Godhead is light. Nescience is darkness. Where there is Godhead there is no nescience.

The Magazine of the Hare Krishna Movement • Jul/Aug 2020 • $4.50

The Science of Chanting Going Beyond Mere Syllables

ALSO: Prepare to Go to Kṛṣṇa Devotional Surrender: An Embracing of Truth Royal Duty, Divine Duty An Eventful Tour: Lessons from Kṛṣṇa’s Entrance into Mathurā The Spiritual Highway

www.krishna.com Assisting you in your quest for the Absolute Truth WELCOME The photos illustrating the cover story for this issue were taken at the 2020 Radhadesh Mellows Kirtan Festival in Belgium. to Over the last dozen or so years, kīrtana festivals have BACKFounded 1944 • Vol. 54, No. 4 • July / AugustGODHEAD 2020 become an important part of the culture of the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement. As evidence of the Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa spiritual power of the Lord’s names, devotees 6 are together the FEATURES DEPARTMENTS who attend these festivals, which usually last one Supreme from one to three days, spend many hours Absolute Truth. Founder’s Lecture Letters 4 each day joyfully singing the Hare Kṛṣṇa 6 Prepare to Go to Kṛṣṇa A Pause for Prayer 11 mahā-mantra. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that only the foolish person Book Section: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 35 “Chanting,” whether by singing or by doesn’t know that we are all on the threshold of death. King Pṛthu Praises the Brāhmaṇas uttering the holy name while counting on 13 Devotional Surrender: An Embracing of Truth and Vaiṣṇavas japa beads, is at the heart of the practice of If we examine the real meaning of “surrender” to Kṛṣṇa, we Śrīla Prabhupāda Speaks Out 39 bhakti-yoga, whose goal is to awaken our love 54 will find the concept to be dynamic and reciprocal. Soul-Killing Rascals for Kṛṣṇa. In this issue, Gaura Śaraṇa Dāsa’s 20 The Science of Chanting: Calendar 47 “Steer Your Life Guided by Wisdom” and 13 Going Beyond Mere Syllables Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-Mantra 53 Tirumala Devī Dāsī’s “The Spiritual Highway” both stress the importance of understanding If anyone eager for devotional service utters the holy name In Memoriam: Śrutidharma Dāsa 64 even partially or improperly, the holy name exhibits its “This Life Is for Serving Others” life’s goal and striving to attain it. The title of spiritual potency. the book excerpt in this issue says what we From the Editor 66 30 Absurdity, Abdication, and Abuse: When God Loses Control can expect as we pursue that goal: “Māyā Is Śrī Caitanya Going to Test You.” Mahāprabhu, the Lessons from the Mahābhārata Vedic Thoughts 67 In his opening lecture, Śrīla Prabhupāda combined incarnation Like Dhṛtarāṣṭra, all who are blinded by their attachments of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, tells us to “Prepare to Go to Kṛṣṇa,” and invite misfortune upon themselves. COVER Śrīla Haridāsa Ṭhākura, a close inaugurated the Ūrmilā Devī Dāsī, in “Devotional Surrender: 41 Royal Duty, Divine Duty associate of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, chants chanting of Hare Hare Kṛṣṇa on japa beads. The painting was An Embracing of Truth,” writes that Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa five hundred A newcomer to the UK finds inspiration in the Queen’s the backdrop behind the kīrtana leaders at mercifully responds to our earnest attempts to years ago. example. the 2020 Radhadesh Mellows Kirtan Festival take refuge in Him. 44 The Spiritual Highway in Belgium. Please see the article “The Hare Kṛṣṇa. – Nāgarāja Dāsa, Editor Science of Chanting,” beginning on page We aspiring devotees may experience traffic congestion of a 20. (Painting by Vrinda Gleeson, Rukmini different kind – traffic congestion within the heart. Poddar, and Sita Bell.) Book Excerpt: Living the Wisdom of Bhakti: 30 41 Life As a Spiritual Practice, Volume One “So these rascals OUR PURPOSES 48 Māyā Is Going to Test You may go on • To help all people discern reality from illusion, What seem like obstacles on our spiritual path are all part of talking so many spirit from matter, the eternal from the temporary. Kṛṣṇa’s merciful plan for our progress. things, but we • To expose the faults of materialism. don’t care about 54 An Eventful Tour: Lessons from • To offer guidance in the Vedic techniques of Kṛṣṇa’s Entrance into Mathurā any of them. We have to do our spiritual life. When the young village cowherd enters the big city, He flouts own business. • To preserve and spread the Vedic culture. the law and order of its evil king. His Divine Grace Let the dog bark; • To celebrate the chanting of the holy names of A. C. Bhaktivedanta the caravan will God as taught by Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahā­prabhu. 61 Steer Your Life Guided by Wisdom Swami Prabhupāda, pass.” – p. 40 • To help every living being remember and 20 The benefit of having a human body over an animal body is  Founder-Ācārya of the ability to direct our life toward a higher destination. serve Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead. the International Society for Krishna JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEADConsciousness. 3 BACK TO GOD­HEAD Letters The Magazine of the Still Exciting us off the bodily platform of hanker- there can help you set up an altar in knowledge of how and what to offer down and say the offering prayers to Hare Krishna Movement ing and lamenting, anxiety, and all your home, and you can have a sacred Him. Also, I want to know about the them. They can be found here: http:// I would like to offer my heartfelt our material problems. The proof is place for chanting. time – when I don’t feel like eating or food.krishna.com/article/offering- FOUNDER (under the direction of His Divine Grace gratitude for the ever-enlivening shown in the lives of those who have I want to skip my meals, should I offer food-krishna. Repeat each prayer Śrī Śrīmad Bhakti­­­siddhānta Sarasvatī Prabhupāda) content of this precious publication, taken up this reformatory process of Him food even then? three times. If that is not possible, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Back to Godhead. This magazine was Material Desires bhakti. The results are amazing. In ev- Parul Makwana then call the Lords to come and ac- Prabhupāda (1896–1977) the first piece of Prabhupāda’s mag- ery country there are congregations of How can we overcome material Via the Internet cept your offering to them. If you can, nificent publications that I picked up BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST devotees joyfully engaged in Kṛṣṇa’s desires? wait a little bit for them to accept the as a child, and it hasn’t left my heart REPRESENTATIVE Govardhana Dāsa service. Siddesh Kumar Reply: If you are not doing deity wor- preparations, then clap your hands to since. That childlike excitement still EDITOR Nāgarāja Dāsa Via the Internet ship of a high standard, then you are let them know you are going to take GENERAL MANAGER Prema-mañjarī Devī Dāsī bursts out every time I see this bless- not obligated to offer and eat at cer- the plate away. Bow down and thank ASSOCIATE EDITORS Caitanya Caraṇa Dāsa, ing come through the post. All glories How and How Much to Chant Reply: The recommended process tain times. As long as you are not of- them. Then clean the area. It is the Drutakarmā Dāsa, Satyarāja Dāsa, to the wonderful devotees who are so Is there any particular way in which in this age for controlling the mind fering meat, fish, and egg preparations, sincerity that the Lord is accepting, so Viśākhā Devī Dāsī merciful to continue this project with DESIGN / LAYOUT Govinda Cordua we should chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa man- and its hankering and lamenting is then you are doing all right. Try not to put your heart into it. such quality and detail. PROOFREADERS Gadāgraja Dāsa, Keśihanta tra, or is there a rule that one needs to to chant the holy names of the Lord, offer grains cooked by nondevotees. Krupa Maisuria Dāsa, Kṛṣṇa-kṛpā Dāsa, Mahāmāyā Devī Dāsī, chant it a particular number of times? Hare Kṛṣṇa. The Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā- Present your food items on a Replies were written by Krishna.com Leicester, UK Vegavatī Devī Dāsī Aryan mantra puts us in direct contact with designated offering plate on a clean Live Help volunteers. Please write to ARCHIVES Ekanātha Dāsa Via the Internet the Lord and helps to purify our con- surface in front of pictures of Prabhu­ us at: BTG, P. O. Box 430, ­Alachua, Ijya Dāsa CUSTOMER SERVICE sciousness from the dirty things we ACCOUNTS Rañjita Dāsa To Enjoy or Not to Enjoy pāda and your guru and Lord Cai- Florida 32616, USA. Email: editors@ Reply: Lord Caitanya, the most recent have been accumulating for lifetimes. tanya and Lord Kṛṣṇa if you can. Bow krishna.com. EDITORIAL OFFICES Send editorial Some people say we should enjoy incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, recommends By the power of transcendental sound, correspondence to BTG, P. O. Box 430, Alachua, FL this world, and Kṛṣṇa says this world the constant chanting of the glories we can awaken the lost consciousness 32616, USA. Email: [email protected]. is māyā. So should we enjoy this of the Lord, especially by chanting of our real relationship with God, a The International Society for Krishna Consciousness material world? the mahā-mantra. He says that there relationship of eternal love. SUBSCRIPTIONS Back to Godhead is published Satwik Sharma is no hard and fast rule for chanting. Kṛṣṇa’s name and He Himself are six times a year. To subscribe, go to http://btg.krishna. CENTERS Via the Internet He did, however, show the example the same. Our mind and senses need com/subscriber-services. If you prefer not to subscribe of keeping track of a regular num- engagement in something spiritual. online, see SUBSCRIBER SERVICE below for how AROUND to contact us. Reply: The material energy is trying to ber of mantras chanted daily. Śrīla Chanting is the easiest and most joy- convince us to try to enjoy here. But Prabhupāda asked us to chant a ful process, and it works for everyone. SUBSCRIBER SERVICE To change your address can one really enjoy in a prison? No, minimum of 16 rounds of the mahā- As we take up devotional service THE WORLD or clear up any questions about your subscription, this is not a place of enjoyment. It is mantra on our mālā of 108 beads. This and keep busy in Kṛṣṇa’s service, we Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace write to BTG Service Center, P. O. Box 430, Alachua, a place for purifying ourselves of our is the standard for initiated devotees. change our material desires into the A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda FL 32616, USA. Or call 1-800-800-3284. Or email selfish desire to enjoy without God, Prabhupāda encouraged one who desire to satisfy Him. Our desires [email protected]. We can answer your questions Kṛṣṇa. If we become purified, then we is beginning the process to set some faster if you send a recent mailing label or invoice. become spiritual, and we become Please allow eight weeks for changes to show on your can experience the highest enjoyment, amount, even just a few rounds a day, ­satisfied internally. label. much higher than what the material and do it every day. One can increase The art of offering everything to energy promises. gradually up to sixteen, which takes Kṛṣṇa works, as we think more of We are entitled to a spiritual plea- a couple of hours or so. So just set Him and less of ourselves, our prob- sure coming from the reservoir of all ­yourself something that you can do. lems, and our anxieties. Kṛṣṇa takes pleasure, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, whom we are part The process of chanting is to hear over our life and sees to it that His of. If we link to Him with love and de- the words of the mantra and try to devotee is happy. It is a reciprocal ex- votion, through service, then we can take them to your heart. The website change, eternally fresh and sweet. This experience pleasure eternally. iskcondesiretree.com has classes and is bhakti, the art of loving devotion to The practice of connecting to seminars on chanting japa, such as the Lord of our heart, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa has been made easy and joyful those of Bhūrijana Dāsa. You can of Printed in South Africa by the Lord Himself for us inmates course sing the mantra at any time, Offering Food to the Lord in Kali-yuga. It begins with glorify- and you can find many tunes on the © 2020 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust ing, hearing, and chanting His holy same website. I work in a bank, and it is always International. All rights reserved. (Trustee for The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust: Svavāsa Dāsa.) names. So yes, we can enjoy even here You can join in the chanting at our tough to manage time for my spiri- in the material world – if we are in Back to Godhead (ISSN 0005-3643, USPS 604-170) temples. And if you’re not near a tem- tual practices. However, by Kṛṣṇa’s Copenhagen, Denmark is published bimonthly (six times a year) for $19.95 His transcendental company. Kṛṣṇa is ple, you can take part online, as some mercy I do get some time to offer per year by Back To Godhead, 13921 NW 146th present in His names and in His ser- temples have live webcams. If there Him food, and then only do I take my For the complete list, go to centres.iskcon.org Ave., Alachua, FL 32615. Periodicals postage paid vice. Taking advantage of these moves is a temple near you, the devotees food (as prasādam). But I lack proper at Alachua, Florida, and additional mailing offices. CANADA POST AGREEMENT #: 40612608. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Back to JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 5 Godhead, P. O. Box 430, Alachua, FL 32616. FOUNDER’S LECTURE Los Angeles – May 19, 1972 Prepare to Go to Kr.s.n.a Intelligent human beings focus their efforts on attaining the best possible destination after death. by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Founder-Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

śrī-śuka uvāca death. Any moment we can die. Therefore it is evam etan nigaditaṁ said, “As sure as death.” All other things may be pṛṣṭavān yad bhavān mama not sure, but death is sure. nṛṇāṁ yan mriyamāṇānāṁ Therefore it is said here manuṣyeṣu manīṣiṇām. manuṣyeṣu manīṣiṇām Not ordinary men. Manīṣī. Manīṣī means thought- ful. They ask, “What is to be done now, before “Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Mahā­rāja Parīkṣit, as death comes? Shall I die like cats and dogs, or you have inquired from me as to the duty of the shall I die like a human being?” This is the ques- intelligent man who is on the threshold of death, tion. When cats and dogs die, nobody cares. But so I have answered you.” when a human being dies, there are so many cere­ – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.1 monies, there is mourning, because human life is important. OW, THIS IS THE IMPORTANT part of Parīkṣit Mahārāja was cursed to die, but he was the verse: a “man who is on the threshold given seven days’ time: “You, King, shall die after Nof death.” Who can say, “I am not on the seven days, being bitten by a serpent.” This was threshold of death”? Is there anyone in the uni- the curse given to him. He accepted it. He could verse who can say, “I am not on the threshold of have counteracted it. He was a Vaiṣṇava. He was death”? Can anyone say that? Everyone is on very powerful. But he thought, “Yes, I am an of- the threshold of death. That’s a fact. Everyone is fender. The brāhmaṇa boy has cursed me; I shall ­subject to death. accept it.” Nobody can say, “I shall live for so many years.” He prepared himself for death. For seven days

No guarantee. Everyone is on the threshold of he placed himself on the bank of the Ganges Painting by Puṣkara Dāsa

6 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 7 without drinking a drop of water, and pravṛttiṁ ca nivṛttiṁ ca janā na vidur increase it to millions of dollars. That protection, but no independence. In [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and for seven days he continuously heard āsurāḥ. Asura janā, those who are is intelligence. And miserliness, or the Bhagavad-gītā it is said, striyo the benefactor of the truthful devotee, What Is the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from Śukadeva demons, do not know these two things, foolishness, is that I get some money vaiśyās tathā śūdrās. Striyaḥ means cleanses desire for material enjoy- Hare Kṛṣṇa Movement? pravṛtti nivṛtti from my father, but I spend it for śūdras vaiśyas Gosvāmī. That was decided. In any and , what is our duty woman. Women, , and ment from the heart of the devotee Founded in 1966 by His Divine circumstances of life, hearing and and what is not our duty. That is the nothing. are put into the same category. who has developed the urge to hear Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami chanting is prescribed. position of the modern civilization. This human form of life is specially One has to be enlightened. As the His messages, which are in themselves Prabhupāda, the International Śukadeva Gosvāmī said, “My dear They do not know these things. What meant for becoming a brāhmaṇa. We śūdra can be enlightened under good virtuous when properly heard and Society for Krishna Consciousness King, I have explained to you what is is our duty to do and what is our duty are therefore creating brāhmaṇas. We protection, similarly a woman can chanted.” (Bhāgavatam 1.2.17) (ISKCON) carries on a great to be done now, at the time of death.” not to do, they do not know. Nor do are not creating śūdras. Śūdras are also be enlightened. There is no bar- Hṛdy antaḥ-sthaḥ. Kṛṣṇa is within ancient tradition rooted in the We should take instruction from they have any education in this life already there. Janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ. ricade to enlighten woman. Everyone your heart. If you kindly continue Bhagavad-gītā, the teachings Lord Anyone born is a śūdra. Śūdra can be enlightened. Everyone has got to hear about Him, as you are doing, Kṛṣṇa spoke five millennia ago. The means one who has no knowl- the light. But ordinarily the śūdras then Kṛṣṇa will be very much pleased. Gītā and the other Vedic scriptures Without being intelligent, nobody can take edge, who is ignorant. He is and the vaiśyas are not to be consid- “Oh, this person is now interested in declare Kṛṣṇa to be the original called a śūdra. ered very intelligent. Me.” Because nobody’s interested in person, God Himself, who appears to Krsna consciousness. Our mission is to Śūdras are not intelligent. Janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ. Everyone Kṛṣṇa. So Kṛṣṇa is also silent to them. periodically in this world to liberate . . . They cannot do anything is born a śūdra. Saṁskārād bhaved But as soon as you become interested, all living beings. educate people to become intelligent. thoughtfully. Get some work, dvijaḥ. By saṁskāra, reformation, one oh, Kṛṣṇa becomes very active. “Oh, Only five hundred years ago, get some few dollars daily, eat becomes a dvija, “twice-born.” We he’s trying to do something. I shall Kṛṣṇa descended as Śrī Caitanya and sleep. That is the way of follow this principle in the Kṛṣṇa help him.” Mahāprabhu to teach the most the behavior of Parīkṣit Mahārāja about what we should do and what the śūdras. They cannot do anything consciousness movement. Not that In the Bhagavad-gītā (10.10) it is sublime and effective means of about how to act when one is on the we should not do. independently. all of a sudden we accept anyone as said, meditation for the present day: threshold of death. Everyone is on Therefore this particular word is A brāhmaṇa will not engage in a brāhmaṇa. We give saṁskāra in the the chanting of the names of God, the threshold of death, but the foolish mentioned here, manīṣiṇām. In hu- anyone’s service. That is specially form of chanting and other things. teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ especially as found in the Hare person does not know that. The fool- man society those who are specifically forbidden. Even if he is in difficulty, First of all comes association. By good bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam Kṛṣṇa mantra. ish person thinks, “I shall live forever.” intelligent, it is for them. The author a brāhmaṇa should not accept any- association, by the association of dev- dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ Today members of ISKCON That is foolishness. of Caitanya-caritāmṛta writes, kṛṣṇa one’s service like a dog. This word otees, one can understand automati- yena mām upayānti te continue Lord Caitanya’s move- yei bhaje sei baḍa catura. Catura is especially used. A dog cannot live cally what is God, what is Kṛṣṇa. ment by distributing the teachings ahany ahani bhūtāni means very intelligent. Without being without a master. A dog, if he hasn’t Traditionally the śūdras were not “To those who are constantly devoted of Lord Kṛṣṇa and the Hare Kṛṣṇa gacchantīha yamālayam intelligent, nobody can take to Kṛṣṇa got a good master, is a street dog. He given any saṁskāra, because it is very to serving Me with love, I give the mantra all over the world. śeṣāḥ sthāvaram icchanti consciousness. Our mission is to may be killed at any time. He has no difficult for those in the very lowest understanding by which they can kim āścaryam ataḥ param educate people to become intelligent. protection. Therefore this very word stage of life to accept saṁskāra, the come to Me.” Kṛṣṇa is silent for the Pronunciation They are foolish. They do not know is used. Śūdra means like a dog. He reformatory method. But this Kṛṣṇa nondevotees, but He speaks to the We spell Sanskrit words and names “Day after day countless living enti- the value of life. They do not know must have a master; otherwise he consciousness movement, under the devotees. That is very natural. A big by a phonetic system that lets ties in this world go to the kingdom of what is going to happen after death. ­cannot live. direction of the Six Gosvāmīs and man talks with men who are intel- you know how to say each word. death. Still, those who remain aspire No. Just like cats and dogs. There are different classes of men. the pañcarātra system, is giving ev- ligent, who are businesslike. Why Pronounce short a like the u in for a permanent situation here. What Therefore the Gargopaniṣad says, Śūdras must have protection. Woman eryone the opportunity to become a should he waste his time talking with but, long ā like the a in far (and could be more amazing than this?” etad viditvā yaḥ prayāti sa brāhmaṇaḥ: must have protection because they brāhmaṇa because without becom- some rascals and fools? So Kṛṣṇa held twice as long as the short a). (Mahā­bhārata, Vana-parva 313.116) “One who leaves this body after cannot do anything independently. ing a brāhmaṇa nobody can under- talks, but He talks to the devotees. Pronounce e like the a in evade, Yudhi­ṣṭhira Mahārāja was asked knowing everything is a brāhmaṇa.” To give them independence means stand what is Kṛṣṇa or what is Kṛṣṇa Who are devotees? Satata-yuktānāṁ long ī like the i in pique. Pronounce by Dharma­rāja, “What is the most And etad aviditvā yaḥ prayāti sa to create some trouble. In the Manu- consciousness. bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam. Those who the vowel ṛ like the ri in rim, and wonderful thing within this world?” kṛpaṇaḥ: “Anyone who dies without saṁhitā it is clearly said, na strī are twenty-four hours engaged in c like the ch in chair. Pronounce He answered this way: ahany ahani knowing the value of life is a kṛpaṇa, svātantryam arhati. Women cannot be Coming to Goodness rendering loving devotional service to consonants like ch, jh, and dh as bhūtānī gacchantīha yamālayam. “Ev- a miser, cripple-minded,” because given independence. No. They must the Lord. To such persons Kṛṣṇa gives in staunch-heart, hedge-hog, and eryone, at every moment, is going to he could not utilize the opportunity be protected. When a girl is a child, up One must be on the platform of good- intelligence, not others. red-hot. Pronounce ś and ṣ like sh. the place of Yamarāja, the superinten- given to him by nature. You American to twelve years, thirteen years, say fif- ness. When one is fixed up on the This process of hearing from So for Kṛṣṇa say KRISHNA, for dent of death, where a man’s life, what boys and girls – nice country, good fa- teen, sixteen years, not more than that, platform of goodness, the other two Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā, Caitanya say CHAITANYA. he has done, is scrutinizingly studied.” cilities, no poverty – everything is very she must be protected by her father. qualities – ignorance and passion – must be continued. That is our life. I say “a man’s life.” Not an animal’s nicely given to you. But if in spite of And at the age of thirteen to sixteen cannot disturb him. Śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Spiritual Names life. Animals have no such thing as all these facilities you don’t take to years, she must be married. The father Śravaṇam means hearing. ISKCON members receive names “wrong” or “right.” But a human being Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then you are must find out some boy who can take śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ Kīrtanam means chanting about Lord of Lord Kṛṣṇa or his great devotees, must have this conscience, “right” or kṛpaṇas, misers. charge of her, the second charge. And puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ Viṣṇu, not others. “Now I am hearing combined with Dāsa, for men, or “wrong.” “Miser” means one who has got when she’s old, the charge is given to hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi and chanting about Nixon.” [Chuck- Dāsī, for women, both of which money but cannot utilize it. He is a the elder sons. A woman is protected vidhunoti suhṛt satām les.] That will not help. Everyone mean “servant.” For instance, the Duty and Not Duty miser. There are many merchants who like that. is busy with the newspaper. “What name Kṛṣṇa Dāsa means “servant get a few thousand dollars from their Śūdras also should not be given “Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of has Nixon said, what is he doing . . .” of Kṛṣṇa.” In the Bhagavad-gītā (16.7) it is said, father, but due to intelligence they independence. They should be given Godhead, who is the Paramātmā Everywhere.

