Nectar of Instructions Slides

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Nectar of Instructions Slides www.bhakticourses.com Nectar of Instruction (NOI) From shraddha to prema In Eleven Verses Texts 1-3 Texts 4-6 Text 7 Text 8 Texts 9-11 bhajana-kriya shraddha sadhu-saìgaù anartha-nivrittiù asaktiù bhavaù nishTha prema ruciù Key themes in the Nectar of Instruction Mind & Sense Control Attitude ISKCON’s Purpose Guru and Disciple Sadhu-sanga Devotees (Kinds, Behavior & qualifications) Bhakti (Stages & Development) NOI Text One Maharaja Pariksit on Atonement Analogies Elephant & Bath Thief & Police Confessions Real Atonement Awakening Dormant KC Training according to (Tapasya) Regulative Principles & Methodical Life Application Traditional Pancaratric Tapasya: Tapasya Rupa Goswami’s Method Celibacy Austerity Do Don’t Truthfulness Mind & Sense Control Practice Bhakti Four Regs. Renounciation Under Guru guidance In Assoc. of Devs. Cleanliness Yoga-asanas Application SP’s BSST’s Purport Purport Vaco Manasaù Krodha Jihva Udaro Pastha Problem: Problem: Problem: Problem: No unnecessary sex Karmis & Jnanis Vacuum Forced to eat in Can’t be stopped KC Kids Snake & Toad Attracts Anarthas Karmi shops Solution: Solution: Solution: Apply against Meditate on Solution: Krishna Katha Blasphemers Lotus Feet Prasada (not silence) Jag & Mad, Hanuman Sun & Krishna Arjuna Be grateful when Krishna supplies Scheduled times Accept as mercy BSST’s Purport Anuvritti Commentary 3 Kinds of Urges Speech Mind Body Connected in straight line starting with tongue Problem: Prajalpa Avirodha-priti Tongue Belly Genitals Karmis, Jnanis & Unrestricted Attachment Karma Kandis Illegal: Solution: Virodha-yukta-krodha Verses: Anger due BVT – Prasad Prayers Problem: 5 types: Hari Katha thinking, planning, to Frustration CC Ant 6.227 Stomach Disease SB 1.5.10-11 talking, doing & CC Ant 6.236 Artificial means 6 Types of Demands Solution: Legal: Fasting for Ekadasi Marriage & Tamo – Dead bodies & Festivals KC kids Rajo - Spicy Sattva – Milk & Grains Maha Tamo – Intoxicants Prasad – Offering delicious food Prasada (Mansion) – Visiting for food Conclusion The Theme of NOI “You Can Serve Only One Master” Senses Krishna Gosvami: Go-dasa or Adanta-go: Controller of Servant of The Senses the senses (Qualified as a Spiritual Master) NOI What are the How They Spoil Advantages of Pure Bhakti? Text Two Avoiding Them? Atyaharaù Prayasash Jana-saìgaù Laulyam Ideal Society Analogy: Rice & Birds Overendeavour: Brothels Enemity Factories Bhukti Destroyed Religion Liquor Dens Analogy: Stock Market Economic Bhakta-sane vasa Actual Purpose Problem: Mukti Maladjustments by Narrotama d. SB 1.2.9 Less Time Corrected for Inquiry Political Modern Society Solution: Siddhi Stability SB 4.8.41 Simple Living SB 1.2.10 Spiritual Philosophy Community Established Analogy: Business Man Prajalpo Niyamagrahaù Re-born as Karmi’s Books Cobbler Analogy: Cause of Frog Spiritual Awakening Jnani’s Books agraha agraha ISKCON Welfare Work Education Rejects rules: Accepts rules: Enjoyers Ritualists Analogy: Commies & Capitalists Training $100 on the road Iso. Mantra 1 Not Centered on Krishna NOI Text Four Do NOT Associate with Associate with Whom? Where? How? Why? Principle of Assoc. Devotees BG 2.62 Businessmen saìgat sanjayate ISKCON at Hotel Success Desires & Ambitions Life Membership Develop According Facilitates to Our Association 6 Exchanges Peace Dadati Pratigrihnati Life Member Devotee Willing & Ready Gives Gives Give Holy Name Tranquility to Receive Donation Books, BTG Effect: Invitation Festivals & shikshashTaka 1–ceto to House Prasadam CC Mad 22.107 Friendship Inquires Explaination Haridasa & CM about KC to practice KC Caitanya in Jharikhanda Spiritual Life Dormant KC People can abandon Nourished Revived animosity Guhyam Guhyam akhyati pricchati With an Open mind Inquires Hear to unders the about KC movement situa of Material World Bhuìkte Bhojayate Sunday Feast Invited Home Do NOT Associate with Whom? How? Why? Mayavadis Poisonous Dadati Bhuìkte Association & Guhyam akhyati Pricchati Pratigrihnati Bhojayate Snake, Milk Atheists & Bananas Never Give Negative Never Give or Any information will By Intimate Or Accept Injunction! Accept Food be used to promote Never Intermingling Invitation Do Not Give CC Ant 6.278 materialism & oppose Inquire One is To Associate or Take vishayira anna