully live with their husbands and children. Every day the wife must continue following the regulative principles to worship Lord Vishnu with great devotion. Thereafter, Lord Vishnu should be laid in His bed, and then one should take prasäda. In this way, husband and wife will be purified and will have all their desires fulfilled.

TRANSLATION

The chaste wife must perform such devotional service continuously for one year. After one year passes, she should fast on the full-moon day in the month of Kärttika [October-November].

Gita-shloka-5.4,- The soul of the material world is Visnu, or the Supersoul. Devotional service to the Lord entails service to the Supersoul, 26th Aug

Gita-shloka-5.4,- The soul of the material world is Visnu, or the Supersoul. Devotional service to the Lord entails service to the Supersoul. One process is to find the root of the tree, and next to water the root. The real student of sankhya philosophy finds the root of the material world, Visnu, and then, in perfect knowledge, engages himself in the service of the Lord.

TRANSLATION

Only the ignorant speak of karma-yoga and devotional service as being different from the analytical study of the material world [sankhya]. Those who are actually learned say that he who applies himself well to one of these paths achieves the results of both.

PURPORT

The aim of the analytical study of the material world is to find the soul of existence.

The soul of the material world is Visnu, or the Supersoul.

Devotional service to the Lord entails service to the Supersoul.

One process is to find the root of the tree, and next to water the root.

The real student of sankhya philosophy finds the root of the material world, Visnu, and then, in perfect knowledge, engages himself in the service of the Lord.

Therefore, in essence, there is no difference between the two because the aim of both is Visnu.

Those who do not know the ultimate end say that the purposes of sankhya and karma-yoga are not the same, but one who is learned knows the unifying aim in these different processes.

Bhagvatam:- Vishnu is described as yajna personified, and mother Lakshmi is described as spiritual activities and the original form of worship. In fact, they represent spiritual activities and the Supersoul of all yajna, 25th Aug

Bhagvatam:- Vishnu is described as yajna personified, and mother Lakshmi is described as spiritual activities and the original form of worship. In fact, they represent spiritual activities and the Supersoul of all yajna. Lord Vishnu is the Supersoul even of Lakshmidevi, but no one can be the Supersoul of Lord Vishnu, for Lord Vishnu Himself is the spiritual Supersoul of everyone. Lakshmiji is the constant companion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu, and therefore she is called anapäyini. She is the mother of all creation. As Lord Vishnu is all-pervading, His spiritual potency, mother Lakshmi, is also all-pervading.

TRANSLATION

One should offer obeisances unto the Lord with a mind humbled through devotion. While offering dandavats by falling on the ground like a rod, one should chant the above mantra ten times. Then one should chant the following prayer.

TRANSLATION

My Lord Vishnu and mother Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, you are the proprietors of the entire creation. Indeed, you are the cause of the creation. Mother Lakshmi is extremely difficult to understand because she is so powerful that the jurisdiction of her power is difficult to overcome. Mother Lakshmi is represented in the material world as the external energy, but actually she is always the internal energy of the Lord.

TRANSLATION

My Lord, You are the master of energy, and therefore You are the Supreme Person. You are sacrifice [yajna] personified. Lakshmi, the embodiment of spiritual activities, is the original form of worship offered unto You, whereas You are the enjoyer of all sacrifices.

TRANSLATION

Mother Lakshmi, who is here, is the reservoir of all spiritual qualities, whereas You manifest and enjoy all these qualities. Indeed, You are actually the enjoyer of everything. You live as the Supersoul of all living entities, and the goddess of fortune is the form of their bodies, senses and minds. She also has a holy name and form, whereas You are the support of all such names and forms and the cause for their manifestation.

PURPORT

Madhvächärya, the ächärya of the Tattvavädis, has described this verse in the following way: "Vishnu is described as yajna personified, and mother Lakshmi is described as spiritual activities and the original form of worship. In fact, they represent spiritual activities and the Supersoul of all yajna. Lord Vishnu is the Supersoul even of Lakshmidevi, but no one can be the Supersoul of Lord Vishnu, for Lord Vishnu Himself is the spiritual Supersoul of everyone."

According to Madhvächärya, there are two tattvas, or factors. One is independent, and the other is dependent. The first tattva is the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, and the second is the jiva-tattva. Lakshmidevi, being dependent on Lord Vishnu, is sometimes counted among the jivas. The Gaudiya Vaishnavas, however, describe Lakshmidevi in accordance with the following two verses from the Prameya-ratnävali of Baladeva Vidyäbhüshana. The first verse is a quotation from the Vishnu Puräna.

