BHAGVAT HOW LORD MERELY IN 2 FOOT STEPS MEASURED AND COVERED HIS ENTIRE CREATION, 22nd July

BHAGVAT HOW LORD MERELY IN 2 FOOT STEPS MEASURED AND COVERED HIS ENTIRE CREATION 

TRANSLATION

These associates, headed by Sunanda and other chief associates and accompanied by all the predominating deities of the various planets, offered prayers to the Lord, who wore a brilliant helmet, bracelets, and glittering earrings that resembled fish. On the Lord's bosom were the lock of hair called Shrivatsa and the transcendental jewel named Kaustubha. 

He wore a yellow garment, covered by a belt, and He was decorated by a flower garland, surrounded by bees. Manifesting Himself in this way, O King, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose activities are wonderful, covered the entire surface of the earth with one footstep, the sky with His body, and all directions with His arms.

PURPORT

One might argue, "Since Bali Maharaja promised Vamanadeva only the land occupied by His steps, why did Lord Vamanadeva occupy the sky also?" In this regard, Shrila Jiva Gosvami says that the steps include everything, downward and upward. When one stands up, he certainly occupies certain parts of the sky and certain portions of the earth below his feet. Thus there was nothing uncommon for the Supreme Personality of Godhead when He occupied the entire sky with His body.

TRANSLATION

As the Lord took His second step, He covered the heavenly planets. And not even a spot remained for the third step, for the Lord's foot extended higher and higher, beyond Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka and even Satyaloka.

PURPORT

When the Lord's footstep exceeded the height of all the lokas, including Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka, His nails certainly pierced the covering of the universe. The universe is covered by the five material elements (bhümir apo 'nalo vayum kham). As stated in the shastra, these elements are in layers, each ten times thicker than the previous one. 

NONETHELESS, THE NAILS OF THE LORD PIERCED THROUGH ALL THESE LAYERS AND MADE A HOLE PENETRATING INTO THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. FROM THIS HOLE, THE WATER OF THE GANGES INFILTRATED INTO THIS MATERIAL WORLD, AND THEREFORE IT IS SAID, PADA-NAKHA-NIRA JANITA JANA-PAVANA (DASHAVATARA-STOTRA 5). BECAUSE THE LORD KICKED A HOLE IN THE COVERING OF THE UNIVERSE, THE WATER OF THE GANGES CAME INTO THIS MATERIAL WORLD TO DELIVER ALL THE FALLEN SOULS.

BHAGVAT HOW RIVER GANGES ORIGINATED FROM NARAYNA, 23rd July

BHAGVAT HOW RIVER GANGES ORIGINATED FROM NARAYNA

TRANSLATION

O KING, THE WATER FROM LORD BRAHMA'S KAMANDALU WASHED THE LOTUS FEET OF LORD VAMANADEVA, WHO IS KNOWN AS URUKRAMA, THE WONDERFUL ACTOR. THUS THAT WATER BECAME SO PURE THAT IT WAS TRANSFORMED INTO THE WATER OF THE GANGES, WHICH WENT FLOWING DOWN FROM THE SKY, PURIFYING THE THREE WORLDS LIKE THE PURE FAME OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD.

PURPORT

HERE WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE GANGES BEGAN WHEN THE WATER FROM LORD BRAHMA'S KAMANDALU WASHED THE LOTUS FEET OF LORD VAMANADEVA. BUT IN THE FIFTH CANTO IT IS STATED THAT THE GANGES BEGAN WHEN VAMANADEVA'S LEFT FOOT PIERCED THE COVERING OF THE UNIVERSE SO THAT THE TRANSCENDENTAL WATER OF THE CAUSAL OCEAN LEAKED THROUGH. 

AND ELSEWHERE IT IS ALSO STATED THAT LORD NARAYANA APPEARED AS THE WATER OF THE GANGES. THE WATER OF THE GANGES, THEREFORE, IS A COMBINATION OF THREE TRANSCENDENTAL WATERS, AND THUS THE GANGES IS ABLE TO PURIFY THE THREE WORLDS. This is the description given by Shrila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura.

TRANSLATION

Lord Brahma and all the predominating deities of the various planetary systems began to worship Lord Vamanadeva, their supreme master, who had reduced Himself from His all-pervading form to His original form. They collected all the ingredients and paraphernalia for this worship.

PURPORT

VAMANADEVA FIRST EXPANDED HIMSELF TO THE UNIVERSAL FORM AND THEN REDUCED HIMSELF TO THE ORIGINAL VAMANA-RÜPA. THUS HE ACTED EXACTLY LIKE LORD KRSHNA, WHO, AT THE REQUEST OF ARJUNA, FIRST SHOWED HIS UNIVERSAL FORM AND LATER RESUMED HIS ORIGINAL FORM AS KRSHNA. 

THE LORD CAN ASSUME ANY FORM HE LIKES, BUT HIS ORIGINAL FORM IS THAT OF KRSHNA (krshnas tu bhagavan svayam). 

According to the capacity of the devotee, the Lord assumes various forms so that the devotee can handle Him. This is His causeless mercy. When Lord Vamanadeva resumed His original form, Lord Brahma and his associates collected various paraphernalia for worship with which to please Him.

BHAGVAT: DESCRIPTION OF LORD’S BODY, 21st July

BHAGVAT: DESCRIPTION OF LORD’S BODY

TRANSLATION

Bali Maharaja saw beneath the garments of the Lord, who acts wonderfully, the evening twilight. In the Lord's private parts he saw the Prajapatis, and in the round portion of the waist he saw himself with his confidential associates. In the Lord's navel he saw the sky, on the Lord's waist he saw the seven oceans, and on the Lord's bosom he saw all the clusters of stars.

TRANSLATION

My dear King, on the heart of Lord Murari he saw religion; on the chest, both pleasing words and truthfulness; in the mind, the moon; on the bosom, the goddess of fortune, with a lotus flower in her hand; on the neck, all the Vedas and all sound vibrations; on the arms, all the demigods, headed by King Indra; in both ears, all the directions; on the head, the upper planetary systems; on the hair, the clouds; in the nostrils, the wind; on the eyes, the sun; and in the mouth, fire. 

From His words came all the Vedic mantras, on His tongue was the demigod of water, Varunadeva, on His eyebrows were the regulative principles, and on His eyelids were day and night. [When His eyes were open it was daytime, and when they were closed it was night.] On His forehead was anger, and on His lips was greed. 

O King, in His touch were lusty desires, in His semen were all the waters, on His back was irreligion, and in His wonderful activities or steps was the fire of sacrifice. On His shadow was death, in His smile was the illusory energy, and on the hairs of His body were all the drugs and herbs. 

In His veins were all the rivers, on His nails were all the stones, in His intelligence were Lord Brahma, the demigods and the great saintly persons, and throughout His entire body and senses were all living entities, moving and stationary. Bali Maharaja thus saw everything in the gigantic body of the Lord.