KC! Confidentially Affected Intimately Anything CC Mad 11.8 nishkincanasya Unless one is very advanced Dadati Principle he is unable to utilise everyone’s contribution for furthering KC! Principle: Advanced Devotee shrila Rüpa Gosvami’s Whatever the We should not Gives at Least 50% Income – 50% accept charity from Mayavadis & Atheists 50% - Krishna Service to Krishna Fufills demands of 25% - Family & Devotees Dadati 25% - Personal NOI Text Five KanishTha Madhyama Uttama Maitri Uncritical Prema Worships Only Friends with Even if a Pure Pure Krishna is the Deity Devotees Devotee Criticises Free from Anarthas Object of Love Behaves Badly Kripa Upekshaù Without false Out of great With Devotees Merciful Avoids the Envious ego or envy pain or regret Harinama Initiated Fixed-up Inconclusive Hate disease To protect Trying to Chant Surrendered to Knowledge of Sastra not diseased newcomer’s faith KC Process Undeterred Pliable Faith Seriously Engaged Continues Process Self-Realised Soft / Unsteady in Any in Lord’s Service CC Ant. 4.192 Circumstance diksha-kale bhakta Strict In Following Expounds Faithful Four Regs. Spreads KC Firm in Chanting Disinterested In Guru Material Enjoyment Best Guru With Faith Inquire shraddha Interactions with Converts Offenseless Uttama-adhikari BVT – Vaisnava Converts Many to Vaisnavism Serve Associate Is outreach success sign of sp adv? Yes, provided they are the results of, not substitutes for, inner fulfillment Is outreach success sign of sp adv? Yes, provides they are the results of, not substitutes for, inner fulfillment Is outreach success sign of sp adv? Yes, provides they are the results of, not substitutes for, inner fulfillment Is outreach success sign of sp adv? Yes, provides they are the results of, not substitutes for, inner fulfillment Kanishta adhikari • Maharaja Nimi said: Now please tell me in greater detail about the devotees of the Supreme Lord. What are the natural symptoms by which I can distinguish between the most advanced devotees, those on the middle level and those who are neophytes? What are the typical religious activities of a Vaishnava, and how does he speak? Specifically, please describe those symptoms and characteristics by which Vaishnavas become dear to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (SB 11.2.44) Kanishta adhikari • Difference between `archana’ and `bhajana’ By shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Arcana refers to the platform of sadhana-bhakti, in which one serves the Lord to carry out the rules and regulations of the process. One who has achieved the shelter of the Lord’s holy name and is totally engaged in the attempt to serve the Lord should be considered to be on the platform of bhajana, even though his external activities may sometimes be less strict than those of the neophyte engaged in arcana. This apparent lack of strictness, however, refers to laxity not in the basic principles of sane behavior and renunciation of sense gratification, but rather in the details of Vaishnava ceremonies. A Kanishta adhikari may consider this lack of strictness to be a fault. Kanishta adhikari • Be conscious that God is everywhere, not only in the temple shrila Madhvacarya comments that one in the lowest stage of devotional service faithfully worships the Deity in the temple but is not aware that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is actually all-pervading. This same mentality can be seen in the Western countries, where people commit all types of sinful activities in their homes and in the street but then piously go to a church and pray to God for mercy. Actually, God is in our home, God is in the street, God is in our office, God is in the forest, God is everywhere, and therefore God should be worshiped everywhere by the process of devotional service at His lotus feet. Kanishta adhikari • Kanishta devotee thinks high of himself Being puffed up by his own ceremonial worship (atmano bhakti- darpataù), a kanishTha-adhikari cannot imagine that anyone is more pious or religious than he, and he is not even aware that other devotees are more advanced. Thus he cannot understand the madhyama or uttama standard of devotional service, and sometimes, because of his false pride, he : - criticizes the more advanced devotees of the Lord, - neglects them - simply has no understanding of their exalted position as preachers or completely self-realized