"'O best of the brähmanas, Lakshmiji is the constant companion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu, and therefore she is called anapäyini. She is the mother of all creation. As Lord Vishnu is all-pervading, His spiritual potency, mother Lakshmi, is also all-pervading.' 

Lord Vishnu has three principal potencies—internal, external and marginal. Sri Chaitanya Mahäprabhu has accepted parä-shakti, the spiritual energy of the Lord, as being identical with the Lord. Thus she is also included in the independent vishnu-tattva."

In the Känti-mälä commentary on the Prameya-ratnävali there is this statement: "Although some authoritative Vaishnava disciplic successions count the goddess of fortune among the ever-liberated living entities (jivas) in Vaikuntha, Sri Chaitanya Mahäprabhu, in accordance with the statement in the Vishnu Puräna, has described Lakshmi as being identical with the vishnu-tattva. 

The correct conclusion is that the descriptions of Lakshmi as being different from Vishnu are stated when an eternally liberated living entity is imbued with the quality of Lakshmi; they do not pertain to mother Lakshmi, the eternal consort of Lord Vishnu.

Gita shloka 5.3: Knowledge that one is one in quality yet different in quantity with God, is correct transcendental knowledge leading one to become full in himself, having nothing to aspire to nor lament over 25th Aug

Gita shloka 5.3:  Knowledge that one is one in quality yet different in quantity with God, is correct transcendental knowledge leading one to become full in himself, having nothing to aspire to nor lament over. There is no duality in his mind because whatever he does, he does for Krsna. Being thus freed from the platform of dualities, he is liberated—even in this material world.

TRANSLATION

One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of his activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, liberated from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated, O mighty-armed Arjuna.

PURPORT

One who is fully in Krsna consciousness is always a renouncer because he feels neither hatred nor desire for the results of his actions.

Such a renouncer, dedicated to the transcendental loving service of the Lord, is fully qualified in knowledge because he knows his constitutional position in his relationship with Krsna.

He knows fully well that Krsna is the whole and that he is part and parcel of Krsna.

Such knowledge is perfect because it is qualitatively and quantitatively correct.

The concept of oneness with Krsna is incorrect because the part cannot be equal to the whole.

Knowledge that one is one in quality yet different in quantity is correct transcendental knowledge leading one to become full in himself, having nothing to aspire to nor lament over.

There is no duality in his mind because whatever he does, he does for Krsna.

Being thus freed from the platform of dualities, he is liberated—even in this material world.

Krshna cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted, 23rd Aug

Krshna cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted. A person trying to be perfectly Krshna conscious by hearing the words of Krshna from Srimad-Bhagavatamor Bhagavad-gita certainly has all the dirty things cleansed from the core of his heart.

TRANSLATION

Because King Yayati completely surrendered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, he was freed from all contamination of the material modes of nature. Because of his self-realization, he was able to fix his mind upon the Transcendence [Parabrahman, Vasudeva], and thus he ultimately achieved the position of an associate of the Lord.

PURPORT

The word vidhuta, meaning "cleansed," is very significant.

Everyone in this material world is contaminated (karanam guna-sango 'sya).

Because we are in a material condition, we are contaminated either by sattva-guna, by rajo-guna or by tamo-guna.

Even if one becomes a qualified brahmana in the mode of goodness (sattva-guna), he is still materially contaminated.

One must come to the platform of shuddha-sattva, transcending the sattva-guna.

Then one is vidhuta-trilinga, cleansed of the contamination caused by the three modes of material nature.

This is possible by the mercy of Krshna.

As stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.2.17):

shrnvatam sva-katham krshnam

punya-shravana-kirtanam

hrdy antam-stho hy abhadrani

vidhunoti suhrt-satam

"Sri Krshna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted." 

A person trying to be perfectly Krshna conscious by hearing the words of Krshna from Srimad-Bhagavatam or Bhagavad-gita certainly has all the dirty things cleansed from the core of his heart.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu also says, ceto-darpana-marjanam: the process of hearing and chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord washes away the dirty things accumulated in the core of the heart.

As soon as one is freed from all the dirt of material contamination, as Maharaja Yayati was, one's original position as an associate of the Lord is revealed.

This is called svarüpa-siddhi, or personal perfection.

Gita-shloka-5.2: Renunciation is complete when it is in the knowledge that everything in existence belongs to the Lord and that no one should claim proprietorship over anything,24th Aug

Gita-shloka-5.2: Renunciation is complete when it is in the knowledge that everything in existence belongs to the Lord and that no one should claim proprietorship over anything. One should understand that, factually, nothing belongs to anyone.Then where is the question of renunciation? One who knows that everything is Krsna's property is always situated in renunciation. Since everything belongs to Krsna, everything should be employed in the service of Krsna.