8 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 9 The politicians have made the sarva-dharmān parityajya said, or what is spoken about Kṛṣṇa.” minds of the general public very mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja That means Bhagavad-gītā and much interested in what the politi- ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. cian says. Every day people see that mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ Every one of you, follow the the politicians are simply speaking instruction as you have received it. all nonsense; still they’re interested. “Abandon all varieties of religion and Chant sixteen rounds regularly, with- Punaḥ punaś carvita-carvaṇānām just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver out fail, follow the regulative prin- (Bhāgavatam 7.5.30). This is called you from all sinful reaction. Do not ciples, hear about Kṛṣṇa, and preach “chewing the chewed again and again.” fear.” (Gītā 18.66) Kṛṣṇa is saying, about Kṛṣṇa – every one of you be- By the laws of material nature, we are “Give up all other occupations, other come a spiritual master. It is a simple all bound up tight, hands and legs. We duties. Simply surrender unto Me. thing. No education is required. We cannot neglect the laws of nature. If Don’t hesitate. Do it.” are hearing about Kṛṣṇa, so we can you eat a little more than you should, Kṛṣṇa is personally canvassing. speak the same thing. What is the then you have to fast for three days. He’s so kind that He comes person- difficulty? That we actually know. If you expose ally. He speaks the whole truth in I hear from my spiritual master or from any learned man, “Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality People are so much bound up by the laws of of Godhead,” so after hear- ing I say, “Kṛṣṇa is Supreme nature; still they are thinking, “I am free. I am Personality of Godhead.” I haven’t got to search out independent. Where is God? I am God.” whether or not Kṛṣṇa is the Personality of Godhead. If I accept the authority, then I yourself a little too much to cold, then the Bhagavad-gītā. He’s canvassing, speak the real truth. This is our Kṛṣṇa you have to pay ten dollars to the “Please do it.” consciousness movement. doctor – a fine. He again comes as a devotee, Lord Therefore sometimes people say in People are so much bound up by Caitanya. Lord Caitanya is teaching India, “Swamiji, you have done a won- the laws of nature; still they are think- how to surrender to Kṛṣṇa. There derful thing.” I do not know. I’m not ing, “I am free. I am independent. is no difference between Lord Cai­ a magician. But I am confident that I Where is God? I am God.” Just see. tanya’s teachings and Kṛṣṇa’s teach- did not adulterate the words of Kṛṣṇa. Such foolish persons. Every moment ing. They are the same thing. In one That’s all. That’s my credit. I did not they are being kicked on the face form Kṛṣṇa is saying, “You surrender like to take the position of Kṛṣṇa. I by the boot of material nature, and unto Me,” and Lord Caitanya says, remained the servant of Kṛṣṇa, and I still they’re saying, “I am God. I am “Surrender to Kṛṣṇa.” The fact is the spoke what Kṛṣṇa said. That’s all. This ­independent.” You see? same. We are following Lord Cai- is my secret. It is just like one blind man telling tanya Mahāprabhu. We are canvassing, Everyone can do that. There is no other blind men, “Please follow me. I “Please surrender to Kṛṣṇa.” magic. The magic will act as soon as shall lead you to the right path.” Our business is not very difficult you become a pure devotee of Kṛṣṇa. “But you are blind yourself, and we if we follow, if we surrender to Kṛṣṇa The magic will be done by Kṛṣṇa, not are also blind. What will be the help?” fully and teach others the same by me or you. He will do it. It is just But no, they will follow. In our thing. No adulteration. No. Exactly like a small child: Nobody can hurt country Gandhi promised, “I shall what Kṛṣṇa says. Then you become him; the father will take care of him. Painting by Puṣkara Dāsa give you independence in one year a spiritual master, a guru. Caitanya He does not know anything. He’s if you follow me – nonviolence, non- Mahāprabhu says, simply depending on his father: “My cooperation.” People followed, but father, mother,” that’s all. it took thirty years. But actually, that yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa Kṛṣṇa says, “Surrender unto Me; is not independence. So these politi- āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa I’ll give you protection.” He’s not a cians, especially, mislead us. Not only liar. He’s not inefficient. He’s strong. politicians – the so-called yogis as “Under My order, become a spiritual He’s sufficiently opulent. He can do [Nārada Muni said:] O Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa, unlimited Lord, source You are the shelter of all souls, and being the supreme well. master and deliver the people of that. Believe in Kṛṣṇa’s word and of all mystic power, LordA of the Pauseuniverse! O Vāsudeva, forcontroller, Prayer You fulfill Your desires simply by Your will. your country.” (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, surrender unto Him. Don’t spoil this shelter of all beings and best of the Yadus! O master, You By Your personal creative potency You manifested in the Madhya 7.128) And what is that human form of life. Death is sure. are the Supreme Soul of all created beings, sitting unseen beginning the primal modes of material nature, and through Kr.s.n. a and Caitanya: The Same Message order? Yāre dekha tāre kaha kṛṣṇa- Before death, we must prepare to go within the cave of the heart like the fire dormant within their agency You create, maintain and then destroy this upadeśa: “Whomever you meet, sim- back to home, back to Godhead. kindling wood. You are the witness within everyone, the universe. The real leader is Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa says, ply speak to them what Kṛṣṇa has Thank you. Supreme Personality and the ultimate controlling Deity. – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.37.10–12

10 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 11 DEVOTIONAL SURRENDER: An Embracing of Truth by Ūrmilā Devī Dāsī

Accepting Kṛṣṇa’s invitation to come under His shelter ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo doesn’t end our social engagement; it uplifts it. mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ

HE CONCEPT of surrendering our- life. As we examine the real meaning of sur- “Abandon all varieties of religion and just sur- selves to Kṛṣṇa is at the heart of what render, we will find the concept to be dynamic render unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sin- it means to be Kṛṣṇa conscious. Yet the and reciprocal, rather than anything narrow or ful reactions. Do not fear.” Tword surrender may conjure conceptions of stereotyped. In fact, proper social engagement can occur painful subjugation, perhaps as the regretful The Bhagavad-gītā (18.66) ends with a call only with surrender, as explained in Bhagavad- end to a war for the losing side. Conversely, to surrender to the Lord without fear and gītā (7.14), because only through surrender is if we do indeed feel the joy of Kṛṣṇa’s call to engage with the world in that mood of the veil of ignorance and illusion lifted. for our surrender in terms of accepting His surrender. love, we may define such surrender as a with- drawal from social engagement. Surrender sarva-dharmān parityajya may seem to imply a cloistered or monastic mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja

12 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 Painting by Rāmadāsa Abhirāma Dāsa and Dhṛtī Dāsī. JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 13 Photos from iStockphoto.com. Collage by Govinda Cordua. daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī There are a number of ways in which nikṣepa, as “dedicate one’s life for His Mathurā, worshiping the Deity of the the Lord. The fiction writers, poets mama māyā duratyayā Śrīla Prabhupāda translates the above service.” Lord, reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and celebrated litterateurs are mām eva ye prapadyante verse. First, we can look at his transla- We will look at each of the six in serving a devotee and chanting the generally engaged in writing of BACK TO māyām etāṁ taranti te tion of each word: terms of both surrender and social Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra – [that] are so po- sensuous subjects, but if they turn engagement. tent a small attachment for any one of towards the service of the Lord they can describe the transcendental GODHEAD “This divine energy of Mine, consisting ānukūlyasya – of anything that these five items can arouse devotional pastimes of the Lord. Vālmīki is a of the three modes of material nature, assists devotional service to the ecstasy even in a neophyte.” (The Accept Everything Favorable great poet, and similarly Vyāsadeva is difficult to overcome. But those Lord; saṅkalpaḥ – acceptance; prāti­ Nectar of Devotion, chapter 13) Subscriber Service kūlyasya – of anything that hinders to Serving the Lord is a great writer, and both of them who have surrendered unto Me can Some degree of social engagement Information devotional service; varjanam – com- have absolutely engaged them- easily cross beyond it.” In a narrow sense, this aspect of sur- is inherent, or at least implied, in Your satisfaction rakṣiṣyati selves in delineating the transcen- plete rejection; – He will is our highest priority. Our illusion is an egoistic covering protect; iti – thus; viśvāsaḥ – strong render would mean taking up the many of the positive aṅgas of bhakti. dental activities of the Lord and by of the self, such as thinking oneself to conviction; goptṛtve – in being the sixty-four various limbs, or aṅgas, of For example, living in a holy place doing so have become immortal. LET OUR BTG SERVICE be the center of reality. Social engage- guardian, like the father or husband, bhakti. Rūpa Gosvāmī describes that includes assisting the residents there Similarly, science and philosophy ment without surrender and without master or maintainer; varaṇam – the three most important aṅgas all and serving the place by, for example, also should be applied in the ser- CENTER HELP YOU WITH: relate to a spiritual master. cleaning and maintaining the shrines vice of the Lord. There is no use These are “accepting the and features such as rivers and presenting dry speculative theories Renewing: for sense gratification. Philosophy shelter of a bona fide spiritual mountains. We will automatically Basing engagement with others on a false plat- and science should be engaged to master, taking initiation from Generally, or at least ideally, reci- notify you by mail when it’s time establish the glory of the Lord. Ad- to renew. If you prefer, you form likely renders all interaction problematic, him and serving him with tation of scriptures such as Śrīmad- vanced people are eager to under- can even renew your subscrip- respect and reverence.” (The Bhāgavatam involves engagement stand the Absolute Truth through tion by calling us toll-free. Nectar of Devotion, chapter 6) with others, as Kṛṣṇa explains in the possibly ineffective, and perhaps even harmful. the medium of science, and there- Gift Subscriptions: Bhagavad-gītā This concept is certainly (10.9): fore a great scientist should en- An easy way to send not unique to Gauḍīya deavor to prove the existence of the a thoughtful gift! You can send the Lord’s consequent lifting of illu- acceptance; tathā – as well as; Vaiṣṇavas. Surrender to the Lord in mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā Lord on a scientific basis. Similarly, a gift subscription of BTG sion is based on false premises of the ātma-nikṣepa – full self-surrender; most religious traditions involves ac- bodhayantaḥ parasparam philosophical speculations should to friends and family any time identity of the self and others. Basing kārpaṇye – and humility; ṣaṭ-vidhā – cepting a preceptor, prophet, guide, kathayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ be utilized to establish the Supreme of the year. We’ll also include an attractive gift card engagement with others on a false sixfold; śaraṇa-āgatiḥ – process of mentor, or leader, that acceptance of- tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca Truth as sentient and all-powerful. Similarly, all other branches of announcing your gift. platform likely renders all interaction surrender. ten including some sort of ceremony knowledge should always be en- Change of Address: problematic, possibly ineffective, and of dedication to the specific path “The thoughts of my pure devotees gaged in the service of the Lord. In If you are moving or taking a perhaps even harmful. Therefore the With this as a reference, we will use of that person or tradition. Among dwell in me, their lives are fully de- the Bhagavad-gītā also the same vacation, we’d be happy to message of the Bhagavad-gītā is to this translation: Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas this ceremony of voted to my service, and they derive is affirmed. All “knowledge” not change your address or suspend engage in the world with a mood of 1. Accept everything favorable to dedication is called dīkṣā, where one great satisfaction and bliss from al- engaged in the service of the Lord service temporarily. surrender. Interaction in the light of serving the Lord. receives mantras for meditation and ways enlightening one another and is but nescience. Real utilization of Other Questions: truth allows us to have real meaning 2. Give up everything unfavorable is connected with both a specific guru conversing about me.” advanced knowledge is to establish We’ll gladly help you with and value in our actions. for serving the Lord. and that guru’s lineage. Kṛṣṇa states Chanting the mahā-mantra – Hare the glories of the Lord, and that is these and any other questions According to scripture, surrender 3. Have a firm conviction that only in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.34): Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare the real import. Scientific knowl- you may have concerning your to Kṛṣṇa has six aspects. Two of the Kṛṣṇa can protect oneself. Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma edge engaged in the service of the BTG subscription.

sixty-four limbs of bhakti epitomize 4. Always accept Kṛṣṇa as one’s tad viddhi praṇipātena Rāma, Hare Hare – is done both as Lord and all similar activities are all factually hari-kīrtana, or glorifica- some of these aspects. These limbs maintainer. paripraśnena sevayā individual meditation and musically CONTACT US: tion of the Lord. are called ātma-nivedanam and 5. Always be conscious that one is upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ in groups, both among practitioners of śaraṇāpatti. Let us first look at the six not independent in fulfilling desires. jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ bhakti and involving the public. And he writes in his purport to Śrī 1-800-800-3284 aspects of surrender to the Lord and 6. Always humbly think of oneself In a broad sense, accepting what is Īśopaniṣad, Mantra 2: “There is no BTG Service Center then those two limbs. as most fallen so that Kṛṣṇa will take “Just try to learn the truth by ap- favorable for serving the Lord brings harm in becoming a family man, or an P. O. Box 430 care. proaching a spiritual master. Inquire the possibility of a wide range of so- altruist, a socialist, a communist, a na- Alachua, FL 32616, USA Alternatively, Śrīla Prabhupāda from him submissively and render cial engagement. Śrīla Prabhupāda tionalist or a humanitarian, provided E-mail: [email protected] Six Aspects of Surrender sometimes translates aspect four, service unto him. The self-realized writes in his purport to Śrīmad- that one executes his activities in rela- goptṛtve, as “to become a member of souls can impart knowledge unto you Bhāgavatam 1.5.22: ānukūlyasya saṅkalpaḥ tion with īśāvāsya, the God-centered a spiritual family” or “to introduce because they have seen the truth.” prātikūlyasya varjanam conception.” oneself with the associates of the In addition to those three most All the sages and devotees of the rakṣiṣyatīti viśvāso Lord.” He said, for example, “When important favorable activities, a sur- Lord have recommended that goptṛtve varaṇaṁ tathā the subject matter of art, science, you are advanced, you’ll understand rendered person follows as many of Give Up Everything ātma-nikṣepa-kārpaṇye philosophy, physics, chemistry, psy- what is your relationship with Kṛṣṇa. the limbs of bhakti as he or she is Unfavorable for Serving ṣaḍ-vidhā śaraṇāgatiḥ chology and all other branches of the Lord Then if you introduce yourself with able to do, in line with individual cir- knowledge should be wholly and (Lakṣmī-tantra 17.60 [quoted in that association . . .” cumstances. Rūpa Gosvāmī especially The main things a surrendered per- solely applied in the service of the http://btg.krishna.com/ Prabhupāda gives an alternative recommends “five kinds of devo- son gives up are explained in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa 11.676] and Lord. Art, literature, poetry, paint- subscriber-services Ahirbudhnya-saṁhitā 37.2) explanation for aspect five, ātma- tional activities – namely residing in ing, etc., may be used in glorifying Bhagavad-gītā (16.21):