souls. Kanishta adhikari • Kanishta devotee is disturbed if a second-class devotee criticizes the nondevotees of the Lord In the name of compassion or kindness, a kanishTha-adhikari approves of the nondevotional activities of such materialistic men. Because the kanishTha-adhikari is ignorant of the higher realms of devotional service and the unlimited transcendental bliss of Krishna consciousness, he sees devotional service merely as the religious aspect of life but thinks that life has many enjoyable and worthwhile nondevotional aspects. Therefore he becomes angry when second-class devotees, who are experiencing that Krishna is everything, criticize the nondevotees. Madhvacarya says that such a person, because of his rudimentary faith in Krishna, is considered a devotee, but he is bhaktadhama, a devotee on the lowest standard. If such materialistic devotees follow the rules and regulations of Deity worship, they will gradually be elevated
Recommended publications
  • Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics Kenneth R
    THE PALGRAVE MACMILLAN ANIMAL ETHICS SERIES Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics Kenneth R. Valpey The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series Series Editors Andrew Linzey Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Oxford, UK Priscilla N. Cohn Pennsylvania State University Villanova, PA, USA Associate Editor Clair Linzey Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Oxford, UK In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the ethics of our treatment of animals. Philosophers have led the way, and now a range of other scholars have followed from historians to social scientists. From being a marginal issue, animals have become an emerging issue in ethics and in multidisciplinary inquiry. Tis series will explore the challenges that Animal Ethics poses, both conceptually and practically, to traditional understandings of human-animal relations. Specifcally, the Series will: • provide a range of key introductory and advanced texts that map out ethical positions on animals • publish pioneering work written by new, as well as accomplished, scholars; • produce texts from a variety of disciplines that are multidisciplinary in character or have multidisciplinary relevance. More information about this series at http://www.palgrave.com/gp/series/14421 Kenneth R. Valpey Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics Kenneth R. Valpey Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Oxford, UK Te Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series ISBN 978-3-030-28407-7 ISBN 978-3-030-28408-4 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28408-4 © Te Editor(s) (if applicable) and Te Author(s) 2020. Tis book is an open access publication. Open Access Tis book is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Name of Krishna: the Cultural Landscape of a North Indian Pilgrimage Town
    In the Name of Krishna: The Cultural Landscape of a North Indian Pilgrimage Town A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY Sugata Ray IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Frederick M. Asher, Advisor April 2012 © Sugata Ray 2012 Acknowledgements They say writing a dissertation is a lonely and arduous task. But, I am fortunate to have found friends, colleagues, and mentors who have inspired me to make this laborious task far from arduous. It was Frederick M. Asher, my advisor, who inspired me to turn to places where art historians do not usually venture. The temple city of Khajuraho is not just the exquisite 11th-century temples at the site. Rather, the 11th-century temples are part of a larger visuality that extends to contemporary civic monuments in the city center, Rick suggested in the first class that I took with him. I learnt to move across time and space. To understand modern Vrindavan, one would have to look at its Mughal past; to understand temple architecture, one would have to look for rebellions in the colonial archive. Catherine B. Asher gave me the gift of the Mughal world – a world that I only barely knew before I met her. Today, I speak of the Islamicate world of colonial Vrindavan. Cathy walked me through Mughal mosques, tombs, and gardens on many cold wintry days in Minneapolis and on a hot summer day in Sasaram, Bihar. The Islamicate Krishna in my dissertation thus came into being.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Affectionate Guardians