BHAGVAT THIS ACHINTYA-BHEDABHEDA—SIMULTANEOUS ONENESS AND DIFFERENCE— BETWEEN THE SEER AND THE SEEN - IS THE PERFECT PHILOSOPHY PROPOUNDED BY LORD SHRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU , 20TH JULY

BHAGVAT THIS ACHINTYA-BHEDABHEDA—SIMULTANEOUS ONENESS AND DIFFERENCE— BETWEEN THE SEER AND THE SEEN - IS THE PERFECT PHILOSOPHY PROPOUNDED BY LORD SHRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU  

TRANSLATION

Bali Maharaja, along with all the priests, acharyas and members of the assembly, observed the Supreme Personality of Godhead's universal body, which was full of six opulences. That body contained everything within the universe, including all the gross material elements, the senses, the sense objects, the mind, intelligence and false ego, the various kinds of living entities, and the actions and reactions of the three modes of material nature.

PURPORT

In Bhagavad-gita, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says, aham sarvasya prabhavo mattam sarvam pravartate: Krshna is the origin of everything. Vasudevam sarvam iti: Krshna is everything. Mat-sthani sarva-bhütani na caham teshv avasthitam: everything rests in the body of the Lord, yet the Lord is not everywhere. 

Mayavadi philosophers think that since the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth, has become everything, He has no separate existence. Their philosophy is called advaita-vada. Actually, however, their philosophy is not correct. 

Here, Bali Maharaja was the seer of the Personality of Godhead's universal body, and that body was that which was seen. Thus there is dvaita-vada; there are always two entities—the seer and the seen. The seer is a part of the whole, but he is not equal to the whole. The part of the whole, the seer, is also one with the whole, but since he is but a part, he cannot be the complete whole at any time. This achintya-bhedabheda—simultaneous oneness and difference—is the perfect philosophy propounded by Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

BHAGVAT A VAISHNAVA SHOULD POSSESS THE BRAHMINICAL QUALITIES SUCH AS SATYA (TRUTH), SHAMA (FORGIVENESS), DAMA (HUMBLE), TITIKSHA (TOLERANCE) AND ARJAVA (STRAIGHTNESS, SINCERITY AND HARMONY IN ONE'S THOUGHT, WORDS AND ACTIONS),19th July

BHAGVAT  A VAISHNAVA SHOULD POSSESS THE BRAHMINICAL QUALITIES SUCH AS SATYA (TRUTH), SHAMA (FORGIVENESS), DAMA (HUMBLE), TITIKSHA (TOLERANCE) AND ARJAVA (STRAIGHTNESS, SINCERITY AND HARMONY IN ONE'S THOUGHT, WORDS AND ACTIONS).

Extract from Srimad Bhagvatam

TRANSLATION

Although you have no knowledge, you have become a so-called learned person, and therefore you dare be so impudent as to disobey my order. Because of disobeying me, you shall very soon be bereft of all your opulence.

PURPORT

Shrila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says that Bali Maharaja was not pandita-mani, or one who falsely assumes himself learned; rather, he was pandita-manya-jnam, one who is so learned that all other learned persons worship him. And because he was so learned, he could disobey the order of his so-called spiritual master. 

He had no fear of any condition of material existence. Anyone cared for by Lord Vishnu does not need to care about anyone else. Thus Bali Maharaja could never be bereft of all opulences. The opulences offered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead are not to be compared to the opulences obtained by karma-kanda. In other words, if a devotee becomes very opulent, it is to be understood that his opulence is a gift of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such opulence will never be vanquished, whereas the opulence achieved by one's fruitive activity may be vanquished at any moment.

Extract from Srimad Bhagvatam

TRANSLATION

Bali Maharaja's wife, known as Vindhyavali, who was decorated with a necklace of pearls, immediately came and had a large golden waterpot brought there, full of water with which to worship the Lord by washing His feet.

TRANSLATION

Bali Maharaja, the worshiper of Lord Vamanadeva, jubilantly washed the Lord's lotus feet and then took the water on his head, for that water delivers the entire universe.

TRANSLATION

At that time, the residents of the higher planetary system, namely the demigods, the Gandharvas, the Vidyadharas, the Siddhas and the Charanas, all being very pleased by Bali Maharaja's simple, nonduplicitous act, praised his qualities and showered upon him millions of flowers.

PURPORT

Arjavam—simplicity or freedom from duplicity—is a qualification of a brahmana and a Vaishnava. A Vaishnava automatically acquires all the qualities of a brahmana.

A Vaishnava should possess the brahminical qualities such as satya, shama, dama, titiksha and arjava. There cannot be any duplicity in the character of a Vaishnava. When Bali Maharaja acted with unflinching faith and devotion unto the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu, this was very much appreciated by all the residents of the higher planetary system.

TRANSLATION

The Gandharvas, the Kimpurushas and the Kinnaras sounded thousands and thousands of kettledrums and trumpets again and again, and they sang in great jubilation, declaring, "How exalted a person is Bali Maharaja, and what a difficult task he has performed! Even though he knew that Lord Vishnu was on the side of his enemies, he nonetheless gave the Lord the entire three worlds in charity."

GOD SAYS “TO THOSE WHO ARE CONSTANTLY DEVOTED AND WORSHIP ME WITH LOVE, I GIVE THE UNDERSTANDING BY WHICH THEY CAN COME TO ME”,18th July

Bhagvat  best charity is where everything is sacrificed for the sake of God. God says “To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me”. Devotees who actually engage in devotional service with faith and love are inspired by God

TRANSLATION

O best of the brahmanas, certainly the great demoniac kings who were never reluctant to fight enjoyed this world, but in due course of time everything they had was taken away, except their reputation, by which they continue to exist. In other words, one should try to achieve a good reputation instead of anything else.

PURPORT

In this regard, Chanakya Pandita (Chanakya-shloka 34) also says, ayusham kshana eko 'pi na labhya svarna-kothibhim. 

THE DURATION OF ONE'S LIFE IS EXTREMELY SHORT, BUT IF IN THAT SHORT LIFETIME ONE CAN DO SOMETHING THAT ENHANCES HIS GOOD REPUTATION, THAT MAY CONTINUE TO EXIST FOR MANY MILLIONS OF YEARS. 

BALI MAHARAJA THEREFORE DECIDED NOT TO FOLLOW HIS SPIRITUAL MASTER'S INSTRUCTION THAT HE DENY HIS PROMISE TO VAMANADEVA; INSTEAD, HE DECIDED TO GIVE THE LAND ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE AND BE EVERLASTINGLY CELEBRATED AS ONE OF THE TWELVE MAHAJANAS (balir vaiyasakir vayam).

TRANSLATION

O BEST OF THE BRAHMANAS, MANY MEN HAVE LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES ON THE BATTLEFIELD, BEING UNAFRAID OF FIGHTING, BUT RARELY HAS ONE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO GIVE HIS ACCUMULATED WEALTH FAITHFULLY TO A SAINTLY PERSON WHO CREATES HOLY PLACES.

PURPORT

Many kshatriyas have laid down their lives on the battlefield for their nations, but hardly a person can be found who has given up all his property and his accumulated wealth in charity to a person worthy of the gift. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (17.20):

"THAT GIFT WHICH IS GIVEN OUT OF DUTY, AT THE PROPER TIME AND PLACE, TO A WORTHY PERSON, AND WITHOUT EXPECTATION OF RETURN IS CONSIDERED TO BE CHARITY IN THE MODE OF GOODNESS." 

Thus charity given in the proper place is called sattvika. 