TRANSLATION

The Blessed Lord said: The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of works.

PURPORT

Fruitive activities (seeking sense gratification) are cause for material bondage. 

As long as one is engaged in activities aimed at improving the standard of bodily comfort, one is sure to transmigrate to different types of bodies, thereby continuing material bondage perpetually. Srimad-Bhagavatam confirms this as follows:

nunam pramattah kurute vikarma yad indriya-pritaya aprnoti

na sadhu manye yata atmano 'yam asann api klesada asa dehah

parabhavas tavad abodha-jato yavanna jijnasata atma-tattvam

yavat kriyas tavad idam mano vai karmatmakam yena sarira-bandhah

evam manah karma-vasam prayunkte avidyayatmany upadhiyamane

pritir na yavan mayi vasudeve na mucyate deha-yogena tavat

"People are mad after sense gratification, and they do not know that this present body, which is full of miseries, is a result of one's fruitive activities in the past.

Although this body is temporary, it is always giving one trouble in many ways.

Therefore, to act for sense gratification is not good.

One is considered to be a failure in life as long as he makes no inquiry about the nature of work for fruitive results, for as long as one is engrossed in the consciousness of sense gratification, one has to transmigrate from one body to another.

Although the mind may be engrossed in fruitive activities and influenced by ignorance, one must develop a love for devotional service to Vasudeva.

Only then can one have the opportunity to get out of the bondage of material existence." (Bhag. 5.5.4-6)

Therefore, jnana (or knowledge that one is not this material body but spirit soul) is not sufficient for liberation.

One has to act in the status of spirit soul, otherwise there is no escape from material bondage.

Action in Krsna consciousness is not, however, action on the fruitive platform.

Activities performed in full knowledge strengthen one's advancement in real knowledge.

Without Krsna consciousness, mere renunciation of fruitive activities does not actually purify the heart of a conditioned soul.

As long as the heart is not purified, one has to work on the fruitive platform.

But action in Krsna consciousness automatically helps one escape the result of fruitive action so that one need not descend to the material platform.

Therefore, action in Krsna consciousness is always superior to renunciation, which always entails a risk of falling.

Renunciation without Krsna consciousness is incomplete, as is confirmed by Srila Rupa Gosvami in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.

prapancikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunah

mumuksubhih parityago vairagyam phalgu kathyate.

"Renunciation by persons eager to achieve liberation of things which are related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, though they are material, is called incomplete renunciation." 

Renunciation is complete when it is in the knowledge that everything in existence belongs to the Lord and that no one should claim proprietorship over anything.

One should understand that, factually, nothing belongs to anyone.

Then where is the question of renunciation? One who knows that everything is Krsna's property is always situated in renunciation.

Since everything belongs to Krsna, everything should be employed in the service of Krsna.

This perfect form of action in Krsna consciousness is far better than any amount of artificial renunciation by a sannyasi of the Mayavadi school.

Bhagvat: One should be convinced that he is a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Brahman, Krshna, but has somehow or other been entrapped by the material coverings, 24th Aug

Bhagvat: One should be convinced that he is a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Brahman, Krshna, but has somehow or other been entrapped by the material coverings of the gross and subtle bodies, consisting of earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego. One should know that the association of society, friendship, love, nationalism, religion and so on are nothing but creations of maya. One's only business is to become Krshna conscious and render service unto Krshna as extensively as possible for a living being.

TRANSLATION

Thereafter, Devayani, the daughter of Sukracarya, understood that the materialistic association of husband, friends and relatives is like the association in a hotel full of tourists.

The relationships of society, friendship and love are created by the maya of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, exactly as in a dream.

By the grace of Krshna, Devayani gave up her imaginary position in the material world.

Completely fixing her mind upon Krshna, she achieved liberation from the gross and subtle bodies.!!!

PURPORT

One should be convinced that he is a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Brahman, Krshna, but has somehow or other been entrapped by the material coverings of the gross and subtle bodies, consisting of earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego.

One should know that the association of society, friendship, love, nationalism, religion and so on are nothing but creations of maya.

One's only business is to become Krshna conscious and render service unto Krshna as extensively as possible for a living being.

In this way one is liberated from material bondage.

By the grace of Krshna, Devayani attained this state through the instructions of her husband.