    1 Our Affectionate GuardiansA HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 2 3 Our Affectionate GuardiansA HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Swami Bhaktibhavana Visnu Maharaja 4 5 CONTENTS Introduction Chapter One: A Transcendental Friendship Please Look After Them Europe Defeated by Asia What I Came to Say, Will Remain Bhaktivedanta Swami Lord Caitanya’s Prophecy Fulfilled I Take It on My Head My Siksa Guru Your Instructions Nondifferent Than our Prabhupada’s We Are Happy; We Are Glad; We Are Proud Please Stay With Me Temple of Understanding He Can’t Be Converted Bhakti Raksaka Divine Qualities Chapter Two: Exalted Glorification by Srila Bhakti Promod Puri Maharaja Chapter Three: Sridhara Maharaja Glorifies Prabhupada and ISKCON Saktyavesa-Avatara Vision of ISKCON © Gaudiya Vaisnava Society & Gosai Publishers 1996 Bell Ringers Keeping ISKCON Together All rights reserved. Address inquiries to: Sri Narasingha Chaitanya Matha Chapter Four: Prabhupada’s Instructions Gosai Ghat, Sri Rangapatna Rupanuga Letter Karnataka, India 571438 The War Is Over www.gosai.com [email protected] Chapter Five: Misconceptions Madhurya-Rasa Printed in India at Rekha Printers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi 110020 A Pound Of Caution 6 7 Sixteen Rounds INTRODUCTION Krsna Nama-An Express Train To Vrndavana But Srila Sridhara Maharaja Was Outside ISKCON This book should never have been written. At the same time, Did Srila Sridhara Maharaja Re-initiate Srila Prabhupada’s many will be grateful that it is now in print. It should not have Disciples? been written because the events that it describes should never Many Came to Take Initiation have happened. Yet it brings to light the actual history of a Prabhupada’s Disciples Never Re-initiated shocking period in contemporary Gaudiya Vaisnavism, one Re-initiation: Grand Disciples Only that, like many embarrassing historical events, has been grossly We Will Be Responsible To Mahaprabhu distorted over the past twenty years.
    [Show full text]
  • Vyasa Puja Offerings
    VYASA PUJA OFFERINGS 91ST Vyasa Puja of HDG Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Maharaja This publication is dedicated to the most holy lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaja, who, out of his causeless mercy, has descended into this material world as the direct representative of Supreme Lord Sri Krishna to rescue the fallen souls. His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaja has devoted his entire life to the promulgation of the glories of Sri Krishna while implicitly following the instructions of his diksha and siksha gurus, His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Dayita Madhava Goswami Maharaja and His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Maharaja, respectively. He is recognized by all Gaudiya Vaishnavas as one of the greatest acharyas of this era. His praises are most deserved, as, along with many other things, he possesses a vast knowledge of shastra and its inner devotional meaning with an acute ability to communicate this knowledge effectively to all persons regardless of their backgrounds or predispositions. This efficacy of preaching is largely due to his sincere humility and warm, affectionate character, which transforms knowledge into feeling—an actual taste of the Transcendent. Therefore, while desiring nothing for himself, he has garnered the love and respect of all who meet him, especially of those who are making a serious effort to follow his superlative personal example and ideals. His Divine Grace’s active preaching activities have now drawn to a close and he has entered into internal lila, yet his presence and influence are undiminished externally and he continues to be a leader among men—a stalwart and imposing figure among the followers of the message of divine love of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
    [Show full text]
  • Nc-15-P21 0305