14 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 15 tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ take up service in dangerous or dif- O Gokula Hari! Bhaktivinoda is will I arrange the marriages of my In this aspect of surrender, social others, but from the point of view of dvāraṁ nāśanam ātmanaḥ ficult situations. Worldly life is filled now the property of Gokula, Your sons and daughters? Now, through engagement involves acting as the a man in perfect knowledge – who kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas with various causes for fear at every holy abode. O Keśava! Kindly pro- self-surrender, I have been relieved Lord’s instrument rather than on knows that he is not this body – any- tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet moment. But one who feels the Lord tect him with gentle loving care. of all anxiety. O Lord, surely you one’s own volition. As is stated in the thing, honor or dishonor, pertaining as protector can minister to others in will provide for the maintenance of Bhagavad-gītā (11.33): to this body is useless.” (Bhagavad- Your own household. Recognizing “There are three gates leading to this the most difficult situations without gītā 13.8–12, Purport) Always Accept Kr.s.n. a as me as Your own servant, You will hell – lust, anger and greed. Every sane being personally affected. One’s Maintainer certainly maintain me. While ren- tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva Humility is a sense of the truth man should give these up, for they Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, a great dering devotional service unto You, jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ of our insignificance, our fallen state, lead to the degradation of the soul.” teacher in the Gauḍīya line, demon- We often think that we are maintain- I feel the greatest happiness. samṛddham our need of unconditional mercy and These three mentalities and desires strates this aspect of surrender with ing ourselves and our loved ones with mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva grace, and our awareness of total are directly opposed to surrender as a song about the cows that Lord our occupation, but even a brief time nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sācin ­dependence on Kṛṣṇa. well as to beneficial social engage- Kṛṣṇa herds. He writes in his book of careful thought will reveal that ev- Always Be Conscious That Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes in ment. It is not that a surrendered Śaraṇāgati (translation by Daśaratha- eryone is fully dependent on God for One Is Not Independent in “Therefore, get up. Prepare to fight Śaraṇāgati: person represses these inclinations, suta Dāsa): life. Regardless of how hard we work, Fulfilling Desires and win glory. Conquer your enemies how skilled, knowl- and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. Now please hear me, O Lord! I Śrīla Prabhupāda comments on the edgeable, or clever They are already put to death by My am utterly helpless. Without Your Nārada-bhakti-sūtra, verse 12, with we are, no matter arrange­ment, and you, O Savyasācī, mercy, everything is lost. Please give A person free from vice in both behavior and mo- the following explanation of this who our friends and can be but an instrument in the fight.” me the shelter of Your lotus feet. I aspect of surrender: “One should al- family are, circum- drank the deadly poison of worldli- tivation can engage socially in the world to truly ways remember that one’s activities stances in nature and ness, pretending it was nectar, and and desires are not independent. In Always Humbly Think of now the sun is setting on the hori- in human society in other words, the devotee should feel Oneself as Most Fallen So zon of my life. Were You to judge help others in an atmosphere of affection and trust. general can bring us completely dependent on Kṛṣṇa, and That Krsna Will Take Care me now, You would find no good prosperity or ruin . . . thus he should act and think as Kṛṣṇa qualities. Have mercy and judge me but rather neither indulges them nor Surrendering my soul unto You independent of our endeavors. This Śrīla Prabhupāda defines humility as desires.” In his Teachings of Lord not. Cause me to drink the honey of represses them. Surrender means a has lifted from me the burden of aspect of surrender, therefore, is both follows: “Humility means that one Your lotus feet. Caitanya (chapter 12), Prabhupāda position of neutral observer towards false pride. No longer will I try to a simple and an ongoing deepening should not be anxious to have the sat- explains this part of surrender as fol- lust, anger, and greed. provide for my own safety. I know acceptance of fact. Such an acknowl- isfaction of being honored by others. The humility of surrender is part of a that You will give protection to lows: “A devotee is always conscious Letting go of lust, anger, and greed edgement allows us to work for our The material conception of life makes devotee’s willingness to do the most Your treasured possessions, O Lord. that he is not independent in fulfilling naturally involves uninterest in ac- livelihood in the mood of service to us very eager to receive honor from menial service in the world, and to I now understand the mentality of his desires; unless Kṛṣṇa fulfills them, tivities rooted in those psychological the Lord rather than independently. Your treasured cows safely main- they cannot be fulfilled.” states. In this regard, Śrīla Prabhu­ This mood promotes social engage- tained by Your side. When You lead Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes in pāda specifically had initiates vow to ment based not on a desire to get aid Your herds to pasture, O Mādhava, Śaraṇāgati: give up intoxication, illicit sex, gam- on the banks of the Yamunā River, or maintenance from anyone, but only Would You Like to bling, and eating of meat, fish, or eggs. You will call to them by softly play- to do good for them. It thus removes All those activities are both the prod- ing on Your flute. By slaying great all exploitation and selfishness from The soul inhabiting this mortal ucts of those negative psychological demons such as Aghāsura and our interpersonal dealings. body has given up the false ego states and the cause of an increase in Bakāsura, You will always provide Seeing Kṛṣṇa as our maintainer attached to the word “I,” for to- Write for BTG? them. A surrendered person would full protection, O Kāna of the can also be understood as deeply day the spiritual sense of being cowherd settlement! Fearless and “I want all our students to write articles for our transcendental also give up all forms of deceit, lying, meaningful for those who have real- Yours has entered his heart. All confident of Your protection, I will my possessions – body, home, ser- magazine,” Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote in a 1971 letter. and cheating. ized their eternal spiritual nature. drink the water of the Yamunā. The Such persons no longer identify vants, brothers, friends, wife, sons, Clearly, a person free from vice Kāliya serpent’s venom poisoned personal belongings, fencing, and If you’re interested in writing for Back to Godhead, please read with the temporary body and mind in both behavior and motivation the Yamunā’s waters, yet that poi- gateways – all of these things are our writers’ guidelines by going to http://btg.krishna.com as the “self” that needs to be main- can engage socially in the world to son will be vanquished. You will now Yours, for I have become Your and clicking on “Write for BTG?” at the bottom of the page. truly help others in an atmosphere of purify the Yamunā, and by such tained. Rather, their identity is firmly servant. I am but a mere occupant ­affection and trust. heroic deeds enhance our faith. You rooted in the awareness that they in Your house. You are the owner will surely protect me by swallow- are fully part of Kṛṣṇa as a spiritual of the house, and I am Your most ing the forest fire. Thus You are entity whose very self He constantly obedient servant. My only activity Have a Firm Conviction That called Gopāla (protector of the ­supplies with abundance. now is endeavoring for Your hap- Only Krsna Can Protect . . . cows) and Govinda (pleaser of the Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes in piness. My will has become merged Oneself cows). In order to curb the malice his book Śaraṇāgati: with Your will. From this day for- of Indra, king of the demigods, You ward Bhaktivinoda has completely This aspect of surrender brings on a will protect me from his torrents of forgotten himself. I have become state of fearlessness and acceptance rain, O lifter of the mighty Govar- Within my mind I have always been supremely happy by surrendering of everything in life as part of the dhana Hill! When the four-headed anxious for the maintenance of my myself at Your lotus feet. Sorrow Lord’s plan for our protection. It is Brahmā abducts me along with wife and children, my own body has gone far away, and there are no this mood that enables persons ad- Your cowherd boyfriends and calves, and relatives. How will I earn mon- more cares. All I see is joy in the vanced in spiritual consciousness to then also You will surely protect me, ey? How will I acquire fame? How four directions.

16 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 17 engage socially in the total mood of In Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.197 teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ for whatever purpose of service the saying “I am Yours,” accepts the perspective, even those in an ecstasy a giver, without expectation of return Rūpa Gosvāmī writes: bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam Lord desires. ­protection of the Lord feels bliss.” of feeling they are the ones who care on any level. dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ In summary, ātma-nivedanam Śrīla Prabhupāda indicates that for Kṛṣṇa are really under His care The six aspects of surrender are ev- deho, yathā bhakti-viveke – yena mām upayānti te relates to social engagement in that this sense of protection is shown by and protection. ident in two limbs, or aṅgas, of bhakti cintāṁ kuryān na rakṣāyai the devotee who practices this aṅga the devotee’s activities of body, mind, that Rūpa Gosvāmī describes, namely vikrītasya yathā paśoḥ “To those who are constantly devoted allows and accepts that the Lord will and words. The practice of śaraṇāpatti Happiness Through Truth ātma-nivedanam and śaraṇā­patti. We tathārpayan harau dehaṁ to serving Me with love, I give the un- use his body, mind, and very self to is demonstrated in a kind of freedom will look at each of them. viramed asya rakṣanāt derstanding by which they can come interact with others and the world in social engagements, as explained in While words such as surrender and to Me.” as the Lord desires. This practice is the Bhagavad-gītā (3.18): submission seem to imply a kind of Ātma-nivedanam “Offering the body as ātmā is illustrat- rare because it is difficult. One lets go military or forced conquest with con- ed in Bhakti-viveka: Just as one does teṣām evānukampārtham of even the slightest sense of being naiva tasya kṛtenārtho comitant painful suppression of one’s This limb of bhakti means to make not worry about an animal that has aham ajñāna-jaṁ tamaḥ an independent doer. Yet this type nākṛteneha kaścana own interests, the spiritual reality is oneself the possession of the Lord been sold, one should offer this body nāśayāmy ātma-bhāva-stho of surrender is available to both the na cāsya sarva-bhūteṣu entirely opposite. Any thoughtful for Him to do with as He pleases. The to the Lord and be uninterested in its jñāna-dīpena bhāsvatā practicing and the perfected devotees. kaścid artha-vyapāśrayaḥ person can quickly ascertain that all word ātmā can refer to our body, our maintenance.” Of the six aspects of surrender, mind, and the soul, our eternal self. As is stated in the ­Bhagavad-gītā “To show them special mercy, I, dwell- ātma-nivedanam most directly This aṅga of bhakti involves the sur- (2.45): niryoga-kṣema ātmavān ing in their hearts, destroy with the involves accepting what is favor- render of each for the Lord to do with All creation is fully dependent on the Lord (niryoga-kṣemaḥ – free from ideas of shining lamp of knowledge the dark- able, rejecting what is unfavor- as He pleases. gain and protection; ātma-vān – es- ness born of ignorance.” able, acting only as the Lord in all respects and at all times. Surrender is, tablished in the self). “Be free from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes: desires, and deep humility. Body: Commenting on Śrīmad- all dualities and from all anxieties for Bhāgavatam 11.29.34, Jīva Gosvāmī gain and safety, and be established in My mind, my household affairs, my therefore, an embracing of truth. writes: Śaranāpatti the self.” body, whatever is in my possession, . Because he has offered his body For, as further stated in the my dear Lord, I offer to You for Śaraṇāpatti as an aṅga of bhakti en- “A self-realized man has no purpose creation is fully dependent on the to the Lord, he gives up all activi- Bhagavad-gītā (9.22): yoga-kṣemaṁ Your service. Now You can do with compasses the aspects of surrender to fulfill in the discharge of his pre- Lord in all respects and at all times. them as You like. You are the su- ties for pleasure in this life and the vahāmy aham (yoga – requirements; where the devotee sees the Lord scribed duties, nor has he any reason Surrender is, therefore, an embracing preme possessor of everything, so if next, which nourish his body and kṣemam – protection; vahāmi – carry; as protector and maintainer. Śrīla not to perform such work. Nor has of truth. And when we understand things related to that body. The You like You can kill me, or if You aham – I). “I carry what they lack, like You can give me protection. All Prabhupāda explains it as follows he any need to depend on any other ourselves and others in truth, our ac- Lord then thinks, “I desire to and I preserve what they have.” (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 22.39, ­living being.” tions bring us the happiness, meaning, make him special. He then attains authority belongs to You. I have Purport): and satisfaction we all desire. freedom from death (amṛtatvam) nothing to claim as my own. Kṛṣṇa takes charge of our and attains similarity to Me (ātma­ Mind: Relationship Between Surrender means not that we de- Ūrmilā Devī Dāsī (Dr. Edith Best) bhūyāya).” This means that he life, providing not only the bodily Ātma-nivedanam and Soul: Rūpa Gosvāmī explains the mand something from the Lord but attains liberation in the form of necessities, but also whatever guid- has served ISKCON since her initia- surrender of the soul, in Bhakti- that we completely depend on His Śaran. āpatti attaining his svarūpa (eternal spiri- ance we require for our spiritual tion by Śrīla Prabhupāda in 1973. rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.196): mercy. If Kṛṣṇa likes, He may keep tual form) and sārṣṭi (powers) like progress. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā What is the relationship between She and her husband are in the His devotee in a poverty-stricken those of the Lord’s. (10.10–11): ātma-nivedanam and śaraṇāpatti? vānaprastha order and have three condition, or if He likes He may tatra dehī, yathā yāmunācārya-stotre — While a surrendered devotee may children, fourteen grandchildren, and vapur-ādiṣu yo ’pi ko ’pi vā keep him in an opulent position. The devotee should not be con- engage in both of these limbs of a great-grandson. She has a PhD in guṇato ’sāni yathā tathā-vidhaḥ Planning to visit Scotland? cerned in either case; he should bhakti, which encompass all six as- education, is an associate editor of tad-ayaṁ tava pāda-padmayor simply be very serious about trying pects of surrender, some devotees Back to Godhead, and is the chair- Krishna Eco Farm, the ISKCON community about 25 miles south of aham adyaiva mayā samarpitaḥ to satisfy the Lord by rendering take up only one. For example, while person of the Śāstric Advisory Coun- Glasgow, recently opened a bed-and-breakfast to accommodate guests. Him service. Rūpa Gosvāmī describes ātma- cil to ISKCON’s Governing Body “Offering the soul is illustrated in a nivedanam as very rare because of Commission. She travels worldwide stotra of Yāmunācārya: My dear Lord, Rūpa Gosvāmī explains in Bhakti- its difficulty, many people will find teaching Kṛṣṇa consciousness. She I may be living within some body as rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.201): śaraṇāpatti a comforting and desired is the author of Dr. Best Learn to a human being or as a demigod, but way to live. Conversely, at advanced Read, an eighty-three-book literacy whatever mode of life, I do not mind, atha śaraṇāpattiḥ, yathā hari- levels of spiritual realization, some program for children. Her books because these bodies are simply bhakti-vilāse— devotees have a mood that they are for adults are The Great Mantra for by-products of the three modes of tavāsmīti vadan vācā tathaiva caring for the Lord. Such devotees Mystic Meditation, Essence Seekers, material nature, and I, who am in pos- manasā vidan include those who act as his parents and Śrī Manaḥ Śikṣā, all available on session of these bodies, am surrender- tat-sthānam āśritas tanvā modate and teachers in his various incarna- Amazon. Her official website: http:// ing myself unto You.” śaraṇāgataḥ tions. Thus śaraṇāpatti would be at urmiladevidasi.org/; personal website: In other words, surrender of the odds with their ecstatic loving mood. http://urmiladasi.com/. soul means the devotee of Kṛṣṇa is “Accepting the Lord’s protection Yet such persons could fully take This article was originally presented willing to reincarnate in any species (śaraṇāpatti), illustrated from Hari- up the practice of ātma-nivedanam. as a talk at an interfaith conference in For information: www.iskconscotland.org/accommodation or type of body – to be put anywhere bhakti-vilāsa 11.677: He who, while Of course, from an ontological Chennai, India, in December 2019.

18 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 19 The Science of Chanting Going Beyond Mere Syllables

By Satyarāja Dāsa

Kṛṣṇa’s holy names are so powerful that even inverted mantras containing His names deliver immense spiritual benefit.

RAYERS, MANTRAS, and hymns composed of sacred syllables abound in Preligious traditions, and they are highly developed in the Vaiṣṇava tradition of ancient India. Some prayers and mantras stand supreme, largely because they express a selfless inten- tion and purity of purpose. A prayer that asks for some selfish end or reflects conditioned responses to the material world is not as pure as one that asks for nothing in return. Self- centered prayers may be a preliminary step on the spiritual path, and to call on God in any situation is praiseworthy, but some prayers are clearly more selfless than others, reflecting a sincere focus on a singular goal: to get close to God in a spirit of love and devotion.

Photos by Soulphotography Studios. All photos were taken Jāhnavī-jīvana Dāsī at the 2020 Radhadesh Mellows Kirtan Festival in Belgium.