And above this charity in goodness is transcendental charity, in which everything is sacrificed for the sake of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 

Vamanadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, had come to Bali Maharaja for alms. How could one get such an opportunity to give charity? Therefore, Bali Maharaja decided without hesitation to give the Lord whatever He wanted. One may get various opportunities to lay down his life on the battlefield, but such an opportunity as this is hardly ever obtained.

TRANSLATION

Shri Shukadeva Gosvami continued: Thereafter, the spiritual master, Shukracharya, being inspired by the Supreme Lord, cursed his exalted disciple Bali Maharaja, who was so magnanimous and fixed in truthfulness that instead of respecting his spiritual master's instructions, he wanted to disobey his order.

PURPORT

The difference between the behavior of Bali Maharaja and that of his spiritual master, Shukracharya, was that Bali Maharaja had already developed love of Godhead, whereas Shukracharya, being merely a priest of routine rituals, had not. Thus Shukracharya was never inspired by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to develop in devotional service. As stated by the Lord Himself in Bhagavad-gita (10.10):

"To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."

Devotees who actually engage in devotional service with faith and love are inspired by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Vaishnavas are never concerned with ritualistic smarta-brahmanas. Shrila Sanatana Gosvami has therefore compiled Hari-bhakti-vilasa to guide the Vaishnavas, who never follow the smarta-vidhi. 

Although the Supreme Lord is situated in the core of everyone's heart, unless one is a Vaishnava, unless one is engaged in devotional service, one does not get sound advice by which to return home, back to Godhead. Such instructions are meant only for devotees. Therefore in this verse the word daiva-prahitam, "being inspired by the Supreme Lord," is important. 

Shukracharya should have encouraged Bali Maharaja to give everything to Lord Vishnu. This would have been a sign of love for the Supreme Lord. But he did not do so. On the contrary, he wanted to punish his devoted disciple by cursing him.

BHAGVAT SINCE OUR MONEY AND POSSESSIONS DO NOT LAST BUT WILL SOMEHOW OR OTHER BE TAKEN AWAY, AS LONG AS THEY ARE IN OUR POSSESSION IT IS BETTER TO USE THEM FOR CHARITY TO A NOBLE CAUSE,17th July

Bhagvat Since our money and possessions do not last but will somehow or other be taken away, as long as they are in our possession it is better to use them for charity to a noble cause.

TRANSLATION

There is nothing more sinful than untruthfulness. Because of this, mother earth once said, "I can bear any heavy thing except a person who is a liar."

PURPORT

On the surface of the earth there are many great mountains and oceans that are very heavy, and mother earth has no difficulty carrying them.

But she feels very much overburdened when she carries even one person who is a liar.

It is said that in Kali-yuga lying is a common affair: mayaiva vyavaharike (Bhag. 12.2.3).

Even in the most common dealings, people are accustomed to speaking so many lies.

No one is free from the sinful reactions of speaking lies.

Under the circumstances, one can just imagine how this has overburdened the earth, and indeed the entire universe.

TRANSLATION

Dadhichi, Shibi and many other great personalities were willing to sacrifice even their lives for the benefit of the people in general. This is the evidence of history. So why not give up this insignificant land? What is the serious consideration against it?

PURPORT

Bali Maharaja was prepared to give everything to Lord Vishnu, and Shukracharya, being a professional priest, might have been anxiously waiting, doubting whether there had been any such instance in history in which one had given everything in charity. 

Bali Maharaja, however, cited the tangible examples of Maharaja Shibi and Maharaja Dadhichi, who had given up their lives for the benefit of the general public. Certainly one has attachment for everything material, especially one's land, but land and other possessions are forcibly taken away at the time of death, as stated in Bhagavad-gita (mrtyum sarva-harash caham). 

The Lord personally appeared to Bali Maharaja to take away everything he had, and thus he was so fortunate that he could see the Lord face to face. Nondevotees, however, cannot see the Lord face to face; to such persons the Lord appears as death and takes away all their possessions by force. 

Under the circumstances, why should we not part with our possessions and deliver them to Lord Vishnu for His satisfaction? Shri Chanakya Pandita says in this regard, san-nimitte varam tyago vinashe niyate sati (Canakya-shloka 36). Since our money and possessions do not last but will somehow or other be taken away, as long as they are in our possession it is better to use them for charity to a noble cause. Therefore Bali Maharaja defied the order of his so-called spiritual master.

Bhagvat :THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF HIGHLY ELEVATED DEVOTEES, CALLED SADHANA-SIDDHA AND KRPA-SIDDHA,16th July

Bhagvat :THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF HIGHLY ELEVATED DEVOTEES, CALLED SADHANA-SIDDHA AND KRPA-SIDDHA

TRANSLATION

Bali Maharaja said: As you have already stated, the principle of religion that does not hinder one's economic development, sense gratification, fame and means of livelihood is the real occupational duty of the householder. I also think that this religious principle is correct.

PURPORT

Bali Maharaja's grave answer to his guru Shukracharya is meaningful. Shukracharya stressed that one's material means of livelihood and one's material reputation, sense gratification and economic development must continue properly. To see to this is the first duty of a man who is a householder, especially one who is interested in material affairs. 

If a religious principle does not affect one's material condition, it is to be accepted. At the present time, in this age of Kali, this idea is extremely prominent. No one is prepared to accept any religious principle if it hampers material prosperity. Shukracharya, being a person of this material world, did not know the principles of a devotee. 

A DEVOTEE IS DETERMINED TO SERVE THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD TO HIS FULL SATISFACTION. ANYTHING THAT HAMPERS SUCH DETERMINATION SHOULD CERTAINLY BE REJECTED. THIS IS THE PRINCIPLE OF BHAKTI. Anukülyasya sankalpam pratikülyasya varjanam (Cc. Madhya 22.100). 

To perform devotional service, one must accept only that which is favorable and reject that which is unfavorable. Bali Maharaja had the opportunity to contribute everything he possessed to the lotus feet of Lord Vamanadeva, but Shukracharya was putting forward a material argument to hamper this process of devotional service. 

Under the circumstances, Bali Maharaja decided that such hindrances should certainly be avoided. In other words, he decided immediately to reject the advice of Shukracharya and go on with his duty. Thus he gave all his possessions to Lord Vamanadeva.

TRANSLATION

I am the grandson of Maharaja Prahlada. How can I withdraw my promise because of greed for money when I have already said that I shall give this land? How can I behave like an ordinary cheater, especially toward a brahmana?

PURPORT

Bali Maharaja had already been blessed by his grandfather Prahlada Maharaja. Therefore, he was a pure devotee, although born in a family of demons. 

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF HIGHLY ELEVATED DEVOTEES, CALLED SADHANA-SIDDHA AND KRPA-SIDDHA. SADHANA-SIDDHA REFERS TO ONE WHO HAS BECOME A DEVOTEE BY REGULAR EXECUTION OF THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES MENTIONED IN THE SHASTRAS, AS ORDERED AND DIRECTED BY THE SPIRITUAL MASTER. 