    NC-15-P21 0305 Jun 06, 2014 1 Jaya Rādha Mādhava Jaya Kunja Vihārī Jaya Gopī Jana Vallabha Jaya Giri Vara Dhārī ... (Jaya) Yaśodā Nandana Vraja Jana Ranjana Yamunā tīra Vana Cāri ... (Jaya) [ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare ] 2 * All materials used in this are only for educational purpose. 3 How much do we really know about our own Body? 4 What about a single cell from 10 trillion cells ? 5 How much do we really know about our own World?6 How much do we really know about our own World?7 Are there other world existing? .. If so, where? 8 Are there more dimensions? If so, how can I see them?9 Our senses and also Science are very limited to understand truths.. 10 11 12 But, are there gradations in the spiritual world as well? 13 Material creation is temporary. It is also per Brahma’s power..14 As of now..: Most of the Vedas had been destroyed.. Only about 6% of original is now available. 15 Four Paramparas Immediate Receptor Last famous Acharya 16 But GAUDIYA sampradaya brought out by Caitanya Mahaprabhu stands out from all the 4 sampradayas. 17 18 19 20 21 Vaikuntha is NOT the topmost destination.. 22 EVERY Jiva has sambandha with Krishna.. 23 24 25 Spiritual world is like 4 level compartments Goloka Vrindavan (Madhurya) Madura (Vatsalya) Dwaraka (Sakhiya) Vaikunta (Dasya) 26 Vaikunta (Dasya) – Highest Destination for all 4 paramparas 27 28 Goloka Vrindavan Madura Dwaraka Vaikunta 29 Goloka Vrindavan – The Purest of Purest 30 31 32 Vrindavanam parityajya krishna padam ekam na gacchet
    [Show full text]
  • The Intimacy of Sound and Listening Among Krishna Devotees in Mayapur
    Journal of Ethnology and Folkloristics 10 (1): 3–24 DOI: 10.1515/jef-2016-0001 SEARCHING FOR THE HIDDEN GOD: THE INTIMACY OF SOUND AND LISTENING AMONG KRISHNA DEVOTEES IN MAYAPUR MARJE ERMEL Lecturer and PhD candidate Cultural Theory / Social and Cultural Anthropology Tallinn University, School of Humanities Uus-Sadama 5, Tallinn 10120 e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT This article looks at how the Krishna devotees in Mayapur, West Bengal, learn how to chant and listen to the sound of the holy name properly. They suggest that if one is ‘pure’ enough and knows how to listen one experiences the syneasthetic level of sound called pashyanti. At this level, one can reach beyond the duality of the ‘hidden and manifested’ worlds, the external and internal levels of sound; and one can ultimately see God face to face. This is also considered a level at which one can realise that the sound of God’s name and God himself are the same. I will focus on how the devotees learn to create this sense of intimacy with God through the sound of his holy name, and argue that listening is not merely a process connected to our auditory sense but rather a creative and engaging activity, a skill that one can develop. KEYWORDS: Hare Krishna devotees • religion • sound • skill • intimacy INTRODUCTION I am a beggar on the outskirts of the marketplace of the holy name. Can anyone spare me a crumb of faith, a drop of purification, steadiness, or taste, or even a little love for Krishna? (Kancana-Valli Devi Dasi) In her book Crying for Krishna, Genevieve Brewster (2013: 32), with the initiated name Kancana-Valli Devi Dasi, captures the nature of the long journey of learning how to hear and chant the holy names of the Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • Meditation As Devotional Practice in Jīva Gosvāmin's
    MEDITATION AS DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE IN JĪVA GOSVĀMIN’S PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Barbara A. Holdrege In the philosophy of education articulated by Jīva Gosvāmin in the Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha and Bhakti Sandarbha, he emphasises the critical importance of incorporating internal meditative practices alongside external bodily prac- tices in the training of the sādhaka in the advanced phases of rāgānugā- bhakti. The role of meditation in Jīva’s philosophy of education is par- ticularly evident in his discussion of Vraja-dhāman, Kṛṣṇa’s abode, in the Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha, in which he maintains that while the earthly Vraja can be engaged with the material senses through bodily practices such as pilgrimage, the transcendent Vraja-dhāman, Goloka-Vṛndāvana, is beyond the material senses (atīndriya) and can only be apprehended through direct experience (anubhava) attained by means of meditation. Although Goloka-Vṛndāvana is not visible to the material eye (carma-cakṣus), it can be ‘seen’ (root dṛś) through direct visionary experience (sākṣāt-kāra or sākṣāt-darśana). Jīva invokes the authority of Vyāsa and the other sages who, while immersed in samādhi beyond the material realm of prakṛti in the depths of medita- tion, attained a direct cognition of Gopāla Kṛṣṇa in his transcendent Vraja- dhāman and then recorded their cognitions in the śāstras.