Gita shloka 5.1, Lord says that a person who is situated on the platform of knowledge no longer has any duties to perform. Arjuna appears not to have understood that work in full knowledge is nonreactive and is therefore the same as inaction, 23rd Aug

Gita shloka 5.1, Lord says that a person who is situated on the platform of knowledge no longer has any duties to perform. Arjuna appears not to have understood that work in full knowledge is nonreactive and is therefore the same as inaction

TRANSLATION

Arjuna said: O Krsna, first of all You ask me to renounce work, and then again You recommend work with devotion. Now will You kindly tell me definitely which of the two is more beneficial?

PURPORT

In this Fifth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, the Lord says that work in devotional service is better than dry mental speculation.

Devotional service is easier than the latter because, being transcendental in nature, it frees one from reaction.

In the Second Chapter, preliminary knowledge of the soul and its entanglement in the material body were explained.

How to get out of this material encagement by buddhi-yoga, or devotional service, was also explained therein.

In the Third Chapter, it was explained that a person who is situated on the platform of knowledge no longer has any duties to perform.

And, in the Fourth Chapter, the Lord told Arjuna that all kinds of sacrificial work culminate in knowledge.

However, at the end of the Fourth Chapter, the Lord advised Arjuna to wake up and fight, being situated in perfect knowledge.

Therefore, by simultaneously stressing the importance of both work in devotion and inaction in knowledge, Krsna has perplexed Arjuna and confused his determination.

Arjuna understands that renunciation in knowledge involves cessation of all kinds of work performed as sense activities.

But if one performs work in devotional service, then how is work stopped? In other words, he thinks that sannyasam, or renunciation in knowledge, should be altogether free from all kinds of activity because work and renunciation appear to him to be incompatible.

He appears not to have understood that work in full knowledge is nonreactive and is therefore the same as inaction.

He inquires, therefore, whether he should cease work altogether, or work with full knowledge.

Bhagvatam Whatever a devotee needs will be supplied by God. Therefore a pure devotee will not ask anything from the Lord. He simply offers the Lord his respectful obeisances, and the Lord is prepared to accept whatever the devotee can secure to worship Him, even patram pushpam phalam toyam—a leaf, flower, fruit or water. 22nd Aug

This chapter explains how Diti, Kashyapa Muni's wife, executed Kashyapa Muni's instructions on devotional service. During the first day of the bright fortnight of the moon in the month of Agrahäyana (November-December), every woman, following in the footsteps of Diti and following the instructions of her own husband, should begin this pumsavana-vrata. 

In the morning, after washing her teeth, bathing and thus becoming purified, she should hear about the birth mystery of the Maruts. Then, covering her body with a white dress and being properly ornamented, before breakfast she should worship Lord Vishnu and mother Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, Lord Vishnu's wife, by glorifying Lord Vishnu for His mercy, patience, prowess, ability, greatness and other glories and for how He can bestow all mystic benedictions. 

While offering the Lord all paraphernalia for worship, such as ornaments, a sacred thread, scents, nice flowers, incense and water for bathing and washing His feet, hands and mouth, one should invite the Lord with this mantra: om namo bhagavate mahä-purushäya mahänubhäväya mahävibhütipataye saha mahä-vibhütibhir balim upaharämi. Then one should offer twelve oblations in the fire while chanting this mantra: om namo bhagavate mahä-purushäya mahävibhüti-pataye svähä. One should offer obeisances while chanting this mantra ten times. Then one should chant the Lakshmi-Näräyana mantra.

If either a pregnant woman or her husband regularly discharges this devotional service, both of them will receive the result. After continuing this process for one full year, the chaste wife should fast on the pürnimä, the full-moon day, of Kärttika. 

On the following day, the husband should worship the Lord as before and then observe a festival by cooking nice food and distributing prasäda to the brähmanas. Then, with the permission of the brähmanas, the husband and wife should take prasäda. This chapter ends by glorifying the results of the pumsavana function.

TRANSLATION

Mahäräja Parikshit said: My dear lord, you have already spoken about the pumsavana vow. Now I want to hear about it in detail, for I understand that by observing this vow one can please the Supreme Lord, Vishnu.

TRANSLATION

Sukadeva Gosvämi said: On the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Agrahäyana [November-December], following the instructions of her husband, a woman should begin this regulative devotional service with a vow of penance, for it can fulfill all one's desires. Before beginning the worship of Lord Vishnu, the woman should hear the story of how the Maruts were born. Under the instructions of qualified brähmanas, in the morning she should wash her teeth, bathe, and dress herself with white cloth and ornaments, and before taking breakfast she should worship Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

TRANSLATION

[She should then pray to the Lord as follows.] My dear Lord, You are full in all opulences, but I do not beg You for opulence. I simply offer my respectful obeisances unto You. You are the husband and master of Lakshmidevi, the goddess of fortune, who has all opulences. Therefore You are the master of all mystic yoga. I simply offer my obeisances unto You.