20 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 21 Supreme among all mantras and completely different. In the spiritual, spiritual life, the Lord gives Himself prayers is the mahā-mantra – Hare absolute world, however, there is no freely through the holy name to any- Bad. a-haridāsa Dāsa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, such difference. There, an object and one inclined to chant it. Purification Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, its name, or a person and his name, will ensue regardless of qualification Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare – which is a are one. Therefore simply by vibrating or disqualification. But as we advance calling out to God and His spiritual the holy name of God, one associates in practice, we must take the process energy in the mood “O Lord! O en- with God directly. This allows one to more seriously, avoiding clearly de- ergy of the Lord! Please engage me in attain the spiritual platform. As Śrīla fined offenses and learning how to Your service.” By chanting the mahā- Prabhupāda says: chant with attention.1 mantra we are asking for only one In regard to receiving the holy thing – to be engaged in the Lord’s This chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare name from a legitimate source, the devotional service. The mahā-mantra’s Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare / scriptures are clear: “If one does not purity is profound: It not only offers Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma affiliate with an established lineage, spiritual protection from the present Rāma, Hare Hare is directly enact- the mantra one chants will not bear the expected fruit [love of God]. Therefore in Vedic scriptures (śāstras) are sacred sound Kali-yuga there will be four sampradāyas [lin- (śabda brahma). Every word of the Vedas is eages] with which one must align. They may deemed eternal by the Vedas and their followers. be enumerated as fol- lows: Śrī Sampradāya, Brahmā Sampradāya, evil age, but it is also the best possible ed from the spiritual platform, and Rudra Sampradāya, and Kumāra resource for those who seek genuine thus this sound vibration surpasses Sampradāya. All will preach from the spiritual enrichment and the ultimate all lower strata of consciousness – city of Jagannatha Puri in Orissa.”2 goal of love of God. namely sensual, mental, and intel- In the preliminary stage, chanting Being absolute, the Lord and lectual. . . . Anyone can take part in is encouraged without any injunctions, the chanting without any previous His name are identical. Gauḍīya and one can easily make genuine qualification. Vaiṣṇavas trace this teaching to the spiritual advancement. Yet one is ex- Padma Purāṇa: pected to gradually engage in serious Proper Chanting recitation of the holy name. If one nāma cintāmaṇiḥ kṛṣṇaś Vedic scriptures (śāstras) are sacred nonchalantly persists in unconscious caitanya-rasa-vigrahaḥ sound (śabda brahma). Every word or distracted chanting, paying no heed pūrṇaḥ śuddho nitya-mukto of the Vedas is deemed eternal by the to the offenses listed in scripture, one ’bhinnatvān nāma-nāminoḥ Vedas and their followers. Different is engaging in nāmāparādha, or of- schools accept different mantras or fending the name. “The holy name of Kṛṣṇa is spiri- sacred sounds as most important. For “O brother!” Caitanya Mahā­ tual substance, identical to Kṛṣṇa the present age of Kali-yuga, however, prabhu’s direct associate Jagad­ānanda Himself. It is spiritually absolute, an śāstras unequivocally declare congre- Paṇḍita warns, “You cannot chant embodied form of transcendental gational chanting of the holy names the holy name in the association of consciousness (caitanya) and rela- of Kṛṣṇa as supreme: “Whatever nondevotees. Something resembling tionship (rasa). It is fully pure, eter- result was obtained in Satya-yuga by the sounds of the name may come out nal, complete, and never material meditating on Viṣṇu, in Tretā-yuga by of your mouth, but it will not ­really give up honor and dishonor, tolerate (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 2.1.103) tells a sincere heart, one can gradually under any circumstances. It is the es- performing sacrifices, and in Dvāpara- be the name. It will sometimes be the world with detachment, and thus us about such ābhāsa – shadow, sem- know śuddha-nāma, the “pure name,” sence of Kṛṣṇa’s own potency. There yuga by serving the deity of the the name’s reflection (nāmābhāsa) chant the name of Kṛṣṇa.” (Prema- blance, or, more literally, “a dawning wherein one tastes the holy name is no difference between Kṛṣṇa and Lord in the temple can be obtained and sometimes offensive chanting vivarta 7.1–8) twilight” – in relation to the name: proper, with God dancing on one’s His name.” in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the (nāmāparādha), but brother, you “Even a shadow (ābhāsa) of the sun tongue. Here in the relative world a person Śrīmad- name of Lord Hari [Kṛṣṇa].” ( should know that in either case this Three Levels of Chanting of the name that arises in the cave of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura writes and that person’s name are two dif- Bhāgavatam 12.3.52) kind of chanting interferes with the one’s mind disabuses one of the dark- about these three levels of chanting in ferent things. Someone is not present Two prerequisites are fundamental attainment of pure devotion to Kṛṣṇa. If we make a serious endeavor as ness of sin.” Thus when one chants Jaiva Dharma (Chapter 25): before us merely by our calling out to effective chanting: Sincerity, and If you want to chant the holy names practitioners, we can rise beyond as sādhana, or spiritual practice, one his or her name. A thirsty man’s cry receiving the name from a legitimate properly, then associate with devotees the unconscious or even offensive actually chants the holy name, at least [W]hen the name is chanted of “Water! Water! Water!” will never source. Anyone can chant the name, and keep desires for sense enjoy- level of chanting and into the realm in shadow form, and by this becomes impurely with a desire for sense satisfy his thirst, because the name and even a child will benefit from ment, liberation, and yogic powers at of nāmābhāsa, which is a “shadow” free of sinful reactions. By persistently enjoyment (bhoga) or liberation water and the substance water are chanting. In the beginning stages of a distance. Give up the ten offenses, of the holy name. Rūpa Gosvāmī engaging in this way and cultivating (mokṣa), and based on a Māyāvāda

22 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 23 but Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s name is with correct or incorrect grammar, Paripūrn. a Rādhā Dāsī also Nārāyaṇa, so Ajāmila’s utter- or properly joined or vibrated in ing “Nārāyaṇa” was an instance of separate parts. O brāhmaṇa, the The Ten Offenses sāṅketya-nāmābhāsa. When Mus- potency of the holy name is there- Against the lims see a pig, they show hatred and fore certainly great. However, if Holy Name exclaim, “Harāma! Harāma!” The one uses the vibration of the holy exclamation “harāma” contains the name for the benefit of the material two words “ha” and “rāma,” so the body, for material wealth and fol- 1. To blaspheme or criticize the person uttering the word “harāma” lowers, or under the influence of devotees of the Lord. also obtains deliverance from the greed or atheism – in other words, if 2. To consider the names of Śiva cycle of birth and death as a result one utters the name with offenses – or other devas to be equal to of taking that sāṅketya-nāma. such chanting will not produce the Viṣṇu’s. All the śāstras accept that desired result very soon. Therefore nāmābhāsa gives mukti. Through one should diligently avoid of- 3. To disobey the order of the guru śrīnāma, relationship is strongly fenses in chanting the holy name or to consider him an ordinary established with Mukunda (the of the Lord. (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, person. giver of liberation). Therefore, by Antya 3.60) uttering śrīnāma one is in touch 4. To disrespect scriptural authority. with Bhagavān Mukunda, and by Haridāsa Ṭhākura continues, “If one 5. To interpret the meaning of the that contact mukti (liberation) is offenselessly utters the holy name name. easily obtained. The same liberation even imperfectly, one can be freed that is obtained with great difficulty 6. To consider the name’s glories through brahma-jñāna is easily from all the results of sinful life. imaginary. available to everybody without (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya 3.61) 7. To sin with the idea that the hard labor through nāmābhāsa. Commenting on Caitanya- caritāmṛta, Antya 3.59, Śrīla Prabhu­ name will relieve one of reaction. pāda writes: Inverted Mantras 8. To express the glories of the name to the unfaithful. When the syllables of a mantra are Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī 9. To consider the chanting of the inverted, or disrupted in some other Ṭhākura states that the word vya- name mere pious activity. way, the resultant sounds are some- vahita (“improperly uttered”) is times “alluding to something else” not used here to refer to the mun- 10. To not have complete faith in and may thus be deemed a form of dane vibration of the letters of the the name after being given due sāṅketya-nāmābhāsa. In most cases, alphabet. Such negligent utterance instruction. for the sense gratification of ma­ even in Sanskrit literature, such inap- terialistic persons is not a vibration It is also considered an offense to be propriate chanting is fraught with of transcendental sound. Utterance inattentive while chanting. potential difficulty. Most Vedic man- of the holy name while one engages [impersonalistic] conception, that nāma with a favorable attitude, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura also mentions tras need to be pronounced correctly in sense gratification is an impedi- is known as nāma-aparādha. If the while remaining free from all various kinds of nāmābhāsa in the to be effective. But transcendental ment on the path toward achieving sound gradually arose in Sanskrit lin- other kinds of aparādhas . . . are material desire (anyābhilāṣā), and following way, which will lead us to a sounds, such as the mahā-mantra, do ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. On the guistics: Varṇavāda and Sphoṭavāda. present because of simple igno- from coverings of jñāna, karma and discussion of inverted mantras: not come under Vedic rules. Nor are other hand, if one who is eager for Varṇavāda, which derives from rance, the aśuddha-nāma (impure so on. To desire the supreme bliss they subject to the grammatical laws devotional service utters the holy Mīmāṁsā philosophy, argues that name) taken in that situation is not that comes when the transcendental There are four kinds of nāmābhāsa: name even partially or improperly, of ordinary language. As Haridāsa the divine potency of Vedic mantras nāma-aparādha, but nāmābhāsa. nature of nāma manifests clearly is One may utter śrī-kṛṣṇa-nāma to Ṭhākura, Śrī Caitanya’s close associ- the holy name, which is identi- You should remember that as long not anyābhilāṣā. All kinds of desires indicate something else (saṅketa), lies solely within the individual syl- ate, tells us: “The letters of the holy cal with the Supreme Personality as one does not commit nāma- apart from that – such as the desire jokingly (parihāsa), antagonisti- of Godhead, exhibits its spiritual lables (varṇa) themselves, and that name have so much spiritual potency aparādha when one is chanting to be free from sins and to gain lib- cally (stobha), or even disrespect- potency because of that person’s that potency is activated regardless that they act even when uttered im- nāmābhāsa, there is hope that eration – are certainly anyābhilāṣā. fully (hela). Learned people know offenseless utterance. Thus one is of whether the chanter or listener the nāmābhāsa will go away and There will be no śuddha-nāma so that these four types of shadow properly [vyavahita haile].” (Caitanya- relieved from all unwanted prac- understands its linguistic meaning. śuddha-nāma will arise. long as anyābhilāṣā remains; one nāmābhāsa destroy unlimited sins. caritāmṛta, Antya 3.59) tices, and one gradually awakens his In Sphoṭavāda, established by gram- The word ābhāsa means lus- will not receive śuddha-nāma as Those who are ignorant of nāma- Haridāsa Ṭhākura then quotes a dormant love for Kṛṣṇa. marian Bhartṛhari, the meaning of ter, shadow or reflection. As the long as he still desires the fruits of tattva and sambandha-tattva per- verse from the Padma Purāṇa: a mantra is independent of the indi- radiance that emanates from a performing jñāna, karma, yoga and form these four kinds of nāmābhāsa. According to Sonic Theology: Hindu- vidual syllables and is activated only naturally lustrous object has kānti so on. Vijaya: What is sāṅketya- If a devotee once utters the holy ism and Sacred Sound, by Dr. Guy L. by virtue of a completed thought in (effulgence) or chāyā (shadow), so If one keeps these characteris- nāmābhāsa? name of the Lord, or if it penetrates Beck (Santoṣa Dāsa), a musicolo- the sunlike Name has two kinds of tics of bhakti in mind and deliber- Bābājī: Sāṅketya-nāmābhāsa his mind or enters his ear, which is sentence form. Thus, according to ābhāsa: one is the shadow (nāma- ates carefully, it becomes clear that is uttering Bhagavān’s name when the channel of aural reception, that gist who teaches philosophy and Sphoṭavāda, the potency of a mantra chāyā), and the other is the reflec- śuddha-nāma is certainly that nāma alluding to something else. For holy name will certainly deliver him Asian studies at Tulane University depends on overall word or sentence tion (nāma-pratibimbā). . . . which is free from nāma-aparādha instance, Ajāmila called his son from material bondage, whether and is an initiated disciple of Śrīla meaning and is not inherent in the Śuddha-nāma means taking and nāmābhāsa. Nārāyaṇa at the time of his death, vibrated properly or improperly, Prabhupāda, two conceptions of individual syllables.

24 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 25 According to Sphoṭavāda theory, peeked into the kitchen and, upon Nārada Muni to please chant the for Śrī Caitanyadeva like to give order or reading different from the means for attaining it. “For spiritual then, sound utterance has to be se- seeing Her, had an irresistible urge holy name of the Lord and give up this opinion.7 mahā-mantra and its order given progress in this Age of Kali, there mantically coherent to have potency to lovingly recite Her holy name. this thievery. So he wouldn’t. So by the person denoted by the holy is no alternative, there is no alter- of spiritual effect. Therefore, while Aware that such blatant recitation instead Nārada Muni said, “You It is unlikely that Śrīdhara Mahārāja name (nāmi), Śrī Gaurasundara, native, there is no alternative to Śaṅkara and other proponents of in His paternal home would look chant marā.” Marā means death. So subscribed to this view himself, but who himself descended in Kali- the holy name, the holy name, the strange and improper, He devised he agreed. yuga to distribute the easy process holy name of the Lord.” Just chant Advaita Vedānta adopted Sphoṭavāda, as he says, “Some devotees . . . like to a covert method to accomplish His Prabhupāda: Marāmarā – rāma. give this opinion.” for crossing over the age of Kali Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Vaiṣṇava ācāryas generally empha- goal: He took one of His pet par- Jayatīrtha: Later on, Vālmīki wrote (kali-santaraṇa) and attaining love Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, No authoritative source substanti- sized Varṇavāda. “Rāmānuja, Madhva, rots on His arm, and, while caress- the Rāmāyaṇa after having chanted of God.”8 Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare ates the Śrī Caitanya component of Śrīdhara Svāmī, and Jīva Gosvāmī,” ing it and feeding it pomegranate rāma. He became purified.6 Hare. This verse consists of the this story, and the tale has tradition- says Beck, “all accept Varṇavāda.” seeds, taught it one particular verse Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī here holy names and is called the mahā- ally been relegated to the realm of suggests that Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mantra. It contains sixteen names The Mahā-mantra: apocrypha. Nonetheless, when the own recitation of the mahā-mantra composed of thirty-two syllables. If The Name Remains the notion of inversion – specifically in you continue chanting this mahā- gave pride of place to “Hare The divine has bestowed special transcendental Same relation to the mahā-mantra – was mantra, the seed of love of God will Kṛṣṇa.” But how would we know brought to the attention of modern sprout in your heart. Then you will According to a popular narra- Mahāprabhu’s preferred version of potencies in the mantra that can be accessed Gauḍīya ācāryas, they took the time understand the goal of life and the tive in Bengal, inversion is no the mantra? His first Bengali biogra- 9 to address it. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta process for achieving it.” stranger to the mahā-mantra. phy, Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata, mentions by anyone regardless of Sanskrit competency. Sarasvatī, for example, said: Some say that the mantra the mahā-mantra five or six times. In may have originally been re- that book the full mantra – with the In the second instance, Mahāprabhu Kali-santaraṇa Upaniṣad has been This is because the Varṇavāda theory – dhārādhara-vapu-nārāyaṇo ’smān cited with the “Hare Rāma” part first. Hare Kṛṣṇa part first – emanates from tells the people of Navadvīpa: “‘Hare published in Mumbai and Madras, fits more neatly with the idea that the sa prasīdatu (“May Lord Nārāyaṇa, The background of this story runs Mahāprabhu’s lips twice. The first Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, but because [the manuscripts of] divine (Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa) has bestowed with dark complexion [dhārādhara], as follows: The mahā-mantra can be Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, the Upaniṣad were collected from instance occurs early in His pastimes special transcendental potencies be pleased with us”). The young found in the Kali-santaraṇa Upaniṣad, when He answers Tapana Miśra’s Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.’ I have told parrot could not memorize such a the adulterated members of the in the mantra that can be accessed a part of the original Vedas, or śruti, question about the ultimate goal of you the mahā-mantra. All of you long verse, so Kṛṣṇa told it to just Rāmāyet-sampradāya, the order of by anyone regardless of Sanskrit whose verses are properly chanted the mahā-mantra in these particular life. The Lord answers: chant this mantra according to a pre- 3 practice repeating the first word. competency. only by qualified brāhmaṇas. In our scribed number. Everyone will attain The parrot then started repeating editions was reversed. But even Here are two examples of inverted current age, normal processes of all perfection by it. At every moment “dhārā dhārā dhārā” over and over. despite being so, its meaning and By congregationally chanting the mantras from Vaiṣṇava literature, one chant it; there is no other rule.”10 Kṛṣṇa joined him in this repetition purification are ineffective, and thus position cannot be reversed. Any holy names you achieve everything, involving the name of Rāma and as well, and before long they were brāhmaṇas are unqualified, few being wise person will not accept any including the goal of life and the These instructions to the residents of the other the name of Śrī Rādhā. In chanting “rādhā rādhā rādhā.” Thus, able to properly chant śruti mantras. both examples, rapid repetition turns without evoking the suspicion of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the story an inverted mantra into a proper His elders, the Lord was able to rel- goes, reversed the order of the chant. one. Regarding the first one, Śrīla ish the chanting of Śrī Rādhā’s holy He thus showed respect for the rules Prabhupāda told the story on several name.5 of eligibility given in śruti texts but occasions: allowed everyone to chant this most Both the above forms of inverted potent of all sound vibrations. Nārada Muni elevated so many mantra were articulated in a group Śrīla Prabhupāda’s godbrother fallen souls. This Vālmīki Muni was discussion between Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīla Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdharadeva also. So he was given this mantra, some of his disciples, and Beatle Goswami Mahārāja (1895–1988) “Rāma.” He could not chant it. Then George Harrison: expressed the above narrative as he was advised to do just the oppo- follows: site, marā. Marā means “dead body.” So marā mārā marā. Three marā George Harrison: He had a baby means one “Rāma” is there. So in girl and was trying to think of a It is said that because it comes from this way he was initiated and he name, so I told him to call it Dhārā, the Upaniṣads, the Hare Kṛṣṇa became a great sage. For sixty thou- you know? ’Cause from Rādhā – mantra is a Vedic mantra, and, sand years he meditated simply on rādhārādhārādhā – it becomes therefore, because the ordinary “Rāma, Rāma, Rāma, Rāma, Rāma, dhārā. So he called his girl that people may not have any entrance Rāma.” And when he was liberated, name. into Vedic mantras, Śrī Caitanya he wrote this Rāmāyaṇa.4 Jayatīrtha Dāsa: There’s a story of Mahāprabhu readjusted this mantra Vālmīki. You know that story? by reversing the order of the words. Gurudāsa: Marāmarāmarāmarā- In that way, it is said, the concern The second example is found in marāmarā. that it is a Vedic mantra is thereby Viśvanātha Cakravartī’s Śrī Kṛṣṇa Jayatīrtha: Vālmīki was a murderer, canceled, and so Śrī Caitanya Bhāvanāmṛta: or a dacoit, thief. So he was met by Mahāprabhu gave it to all without Nārada Muni, I think. breaching the injunctions of the One day when Śrī Rādhikā came to Prabhupāda: Yes, Vālmīki. Vedas. Some devotees in Uttar Nandagrāma to cook for Kṛṣṇa, He Jayatīrtha: And he was advised by Pradesh who have great affection