¹ He declares the direct experiences of the sages (vidvad-anubhava) to be the ‘crest-jewel of all pramāṇas’ in that the records of their experiences preserved in the śāstras are authoritative testimonies of valid knowledge for future generations.² He claims, moreover, that these experiences are not the exclusive prerogative of the sages of the past but can be attained ‘even today’ by advanced prac- titioners of rāgānugā-bhakti who incorporate meditation into their regimen of sādhana-bhakti as a form of devotional practice.³ ¹ Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha 106, 115, 116, 15⒊ ² Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha 1⒖ ³ Kṛṣṇa Sandarbha 10⒍ ISKCON Studies Journal, Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Srimad-Bhagavatam – Canto Ten” by His Divine Grace A.C
    “Srimad-Bhagavatam – Canto Ten” by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Summary: Srimad-Bhagavatam is compared to the ripened fruit of Vedic knowledge. Also known as the Bhagavata Purana, this multi-volume work elaborates on the pastimes of Lord Krishna and His devotees, and includes detailed descriptions of, among other phenomena, the process of creation and annihilation of the universe. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada considered the translation of the Bhagavatam his life’s work. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: This is an evaluation copy of the printed version of this book, and is NOT FOR RESALE. This evaluation copy is intended for personal non- commercial use only, under the “fair use” guidelines established by international copyright laws. You may use this electronic file to evaluate the printed version of this book, for your own private use, or for short excerpts used in academic works, research, student papers, presentations, and the like. You can distribute this evaluation copy to others over the Internet, so long as you keep this copyright information intact. You may not reproduce more than ten percent (10%) of this book in any media without the express written permission from the copyright holders. Reference any excerpts in the following way: “Excerpted from “Srimad-Bhagavatam” by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, courtesy of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, www.Krishna.com.” This book and electronic file is Copyright 1977-2003 Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, 3764 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA. All rights reserved. For any questions, comments, correspondence, or to evaluate dozens of other books in this collection, visit the website of the publishers, www.Krishna.com.
    [Show full text]
  • Reflections on Bhakti-Tattva
    Reflections on bhakti-tattva compiled by Tarun Govinda das TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. The situation (sambandha-tattva) 2. The “way out” - bhakti yoga (abhidheya- tattva) 3. The concept of a line of teachers (diksha-parampara) 4. The gift of Sriman Mahaprabhu - bhakti in the wake of the inhabitants of Vrindavana (raganuga-bhakti) 5. The glorious nature of bhakti 6. The final destination (prayojana-tattva) Reflections on bhakti-tattva 1. Our situation (sambandha-tattva) Everyone is looking for love. Everyone is looking for peace. Everyone is looking for happiness. But we only get glimpses of these basic human necessities. Why? Because this world is not our real home. We are actually spiritual beings, living in a material world. We are like a fish thrown out of the water. Since thousands of years, mankind always asked one very important question. “Who am I?” Am I this body? Am I German? Am I American? Am I a man? Am I a professor? Am I rich?All these answers can be changed any moment. All these answers are based on a temporary nature. When we come to the point of asking that there must be more to this, then actually spiritual life begins. Who am I? What is my duty? Where do I come from? Where will I go? The Vedic literature deals exactly with all these questions. In fact they state that if we do NOT ask these questions, our human life is wasted. So, who am I? I am NOT this body. I am NOT my thoughts. I am NOT my profession.