PURPORT

A devotee knows how to appreciate the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

"The Personality of Godhead is perfect and complete, and because He is completely perfect, all emanations from Him, such as this phenomenal world, are perfectly equipped as complete wholes. Whatever is produced of the complete whole is also complete in itself. Because He is the complete whole, even though so many complete units emanate from Him, He remains the complete balance." Therefore, to take shelter of the Supreme Lord is required. 

Whatever a devotee needs will be supplied by the complete Supreme Personality of Godhead (teshäm nityäbhiyuktänäm yoga-kshemam vahämy aham). Therefore a pure devotee will not ask anything from the Lord. 

He simply offers the Lord his respectful obeisances, and the Lord is prepared to accept whatever the devotee can secure to worship Him, even patram pushpam phalam toyam—a leaf, flower, fruit or water. There is no need to artificially exert oneself. It is better to be plain and simple and with respectful obeisances offer to the Lord whatever one can secure. The Lord is completely able to bless the devotee with all opulences.

Example of HUMILITY displayed by a pure devotee #Blog0082

Example of HUMILITY displayed by a pure devotee

As said by Soordas ji:

"मो सम कौन कुटिल खल कामी

 Who is equal to me in demonic, crooked (कुटिल) qualities,

खल (दुष्ट, नीच, vile, mean), कामी (sensual/lustful)

जिस तन दियो तहीं बिसरायो

I’ve forgotten (बिसरायो) Him who (तहीं) has created my body (जिस तन दियो)

ऐसी नमक हरामी, निपट निगोरो

Such an unabashedly (निपट) shameless (निगोरो) traitor (नमक हरामी) that I am

हों सब पतितन को नायक, हों सब पतितन को स्वामी

I (हों) am the most (नायक, स्वामी) downtrodden (पतितन)

हों प्रसिध्द पातकी, तू पाप पुण्य हारी

Whereas I (हों) am the one of the most notorious (प्रसिध्द) fallen (पातकी), You snatch away (हारी) all the sins (पाप) & pious (पुण्य) deeds from one

कहां कहे द्विविध आंधरो बिना मोल के चेरी"

What do I say (कहां कहे), I am blind (आंधरो) both ways, from physical eyes as well as from inside (द्वि=two, विध=ways) and I am Your servant (चेरी) without any salary/compensation (बिना मोल)

..THEN WE REALIZE, O MY GOD ! THERE IS NONE WORSE THAN ME IN THE MENTIONED QUALITIES       

Bhagvat: Indra's release from sinful life and about his victory in fighting the demons after pleasing Lord Vishnu (Krishna) - by understanding this incident, one is relieved of all sinful reactions, 20th Aug

Bhagvat: Indra's release from sinful life and about his victory in fighting the demons after pleasing Lord Vishnu (Krishna) - by understanding this incident, one is relieved of all sinful reactions

As long as King Indra lived in the water, wrapped in the stem of the lotus, Nahusha was equipped with the ability to rule the heavenly kingdom, due to his knowledge, austerity and mystic power. Nahusha, however, blinded and maddened by power and opulence, made undesirable proposals to Indra's wife with a desire to enjoy her. Thus Nahusha was cursed by a brähmana and later became a snake.

Indra's sins were diminished by the influence of Rudra, the demigod of all directions. Because Indra was protected by the goddess of fortune, Lord Vishnu's wife, who resides in the lotus clusters of Mänasa-sarovara Lake, Indra's sins could not affect him. Indra was ultimately relieved of all the reactions of his sinful deeds by strictly worshiping Lord Vishnu. Then he was called back to the heavenly planets by the brähmanas and reinstated in his position.

O King, when Lord Indra reached the heavenly planets, the saintly brähmanas approached him and properly initiated him into a horse sacrifice [ashvamedha-yajna] meant to please the Supreme Lord.

The horse sacrifice performed by the saintly brähmanas relieved Indra of the reactions to all his sins because he worshiped the Supreme Personality of Godhead in that sacrifice. O King, although he had committed a gravely sinful act, it was nullified at once by that sacrifice, just as fog is vanquished by the brilliant sunrise.

King Indra was favored by Marichi and the other great sages. They performed the sacrifice just according to the rules and regulations, worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul, the original person. Thus Indra regained his exalted position and was again honored by everyone.