IF ONE REGULARLY EXECUTES SUCH DEVOTIONAL SERVICE, HE WILL CERTAINLY ATTAIN PERFECTION IN DUE COURSE OF TIME. BUT THERE ARE OTHER DEVOTEES, WHO MAY NOT HAVE UNDERGONE ALL THE REQUIRED DETAILS OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE BUT WHO, BY THE SPECIAL MERCY OF GURU AND KRSHNA—THE SPIRITUAL MASTER AND THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD—HAVE IMMEDIATELY ATTAINED THE PERFECTION OF PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. 

Examples of such devotees are the yajna-patnis, Maharaja Bali and Shukadeva Gosvami. The yajna-patnis were the wives of ordinary brahmanas engaged in fruitive activities. 

Although the brahmanas were very learned and advanced in Vedic knowledge, they could not achieve the mercy of Krshna-Balarama, whereas their wives achieved complete perfection in devotional service, despite their being women. 

Similarly, Vairochani, Bali Maharaja, received the mercy of Prahlada Maharaja, and by Prahlada Maharaja's mercy he also received the mercy of Lord Vishnu, who appeared before him as a brahmachari beggar. Thus Bali Maharaja became a krpa-siddha because of the special mercy of both guru and Krshna. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu confirms this favor: guru-krshna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija (Cc. Madhya 19.151). 

Bali Maharaja, by the grace of Prahlada Maharaja, got the seed of devotional service, and when that seed developed, he achieved the ultimate fruit of that service, namely love of Godhead (prema pum-artho mahan), immediately upon the appearance of Lord Vamanadeva. 

Bali Maharaja regularly maintained devotion for the Lord, and because he was purified, the Lord appeared before him. Because of unalloyed love for the Lord, he then immediately decided, "I shall give this little dwarf brahmana whatever He asks from me." This is a sign of love. Thus Bali Maharaja is understood to be one who received the highest perfection of devotional service by special mercy.

Bhagvat MONEY SHOULD BE USED TO PUSH FORWARD THE KRSHNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT SO THAT ALL OF HUMAN SOCIETY WILL BECOME HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND HOPEFUL OF BEING PROMOTED BACK HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD, 14th July

Bhagvat MONEY SHOULD BE USED TO PUSH FORWARD THE KRSHNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT SO THAT ALL OF HUMAN SOCIETY WILL BECOME HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND HOPEFUL OF BEING PROMOTED BACK HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD.

TRANSLATION

The utterance of the word om signifies separation from one's monetary assets. In other words, by uttering this word one becomes free from attachment to money because his money is taken away from him. To be without money is not very satisfactory, for in that position one cannot fulfill one's desires. In other words, by using the word "om" one becomes poverty-stricken. Especially when one gives charity to a poor man or beggar, one remains unfulfilled in self-realization and in sense gratification.

PURPORT

Maharaja Bali wanted to give everything to Vamanadeva, who had appeared as a beggar, but Shukracarya, being Maharaja Bali's familial spiritual master in the line of seminal succession, could not appreciate Maharaja Bali's promise. Shukracarya gave Vedic evidence that one should not give everything to a poor man. 

Rather, when a poor man comes for charity one should untruthfully say, "Whatever I have I have given you. I have no more." It is not that one should give everything to him. Actually the word om is meant for om tat sat, the Absolute Truth. Omkara is meant for freedom from all attachment to money because money should be spent for the purpose of the Supreme. The tendency of modern civilization is to give money in charity to the poor. 

SUCH CHARITY HAS NO SPIRITUAL VALUE BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY SEE THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SO MANY HOSPITALS AND OTHER FOUNDATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS FOR THE POOR, ACCORDING TO THE THREE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE A CLASS OF POOR MEN IS ALWAYS DESTINED TO CONTINUE. EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE SO MANY CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, POVERTY HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FROM HUMAN SOCIETY. THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED HERE, BHIKSHAVE SARVAM OM KURVAN NALAM KAMENA CATMANE. ONE SHOULD NOT GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE BEGGARS AMONG THE POOR.

THE BEST SOLUTION IS THAT OF THE KRSHNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT. THIS MOVEMENT IS ALWAYS KIND TO THE POOR, NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT FEEDS THEM BUT ALSO BECAUSE IT GIVES THEM ENLIGHTENMENT BY TEACHING THEM HOW TO BECOME KRSHNA CONSCIOUS. 

WE ARE THEREFORE OPENING HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF CENTERS FOR THOSE WHO ARE POOR, BOTH IN MONEY AND IN KNOWLEDGE, TO ENLIGHTEN THEM IN KRSHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AND REFORM THEIR CHARACTER BY TEACHING THEM HOW TO AVOID ILLICIT SEX, INTOXICATION, MEAT-EATING AND GAMBLING, WHICH ARE THE MOST SINFUL ACTIVITIES AND WHICH CAUSE PEOPLE TO SUFFER, LIFE AFTER LIFE. 

The best way to use money is to open such a center, where all may come live and reform their character. They may live very comfortably, without denial of any of the body's necessities, but they live under spiritual control, and thus they live happily and save time for advancement in Krshna consciousness. 

IF ONE HAS MONEY, IT SHOULD NOT BE SQUANDERED AWAY ON NOTHING. IT SHOULD BE USED TO PUSH FORWARD THE KRSHNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT SO THAT ALL OF HUMAN SOCIETY WILL BECOME HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND HOPEFUL OF BEING PROMOTED BACK HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD.

Bhagvat :THE BODY FULLY ENGAGED IN KRSHNA'S SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED AS MATERIAL, ACTIVITIES PERFORMED WITH THE HELP OF THE BODY FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH ARE EVERLASTING,13th July

Bhagvat THE BODY FULLY ENGAGED IN KRSHNA'S SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED AS MATERIAL, ACTIVITIES PERFORMED WITH THE HELP OF THE BODY FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH ARE EVERLASTING

TRANSLATION

When a tree is uprooted it immediately falls down and begins to dry up. Similarly, if one doesn't take care of the body, which is supposed to be untruth—in other words, if the untruth is uprooted—the body undoubtedly becomes dry.

PURPORT

In this regard, Shrila Rüpa Gosvami says:

"ONE WHO REJECTS THINGS WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO KRSHNA IS INCOMPLETE IN HIS RENUNCIATION." (BHAKTI-RASAMRTA-SINDHU 1.2.256) WHEN THE BODY IS ENGAGED IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD, ONE SHOULD NOT CONSIDER THE BODY MATERIAL. SOMETIMES THE SPIRITUAL BODY OF THE SPIRITUAL MASTER IS MISUNDERSTOOD. But Shrila Rüpa Gosvami instructs, prapancikataya buddhya hari-sambandhi-vastunam. 

THE BODY FULLY ENGAGED IN KRSHNA'S SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED AS MATERIAL. ONE WHO DOES NEGLECT IT IS FALSE IN HIS RENUNCIATION. IF THE BODY IS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, IT FALLS DOWN AND DRIES UP LIKE AN UPROOTED TREE, FROM WHICH FLOWERS AND FRUIT CAN NO LONGER BE OBTAINED. The Vedas therefore enjoin:

THE PURPORT IS THAT ACTIVITIES PERFORMED WITH THE HELP OF THE BODY FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH (OM TAT SAT) ARE NEVER TEMPORARY, ALTHOUGH PERFORMED BY THE TEMPORARY BODY. INDEED, SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE EVERLASTING. THEREFORE, THE BODY SHOULD BE PROPERLY CARED FOR. BECAUSE THE BODY IS TEMPORARY, NOT PERMANENT, ONE CANNOT EXPOSE THE BODY TO BEING DEVOURED BY A TIGER OR KILLED BY AN ENEMY. ALL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE BODY.