26 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 27 Navadvīpa are also related in Nara- they first of all place “Hare Rāma, The tradition never teaches that caritāmṛta, Madhya 20.330–335, New hari Cakravartī’s Bhakti-ratnākara Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare one should chant in a circuitous way. York, December 23, 1966. The “marā, (12.2047–2054), where the Hare Hare.” And sometimes they place Instead, the message is that the holy marā, marā” story does not appear in the critical edition of Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa, Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra is also recorded “Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa name, being merciful and supremely Kṛṣṇa . . .” There is no difference. though it exists in several manuscripts in its entirety (12.2049). potent, can offer its fruits not only of that text, as confirmed by Rāmāyaṇa Sometimes they say, “No, it should Fortunately, the original order of to those who chant scrupulously scholars Robert Goldman and Philip be Hare Rāma first.” Sometimes Lutgendorf in personal correspondence the mantra is also preserved in the they say, “No, Hare Kṛṣṇa.” But and with loving attention but also to Purāṇas, tantras, and āgamas, which those who chant inadvertently or im- with me. That being said, it is a well-­ that is not very important, childish. established part of the Rāmāyaṇa tradi- refer to the mahā-mantra as starting Either you say Hare Rāma or Hare properly. This, then, is the implication tion. The narrative can be found in the with the Hare Kṛṣṇa part first. For Kṛṣṇa, the same.”11 of inverted mantras – it highlights fourteenth-century Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa instance, in the Brahma-yāmala, Lord the supremely munificent nature of (2.6.80), an appendix to the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa. It also appears in the anonymous Śiva describes the mahā-mantra as Uninterrupted Concentration the holy name. Let it be clear: The follows: tradition recommends that in chant- fifteenth-century Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa, writ- The holy name of the Lord is so pow- ten in Sanskrit, and in Krittivas Ojha’s ing one follow in the footsteps of the Bengali Rāmāyaṇa. Tulsīdāsa alludes to Without Hari there is no other way erful that even if its recitation is inter- great souls throughout history who the story in his Rāmcaritmānas (1.19.3) to eradicate the sins in the age of rupted by inverted words, innovative as perfect exemplars have chanted but offers no details. Kali. Therefore hari-nāma should sequence, or intervening syllables, it with full concentration and with- 5. Śrī Kṛṣṇa Bhāvanāmṛta (6.1–2), in Bhānu be revealed in order to save the can still have the desired effect. Śrīla Swami’s translation: “Kṛṣṇa taught a baby world. The people in Kali-yuga ev- out interruption, in terms of both Prabhupāda’s conclusive purport parrot to say, ‘May the Lord with dark erywhere can be liberated from the syllabic sequence and determined complexion (dhārādhara) be pleased to Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya 3.60, greatest sins by chanting the follow- constancy. with us.’” (And on that pretext chanted ing mantra. First one should chant leaves little to the imagination: Rādhā’s name (dhā-rādhā-rā). “Pet- ting and feeding the bird pomegranate the two words “Hare Kṛṣṇa” twice Notes and then two words more – “Kṛṣṇa If one somehow or other hears, ut- seeds intermittently, Kṛṣṇa made the small bird continuously repeat the word Kṛṣṇa.” Then one should chant the ters or remembers the holy name, 1. Padma Purāṇa (Brahma-khaṇḍa dhārādhara.” two words “Hare Hare” and then or if it catches his mind while com- 25.15–18, 22–23) offers a cautionary list ing near his ears, that holy name, of pitfalls to avoid in chanting the holy 6. Conversation with George Harrison on twice “Hare Rāma.” In the end, Śacīnandana Swami July 26, 1976. even if vibrated in separate words, name. (See the sidebar “The Ten Of- Mahādevī, one should chant “Rāma 7. Accessed at http://gosai.com/writings/ will act. An example of such separa- fenses Against the Holy Name.”) These Rāma” and then “Hare Hare.” In are called nāma-aparādha, “offenses the-maha-mantra. tion is given as follows: this way one should pronounce the against the name.” In the Gauḍīya tradi- 8. From a conversation with a guest at mahā-mantra of Lord Kṛṣṇa, which Suppose one is using the two tion the list can initially be found in the the Gauḍīya Maṭh, September 4, 1932. destroys all sins. words halaṁ riktam. Now the syl- Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, Eleventh Vilāsa, texts Printed in the Gauḍīya magazine, Vol. lable ha in the word halam and the 521–524. The notion was then carried 11, No. 11, October 22, 1932, p. 101. Similarly, Dhyānacandra Gosvāmī syllable ri in riktam are separately into Jīva Gosvāmī’s work, both in his 9. See Caitanya-bhāgavata, Ādi-khaṇḍa 14.143–147. in his Gaura-govindārcana-smaraṇa- pronounced, but nevertheless the commentary on Rūpa Gosvāmī’s­ Bhakti- holy name will act because one rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.120) and in his 10. Ibid. Madhya 23.76–78. paddhati (132–133) describes three 11. Śrīla Prabhupāda lecture on Śrīmad- somehow or other utters the word own Bhakti-sandarbha (Anuccheda 265). powerful Kṛṣṇa mantras famous for Bhāgavatam 3.25.44, Bombay, Decem- hari. Similarly, in the word rāja- Viśvanātha Cakravartī then highlights the ber 12, 1974. bestowing love of God on their chant- mahiṣī, the syllables rā and ma importance of this list again by citing it in ers. The first of them, he writes, is the his Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu-bindu (Pūrva- 12. See Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Śrī appear in two separate words, but Harināma-cintāmaṇi: The Beautiful Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, explained vibhāga, First Wave 7). because they somehow or other 2. Though this verse cannot be found in Wish-Fulfilling Gem of the Holy Name, in Sanat-kumāra-saṁhitā as follows: appear together, the holy name current editions of the Padma Purāṇa, it Sarvabhāvana dāsa, trans. (Bombay: “The words ‘Hare Kṛṣṇa’ are repeated rāma will act, provided there are no was cited (as a verse in that Purāṇa) in Bhaktivedanta Books, 1990). The origi- twice, and then ‘Kṛṣṇa’ and ‘Hare’ are offenses. Kavi Karṇapūra’s Śrī Gaura-gaṇoddeśa- nal Bengali contains verses and several both separately twice repeated. Then dīpikā (21), an early Gauḍīya text. We endnotes concluding each chapter. The passage in question is Chapter ‘Hare Rāma’ is repeated twice, then Still, it is obviously better to chant can therefore assume that it was in earlier editions of the Purāṇa. The verse can 2, Endnote 9. The endnote offers this with uninterrupted syllables. Bhak- ‘Rāma’ and ‘Hare’ are both separately also be found in the eighteenth-century information: In the word hathikari, twice repeated.” tivinoda Ṭhākura offers a nuanced Bhakti-ratnākara, Fifth Wave. A similar the first and last syllables produce the In the end, however, the question perspective in which he notes that verse, almost identical, appears in the word hari. Because the syllables thi-ka of order is simply inconsequential, while one can still benefit from sepa- Garga-saṁhitā, a traditional saṁhitā in intervene, the full benefit of the name is not attained. since as soon as one starts repeating rated syllables, that is not as effec- the Vaiṣṇava tradition. (Garga-saṁhitā, Aśvamedha-khaṇḍa, 61.24–26) For tive as when the syllables are in an the mantra over and over again, such more on this reference, see Viśvanātha considerations disappear through uninterrupted flow. In his Harināma- Cakravartī’s Gaura-gaṇa-svarūpa- Satyarāja Dāsa, a disciple of Śrīla the incessant flow of names, as Śrīla cintamāṇi (2.50–53) he writes that tattva-candrikā, trans., Demian Martins Prabhupāda, is a BTG associate edi- Prabhupāda confirms: “disruption” causes offense and thus (Vrindavan, U.P.: Jiva Institute, 2015), tor and founding editor of the Journal minimizes benefit. This type of of- Introduction, xiii. of Vaishnava Studies. He has written 3. See Guy L. Beck, Sonic Theology: Hin- Either you chant Hare Rāma or fense is known as varṇa-vyavadhāna, duism and Sacred Sound (Delhi: Motilal more than thirty books on Kṛṣṇa con- you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, it is the same. or a disruption in the syllables, and sciousness and lives near New York Raman. ajī Dāsa Banarsidass, 1995), 52–57. There is no difference. Sometimes should be avoided.12 4. Śrīla Prabhupāda lecture on Caitanya- City.

28 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 29 ABSURDITY, ABDICATION, AND ABUSE: Lessons from the Maha¯bha¯rata by Caitanya Caraṇa Dāsa

Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s actions demonstrate how if we don’t use our power when we should, we end up using it when we shouldn’t.

HEN THE PĀṆḌAVAS completed their forest exile, they were joined in the king- dom of Virāṭa by their influential father- Win-law, Drupada. After consulting with him, they sent ­Drupada’s priest as a messenger to Hastinapura. In essence, the priest told the Kurus, “The Pāṇ­

ḍavas have completed their prescribed exile of thir- Detail of a painting by Jadurāṇī Dāsī teen years. They have honored their part in the terms of the gambling match; the onus is now on you to honor your part and return their kingdom to them.” Dhṛtarāṣṭra replied that he would send his answer soon through his own messenger, Sañjaya.

30 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 31 For thirteen years, Dhṛtarāṣṭra had dharma as engaged householders, we We all need the association of demonstration of divinity, Dhṛtarāṣṭra the Pāṇḍavas meant courting war. him the vision to see the Kurukshetra been living his dream – he and his son can’t abruptly jump to the retired those who are wiser than us, who remained attached to his son. His ab- Alas, why had he neglected his wise war from his palace. But he hadn’t Duryodhana were enjoying the royal stage. It is only for doing our dharma know the purpose of philosophy, and dication of responsibility in the face brother’s words? been able to see his sons throughout throne with unchallenged power. But that we seek our rightful kingdom. who help us stay on track in pursuing of Duryodhana’s obstinacy made the But, then, was his cause so unjusti- their life; how could he bear to see that dream had always existed on We aren’t causing war; only those that purpose. war inevitable. fied? He was the elder brother; the their death? Dreading that possibility, the verge of a nightmare: the return who are stopping us from doing our kingdom should have been rightfully he had requested Vyāsa to grant the of the Pāṇḍavas. He would have to dharma are causing it. Please tell our When Those with Eyes Eyesight Can Be Given, But his. Even if he couldn’t get it because power of remote vision to Sañjaya. hand over their kingdom to them. If uncle that we are ready to serve him Couldn’t See, But the Blind I-Sight Has to Be Chosen of his blindness, his sons could. And And yet he continued hoping that he didn’t, war would result. Seeing respectfully and to live peacefully.” should. maybe – just maybe – his sons could Could Seeing Kṛṣṇa’s universal form could his dream slipping from his hands, he When Sañjaya returned to Dhṛta­ Maybe there was still a chance. In win. have prompted Dhṛtarāṣṭra to think wondered if he could somehow keep rāṣṭra and conveyed Yudhi­ṣṭhira’s Before the Kurukshetra war, Kṛṣṇa their army, his sons had veterans such With a combination of weariness about Kṛṣṇa’s position. He had heard both the kingdom and the peace. incisive reply, the fallacy of Dhṛta­ went to the Kuru kingdom with a as Bhīṣma and Droṇa whose experi- and eagerness, he awaited the news from the sages that Kṛṣṇa was God rāṣṭra’s reasoning became undeniably peace proposal on the most accom- ence and expertise had few parallels. of the Kurukshetra war as Sañjaya descended to this world, and that The Preposterous Peace obvious. modating terms. Duryodhana not Who could possibly defeat them? began his live commentary. He was everyone’s greatest well- Proposal only rejected the proposal but also But a voice stabbed him from with- wisher, as would be later reiterated in tried to arrest Kṛṣṇa. This attempt in. During the Virāṭa battle, Arjuna Don’t Just Speak Philosophy – Bhagavad-gītā (5.29). Desiring the Impossible, To this end, Dhṛtarāṣṭra came up with was reprehensible because it violated had single-handedly defeated all the Pursue the Purpose of Unfortunately, Dhṛtarāṣṭra was so Dreading the Inevitable a sophistry that he conveyed through all diplomatic conventions that guar- Kuru warriors, including the veterans. Philosophy attached to his son that he remained Sañjaya. The essence of his message anteed the safety of a peace envoy. His ambivalence continued. Dur­ Those who are blinded by their at- spiritually blinded. He couldn’t un- to the Pāṇḍavas was “­Householders Consider the implications if Dhṛta­ Kṛṣṇa foiled Duryodhana by expand- yodhana had formed many alliances tachments are unfortunate. Those derstand that he was a soul who was are expected to eventually leave their rāṣṭra’s argument were accepted and ing Himself to gigantic proportions by which he had eleven divisions of who are illumined by knowledge only temporarily, circumstantially in and displaying His universal soldiers. The Pāṇḍavas had just seven. but still choose to stay attached and a relationship with another soul who form. The form emanated The Kauravas outnumbered their op- blinded are even more unfortunate. had taken on the role of his son. In- such fire and anger that ponents by more than one and a half Those who are provided illumina- Dhrtarāstra had been living his dream – he stead of giving due importance to his . .. everyone was blinded. Over- times. Surely that would be a decisive tion by God Himself, but choose eternal relationship with the Supreme come by fear, the soldiers advantage. instead to pursue their doomed de- and his son Duryodhana were enjoying the Soul, Kṛṣṇa, he got carried away by who had charged forward The stabbing inner voice coun- sires are most unfortunate. Such was his temporary relationship with his to arrest Kṛṣṇa fell on their tered. What was the value of this Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s tragic fate. royal throne with unchallenged power. son. And even when Kṛṣṇa merci- backs, rose falteringly, and numerical superiority? The Pāṇḍavas He knew about Kṛṣṇa’s position fully gave him the eyesight to see the fled. had Kṛṣṇa on their side. Dhṛtarāṣṭra and power, yet he kept longing for his universal form, still he held on to his homes to go to the forest and lead a became a precedent. Any greedy per- Hearing the chaos, the blind thought of the time he had beheld sons’ victory. With knowledge, we are worldly attachment. He never could retired life. You, O Pāṇḍavas, have al- son could steal others’ property, force Dhṛtarāṣṭra asked Sañjaya, “What is Kṛṣṇa’s universal form. Who could meant to transform our desires. Even muster the will to choose I-sight – the ready achieved the status of living in a the victims into poverty and forest life, happening?” counter such power? if our desires don’t naturally go in inner focus by which he could under- forest. Why turn back towards house- and then claim the moral high ground Sañjaya replied in an awestruck The fear that his son’s cause was the direction our knowledge points stand who he really was and where hold life now by seeking a kingdom? by saying that the victims should stay tone, “Kṛṣṇa is showing His universal doomed haunted him. It was this to, we still need to push them in that his best interests lay. And why fight a war to gain a king- in the forest for their own spiritual form.” awareness that had prompted him to direction. If instead we let them Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s not having eyesight dom you will eventually renounce? growth. On hearing this, Dhṛtarāṣṭra said decline when Vyāsadeva had offered pull us in the opposite direction, we was lamentable. His not having I-sight And why, for a temporary kingdom, To know philosophy is important; to Kṛṣṇa, “O Keśava, I have never was even more lamentable. And his fight against your own family mem- to know the purpose of philosophy seen anything throughout my life. reluctance to receive I-sight when it bers? Live in peace where you are is even more important; and to know You are revealing a form that few can was offered by Kṛṣṇa Himself was and continue to progress spiritually.” our own heart to ensure that we pur- see. Please bless me with the vision to most lamentable. On hearing the message, Yudhi­ sue the purpose of the philosophy see this form.” Bhakti Sastri Plus ṣṭhira replied in an aggrieved tone, we cite is most important. Otherwise, Kṛṣṇa replied, “So be it.” Ambivalence and Turbulence “When, O Sañjaya, did we state that we may end up abusing philosophy Soon Dhṛtarāṣṭra could see for we wanted to fight? We wish to live not just to deceive others, but also to the first and only time in his life. And Dhṛtarāṣṭra sat in his palace, awaiting BHAKTIVEDANTA peacefully with the Kurus while pur- ­deceive ourselves. what a majestic sight he saw: the blaz- news of the war at Kurukshetra from Course COLLEGE suing our dharma. There is a time for Nowadays, some unscrupulous ing form pervading all directions, con- Sañjaya. As he sat in the darkness Radhadesh, Belgium engaging with the world and a time people abuse ideologies to rational- taining luminaries from all over the of his blindness, he found himself for renouncing the world. We still ize violence in the name of religion. universe, reducing everything around gripped by ambivalence. September 21, 2020 – have our duties to our ancestors and They often live in an echo chamber it to insignificance. The time for war was finally upon February 12, 2021 our citizens. To serve our ancestors, surrounded only by yes-men who ap- Thus Dhṛtarāṣṭra experienced him. His sons had wronged the Pāṇ­ we need to continue our lineage by plaud whatever twisted arguments Kṛṣṇa’s unparalleled power through ḍavas repeatedly. The Pāṇḍavas’ cause For information and to register, begetting progeny. To serve our citi- they come up with. They end up de- two benedictions. First, he got the was just, and they were virtuous. The zens, we need to help them practice ceiving others, deceiving themselves, power to see. Second, he got to see chances of his vicious sons winning go to http://bhaktivedantacollege.com/ dharma. For doing these duties, we and ultimately defeating their own the awe-inspiring universal form. against them were low indeed. Vidura events/bhakti-sastri-plus-onsite/ need a kingdom. Without doing our higher interests. Yet, despite getting this double had warned him that antagonizing