In this very great narrative there is glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Näräyana, there are statements about the exaltedness of devotional service, there are descriptions of devotees like Indra and Vrträsura, and there are statements about King Indra's release from sinful life and about his victory in fighting the demons. 

By understanding this incident, one is relieved of all sinful reactions. Therefore the learned are always advised to read this narration. 

If one does so, one will become expert in the activities of the senses, his opulence will increase, and his reputation will become widespread. 

One will also be relieved of all sinful reactions, he will conquer all his enemies, and the duration of his life will increase. Because this narration is auspicious in all respects, learned scholars regularly hear and repeat it on every festival day.

A glaring example of blind following. Had the same effort been redirected towards Lord’s devotion, rewards would surely be reaped multi-fold #Blog0081

A glaring example of blind following. Had the same effort been redirected towards Lord’s devotion, rewards would surely be reaped multi-fold.

एक आंटी जी सुबह 5:00 बजे बाहर कुछ ढूंढ रही थी

पूछा कि क्या

बोली कि काले कुत्ते को ढूंढ रही हूँ

क्यों क्योंकि उसे घी में चुपड़ी दो रोटी खिलानी है

क्यों, क्योंकि उनके पति बीमार रहते हैं और गुरु जी ने कहा है कि काले कुत्ते को घी में चुपड़ी रोटी खिलाओगे तो ठीक हो जाएंगे 

पहचान वाला बोला: अंकल को तो आज तक इतने प्यार से घी में चुपड़ी रोटी तो कभी खिलाई नहीं, कुत्ते को खिला रही हो

देखो कौन कमाए और कौन खाए

ये देखा अंधविश्वास का नमूना 

A lady at 5am in the morning was looking for something on the road side.

On being asked, she said she was looking for a black dog to make it eat 2 chapatis nice layered with ghee as advised by a so called pandit for early resolution to her husband getting well.

The accoster remarked it would be so rare that she would have made her husband eat so lovingly whereas a dog has become the beneficiary.

This is nothing but a glaring example of blind following.

Had she diverted same effort towards Lord’s devotion, she would have surely reaped rewards multi-fold.

Bhagvatam Lord Krshna says Himself in Bhagavad-gitä (7.28)"Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life, whose sinful actions are completely eradicated and who are freed from the duality of delusion, engage themselves in My service with determination”, 21st Aug

Bhagvatam  Lord Krshna says Himself in Bhagavad-gitä (7.28)"Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life, whose sinful actions are completely eradicated and who are freed from the duality of delusion, engage themselves in My service with determination”

TRANSLATION

King Parikshit inquired from Sukadeva Gosvämi: O learned brähmana, demons are generally sinful, being obsessed with the modes of passion and ignorance. How, then, could Vrträsura have attained such exalted love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Näräyana?

PURPORT

In this material world, everyone is obsessed with the modes of passion and ignorance.

However, unless one conquers these modes and comes to the platform of goodness, there is no chance of one's becoming a pure devotee.

This is confirmed by Lord Krshna Himself in Bhagavad-gitä (7.28):

"Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life, whose sinful actions are completely eradicated and who are freed from the duality of delusion, engage themselves in My service with determination.”

Since Vrträsura was among the demons, Mahäräja Parikshit wondered how it was possible for him to have become such an exalted devotee.

Demigods situated in the mode of goodness and great saints cleansed of the dirt of material enjoyment hardly ever render pure devotional service at the lotus feet of Mukunda.

[Therefore how could Vrträsura have become such a great devotee?]

In this material world there are as many living entities as atoms.

Among these living entities, a very few are human beings, and among them, few are interested in following religious principles.

Once you start repeating the name of the Lord, you would not see the Lord immediately but the way to the Lord shall start getting clearer #Blog0080

Once you start repeating the name of the Lord, you would not see the Lord immediately but the way to the Lord shall start getting clearer.

आप कृष्ण नाम कहना आरंभ कीजिए

 कृष्ण दिखाई दें ना दें

 कृष्ण की ओर ले जाने वाला मार्ग आपको उसी पल से दिखाई देना शुरू हो जाएगा

आपकी यात्रा सहज हो जाएगी, सुलभ हो जाएगी

भगवान की सब तरह की प्रतिमाओं में

कुछ स्थूल प्रतिमाएं होती है कुछ सूक्ष्म प्रतिमाएं होती है

 जब आप की चेतना साधारण स्तर से ऊपर उठती है जब आपकी चेतना सूक्ष्म लोक में प्रवेश करती है

 तब आप का आराध्य भी सूक्ष्म हो जाता है तब आप स्थूल उपासना नहीं कर सकते

आप की उपासना पद्यति भी सूक्ष्म हो जाती है

Once you start repeating the name of the Lord, you would not see the Lord immediately but the way to the Lord shall start getting clearer.