Bhagvat: DISCONTENT IN REGARD TO FULFILLING ONE'S LUSTY DESIRES AND ACHIEVING MORE AND MORE MONEY IS CAUSE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF MATERIAL LIFE, WHICH IS FULL OF REPEATED BIRTH AND DEATH, 11th July

Bhagvat: DISCONTENT IN REGARD TO FULFILLING ONE'S LUSTY DESIRES AND ACHIEVING MORE AND MORE MONEY IS CAUSE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF MATERIAL LIFE, WHICH IS FULL OF REPEATED BIRTH AND DEATH.

TRANSLATION

MATERIAL EXISTENCE CAUSES DISCONTENT IN REGARD TO FULFILLING ONE'S LUSTY DESIRES AND ACHIEVING MORE AND MORE MONEY. THIS IS THE CAUSE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF MATERIAL LIFE, WHICH IS FULL OF REPEATED BIRTH AND DEATH. BUT ONE WHO IS SATISFIED BY THAT WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DESTINY IS FIT FOR LIBERATION FROM THIS MATERIAL EXISTENCE.

TRANSLATION

A BRAHMANA WHO IS SATISFIED WITH WHATEVER IS PROVIDENTIALLY OBTAINED IS INCREASINGLY ENLIGHTENED WITH SPIRITUAL POWER, BUT THE SPIRITUAL POTENCY OF A DISSATISFIED BRAHMANA DECREASES, AS FIRE DIMINISHES IN POTENCY WHEN WATER IS SPRINKLED UPON IT.

TRANSLATION

Therefore, O King (Lord incarnation of Vamana told Bali) , from you, the best of those who give charity, I ask only three paces of land. By such a gift I shall be very pleased, for the way of happiness is to be fully satisfied to receive that which is absolutely needed.

TRANSLATION

Shukadeva Gosvami continued: When the Supreme Personality of Godhead had thus spoken to Bali Maharaja, Bali smiled and told Him, "All right. Take whatever You like." To confirm his promise to give Vamanadeva the desired land, he then took up his waterpot.

TRANSLATION

Understanding Lord Vishnu's purpose, Shukracarya, the best of the learned, immediately spoke as follows to his disciple, who was about to offer everything to Lord Vamanadeva.

TRANSLATION

Shukracarya said: O son of Virocana, this brahmacari in the form of a dwarf is directly the imperishable Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu. Accepting Kashyapa Muni as His father and Aditi as His mother, He has now appeared in order to fulfill the interests of the demigods.

TRANSLATION

You do not know what a dangerous position you have accepted by promising to give Him land. I do not think that this promise is good for you. It will bring great harm to the demons.

TRANSLATION

This person falsely appearing as a brahmachari is actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, who has come in this form to take away all your land, wealth, beauty, power, fame and education. After taking everything from you, He will deliver it to Indra, your enemy.

PURPORT

Shrila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains in this regard that the very word harim means "one who takes away." If one connects himself with Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord takes away all his miseries, and in the beginning the Lord also superficially appears to take away all his material possessions, reputation, education and beauty. As stated in Shrimad-Bhagavatam (10.88.8), yasyaham anugrhnami harishye tad-dhanam shanaim. The Lord said to Maharaja Yudhishthhira, "The first installment of My mercy toward a devotee is that I take away all his possessions, especially his material opulence, his money." 

This is the special favor of the Lord toward a sincere devotee. If a sincere devotee wants Krshna above everything but at the same time is attached to material possessions, which hinder his advancement in Krshna consciousness, by tactics the Lord takes away all his possessions. Here Shukracarya says that this dwarf brahmachari would take away everything. 

Thus he indicates that the Lord will take away all one's material possessions and also one's mind. If one delivers his mind to the lotus feet of Krshna (sa vai manam krshna-padaravindayom), one can naturally sacrifice everything to satisfy Him. Although Bali Maharaja was a devotee, he was attached to material possessions, and therefore the Lord, being very kind to him, showed him special favor by appearing as Lord Vamana to take away all his material possessions, and his mind as well.

Bhagvatam: A DEVOTEE CAN GIVE THE BEST SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY, HIS COMMUNITY, HIS SOCIETY AND HIS NATION, 8th July

Bhagvatam: A DEVOTEE CAN GIVE THE BEST SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY, HIS COMMUNITY, HIS SOCIETY AND HIS NATION

TRANSLATION

If a brahmana has all twelve of the brahminical qualifications [as they are stated in the book called Sanat-sujata] but is not a devotee and is averse to the lotus feet of the Lord, he is certainly lower than a devotee who is a dog-eater but who has dedicated everything—mind, words, activities, wealth and life—to the Supreme Lord. Such a devotee is better than such a brahmana because the devotee can purify his whole family, whereas the so-called brahmana in a position of false prestige cannot purify even himself.

PURPORT

Here is a statement by Prahlada Maharaja, one of the twelve authorities, regarding the distinction between a devotee and a brahmana expert in karma-kanda, or Vedic ritualistic ceremonies. There are four varnas and four asramas, which divide human society, but the central principle is to become a first-class pure devotee. It is said in the Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya:

"IF ONE IS BORN IN A HIGH FAMILY LIKE THAT OF A BRAHMANA, KSHATRIYA OR VAISYA BUT IS NOT A DEVOTEE OF THE LORD, ALL HIS GOOD QUALIFICATIONS AS A BRAHMANA, KSHATRIYA OR VAISYA ARE NULL AND VOID. INDEED, THEY ARE CONSIDERED DECORATIONS OF A DEAD BODY."

In this verse Prahlada Maharaja speaks of the vipras, the learned brahmanas. The learned brahmana is considered best among the divisions of brahmana, kshatriya, vaisya and südra, BUT A DEVOTEE BORN IN A LOW CHANDALA FAMILY IS BETTER THAN SUCH BRAHMANAS, NOT TO SPEAK OF THE KSHATRIYAS, VAISYAS AND OTHERS. A DEVOTEE IS BETTER THAN ANYONE, FOR HE IS IN THE TRANSCENDENTAL POSITION ON THE BRAHMAN PLATFORM.

"ONE WHO ENGAGES IN FULL DEVOTIONAL SERVICE, WHO DOES NOT FALL DOWN IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, AT ONCE TRANSCENDS THE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE AND THUS COMES TO THE LEVEL OF BRAHMAN." (Bg. 14.26) The twelve qualities of a first-class brahmana, as stated in the book called Sanat-sujata, are as follows:

The European and American devotees in the Krshna consciousness movement are sometimes accepted as brahmanas, but the so-called caste brahmanas are very much envious of them.

In answer to such envy, Prahlada Maharaja says that one who has been born in a brahmana family but is falsely proud of his prestigious position cannot even purify himself, not to speak of his family, whereas if a chandala, a lowborn person, is a devotee and has fully surrendered unto the lotus feet of the Lord, he can purify his entire family. We have had actual experience of how Americans and Europeans, because of their full Krshna consciousness, have purified their whole families, so much so that a mother of a devotee, at the time of her death, inquired about Krshna with her last breath. 