32 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 33 sentence ourselves to frustration and “Alas! What have I done! In a fit of muster that power. Crushing external destruction. rage, I have killed Bhīma.” adversaries is far easier than crushing BOOK SECTION: ŚRĪMAD-BHĀGAVATAM Dhṛtarāṣṭra didn’t align his desires Consoling him, Kṛṣṇa said, “O king, internal attachments. with his knowledge. Consequently do not lament. Bhīma still lives.” If we don’t use our power when we Referred to as “the ripe fruit of the tree of Vedic literature,” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam he remained in the exhausting grip When the startled Dhṛtarāṣṭra should, we will end up using it when is the most complete and authoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge. of ambivalence. He desired the im- turned his head in the direction of we shouldn’t. And that inappropri- Five thousand years ago, the great sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa composed Kṛṣṇa’s voice, Kṛṣṇa continued, “An- ate use can compound the problems possible: victory for his sons. And he this purāṇa, or history, to explain the essence of spiritual knowledge. dreaded the inevitable: victory for ticipating your anger, I arranged for caused by the preceding failure to use Here we present Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in serialized form, with the original those on Kṛṣṇa’s side. an effigy of Bhīma to step into your it properly. Sanskrit text, transliteration, word meanings, translation, and purports embrace. What you crushed was that The biggest disasters in world his- by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, The Murderous Embrace effigy.” tory have been caused not by power- founder-ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Continuing gently, Kṛṣṇa said, “O less people, but by powerful people. After the Kurukshetra war ended, the king, do not be angry with Bhīma. These powerful people may fall in Pāṇḍavas came to meet Dhṛtarāṣṭra. He is not responsible for the death two categories: those who abuse Yudhiṣṭhira was apprehensive, know- of your sons; their own misdeeds their power, and those who don’t use their power to stop those who abuse power. Depraved dicta- KING PRTHU PRAISES Dhrtarāstra desired the impossible: victory tors often abuse their power . . .. and leave a trail of slaughter for his sons. And he dreaded the inevitable: and mayhem wherever they go. And rulers who could and THE BRA¯ HMANAS victory for those on Krsna’s side. should counter the dictators’ . . . . abuse of power remain pas- sive. They may be Pollyan- ing that the blind king would hold are. They were advised repeatedly naish pacifists who try to appease AND VAISNAVAS them responsible for the death of by their well-wishers to desist from the dictators while the dictators just . . his sons. He requested Kṛṣṇa to ac- treating the Pāṇḍavas unfairly, but continue and increase their atrocities. Continuing to advise his citizens, Pṛthu Mahārāja company them, confident that Kṛṣṇa they never listened. You know this Dhṛtarāṣṭra embodied both the abuse would expertly defuse any volatile sit- well. They have now met the end they and the disuse of power. He abused stresses the importance of brahminical culture. uations. Accordingly, the six of them deserved. Live in peace, O king, with it by trying to kill Bhīma, and he had approached Dhṛtarāṣṭra. the Pāṇḍavas, who have always been misused it by continually trying to and liberation from material attachment and be satisfied. When they were ushered into respectful to you.” ­appease Duryodhana. CANTO 4: CHAPTER 21 In this world there is no fruitive activity superior to serv- Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s presence, he looked To not have power makes us weak; ing the brāhmaṇa class, for this can bring pleasure to the shattered. Speaking in a subdued Disuse and Abuse of Power to have power and fail to use it appro- demigods, for whom the many sacrifices are recommended. voice, he opened his arms to hug them, priately makes us weaker still; to have 40 paumaA*éaBaetaAnaitavaelamaAtmana: one by one. Yudhiṣṭhira went forward This is the only instance in the power, to fail to use it appropriately, ‘as$aId"taAe'tyantazAmaM svata: svayama, / PURPORT: In Bhagavad-gītā (2.65) it is said: prasāde first. When Bhīma stepped forward Mahābhārata when Dhṛtarāṣṭra ex- and then to use it inappropriately sarva-duḥkhānāṁ hānir asyopajāyate. 1 Unless one is self- next, Kṛṣṇa stopped him. Using His hibited his physical power. His power makes us weakest. Why weakest? yaiªatyas$ambanDainaSaevayaA tata: satisfied, he cannot be free from the miserable conditions mystic power, He summoned an iron was astonishing – he crushed with Because such disuse and abuse sig- parM" ik(ma‡aAista mauKaM h"ivaBauRjaAma, // of material existence. 2 Therefore it is essential to render effigy of Bhīma that Duryodhana mere arms an effigy that had with- nify that we don’t have control over service to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas to achieve the per- had used for honing his mace-fighting stood numerous blows from Duryo­ whatever power we have – we are pumāḻ labhetānativelam ātmanaḥ fection of self-satisfaction. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura skills while also venting his envy. dhana’s mace. And yet Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s simply driven by our impulse and our prasīdato ’tyanta-śamaṁ svataḥ svayam therefore says: Kṛṣṇa arranged for that effigy to step expression of power was tragically attachments. yan-nitya-sambandha-niṣevayā tataḥ into Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s embrace. As soon misdirected. If he had used even a By pursuing our spiritual growth, paraṁ kim atrāsti mukhaṁ havir-bhujām tāṅdera caraṇa sevi bhakta-sane vāsa as Dhṛtarāṣṭra felt Bhīma within his fraction of that power to rein in his we all gain the inner power to use janame janame haya, ei abhilāṣa arms, he crushed him tightly. All his wicked son Duryodhana, he could properly whatever outer power we pumān – a person; labheta – can achieve; anati-velam – anger at Bhīma for having killed his have not only saved the lives of all his have. without delay; ātmanaḥ – of his soul; prasīdataḥ – being “Birth after birth I desire to serve the lotus feet of the hundred sons came out in the force sons but also prevented a catastroph- satisfied;atyanta – the greatest; śamam – peace; svataḥ – au- ācāryas and live in a society of devotees.” A spiritual at- of that crushing hug. Within moments, ic war that killed millions. Caitanya Caraṇa Dāsa, a disciple tomatically; svayam – personally; yat – whose; nitya – regu- mosphere can be maintained only by living in a society of the effigy crumbled to pieces and Of course, to control Duryodhana, of His Holiness Rādhānāth Swami, lar; sambandha – relationship; niṣevayā – by dint of service; then to powder. The effort exerted Dhṛtarāṣṭra needed not just physical serves full time at ISKCON Chowpatty, tataḥ – after that; param – superior; kim – what; atra – here; 1. What does the Bhagavad-gītā say is the qualifica- Dhṛtarāṣṭra so much that he fell back power, but inner power, the power to Mumbai. He is a BTG associate editor asti – there is; mukham – happiness; haviḥ – clarified butter; tion for being free from the miserable conditions vomiting blood. fight against his attachments and to and the author of twenty-five books. bhujām – those who drink. of material existence? As soon as he regained his com- stick to the impartiality expected of To read his other articles or to receive 2. What must one do to achieve the perfection of posure, he spoke loud words of an elder, let alone a king. Unfortu- his daily reflection on theBhagavad- By regular service to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, one can self-satisfaction? lamentation. nately, Dhṛtarāṣṭra was too weak to gītā, “Gita-Daily,” visit gitadaily.com. clear the dirt from his heart and thus enjoy supreme peace

34 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 35 BOOK SECTION: ŚRĪMAD-BHĀGAVATAM BOOK SECTION: ŚRĪMAD-BHĀGAVATAM devotees and by serving the orders of the ācāryas. The spiri- aśnāti – eats; anantaḥ – the Supreme Personality of God- offering food to a pure devotee like Haridāsa Ṭhākura, He as He is, as described in Bhagavad-gītā (janma karma ca tual master is the best brāhmaṇa. 3 At present, in the Age head; khalu – nevertheless; tattva-kovidaiḥ – persons in was equally as blessed as He would have been by offering me divyam evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ), one becomes a perfect of Kali, it is very difficult to render service to the brāhmaṇa- knowledge of the Absolute Truth; śraddhā – faith; hutam food to thousands of learned brāhmaṇas. When perform- brāhmaṇa. The brāhmaṇa who knows Kṛṣṇa perfectly well kula, or the brāhmaṇa class. The difficulty, according to the – offering fire sacrifices; yat-mukhe – whose mouth; ijya- ing sacrifices, one offers oblations to the sacrificial fire, but is always in a transcendental position. This is also confirmed Varāha Purāṇa, is that demons, taking advantage of Kali- nāmabhiḥ – by different names of demigods; na – never; when such oblations are offered to Vaiṣṇavas, they are cer- in Bhagavad-gītā (14.26): yuga, have taken birth in brāhmaṇa families. (rākṣasāḥ ka- vai – certainly; tathā – as much; cetanayā – by living force; tainly more effective. lim āśritya jāyante brahma-yoniṣu). In other words, in this bahiḥ-kṛte – being bereft of; huta-aśane – in the fire sacri- māṁ ca yo ’vyabhicāreṇa age there are many so-called caste brāhmaṇas and caste fice;pāramahaṁsya – regarding devotees; paryaguḥ – never 42 bhakti-yogena sevate Gosvāmīs who, taking advantage of the śāstra and of the goes away. yaä," “aö inatyaM ivar"jaM s$anaAtanaM sa guṇān samatītyaitān innocence of people in general, claim to be brāhmaṇas and ™aÜ"AtapaAemaËÿlamaAEnas$aMyamaE: / brahma-bhūyāya kalpate Vaiṣṇavas by hereditary right. One will not derive any ben- Although the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Ananta, efit by rendering service to such false brāhmaṇa-kulas. One eats through the fire sacrifices offered in the names of the s$amaAiDanaA iba”aita h"ATaRä{"í"yae “One who engages in full devotional service and who does must therefore take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master different demigods, He does not take as much pleasure ya‡aed"maAd"zAR wvaAvaBaAs$atae // not fall down in any circumstance at once transcends the and his associates and should also render service to them, in eating through fire as He does in accepting offerings modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of for such activity will greatly help the neophyte in attain- through the mouths of learned sages and devotees, for then yad brahma nityaṁ virajaṁ sanātanaṁ Brahman.” ing full satisfaction. This has been very clearly explained He does not leave the association of devotees. śraddhā-tapo-maṅgala-mauna-saṁyamaiḥ Therefore a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa is actually a perfect by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura in his explanation samādhinā bibhrati hārtha-dṛṣṭaye brāhmaṇa. 6 His situation is transcendental, for he is free of the verse vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana PURPORT: According to Vedic injunctions, a fire sacrifice yatredam ādarśa ivāvabhāsate from the four defects of conditional life, which are the ten- (Bg. 2.41). By actually following the regulative principles is held in order to give food to the Supreme Personality dencies to commit mistakes, to be illusioned, to cheat and of bhakti-yoga as recommended by Śrīla Narottama dāsa of Godhead in the names of the different demigods. While yat – that which; brahma – the brahminical culture; nityam to possess imperfect senses. A perfect Vaiṣṇava, or Kṛṣṇa Ṭhākura, one can very quickly come to the transcen- performing a fire sacrifice, one pronounces the word svāhā – eternally; virajam – without contamination; sanātanam conscious person, is always in this transcendental position dental platform of liberation, as explained in this verse in mantras such as indrāya svāhā and ādityāya svāhā. These – without beginning; śraddhā – faith; tapaḥ – austerity; because he speaks according to Kṛṣṇa and His representa- (atyanta-śamam). mantras are uttered to satisfy the Supreme Personality of maṅgala – auspicious; mauna – silence; saṁyamaiḥ – con- tive. Because Vaiṣṇavas speak exactly according to the tune The particular use of the word anativelam (“with- Godhead through demigods such as Indra and Āditya, for trolling the mind and senses; samādhinā – with full concen- of Kṛṣṇa, whatever they say is free from these four defects. out delay”) is very significant because simply by serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead says: tration; bibhrati – illuminates; ha – as he did it; artha – the For example, Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā that everyone brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas one can get liberation. There is real purpose of the Vedas; dṛṣṭaye – for the purpose of find- should always think of Him, everyone should become His no need to undergo severe penances and austerities. The nāhaṁ tiṣṭhāmi vaikuṇṭhe ing out; yatra – wherein; idam – all this; ādarśe – in a mirror; devotee, offer Him obeisances and worship Him, and ulti- vivid example of this is Nārada Muni himself. In his pre- yogināṁ hṛdayeṣu vā iva – like; avabhāsate – manifests. mately everyone should surrender unto Him. These devo- vious birth, he was simply a maidservant’s son, but he got tatra tiṣṭhāmi nārada tional activities are transcendental and free from mistakes, the opportunity to serve exalted brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, yatra gāyanti mad-bhaktāḥ In brahminical culture a brāhmaṇa’s transcendental posi- illusion, cheating and imperfection. Therefore anyone who and thus in his next life he not only became liberated, but tion is eternally maintained because the injunctions of the is a sincere devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa and who preaches this became famous as the supreme spiritual master of the en- “I am not in Vaikuṇṭha nor in the hearts of the yogīs. I re- Vedas are accepted with faith, austerity, scriptural conclu- cult, speaking only on the basis of Kṛṣṇa’s instructions, is tire Vaiṣṇava disciplic succession. According to the Vedic main where My devotees engage in glorifying My activities.” sions, full sense and mind control, and meditation. In this understood to be virajam, or free from the defects of ma- system, therefore, it is customarily recommended that af- It is to be understood that the Supreme Personality of God- way the real goal of life is illuminated, just as one’s face is terial contamination. ter performing a ritualistic ceremony, one should feed the head does not leave the company of His devotees. fully reflected in a clear mirror. A genuine brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava therefore depends brāhmaṇas. 4 Fire is certainly devoid of life, but devotees and eternally on the conclusion of the Vedas or Vedic versions brāhmaṇas are the living representatives of the Supreme PURPORT: Since it is described in the previous verse that presented by the Supreme Personality of Godhead Him- self. 7 Only from Vedic knowledge can we understand the 41 @´aAtyananta: Kalau taÔvak(AeivadE": Lord. Therefore to feed brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas is to feeding a living brāhmaṇa is more effective than offering feed the Supreme Personality of Godhead directly. It may oblations in a fire sacrifice, in this verse it is now clearly actual position of the Absolute Truth, who, as described ™aÜ"Aò"taM yanmauKa wjyanaAmaiBa: / be concluded that instead of offering fire sacrifices, one described what brāhmaṇism is and who a brāhmaṇa is. In in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, is manifested in three features – should offer foodstuffs to brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas, for the Age of Kali, taking advantage of the fact that by feed- namely impersonal Brahman, localized Paramātmā and, at na vaE taTaA caetanayaA baih"Sk{(tae that process is more effective than fireyajña . The vivid ing a brāhmaṇa one obtains a more effective result than last, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This knowledge ò"taAzAnae paAr"mahM"syapayaRgAu: // example of this principle in action was given by Advaita by performing sacrifices, a class of men with no brah- is perfect from time immemorial, and the brahminical or Prabhu. When He performed the śrāddha ceremony for His minical qualifications claim the eating privilege known Vaiṣṇava culture depends on this principle eternally. One aśnāty anantaḥ khalu tattva-kovidaiḥ father, He first of all called Haridāsa Ṭhākura and offered as brāhmaṇa-bhojana simply on the basis of their birth should therefore study the Vedas with faith, not only for śraddhā-hutaṁ yan-mukha ijya-nāmabhiḥ him food. It is the practice that after finishing the śrāddha in brāhmaṇa families. In order to distinguish this class of one’s personal knowledge, but for the sake of spreading na vai tathā cetanayā bahiṣ-kṛte ceremony, one should offer food to an elevated brāhmaṇa. men from the real brāhmaṇas, Mahārāja Pṛthu is giving hutāśane pāramahaṁsya-paryaguḥ But Advaita Prabhu offered food first to Haridāsa Ṭhākura, an exact description of a brāhmaṇa and brahminical cul- 5. What is the Vedic conclusion – the ultimate who had taken his birth in a Muhammadan family. There- ture. One should not take advantage of his position simply understanding, or Vedānta understanding? 3. Why, at present, is it very difficult to render fore Haridāsa Ṭhākura asked Advaita Prabhu why He was to live like a fire without light. A brāhmaṇa must be fully service to the brāhmaṇa-kula, or the brāhmaṇa doing something which might jeopardize His position in conversant with the Vedic conclusion, which is described 6. Why is a devotee of Kṛṣṇa said to be in the tran- class? brāhmaṇa society. Advaita Prabhu replied that He was in Bhagavad-gītā. Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ (Bg. scendental situation? feeding millions of first-class brāhmaṇas by offering the 15.15). 5 The Vedic conclusion – the ultimate understand- 4. Why is feeding brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas feeding 7. What are the three features of the Absolute food to Haridāsa Ṭhākura. He was prepared to talk with any ing, or Vedānta understanding – is knowledge of Kṛṣṇa. Ac- the Supreme Personality of Godhead directly? Truth? learned brāhmaṇa on this point and prove definitely that by tually that is a fact because simply by understanding Kṛṣṇa

36 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 37 BOOK SECTION: ŚRĪMAD-BHĀGAVATAM this knowledge and these activities through real faith in known as Śyāmasundara, within his heart. That is the per- ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA SPEAKS OUT the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and fectional stage of brahminical culture. the Vedas. 8 maṅgala The word (“auspicious”) in this verse is very 43 significant. Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī quotes that to do what is taeSaAmahM" paAd"s$ar"Aejare"NAu- good and to reject what is not good is called maṅgala, or maAyaAR vahe"yaAiDaik(r"Iq%maAyau: / auspicious. 9 To do what is good means to accept every- thing favorable to the discharge of devotional service, and yaM inatyad"A iba”ata @AzAu paApaM to reject what is not good means to reject everything not nazyatyamauM s$avaRgAuNAA Bajainta // favorable for discharging devotional service. 10 In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, we accept this principle teṣām ahaṁ pāda-saroja-reṇum by rejecting four prohibited items – namely illicit sex life, āryā vaheyādhi-kirīṭam āyuḥ intoxication, gambling and flesh-eating – and accepting yaṁ nityadā bibhrata āśu pāpaṁ the daily chanting of at least sixteen rounds of the Hare naśyaty amuṁ sarva-guṇā bhajanti Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and daily meditation three times a day by chanting the Gāyatrī mantra. In this way one can teṣām – of all of them; aham – I; pāda – feet; saroja – lotus; keep his brahminical culture and spiritual strength intact. reṇum – dust; āryāḥ – O respectable persons; vaheya – shall By following these principles of devotional service strictly, bear; adhi – up to; kirīṭam – helmet; āyuḥ – up to the end chanting twenty-four hours a day the mahā-mantra – Hare of life; yam – which; nityadā – always; bibhrataḥ – carry- Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, ing; āśu – very soon; pāpam – sinful activities; naśyati – are Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare – one makes positive vanquished; amum – all those; sarva-guṇāḥ – fully qualified; progress in spiritual life and ultimately becomes complete- bhajanti – worship. ly fit to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face. Because the ultimate goal of studying or understand- O respectable personalities present here, I beg the bless- ing the Vedic knowledge is to find Kṛṣṇa, one who follows ings of all of you that I may perpetually carry on my crown the Vedic principles as described above can from the very the dust of the lotus feet of such brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas beginning see all the features of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Absolute until the end of my life. He who can carry such dust on his Truth, very distinctly, as one can see one’s own face com- head is very soon relieved of all the reactions which arise pletely reflected in a clear mirror. The conclusion is, there- from sinful life, and eventually he develops all good and fore, that a brāhmaṇa does not become a brāhmaṇa simply desirable qualities. because he is a living entity or is born in a brāhmaṇa family; he must possess all the qualities mentioned in the śāstras PURPORT: It is said that one who has unflinching faith and practice the brahminical principles in his life. Thus he in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which means un- ultimately becomes a fully Kṛṣṇa conscious person and can flinching faith in the Vaiṣṇava or the pure devotee of the understand what Kṛṣṇa is. How a devotee continuously Supreme Lord, develops all the good qualities of the demi- sees Kṛṣṇa face to face within his heart is described in the gods. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā/ sarvair guṇais Brahma-saṁhitā (5.38) as follows: tatra samāsate surāḥ (Bhāg. 5.18.12). Prahlāda Mahārāja also said, naiṣāṁ matis tāvad urukramāṅghrim (Bhāg. Soul-Killing Rascals premāñjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena 7.5.32). Unless one takes the dust of the lotus feet of a pure santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti Vaiṣṇava on one’s head, one cannot understand what the This conversation between His Divine Grace yaṁ śyāmasundaram acintya-guṇa-svarūpaṁ Supreme Personality of Godhead is, and unless one knows A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda and govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one’s life remains imperfect. A great soul who has fully surrendered to the some of his disciples took place in New Vrindaban, The devotee, by development of pure love for Kṛṣṇa, con- Supreme Lord after understanding Him fully and after stantly sees the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is West Virginia, on June 26, 1976. repeatedly undergoing austerities and penances for many, many lives is very rare. The crown of a king is simply a big 8. How does Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī define load if the king or head of the state does not actually bear Disciple: Śrīla Prabhupāda, some people will agree that a real “auspicious”? the dust of the lotus feet of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. In civilization trains its citizens to find happiness in spiritual other words, if a liberal king like Pṛthu Mahārāja does not 9. How does Śrīla Prabhupāda apply Śrīdhara principles and godly living. Some may also agree that in a follow the instructions of brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas or does Svāmī’s definition? not follow the brahminical culture, he is simply a burden on real civilization, one part of the populace learns the role of 10. According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, how does the state, for he cannot benefit the citizens. Mahārāja Pṛthu material providers. Yet these same people may disagree that is the perfect example of an ideal chief executive. one keep his brahminical culture and spiritual still another part of the populace should learn the role of strength intact? [Continued in the next issue.] protectors and find happiness in fighting.