And your journey towards Him would get more pleasant gradually.

God is present in innumerable forms like the deity in temples as well as in transcendental form.

When your consciousness rises above the ordinary mortal level, then your worship also gets more subtle & finally transforms into a transcendental form

And then you are absorbed in bliss of worship in each breath of yours effortlessly.

Bhagvatam: Indra saw personified sinful reaction chasing him, appearing like a chandäla woman, a woman of the lowest class. Because she was afflicted with tuberculosis, her body and garments were covered with vomits of blood, 19th Aug

Bhagvatam: Indra saw personified sinful reaction chasing him, appearing like a chandäla woman, a woman of the lowest class. Because she was afflicted with tuberculosis, her body and garments were covered with vomits of blood. Breathing an unbearable fishy odor that polluted the entire street, she chased Indra to afflict him. 

TRANSLATION

Sri Sukadeva Gosvämi said: Encouraged by the words of the sages, Indra killed Vrträsura, and when he was killed the sinful reaction for killing a brähmana [brahma-hatyä] certainly took shelter of Indra.

PURPORT

After killing Vrträsura, Indra could not surpass the brahma-hatyä, the sinful reactions for killing a brähmana.

Formerly he had killed one brähmana, Vishvarüpa, out of circumstantial anger, but this time, following the advice of the sages, he killed another brähmana purposely.

Therefore the sinful reaction was greater than before.

Indra could not be relieved from the reaction simply by performing sacrifices for atonement.

He had to undergo a severe series of sinful reactions, and when he was freed by such suffering, the brähmanas allowed him to perform the horse sacrifice.

The planned execution of sinful deeds on the strength of chanting the holy name of the Lord or undergoing präyashchitta, atonement, cannot give relief to anyone, even to Indra or Nahusha.

Nahusha was officiating for Indra while Indra, absent from heaven, was going here and there to gain release from his sinful reactions.

TRANSLATION

Following the advice of the demigods, Indra killed Vrträsura, and he suffered because of this sinful killing. Although the other demigods were happy, he could not derive happiness from the killing of Vrträsura. Indra's other good qualities, such as tolerance and opulence, could not help him in his grief.

PURPORT

One cannot be happy by committing sinful acts, even if one is endowed with material opulence. Indra found this to be true. People began to blaspheme him, saying, "This person has killed a brähmana for the sake of enjoying heavenly material happiness." Therefore in spite of being King of heaven and enjoying material opulence, Indra was always unhappy because of the accusations of the populace.

TRANSLATION

Indra saw personified sinful reaction chasing him, appearing like a chandäla woman, a woman of the lowest class. She seemed very old, and all the limbs of her body trembled. Because she was afflicted with tuberculosis, her body and garments were covered with blood. Breathing an unbearable fishy odor that polluted the entire street, she called to Indra, "Wait! Wait!"

PURPORT

When a person is afflicted with tuberculosis, he often vomits blood, which makes his garments bloody.

TRANSLATION

O King, Indra first fled to the sky, but there also he saw the woman of personified sin chasing him. This witch followed him wherever he went. At last he very quickly went to the northeast and entered the Mänasa-sarovara Lake.

TRANSLATION

Always thinking of how he could be relieved from the sinful reaction for killing a brähmana, King Indra, invisible to everyone, lived in the lake for one thousand years in the subtle fibers of the stem of a lotus. The fire-god used to bring him his share of all yajnas, but because the fire-god was afraid to enter the water, Indra was practically starving.

It is your inner conscience, the voice of your own soul, that needs to guide and direct the mind that God is the only resort for eternal bliss. Then the mind will not run after anything else other than God #Blog0079

It is your inner conscience, the voice of your own soul, that needs to guide & direct the mind that God is the only resort for eternal bliss. Then the mind will not run after anything else other than God.

मन को तो वहीं जाना है जहां इसे सुख दिखाई पड़ता है

आप खूब संसार में रहिए   

मगर संसार में सुख बुद्धि ना रहे

और ऐसा कब होगा जब कोई आप को इशारा कर दे कि सुख असल में है क्या और कहाँ   

जैसे किसी ने सोना  हीरा ना देखा हो   

उसे एक हीरे के आभूषण की कल्पना करवाइए  

उसे समझ में नहीं आएगा  क्योंकि उसने कभी हीरा देखा ही नहीं  

ऐसे ही मन है  मन को मालूम नहीं कि भगवत सुख होता क्या है  

आप मन को आस्वादन करवाइए एक बार भगवत रस का  

फिर मन भगवत भजन रस को छोड़ेगा नहीं

Mind will go wherever it feels likelihood of pleasure

Be in the world but do not expect pleasures from this world because whatever seems to be sukh is actually dukh being the other side of the same coin.