THEREFORE IT IS THEORETICALLY TRUE AND HAS BEEN PRACTICALLY PROVEN THAT A DEVOTEE CAN GIVE THE BEST SERVICE TO HIS FAMILY, HIS COMMUNITY, HIS SOCIETY AND HIS NATION. 

THE FOOLISH ACCUSE A DEVOTEE OF FOLLOWING THE PRINCIPLE OF ESCAPISM, BUT ACTUALLY THE FACT IS THAT A DEVOTEE IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO ELEVATE HIS FAMILY. A DEVOTEE ENGAGES EVERYTHING IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD, AND THEREFORE HE IS ALWAYS EXALTED.

Bhagvatam: LUST, ANGER AND GREED ARE THE CAUSES OF THE CONDITIONED SOUL'S BONDAGE IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD,7th July

Bhagvatam: LUST, ANGER AND GREED ARE THE CAUSES OF THE CONDITIONED SOUL'S BONDAGE IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD

TRANSLATION

MY DEAR KING, A SELF-SATISFIED PERSON CAN BE HAPPY EVEN WITH ONLY DRINKING WATER. HOWEVER, ONE WHO IS DRIVEN BY THE SENSES, ESPECIALLY BY THE TONGUE AND GENITALS, MUST ACCEPT THE POSITION OF A HOUSEHOLD DOG TO SATISFY HIS SENSES.

PURPORT

According to the sastras, a brahmana, or a cultured person in Krshna consciousness, will not enter anyone's service to maintain body and soul together, and especially not for satisfaction of the senses. A true brahmana is always satisfied. Even if he has nothing to eat, he can drink a little water and be satisfied. This is only a matter of practice. 

Unfortunately, however, no one is educated in how to be satisfied in self-realization. As explained above, a devotee is always satisfied because he feels the presence of the Supersoul within his heart and thinks of Him twenty-four hours a day. That is real satisfaction. A devotee is never driven by the dictations of the tongue and genitals, and thus he is never victimized by the laws of material nature.

TRANSLATION

Because of greed for the sake of the senses, the spiritual strength, education, austerity and reputation of a devotee or brahmana who is not self-satisfied dwindle, and his knowledge gradually vanishes.

TRANSLATION

The strong bodily desires and needs of a person disturbed by hunger and thirst are certainly satisfied when he eats. Similarly, if one becomes very angry, that anger is satisfied by chastisement and its reaction. But as for greed, even if a greedy person has conquered all the directions of the world or has enjoyed everything in the world, still he will not be satisfied.

PURPORT

In Bhagavad-gita (3.37) it is stated that lust, anger and greed are the causes of the conditioned soul's bondage in this material world. Kama esha krodha esha rajo-guna-samudbhavam. 

When strong lusty desires for sense gratification are unfulfilled, one becomes angry. This anger can be satisfied when one chastises his enemy, but when there is an increase in lobha, or greed, which is the greatest enemy caused by rajo-guna, the mode of passion, how can one advance in Krshna consciousness?

If one is very greedy to enhance his Krshna consciousness, this is a great boon. Tatra laulyam ekalam mülam. This is the best path available.

Bhagvatam: ASPIRANTS IN SPIRITUALITY ARE ADVISED TO GIVE UP ALL ENVY OF OTHER LIVING ENTITIES INCLUDING KILLING OF ANIMALS, EITHER IN THE NAME OF RELIGION OR FOR FOOD, 5th July

Bhagvatam:  ASPIRANTS IN SPIRITUALITY ARE ADVISED TO GIVE UP ALL ENVY OF OTHER LIVING ENTITIES INCLUDING KILLING OF ANIMALS, EITHER IN THE NAME OF RELIGION OR FOR FOOD

TRANSLATION

PERSONS WHO WANT TO ADVANCE IN SUPERIOR RELIGION ARE ADVISED TO GIVE UP ALL ENVY OF OTHER LIVING ENTITIES, WHETHER IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE BODY, WORDS OR MIND. THERE IS NO RELIGION SUPERIOR TO THIS.

TRANSLATION

BECAUSE OF AN AWAKENING OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE, THOSE WHO ARE INTELLIGENT IN REGARD TO SACRIFICE, WHO ARE ACTUALLY AWARE OF RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES AND WHO ARE FREE FROM MATERIAL DESIRES, CONTROL THE SELF IN THE FIRE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE, OR KNOWLEDGE OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH. THEY MAY GIVE UP THE PROCESS OF RITUALISTIC CEREMONIES.

PURPORT

People are generally very much interested in karma-kanda ritualistic ceremonies for elevation to the higher planetary systems, but when one awakens his spiritual knowledge, he becomes uninterested in such elevation and engages himself fully in jnana-yajna to find the objective of life. 

THE OBJECTIVE OF LIFE IS TO STOP COMPLETELY THE MISERIES OF BIRTH AND DEATH AND TO RETURN HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD. WHEN ONE CULTIVATES KNOWLEDGE FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE IS CONSIDERED TO BE ON A HIGHER PLATFORM THAN ONE WHO IS ENGAGED IN KARMA-YAJNA, OR FRUITIVE ACTIVITIES.

TRANSLATION

Upon seeing the person engaged in performing the sacrifice, animals meant to be sacrificed are extremely afraid, thinking, "This merciless performer of sacrifices, being ignorant of the purpose of sacrifice and being most satisfied by killing others, will surely kill us."

PURPORT

Animal sacrifice in the name of religion is current practically all over the world in every established religion. 

IT IS SAID THAT LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHEN TWELVE YEARS OLD, WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE JEWS SACRIFICING BIRDS AND ANIMALS IN THE SYNAGOGUES AND THAT HE THEREFORE REJECTED THE JEWISH SYSTEM OF RELIGION AND STARTED THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF CHRISTIANITY, ADHERING TO THE OLD TESTAMENT COMMANDMENT "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." 

AT THE PRESENT DAY, HOWEVER, NOT ONLY ARE ANIMALS KILLED IN THE NAME OF SACRIFICE, BUT THE KILLING OF ANIMALS HAS INCREASED ENORMOUSLY BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF SLAUGHTERHOUSES. SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS, EITHER FOR RELIGION OR FOR FOOD, IS MOST ABOMINABLE AND IS CONDEMNED HEREIN. UNLESS ONE IS MERCILESS, ONE CANNOT SACRIFICE ANIMALS, EITHER IN THE NAME OF RELIGION OR FOR FOOD.

Bhagvatam” one should, with love, offer food prepared with ghee to the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and then offer the prasada to a suitable person—a Vaishnava or brahmana considering every living being a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord,4th July

Bhagvatam” one should, with love, offer food prepared with ghee to the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and then offer the prasada to a suitable person—a Vaishnava or brahmana considering every living being a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord

TRANSLATION

When one gets the opportunity of a suitable auspicious time and place, one should, with love, offer food prepared with ghee to the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and then offer the prasada to a suitable person—a Vaishnava or brahmana. This will be the cause of everlasting prosperity.