38 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 39 “What is so godly about ­fighting?” Spirit. Everything is matter only, and has some particular theory of his own. they may ask. “Why train the so- the whole cosmos is supposed to be According to them, one interpretation called militarily inclined to find happi- a mass of ignorance. According to of the scriptures is as good as another, ness in fighting? This is a selfish type them, everything is void, and what- for they do not believe in a ­standard of happiness. You’re not considering ever manifestation exists is due to our understanding of the scriptural that their fighting will cause misery. ignorance in perception. They take it injunctions.” What about all the maimed and the for granted that all manifestation of Text 9: etāṁ dṛṣṭim avaṣṭabhya Royal killed and their families? You ought diversity is a display of ignorance. Just naṣṭātmāno ’lpa-buddhayaḥ prabha- to consider all this misery caused by as in a dream we may create so many vanty ugra-karmāṇaḥ kṣayāya jagato your so-called protectors.” things which actually have no exis- ’hitāḥ: “Following such conclusions, Śrīla Prabhupāda: Some people may tence, so when we are awake we shall the demoniac, who are lost to them- think in this way. But such people are see that everything is simply a dream. selves and who have no intelligence, rascals; they cannot think at all. We But factually, although the demons engage in unbeneficial, horrible works Duty, haven’t got to reply to any of them, say that life is a dream, they are very meant to destroy the world.” because they are rascals. They can expert in enjoying this dream. And so, Śrīla Prabhupāda: This is the right talk all nonsense. We don’t have to instead of acquiring knowledge, they description of the modern age. Exact – care about their nonsense. Take a become more and more implicated in hm? Etāṁ dṛṣṭim avaṣṭabhya. And child – he’s talking so many foolish their dreamland. They conclude that what is that next word? things. Sometimes we reply, “Yes, yes, as a child is simply the result of sexual Disciple: Naṣṭātmānaḥ. we know.” But we don’t take seriously intercourse between a man and wom- Śrīla Prabhupāda: Naṣṭātmānaḥ: anything – anything – spoken by a an, this world is born without any soul. “They have lost their soul.” Naṣṭāt­ Divine child. So these rascals may go on talk- For them it is only a combination of mānaḥ: “They have no information of ing so many things, but we don’t care matter that has produced the living the soul. Naṣṭātmānaḥ: “God and the about any of them. We have to do our entities, and there is no question of soul are forgotten.” own business. Let the dog bark; the the existence of the soul. As many “There is no God,” these modern caravan will pass. So it is not that we living creatures come out from perspi- rascals say. “There is no cause of this have to care about the barking of the ration and from a dead body without creation; there is simply a big chunk.” Duty dogs. Let them bark. any cause, the whole living world has Like that. Naṣṭātmānaḥ – they have [To disciple:] Continue reading. come out of the material combina- lost their very self. by Viśākhā Devī Dāsī Disciple [reading from Bhagavad-gītā tions of the cosmic manifestation. Naṣṭātmānaḥ alpa-buddhayaḥ: 16.6, 8]: “O son of Pṛthā, in this world Therefore material nature is the cause these soul-killing rascals have no in- there are two kinds of created beings. of this manifestation, and there is no telligence. Just like cats and dogs. “If Queen Elizabeth’s devotion to duty One is called divine and the other the other cause. They do not believe in these four principles are available – can inspire us in fulfilling our duties, demoniac. I have already explained the words of Kṛṣṇa in Bhagavad-gītā: eating, sleeping, mating, and defend- to you at length the divine qualities. mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ sūyate sa- ing – then everything’s complete. Our both temporary and eternal. Now hear from Me of the demoniac. carācaram. ‘Under My direction the human life is a perfect success.” But “They say that this world is unreal, whole material world is moving.’ In no. If you are interested only in eating, N PREPARING TO MOVE from the with no foundation, no God in control. other words, among the demons there sleeping, mating, and defending, then They say it is produced of sex desire is no perfect knowledge of the cre- alpa-buddhayaḥ – you are a stupid USA to the UK to start a new service and has no cause other than lust.” ation of the world; every one of them animal. Iat Bhakti­vedanta Manor near London, Purport, by Śrīla Prabhupāda: I started brushing up on English history. Over “The demoniac conclude that the the last century, the person who stood out world is phantasmagoria. There is no cause and effect, no controller, no most for me was Queen Elizabeth II, the purpose: everything is unreal. They GLOSSARY current queen and the longest-reigning mon- All photos by Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter say that this cosmic manifestation arch in British history. It seems that Queen arises due to chance material actions ­Elizabeth has brought an unwavering sense and reactions. They do not think that with AUDIO of duty to her post. Unlike her uncle, who the world was created by God for a certain purpose. They have their abdicated the throne to marry a divorcee, and For help with the meaning and pronunciation own theory: that the world has come unlike her children and grandchildren, who of Sanskrit words, visit our online about in its own way and that there have often been distracted from their monar­ is no reason to believe that there is a Glossary of more than 1,200 words. God behind it. For them there is no chical duties, Queen Elizabeth has consistent- difference between spirit and matter, www.krishna.com/glossary ly put God and her country before personal Queen Elizabeth II has had exchanges with and they do not accept the Supreme considerations. UK Hare Kṛṣṇa devotees on several occasions.

40 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 41 systematically learned will in turn do their duty. In with justice and mercy, she then sol- message broadcast to the Common- the highest degree, recommended by dismantled Ar- this way society will function well and emnly declared, “The things which I wealth in 2000: “To many of us, our the Supreme Personality of Godhead, juna’s “good all will benefit. In Śrīla Prabhupāda’s have here before promised, I will per- beliefs are of fundamental impor- Śrī Kṛṣṇa.” reasons” for not words, “A realized soul in Kṛṣṇa con- form and keep. So help me God.” tance. For me the teachings of Christ So another aspect of the art of fighting, relieved sciousness should not disturb others In the Gītā Kṛṣṇa says that among and my own personal accountability duty is to do the best we can, knowing him of confusion, in their activities or understanding, people He is the monarch, which is before God provide a framework in that ultimately the result of our ef- and unequivo- but he should act by showing how the called naradeva in Sanskrit. Naradeva which I try to lead my life.” Everyone fort is not in our control, and remain cally established results of all work can be dedicated means “God in human form,” for the has some particular type of duty or detached from that result. Queen the priority of to the service of Kṛṣṇa.” (Gītā 3.26, monarch is the supreme citizen in occupation. If we perform our duties Elizabeth voiced a thought similar to divine duty. Purport) For better or worse our the state and is responsible for the in the worship and service of God, this in her 2002 Christmas address: “I ­behavior affects others. welfare of all others, just as God is the our life will be perfect. know just how much I rely on my own What is Duty? supreme living being in the creation In addition to accountability to faith to guide me through the good The Queen’s Example and is the maintainer of The word “duty” all other living beings. comes from Thus, a preliminary aspect of the By his or her example, Everyone has some particular type of duty or Old French deu, refined art of duty is to be a good the monarch is sup- past participle example to others. “Whatever action posed to represent the occupation. If we perform our duties in the wor- of devoir, “to a great man performs, common men Supreme Lord and help owe,” from Latin follow. And whatever standards he the citizens become God ship and service of God, our life will be perfect. debere, “to owe.” sets by exemplary acts, all the world conscious, for this is the Duty is some- pursues.” (Gītā 3.21) Or, put in other ultimate duty of every thing required of words: “Just for the sake of educat- citizen. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: God, Kṛṣṇa instructs us in the Gītā times and the bad. Each day is a new us as a legal or ing the people in general, you should to become equipoised regarding the beginning, I know that the only way moral obligation. perform your work.” (Gītā 3.20) How The part and parcel of this body – results of our activities. He says, “You to live my life is to try to do what is If we’re not clear do those who are devoted to God hand – what is it meant for? It is have a right to perform your pre- right, to take the long view, to give of about what our exhibit a good example? One way is meant for serving the whole body. scribed duty, but you are not entitled my best in all that the day brings, and Similarly, if I am part and parcel legal or moral by controlling their mind and senses, to the fruits of action.” (Gītā 2.47) to put my trust in God.” of the Supreme Lord, then what is obligations are, for unless the mind and senses are Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: A still more impelling reason to my duty? My duty is to abide by or, as in Arjuna’s do our duty is to please God, Kṛṣṇa: controlled, one cannot make any the orders of the Lord. That is the

Photos by Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter “Work done as a sacrifice for Viṣṇu case, if those ob- ­advancement in spiritual life. version of all Vedic scriptures. And Everyone has his proprietary right The Queen and Śrutidharma Dāsa, an ISKCON UK ligations appear In 1947, when Elizabeth was a prin- Bhagavad-gītā [18.66] is the essence in regard to prescribed duties, but has to be performed; otherwise work leader who recently passed away. to conflict, we cess touring South Africa with her of all Vedic scripture. It says, sarva- should act without attachment to causes bondage in this material world. can become dis- family, she addressed her people: dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ the result; such disinterested obliga- Therefore, O son of Kuntī, perform Although many in the UK complain tressed and demoralized. ­śaraṇaṁ vraja [“Abandon all variet- tory duties doubtlessly lead one to your prescribed duties for His sat- the path of liberation. Arjuna was about the cost and antiquated pomp Like Arjuna, each one of us, at On my twenty-first birthday, I wel- ies of religion and just surrender isfaction, and in that way you will therefore advised by the Lord to of the now powerless monarchy, some point, has duties to our family, come the opportunity to speak to unto Me”]. (Lecture, Jan. 22, 1967, always remain free from bondage.” fight as a matter of duty without Queen Elizabeth is still widely ap- teachers, seniors, and society. Negli- all the people of the British com- San Francisco) (Gītā 3.9) Everything we do can be attachment to the result. His non- monwealth and empire wherever done for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction. In fact, preciated for her steady and dutiful gence in any of these areas will even- participation in the battle is another they live, whatever race they come Given that we are an integral part service. tually lead to self-berating anxiety, side of attachment. Such attach- we should have no goal in life except from, and whatever language they This led me to think about duty yet at the same time there’s another, of God, each one of us is morally ment never leads one to the path of acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness just speak. I declare before you all and how it’s a central theme in the overriding consideration. obliged to be accountable to Him. We salvation. Any attachment, positive to satisfy Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda that my whole life, whether it be talks between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna in For duty to be fulfilling, it requires owe it to ourselves to become aware or negative, is cause for bondage. explains: long or short, shall be devoted to the Bhagavad-gītā. Although Arjuna’s­ something more than an ­immediate of Him by following His directives Inaction is sinful. Therefore, fight- your service and to the service of and the directives of His devotees, for ing as a matter of duty was the only While working in that way, one duty was to fight, he found many purpose. It requires an ultimate pur- our great imperial family to which that awareness will bring us the fulfill- auspicious path of salvation for should think of Kṛṣṇa only: “I have good reasons not to: For one, his pose, a purpose that’s bigger than we all belong. But I shall not have ­Arjuna. (Gītā 2.47, Purport) been appointed to discharge this teachers, relatives, friends, and elders ourselves and rooted in the reality strength to carry out this resolution ment we seek. This is not to say that particular duty by Kṛṣṇa.” While were on the opposing side; for anoth- of who we are. Kṛṣṇa explained to alone unless you join in it with me, we neglect our many unavoidable acting in such a way, one naturally er, he felt society would become cha- Arjuna that although He Himself has as I now invite you to do. I know duties to our family, teachers, friends, Further emphasizing this point, Kṛṣṇa has to think of Kṛṣṇa. This is perfect that your support will be unfailingly seniors, and society, but rather that says, “Without being attached to the otic due to many war deaths. When, no need to perform duties while in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One should, given. God help me to make good through this vision we can see those like Arjuna, we forget that our duty this world, He does so because if He fruits of activities, one should act as a however, note that after doing my vow, and God bless all of you is to serve Kṛṣṇa, we become bewil- didn’t, His bad example would be fol- duties in the light of accountability matter of duty, for by working with- something whimsically he should who are willing to share in it. dered, fall into material consciousness, lowed by others. The result would be to God. Our multifarious duties need out attachment one attains the Su- not offer the result to the Supreme and become implicated in personal societal havoc. Therefore Kṛṣṇa does not obstruct our spiritual life but preme.” (Gītā 3.19) Śrīla Prabhupāda Lord. That sort of duty is not in the sense gratification. In Arjuna’s case, His duty, and He wants all leaders She became queen a few years later. can be dovetailed to our spiritual comments, “To act on behalf of the devotional service of Kṛṣṇa con- overwhelmed with confusion, he and learned members of society to After vowing to maintain the laws of life. Queen Elizabeth expressed this Supreme is to act without attachment sciousness. (Gītā 18.57, Purport) turned to Kṛṣṇa for relief, and Kṛṣṇa do theirs so that those who are not God and to execute all her judgments thought in her annual Christmas for the result. That is perfect action of (Continued on page 46)

42 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 43 Theby Tirumala Devī Dāsī Spiritual Highway Something to think about the next time you’re stuck in traffic.

LOW-MOVING traffic – any mo- than we are, and we may think that them. So when they had to choose a torist’s nightmare. Johannesburg, other people are better off and that a problem, they thought very seriously Swhere I live, is notorious for be- change in circumstances sounds rath- about which problem to take. Guess ing one of the most traffic-congested er appealing. Then somehow our situ- what problems everyone ended up cities in Africa. And slow-moving ation may change. We “change lanes,” taking? Their own! It was easier to automobile traffic isn’t the only kind and then see that the lane we were take back their own problems than of traffic congestion we face in life. just in has started moving faster and anyone else’s. There’s traffic to get to the cashier the lane we just got into has slowed to at the grocery store, traffic to get the pace of our previous lane. Fallible Soldiers prasādam at the Sunday Feast, and How many times has that hap- at festival times, traffic to get a clear pened to you? In these times we may We often cling to things to give us view of the deities in the temple. sometimes question what really is some sense of security and com- On a more subtle level, we aspir- in our best interest. We may wonder fort. This is explained very nicely in ing devotees may experience traffic how to identify what really is best the purport (by Śrīla Prabhupāda congestion of a different kind – traffic for us and what to do to be in that disciples) to Mukunda-mālā-stotra, congestion within the heart. The dy- ideal situation. But the bad news is verse 13: namics of day-to-day traffic can reveal that there isn’t an angelic harp that It is not an easy thing to wake up much about the highway of spiritual mysteriously plays when we make a from the complacency of ordinary life. life-changing decision that’s the right life. Everyone knows that life is When we’re sitting in traffic, it’s choice. The good news, however, is full of difficulties, but we tend to easy to look in the rear-view mirror that the Bhagavad-gītā teaches us that think that our family members at all the cars lined up behind and Kṛṣṇa already knows what is in our and friends are our only solace. . . . appreciate the progress we’ve made. best interest and affectionately places Several times in the Mukunda- Similarly, a devotee may introspect us in the right situation whether we mālā-stotra, the poet compares the to review his or her progress or look realize it or not. material world to the sea, and the into the “rear-view mirror” to the A story highlights this point well. Lord (or His lotus feet) to a boat material world and wonder how to The residents of a small town con- that can rescue us. The metaphor is change things to make the stay here stantly complained to the mayor excellent, for no matter how expert more comfortable. Don’t we all some- about their problems. a swimmer a person may be, he can- not survive on his own in the rough times do this, whether in a small situa- Eventually the mayor said, “I have and vast expanses of the ocean. So tion or in a more serious life-changing a brilliant idea. We’re going to have our attempt to swim the ocean of one? an exhibition of problems. Everyone material life on our own strength, Perhaps our looking backwards is can bring their problems, we’ll put encouraged by our family and not always just about material desires. them on display in the townhall, and friends, is as futile as the attempt of Sometimes we’re faced with a difficult everyone can come and see them.” the lone swimmer at sea. situation, a challenging set of karma, So everyone playfully had a look While on our spiritual journey, we and we think a change would be good, at everyone else’s problems. Eventu- We should gradually give up our false may struggle with traffic congestion so we look at the “cars” around us. ally it was time to leave, but then sense of security, which we look for in our hearts, but if we take shelter Sometimes the people in other “lanes” the mayor said that no one could in “fallible soldiers” (the term that of the boat of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s lotus seem to be moving much faster leave without taking a problem with Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam uses to refer to feet, we’ll soon reach our destination.