Mind needs to be told where the eternal bliss is to be found. 

For example if somebody has not seen gold and diamond and you ask him to imagine the ornament made of diamond, he would not appreciate its value because he has never seen diamond. 

Similarly the mind does not know what is the level of pleasure offered by Lord.

 

It is your inner conscience on hearing the voice of your own soul that you need to you tell & direct the mind that God is the only resort for eternal bliss. 

Then the mind will not run after anything else other than God.

Once husk is removed from rice, it can never be combined with rice.

Bhagvatam: ONE MAY BE A BRÄHMANA IN TERMS OF HIS CULTURE AND FAMILY AND MAY BE EXPERT IN VEDIC KNOWLEDGE, BUT IF HE IS NOT A VAISHNAVA (PURE DEVOTEE OF LORD), HE CANNOT BE A GURU

Sri Sukadeva Gosvämi said: O King Parikshit, who are so charitably disposed, when Vrträsura (demon) was killed, all the presiding deities and everyone else in the three planetary systems was immediately pleased and free from trouble—everyone, that is, except Indra.

TRANSLATION

Thereafter, the demigods, the great saintly persons, the inhabitants of Pitrloka and Bhütaloka, the demons, the followers of the demigods, and also Lord Brahmä, Lord Shiva and the demigods subordinate to Indra all returned to their respective homes. While departing, however, no one spoke to Indra.

PURPORT

In this connection Srila Vishvanätha Chakravarti Thäkura comments:

Lord Brahmä, Lord Shiva and the other demigods returned to their respective abodes, but Indra did not, for he was disturbed at having killed Vrträsura, who was actually a brähmana. 

After killing Vrträsura, Indra went to the Mänasa-sarovara Lake to become free from sinful reactions. When he left the lake, he performed an ashvamedha-yajna and then returned to his own abode.

TRANSLATION

Mahäräja Parikshit inquired from Sukadeva Gosvämi: O great sage, what was the reason for Indra's unhappiness? I wish to hear about this. When he killed Vrträsura, all the demigods were extremely happy. Why, then, was Indra himself unhappy?

PURPORT

This, of course, is a very intelligent question. 

When a demon is killed, certainly all the demigods are happy. In this case, however, when all the demigods were happy because of Vrträsura's having been killed, Indra was unhappy. Why? 

IT MAY BE SUGGESTED THAT INDRA WAS UNHAPPY BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT HE HAD KILLED A GREAT DEVOTEE AND BRÄHMANA. VRTRÄSURA OUTWARDLY APPEARED TO BE A DEMON, BUT INWARDLY HE WAS A GREAT DEVOTEE AND THEREFORE A GREAT BRÄHMANA.

HEREIN IT IS CLEARLY INDICATED THAT A PERSON WHO IS NOT AT ALL DEMONIAC, SUCH AS PRAHLÄDA MAHÄRÄJA AND BALI MAHÄRÄJA, MAY OUTWARDLY BE A DEMON OR BE BORN IN A FAMILY OF DEMONS. 

Therefore in terms of real culture one should not be considered a demigod or demon simply according to birth. In his dealings while fighting with Indra, Vrträsura proved himself a great devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 

Furthermore, as soon as he finished fighting with Indra and was apparently killed, Vrträsura was transferred to Vaikunthaloka to become an associate of Sankarshana. Indra knew this, and therefore he was morose at having killed such a demon, who was actually a Vaishnava or brähmana.

A Vaishnava is already a brähmana, although a brähmana may not be a Vaishnava. The Padma Puräna says:

ONE MAY BE A BRÄHMANA IN TERMS OF HIS CULTURE AND FAMILY AND MAY BE EXPERT IN VEDIC KNOWLEDGE (MANTRA-TANTRA-VISHÄRADAM), BUT IF HE IS NOT A VAISHNAVA, HE CANNOT BE A GURU. 

This means that an expert brähmana may not be a Vaishnava, but a Vaishnava is already a brähmana. A millionaire may very easily possess hundreds and thousands of dollars, but a person with hundreds and thousands of dollars is not necessarily a millionaire. Vrträsura was a perfect Vaishnava, and therefore he was also a brähmana.