TRANSLATION

One should offer prasada to the demigods, the saintly persons, one's forefathers, the people in general, one's family members, one's relatives and one's friends, seeing them all as devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

PURPORT

As mentioned above, it is recommended that everyone distribute prasada, considering every living being a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. Even in feeding the poor, one should distribute prasada. In Kali-yuga there is a scarcity of food almost every year, and thus philanthropists spend lavishly to feed the poor. 

For this they invent the term daridra-narayana-seva. This is prohibited. One should distribute sumptuous prasada, considering everyone a part of the Supreme Lord, but one should not juggle words to make a poor man Narayana. Everyone is related to the Supreme Lord, but one should not mistakenly think that because one is related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he has become the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Narayana. 

Such a Mayavada philosophy is extremely dangerous, especially for a devotee. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has therefore strictly forbidden us to associate with Mayavadi philosophers. 

Mayavadi-bhashya sunile haya sarva-nasa: if one associates with the Mayavada philosophy, his devotional life is doomed.

TRANSLATION

A person fully aware of religious principles should never offer anything like meat, eggs or fish in the sraddha ceremony, and even if one is a kshatriya, he himself should not eat such things. When suitable food prepared with ghee is offered to saintly persons, the function is pleasing to the forefathers and the Supreme Lord, who are never pleased when animals are killed in the name of sacrifice.

Bhagvatam: Indians spend especially lavishly but the shastras prohibit the excessive expenditures involved in inviting many brahmanas and relatives,3rd July

Bhagvatam: Indians spend especially lavishly but the shastras prohibit the excessive expenditures involved in inviting many brahmanas and relatives

TRANSLATION

During the period for offering oblations to the demigods, one should invite only two brahmanas, and while offering oblations to the forefathers, one may invite three brahmanas.

Or, in either case, only one brahmana will suffice.

Even though one is very opulent, he should not endeavor to invite more brahmanas or make various expensive arrangements on those occasions.

PURPORT

As we have already mentioned, Srila Advaita Acharya, during the generally observed ceremony to offer oblations to the forefathers, invited only Haridasa Thakura.

Thus He followed this principle: na me'bhaktas catur-vedi mad-bhaktam sva-pacam priyam.

The Lord says, "It is not necessary that one become very expert in Vedic knowledge before he can become My bhakta, or devotee.

Even if one is born in a family of dog-eaters, he can become My devotee and be very dear to Me, in spite of having taken birth in such a family.

Therefore, offerings should be given to My devotee, and whatever My devotee has offered Me should be accepted.”

Following this principle, one should invite a first-class brahmana or Vaishnava—a realized soul—and feed him while observing the sraddha ceremony to offer oblations to one's forefathers.

TRANSLATION

If one arranges to feed many brahmanas or relatives during the sraddha ceremony, there will be discrepancies in the time, place, respectability and ingredients, the person to be worshiped, and the method of offering worship.

PURPORT

Narada Muni has prohibited unnecessarily gorgeous arrangements to feed relatives or brahmanas during the sraddha ceremony. Those who are materially opulent spend lavishly during this ceremony. Indians spend especially lavishly on three occasions—at the birth of a child, at marriage and while observing the sraddha ceremony—but the sastras prohibit the excessive expenditures involved in inviting many brahmanas and relatives, especially during the sraddha ceremony.

Bhagvatam THE SUPREME LORD GIVES LIVING ENTITY A CHANCE TO ENJOY IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD AS HE DESIRES, BUT HE WANTS IT TO FULLY SURRENDER UNTO HIM AND RETURN HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD,1st July

Bhagvatam: THE SUPREME LORD GIVES THE LIVING ENTITY A CHANCE TO ENJOY IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD AS HE DESIRES, BUT HE OPENLY EXPRESSES HIS OWN DESIRE THAT THE LIVING ENTITY GIVE UP ALL MATERIAL ASPIRATIONS, FULLY SURRENDER UNTO HIM AND RETURN HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD

TRANSLATION

THE LIVING ENTITY IS ETERNAL AND IMPERISHABLE BECAUSE HE ACTUALLY HAS NO BEGINNING AND NO END. HE NEVER TAKES BIRTH OR DIES. HE IS THE BASIC PRINCIPLE OF ALL TYPES OF BODIES, YET HE DOES NOT BELONG TO THE BODILY CATEGORY. THE LIVING BEING IS SO SUBLIME THAT HE IS EQUAL IN QUALITY TO THE SUPREME LORD. NONETHELESS, BECAUSE HE IS EXTREMELY SMALL, HE IS PRONE TO BE ILLUSIONED BY THE EXTERNAL ENERGY, AND THUS HE CREATES VARIOUS BODIES FOR HIMSELF ACCORDING TO HIS DIFFERENT DESIRES.

PURPORT

In this verse the philosophy of achintya-bhedäbheda—simultaneous oneness and difference—is described. The living entity is eternal (nitya) like the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but the difference is that the Supreme Lord is the greatest, no one being equal to or greater than Him, whereas the living entity is sükshma, or extremely small. 

THE SHÄSTRA DESCRIBES THAT THE MAGNITUDE OF THE LIVING ENTITY IS ONE TEN-THOUSANDTH THE SIZE OF THE TIP OF A HAIR. THE SUPREME LORD IS ALL-PERVADING (ANDÄNTARA-STHA-PARAMÄNU-CAYÄNTARA-STHAM). RELATIVELY, IF THE LIVING ENTITY IS ACCEPTED AS THE SMALLEST, THERE SHOULD NATURALLY BE INQUIRY ABOUT THE GREATEST. THE GREATEST IS THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, AND THE SMALLEST IS THE LIVING ENTITY.

Another peculiar characteristic of the jiva is that he becomes covered by mäyä. Ätmamäyä-gunaim: he is prone to being covered by the Supreme Lord's illusory energy. The living entity is responsible for his conditional life in the material world, and therefore he is described as prabhu ("the master"). 

IF HE LIKES HE CAN COME TO THIS MATERIAL WORLD, AND IF HE LIKES HE CAN RETURN HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD. BECAUSE HE WANTED TO ENJOY THIS MATERIAL WORLD, THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD GAVE HIM A MATERIAL BODY THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THE MATERIAL ENERGY. 

As the Lord Himself says in Bhagavad-gitä (18.61):

"THE SUPREME LORD IS SITUATED IN EVERYONE'S HEART, O ARJUNA, AND IS DIRECTING THE WANDERINGS OF ALL LIVING ENTITIES, WHO ARE SEATED AS ON A MACHINE, MADE OF THE MATERIAL ENERGY." 

THE SUPREME LORD GIVES THE LIVING ENTITY A CHANCE TO ENJOY IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD AS HE DESIRES, BUT HE OPENLY EXPRESSES HIS OWN DESIRE THAT THE LIVING ENTITY GIVE UP ALL MATERIAL ASPIRATIONS, FULLY SURRENDER UNTO HIM AND RETURN HOME, BACK TO GODHEAD.

The living entity is the smallest (sükshma). Jiva Gosvämi says in this connection that the living entity within the body is extremely difficult for materialistic scientists to find, although we understand from authorities that the living entity is within the body. 

THE BODY IS DIFFERENT FROM THE LIVING ENTITY.