    [Show full text]
  • Inquiries Into the Absolute
    Inquiries into the Absolute (A collection of thought provoking & intriguing answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami for questions raised by devotees on various spiritual topics) Shri Shri Radha Govinda, Brooklyn, NY We invite you to immerse yourself into the transcendental answers given by Srila Romapada Swami! These sublime instructions are certain to break our misconceptions into millions of pieces and to deepen our understanding of various topics in Krishna consciousness. Compilation of weekly digests 1 to 242 (Upto December 2007) His Holiness Srila Romapada Swami Maharaj! Everyone one likes to inquire. Srila Prabhupada writes, "The whole world is full of questions and answers. The birds, beasts and men are all busy in the matter of perpetual questions and answers... Although they go on making such questions and answers for their whole lives, they are not at all satisfied. Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject of Krishna." -- Purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.5 "Inquiries into the Absolute" is a wonderful opportunity provided by Srila Romapada Swami to help us fruitfully engage our propensity to inquire and seek answers. Please take advantage! Guide to “Inquiries into the Absolute” om ajïäna-timirändhasya jïänäïjana-çaläkayä cakñur unmélitaà yena tasmai çré-gurave namaù I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge. ‘Inquiries into the Absolute’, is a weekly email digest comprising of thought provoking and sublime answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaj to the questions raised by devotees on myriad spiritual topics.
    [Show full text]
  • The Essence of Spiritual Knowledge
    Çré Vijaya Ekadäsé Issue no:130 19th February 2020 THE ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE THE SCIENCE OF THE SUPREME LORD SPONTANEOUS UNAlloYED DEVotION Srila Vrindavan Das Thakura Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura THE EssENCE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE THE GloRIES OF LORD CHAITANYA His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada MAHAPRABHU'S ARRIVAL IN GokULA Srila Jagadananda Pandita Circulaton 29, 621 Issue no 130, Page — 2 nityaà bhägavata-sevayä THE SCIENCE OF THE SUPREME LORD names of Hari. Everyone was maddened with Srila Vrindavan Thakura pride on account of their high birth, opulence, knowledge, and beauty. At that time Sri Advaita The science of the Supreme Lord and His Acharya Prabhu, along with pure devotees like various incarnations is difficult to understand. Srivasa, loudly chanted the names of Lord Hari. What to speak of ordinary living entities, even But people who were averse to the Lord con- Lord Brahma cannot fathom this science without tinually harassed and teased the non-envious the mercy of the Lord. The statement of Lord pure devotees. When the compassionate Sri Brahma in the Çrémad Bhägavatam is the evi- Advaita Prabhu saw people’s extreme aversion dence in this regard. Although the cause of the to Krishna cause great distress to the devotees, Supreme Lord’s appearance is most confidential, He began to worship Krishna with water and the statements of Bhagavad-gétä reveal that Lord tulasi with a vow to bring about the advent of Visnu appears in every millennium in order to Krishna. Before the advent of Lord Gaurahari, Sri protect the pious people, deliver the miscreants, Nityananda Prabhu—who is nondifferent from and reestablish the principles of religion.
    [Show full text]
  • Spiritual Successors of the Six Goswamis
    All glory to Sri Guru and Gauranga Spiritual Successors Of The Six Goswamis By the Grace of the Founder-President-Acharya Of Nabadwip Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Ananta sri vibhusita Nitya-lila-pravistha Om Vishnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakarchary kula chudamani Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev Goswami Maharaj Under the Divine Guidance and Inspiration Graciously Granted by His Most Beloved Attendent and Authorized Successor Om Vishnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Astottara-sata Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev Goswami Maharaj This book was published from Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Sridhar Mission, Sydney Australia, by Muralidhar das. Contents Vande Rupa Sanatana......................................................................3 Sri Srinivas Acharya .......................................................................6 Srila Narottam das Thakur ............................................................11 Srila Shyamananda Prabhu ...........................................................16 Sri Vishnupriya Devi..................................................................... 20 The Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya............................................24 The Gaura Purnima festival at Kheturi..........................................29 After the Kheturi festival...............................................................36 Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakur ........................................... 41 The clash of Spirituality and Sectarianism.................................... 47 Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusan .........................................................52
    [Show full text]