Bhagvatam: VAISHNAVA / BRAHMANA IS A COUNTERPART BODY OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, 30th June

Srimad Bhagvatam:
VAISHNAVA / BRAHMANA IS A COUNTERPART BODY OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD

TRANSLATION

MY DEAR KING, OF ALL PERSONS A QUALIFIED BRAHMANA MUST BE ACCEPTED AS THE BEST WITHIN THIS MATERIAL WORLD BECAUSE SUCH A BRAHMANA, BY PRACTICING AUSTERITY, VEDIC STUDIES AND SATISFACTION, BECOMES THE COUNTERPART BODY OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD.

PURPORT

From the Vedas we learn that the Personality of Godhead is the Supreme Person.

EVERY LIVING ENTITY IS AN INDIVIDUAL PERSON, AND THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, KRSHNA, IS THE SUPREME PERSON.

A brahmana who is well versed in Vedic knowledge and fully conversant with transcendental matters becomes a representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore one should worship such a brahmana or Vaishnava.

A Vaishnava is superior to a brahmana because whereas a brahmana knows that he is Brahman, not matter, a Vaishnava knows that he is not only Brahman but also an eternal servant of the Supreme Brahman.

THEREFORE, WORSHIP OF A VAISHNAVA IS SUPERIOR TO WORSHIP OF THE DEITY IN THE TEMPLE.

Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura says, sakshad dharitvena samasta-sastraim: IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE SPIRITUAL MASTER, WHO IS THE BEST OF THE BRAHMANAS, THE BEST OF THE VAISHNAVAS, IS CONSIDERED TO BE AS GOOD AS THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN, HOWEVER, THAT THE VAISHNAVA THINKS HIMSELF GOD, FOR THIS IS BLASPHEMOUS.

Although a brahmana or Vaishnava is worshiped as being as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, SUCH A DEVOTEE ALWAYS REMAINS A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF THE LORD and never tries to enjoy the prestige that might accrue to him from being the Supreme Lord's representative.

Bhagvatam: LORD RESIDES INSIDE EACH LIVING BEING AS PARAMATMA ALONG WITH INDIVIDUAL SOUL, 28th June

Srimad Bhagvatam:

LORD RESIDES INSIDE EACH LIVING BEING AS PARAMATMA ALONG WITH INDIVIDUAL SOUL

TRANSLATION

The Supreme Personality of Godhead has created many residential places like the bodies of human beings, animals, birds, saints and demigods. In all of these innumerable bodily forms, the Lord resides with the living being as Paramatma. Thus He is known as the purushavatara.

PURPORT

In Bhagavad-gita (18.61) it is said:

"THE SUPREME LORD IS SITUATED IN EVERYONE'S HEART, O ARJUNA, AND IS DIRECTING THE WANDERINGS OF ALL LIVING ENTITIES, WHO ARE SEATED AS ON A MACHINE, MADE OF THE MATERIAL ENERGY." 

THE LIVING ENTITY, WHO IS PART AND PARCEL OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, EXISTS ON THE MERCY OF THE LORD, WHO IS ALWAYS WITH HIM IN ANY FORM OF BODY. THE LIVING ENTITY DESIRES A PARTICULAR TYPE OF MATERIAL ENJOYMENT, AND THUS THE LORD SUPPLIES HIM WITH A BODY, WHICH IS LIKE A MACHINE. 

Just to keep him alive in that body, the Lord remains with him as the purusha (Kshirodakasayi Vishnu). This is also confirmed in Brahma-samhita (5.35):

"I worship the Personality of Godhead, Govinda, who enters the existence of every universe and every atom by one of His plenary portions and thus manifests His infinite energy throughout the material creation." 

THE LIVING ENTITY, BEING PART AND PARCEL OF THE LORD, IS KNOWN AS JIVA. THE SUPREME LORD PURUSHA REMAINS WITH THE JIVA TO ENABLE HIM TO ENJOY MATERIAL FACILITIES.

Bhagvatam IF ONE WANTS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, HE MUST PREACH THE GLORIES OF THE LORD, 27th June

Srimad Bhagvatam :
IF ONE WANTS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, HE MUST PREACH THE GLORIES OF THE LORD

TRANSLATION

O King Yudhishthira, the Supersoul in every body gives intelligence to the individual soul according to his capacity for understanding. Therefore the Supersoul is the chief within the body. The Supersoul is manifested to the individual soul according to the individual's comparative development of knowledge, austerity, penance and so on.

PURPORT

IN BHAGAVAD-GITA (15.15) IT IS SAID, mattam smrtir jnanam apohanam ca: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD IN HIS LOCALIZED ASPECT GIVES INTELLIGENCE TO THE INDIVIDUAL SOUL AS FAR AS HE IS ABLE TO GRASP IT. THEREFORE WE FIND THE INDIVIDUAL SOUL IN DIFFERENT HIGH AND LOW POSITIONS. A LIVING ENTITY WITH THE BODY OF A BIRD OR BEAST CANNOT TAKE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SUPREME SOUL AS ADEQUATELY AS AN ADVANCED HUMAN BEING. 

THUS THERE ARE GRADATIONS OF BODILY FORMS. IN HUMAN SOCIETY, THE PERFECT BRAHMANA IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE MOST ADVANCED IN SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS, AND FURTHER ADVANCED THAN THE BRAHMANA IS THE VAISHNAVA. THEREFORE THE BEST PERSONS ARE THE VAISHNAVAS AND VISHNU. 

When charity is to be given, one should take instruction from Bhagavad-gita (17.20):

"That gift which is given out of duty, at the proper time and place, to a worthy person, and without expectation of return, is considered to be charity in the mode of goodness." One should give charity to the brahmanas and Vaishnavas, for thus the Supreme Personality of Godhead will be worshiped. 

In this connection, Srila Madhvacharya comments:

Beginning from Brahma down to the ant, everyone is conducted by the Supersoul (isvaram sarva-bhütanam hrd-dese 'rjuna tishthati). BUT BECAUSE OF A PARTICULAR PERSON'S ADVANCEMENT IN SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS, HE IS CONSIDERED TO BE IMPORTANT. Therefore, the brahmana Vaishnava is important, and, above all, the Supersoul, the Personality of Godhead, is the most important personality.

TRANSLATION

Sometimes a neophyte devotee offers all the paraphernalia for worshiping the Lord, and he factually worships the Lord as the Deity, but because he is envious of the authorized devotees of Lord Vishnu, the Lord is never satisfied with his devotional service.

PURPORT

DEITY WORSHIP IS ESPECIALLY MEANT FOR PURIFYING THE NEOPHYTE DEVOTEES. 

ACTUALLY, HOWEVER, PREACHING IS MORE IMPORTANT. IN BHAGAVAD-GITA (18.69) IT IS SAID, na ca tasman manushyeshu kascin me priya-krttamam: IF ONE WANTS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, HE MUST PREACH THE GLORIES OF THE LORD. 

ONE WHO WORSHIPS THE DEITY MUST THEREFORE BE EXTREMELY RESPECTFUL TO PREACHERS; OTHERWISE SIMPLY WORSHIPING THE DEITY WILL KEEP ONE IN THE LOWER STAGE OF DEVOTION.