44 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 45 our family and friends in this world). and searched for something greater, porary, material problems, looking Sometimes we want to change our sit- and then by Śrīla Prabhupāda’s back at what we should have done uation, thinking that by doing so we mercy we came to Kṛṣṇa conscious- differently to change our material po- will be better off. We are like a chess ness somehow or other. The Nectar sition. We should not place too much CALENDAR player who can see one or two moves of Devotion explains that one comes emphasis on how we should change ahead, but Kṛṣṇa can see all the to devotional service if one has some our material situation. There is a This calendar is calculated for Jhulana Yātrā (swing festival) of 26 – Śrī Rādhāṣṭamī, appear- moves across the whole chessboard. attraction to it or has executed it pre- place for material changes, but our Maya­pur, West Bengal, India. Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda begins. ance anniversary of Śrīmatī Kṛṣṇa knows what situation is best for viously. But for one to have executed consciousness must be trained to be The dates, derived from a lunar Rādhārāṇī, Lord Kṛṣṇa’s eternal 31 – Disappearance anniversary our purification. devotional service previously means on Kṛṣṇa and His pure devotees and calendar, may vary by one day consort. Fasting till noon, fol- of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, one of the that one must have had some attrac- serving their lotus feet. We should fo- for other locations. For the lowed by feasting. Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindavan. Dis- tion to it previously. So, then, how cus on our real mission – to surrender exact dates for your area, go to Appreciating the Mercy appearance anniversary of Śrīla does one come to devotional service? as instruments in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s www.vaisnavacalendar.com. 29 – Parśvā Ekādaśī Gaurīdāsa Paṇḍita, an associate of We all have challenges, and we may Only by the mercy of a pure devotee. mission to spread the glories of the Because the Hare Kṛṣṇa Fasting from grains and beans. Lord Caitanya. think that our difficulties are worse Śrīla Prabhupāda was so kind that holy name. movement comes in disciplic line (Fasting till noon today; feast than the next person’s. But we should he gave us his mercy freely. When While the highway of the material from Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the tomorrow.) calendar includes not only dates AUGUST not use our challenges to rationalize someone gives you a gift, a good feel- world may sometimes be frustrating, 30 – Śrī Vāmana-dvādaśī, appear- why it is difficult for us to be devotees. ing comes to you. But an even more when we look at the bigger network relevant to all followers of the Vedic ance anniversary of Lord Vāmana, We have been given great mercy and wonderful feeling comes when you of the spiritual highway, we can real- tradition but also dates relating 3 – Jhulana Yātrā ends. Appearance anniversary of Lord Lord Kṛṣṇa’s incarnation as a dwarf must take full advantage of it. The share that gift with others. In traffic, ize that there is no bad traffic, just to Lord Caitanya’s associates and brāhmaṇa. Appearance anniversary mercy we have received is no small when we finally get into the free- traffic to purify our hearts on the jour- prominent spiritual masters in His Balarāma. Fasting till noon, followed by feasting. Second of Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, one of the thing at all. flowing lane and are grateful to the ney back home, back to Godhead. disciplic succession. Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindavan. You might think there is a “broken driver who let us through, then don’t month of Cāturmāsya begins vehicle” in your path, stopping you we want to let the person we see stuck Tirumala Devī Dāsī, a disciple of His (fasting from yogurt). from progressing any further. If so, behind the broken-down vehicle Holiness Kadamba Kānana Swami, Month of Vāmana then you need to rely on the mercy through as well? is a member of the BBT Africa team. (June 6 – July 5) of those in the next lane to allow you Similarly, we should share this She is also an author and illustrator Month of Hr. s.īkeśa (August 4 – September 2) space to get into the free-flowing lane. priceless mercy we have been given. for Kadamba Kids Books, a series of JULY We became frustrated in material life We should not be distracted by tem- Kṛṣṇa conscious books for children. – Anniversary of the 1 – Śayanā Ekādaśī 4 Fasting from grains and beans. departure of His Divine Painting by Muralīdhara Dāsa ROYAL DUTY, DIVINE DUTY Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta (Continued from page 43) 5 – Disappearance anniversary of Swami Prabhupāda to the Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, one of the United States in 1965. Monarchs of Yore Gaya’s royal order. Besides all Though Elizabeth is not of the spiritu- Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindavan. First this, King Gaya was a householder al stature of King Gaya, it is hearten- While Queen Elizabeth is exemplary month of Cāturmāsya begins (fast- 12 – Śrī Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī, who strictly observed the rules ing to see that a pious, God-centered in many ways, she doesn’t compare to ing from green leafy vegetables). appearance anniversary of and regulations of household life. Queen can stir the sincere affection the monarchs of previous ages, mon- Lord Kṛṣṇa. Fasting till mid- He performed sacrifices and was and appreciation of her people de- archs such as Yudhiṣṭhira, Ṛṣabha, an unalloyed pure devotee of the night. Call your local Hare spite the rampant atheism, depression, Month of Śrīdhara Bharata, Pṛthu, and Gaya. Of Gaya, Supreme Personality of Godhead. Kṛṣṇa temple for a schedule skepticism, cynicism, pessimism, fatal- (July 6 – August 3) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.15.7) says, He was called Mahāpuruṣa because of events. as a king he gave the citizens all ism, and consumerism in these dire 10 – Disappearance anniversary of King Gaya gave full protection facilities, and as a householder he and distracted times. As said in the Śrīla Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī, one 13 – Appearance anniver- and security to the citizens so that executed all his duties so that at the UK, “God save the Queen.” Or in the of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vrindavan. sary of His Divine Grace their personal property would end he became a strict devotee of Queen’s words during her Christmas A. C. Bhakti­vedanta Swami not be disturbed by undesirable the Supreme Lord. As a devotee, he message of 2013: “For Christians, as 13 – Disappearance anniversary of Prabhupāda, Founder-Ācārya elements. He also saw that there was always ready to give respect to for all people of faith, reflection, med- Śrīla Lokanātha Gosvāmī, a great of the International Society Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Balarāma was sufficient food to feed all the other devotees and to engage in the itation and prayer help us to renew devotee of Lord Caitanya. for Krishna Consciousness. citizens. [This is called poṣaṇa.] He devotional service of the Lord. This ourselves in God’s love, as we strive Fasting till noon, followed by 14 – Anniversary of incorpora- would sometimes distribute gifts to is the bhakti-yoga process. Due to daily to become better people. The feasting. 31 – Appearance anniversary of the citizens to satisfy them. [This all these transcendental activities, tion of ISKCON, in New York City, Christmas message shows us that this Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, father is called prīṇana.] He would some- King Gaya was always free from 1966. of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī love is for everyone. There is no one 15 – Annadā Ekādaśī times call meetings and satisfy the the bodily conception. He was full Ṭhākura (Śrīla Prabhupāda’s beyond its reach.” 16 – Kāmikā Ekādaśī Fasting from grains and beans. citizens with sweet words. [This is in Brahman realization, and conse- spiritual master), and a pioneer called upalālana.] He would also quently he was always jubilant. He Fasting from grains and beans. 23 – Appearance anniversary of in spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness give them good instructions on did not experience material lamen- Viśākhā Devī Dāsī has been writing Śrīmatī Sītā Devī, the consort of how to become first-class citizens. tation. Although he was perfect in for BTG since 1973. She is the author 30 – Pavitropanā Ekādaśī in English. Fasting till noon, then [This is called anuśāsana.] Such all respects, he was not proud, nor of six books. Visit her website at Fasting from grains and beans. Śrīla Advaita Ācārya. feasting. were the characteristics of King was he anxious to rule the kingdom. OurSpiritualJourney.com.

46 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 47 BOOK EXCERPT Ma¯ya¯ Is Going to Test You by Mahatma Das

Māyā’s tests are a blessing to bring us closer to Kṛṣṇa.

SECTION ONE: OBSTACLES TO CULTIVATING BHAKTI Chapter 1 Whenever we try to achieve something great, there will be obstacles and tests on our path. Devotional ser- vice is no exception. No matter who we are, we all get tested. And Māyā will hit us where we are the weakest. So what do we do, lie down and roll over? We might feel like it sometimes, especially when overcoming ob- stacles on the path of bhakti feels like a never-ending

Excerpted from Living battle. The previous faith that “Kṛṣṇa consciousness the Wisdom of Bhakti: works – I’m going to get purified in this lifetime” can Life As a Spiritual turn into “I hope I become purified in this life.” And Practice, Volume One, by Mahatma Das. Copy- for some, it even becomes “Maybe in another life right 2019 by Martin I’ll become Kṛṣṇa conscious.” Hausner. This excerpt In this chapter, we discuss how to deal with retains the book’s style for Sanskrit and other our obstacles in a way that moves us closer

Detail of a painting by Dirghā Dāsī Detail of a painting by Dirghā considerations. to Kṛṣṇa.

48 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 49 Declaring War on Māyā where we need to work, and thus shortcomings on our spiritual path, is What happens when a child really she can act as a force for our becom- how, ultimately, we will pass Māyā’s wants something and the parents re- We should expect that overcoming an- ing more serious and determined in test. Although it sounds contradictory fuse to give it? The child wants it even arthas (unwanted material desires and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. to develop a strong desire to be Kṛṣṇa more. And the same process works for MAYAPUR INSTITUTE conditioning) will be difficult. This is It also is important to realize that conscious while being challenged by us: the more difficult it is to become because becoming a devotee means Māyā is just responding to our ma- many anarthas, it is actually possible. Kṛṣṇa conscious, the more we should we have declared war on Māyā, the terial tendencies. Rūpa Gosvāmī shows us how we want it. Thus obstacles can inspire Winter Courses Gaura Pūrṇimā After all, she is not tempting us should be thinking in The Nectar of us. This is the essence of how one presiding deity of the material world. November 11, 2020 – Courses When we tell Māyā, “I have decided with anything that we don’t have an Devotion, Chapter 18: ­becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious. March 15, 2021 March 9–27, 2021 to give my life to Kṛṣṇa and leave attraction to. We are the ones who “I have no love for Kṛṣṇa, nor give her space to come into our lives. for the causes of developing love of your clutches,” we have to be ready Stairway to Vaikun. t.ha Courses include the for a fight. But by frustrating our attempts at Kṛṣṇa – namely, hearing and chanting. Bhakti Śāstrī Kṛṣṇa wants to help us increase In-depth study of Bhagavad-gītā, ISKCON Disciples Course, Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in The enjoyment, she can teach us great And the process of bhakti yoga, by that intense greed, so He tests us to Śrī Īśopaniṣad, The Nectar of Devotion, Teachers Training Course 1 Real Peace Formula: “Māyā will try ­lessons – if we care to learn. which one is always thinking of Kṛṣṇa see, as Śrīla Prabhupāda once said, and 2, Bhakti Śāstrī Teachers to defeat us as soon as she sees that a We all need struggles to keep us on and fixing His lotus feet in the heart, and The Nectar of Instruction “if we have come to serve Him or Training, Leadership and is also lacking in me. As far as (Separate courses for men and women.) disturb Him” (Lecture on Śrīmad- philosophical knowledge or Management Course, Bhāgavatam, New York, April 12, pious works are concerned, I Bhakti Vaibhava, Module 1 Vaiṣṇava Culture Course, Developing transcendental laulyam, or an 1973). don’t see any opportunity for Concentrated study of Śrīmad- Brahma-saṁhitā Course, These tests are opportunities me to execute such activities. Bhāgavatam, Cantos 1–3 and others. intense longing for Krsna, is how, ultimately, meant to increase our determination . . . But above all, I am not even in spiritual life and to help us take born of a nice family. There- Bhakti Vaibhava, Module 2 we will pass Māyā’s test. ­another step towards Kṛṣṇa: fore I must simply pray to You, Concentrated study of Śrīmad- “Although there may be many ob- Gopījana-vallabha [Kṛṣṇa, Bhāgavatam, Cantos 4–6 stacles on the path of the sincere dev- living soul is leaving her grip.” How? our toes and strengthen us. If Māyā maintainer and beloved of the gopīs]. otee who is preaching the glories of She does so by crowding our road doesn’t kick us from time to time, the I simply wish and hope that some way the Lord, such obstacles increase the Bhakti Vedānta, Module 1 to Goloka Vrindavan with obstacles. process of surrender can be slow. We or other I may be able to approach Concentrated study of Śrīmad- determination of the devotee. There- What are obstacles? need to be pushed by obstacles. It is Your lotus feet, and this hope is giving Bhāgavatam, Cantos 7–9 fore, according to Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, Obstacles are those things we fo- Kṛṣṇa’s kindness that He tests us in me pain, because I think myself quite the continuous obstacles presented by cus on when we lose sight of our goals. this way. And it is also Kṛṣṇa’s kind- incompetent to approach that tran- the demigods form a kind of ladder Māyā hits the hardest where we ness that He helps us get through the scendental goal of life.” or stairway upon which the devotee are the weakest, where she finds our tests. Śrīla Prabhupāda sheds light on In his prayer, Rūpa Gosvāmī, play- steadily progresses back to the king- strongest material tendencies; we are this: ing the part of a conditioned soul, dom of God.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam only as strong as our weakest link – “The Lord is so kind to His devotee focuses on his unrelenting desire and 11.4.10, Purport) and she knows exactly where that is. that when severely testing him, the hope to be Kṛṣṇa conscious although So as you confront difficult chal- So what’s the best way to fight Lord gives him the necessary strength he lists many reasons why he feels lenges, challenges in which you may Māyā? to be tolerant and to continue to ­unqualified to be Kṛṣṇa conscious. be faltering, try seeing Kṛṣṇa standing Actually, there’s no way we can remain a glorious devotee.” (Śrīmad- What you focus on is more impor- behind these obstacles asking you, directly win a fight with Māyā. Kṛṣṇa Bhāgavatam 8.22.29–30, Purport) tant than where you are at. “What’s important to you? Do you says in Bhagavad-gītā 7.14, mama Look at it this way: if anyone Echoing Śrī Rāmānanda Rāya in want Me, or do you want something māyā duratyayā: “My material energy forces us to take more shelter of the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 8.70, else?” is insurmountable.” She has a million Kṛṣṇa, that person is our best friend. Rūpa Gosvāmī further explains in tricks up her sleeve to illusion us and So it is important to understand that his Padyāvalī, 13–14, this time more But I’m Not Pure keep us away from Kṛṣṇa. She can Māyā is not actually our enemy. She directly: even convince us that we are con- is on our heels to challenge our Kṛṣṇa “Pure devotional service in Kṛṣṇa You might think, “OK, this all sounds To enroll, visit http://mayapurinstitute.org quering her while we are fully in her consciousness, and if Māyā kicks us in consciousness cannot be had even by good, but I’ve been working on over- clutches. a way that pushes us towards Kṛṣṇa, pious activity in hundreds and thou- coming the same anarthas for years. will only become steady (the stage even develop into: “My anarthas are she is doing us a great service. When sands of lives. It can be attained only Although I’ve made progress, some of niṣṭhā) after most anarthas are there, they will have their effect on Krsna Tests Us we pass her test, she herself will help by paying one price – that is, intense anarthas seem strongly glued to my removed (anartha-nivṛtti). We could me, and I just have to accept this fact. . . . us go to Kṛṣṇa. longing to obtain it. If it is available heart. It’s discouraging that they have think that having these anarthas “So why should I continually But don’t get discouraged; Māyā’s somewhere, one must purchase it remained with me despite my at- actually gives us a right to be un- struggle to get rid of them? I’m so simply doing her job. This is all part without delay.” tempts to overcome them.” steady – and thus a right to also be fallen that I have ‘good’ reason to not Do I Really Want Kr.s.n. a? of Kṛṣṇa’s plan. The battles we have There are many stories in which To justify our discouragement, we discouraged. strictly follow.” with Māyā are for our own spiritual Developing transcendental laulyam, people with handicaps, either physi- could quote the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam In the long run, if it gets very dif- This kind of mentality can lead benefit. If taken in this way, Māyā or an intense longing for Kṛṣṇa, de- cal or circumstantial, achieved great 1.2.18 and The Nectar of Devotion ficult to cope with our desires and us to relax our spiritual practices or shows us where we are weak and spite whatever obstacles or personal things despite the odds against them. (Chapter 16), which state that we struggles, our thought processes might engage in activities which, instead of

50 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 51 rooting out our anarthas, make them the Lord places millions of obstacles How Do We See It? more prominent in our lives. in my path, and even if because of my Śrīla Prabhupāda also taught that offenses I go to hell, I will never for we can act in a Kṛṣṇa conscious way Enthusiasm Despite Anarthas a moment stop serving Lord Kṛṣṇa. I despite our heart’s contrary desires. am not interested in mental specu- Māyā tells us the exact opposite: She Anarthas exist on lower stages of lation and fruitive activities; even wants us to believe that we have to bhakti. It is a fact we must accept. if Lord Brahmā personally comes give in to our conditioning – that The question is can we really remain before me offering such engagements, we are so fallen that even Kṛṣṇa enthusiastic and determined in devo- I will not be even slightly interested. can’t help us overcome our strong tional service while these persistent Although I am attached to material conditioning. anarthas remain in our hearts? things, I can see very clearly that they I suggest that we look at steadiness, Although it seems like a contradic- lead to no good because they simply enthusiasm, and determination to be tion, the answer is yes. give me trouble and disturb my devo- Kṛṣṇa conscious as an indication of a If you asked Kṛṣṇa what He had to tional service to the Lord. Therefore, pure desire to be Kṛṣṇa conscious. We say on this subject, He would repeat I sincerely repent my foolish attach- might have to carry many anarthas HARE KRSNA throughout our life, but if we . . . want to be Kṛṣṇa conscious Māyā wants us to believe that we are so fallen more than anything else, these anarthas cannot and will not HARE KR. S. N. A that even Kr.s.n. a can’t help us overcome our deter us. Let our difficult challenges strong conditioning. just make us more determined KRSNA KRSNA to be Kṛṣṇa conscious...... what He says in the Gītā (2.70): “Be ments to so many material things, and Exercise like an ocean. The river of desires will I am patiently awaiting Lord Kṛṣṇa’s HARE HARE enter, but the ocean is still.” mercy.” Make a list of some of the things that The point is that devotees who This prayer tells us that despite are detrimental to your spiritual life ­really want to be Kṛṣṇa conscious can having material desires, a devotee is that you nevertheless give in to. HARE RĀMA tolerate the obstacles and anarthas not interested in pursuing them or Now ask yourself: why do you do in their lives, not give in to them, and even enjoying them if they come to so? thus remain enthusiastically deter- him automatically, but that he is only What is giving in to these HARE RĀMA mined in their service. The goal of interested in serving Kṛṣṇa. It is a things costing you, materially and Kṛṣṇa consciousness is what makes us prayer that offers us a reassuring and spiritually? enthusiastic. Anarthas are just bumps liberating attitude: we can be enthu- What is/are the belief(s) behind in the road that we must deal with. siastic despite our anarthas. We can giving in? To uncover those beliefs, RĀMA RĀMA “But I have a heavy mind. You be hopeful of being Kṛṣṇa conscious look at the activities in your life that don’t know how fallen I am, how despite our shortcomings. We can re- are detrimental to your bhakti and conditioned I am. I have so many bad main determined even in the face of ask, “What would one have to believe HARE HARE habits.” many obstacles. in to do these things?” The following prayer, composed We can – unless we listen to those And now, flip the question around: by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī as part little voices in our head telling us, “No what would you have to believe in to of his commentary to the Śrīmad- you can’t.” Have those little voices not give in? Bhāgavatam (11.20.27–28), expresses ever made excuses for you not being If you find that your desire to be a similar mood, yet deals with it in a Kṛṣṇa conscious, and then blamed Kṛṣṇa conscious is not strong enough wonderful and positive way: them on your anarthas? to enable you to not give in, then “By my previous shameful life, my If so, and if you’ve ever lost your what could you do to make your heart is polluted with many illusory enthusiasm for devotional service ­spiritual desires stronger? PRONUNCIATION: attachments. Personally, I have no because of unwanted desires that ha-ray, krish-na, rah-ma. power to stop them. Only Lord Kṛṣṇa repeatedly surface in your heart, I Mahatma Das, a disciple of Śrīla To hear Śrīla Prabhupāda within my heart can remove such suggest you copy the above prayer, Prabhupāda, designs and conducts inauspicious contamination. Whether keep it where you can regularly professionally organized workshops chanting, go to krishna.com/ the Lord removes such attachments see it, and study it over and over and retreats, both live and online, to hare-krishna-maha-mantra. immediately or lets me go on being again. The power of Śrīla Viśvanātha assist devotees and nondevotees in afflicted by them, I will never give up Cakravartī’s prayer will silence those their spiritual growth (mahatmadas. my devotional service to Him. Even if little voices. com). Photo by Bhīṣmadeva Dāsa / HoofprintMedia.com

52 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 53 AN EVENTFUL TOUR:

Many pious souls Lessons from come forward to serve Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma Kr.s.n.a’s as They enter Mathurā. Entrance into Mathura¯ By Gaurāṅga Darśana Dāsa

The self-satisfied Lord eagerly reciprocates the earnest offerings of fortunate people who get the rare privilege of serving Him.

T WAS ALMOST EVENING when Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, and the cowherd boys went to tour the splendorous city of Mathurā. Kṛṣṇa was Iborn in Mathurā, but His father, Vasudeva, had quickly taken Him to Gokula to protect Him from wicked King Kaṁsa, His maternal uncle. Since then, Kṛṣṇa had lived in Vraja with Yaśodā, Nanda Mahārāja, the cows, the cowherd boys and girls, and all the other residents. Now Kṛṣṇa had Painting by Muralīdhara Dāsa come to Mathurā on Kaṁsa’s invitation. Upon arriving at the outskirts of Mathurā, He had tak- en permission from Nanda Mahārāja to enter the city with Balarāma and other cowherd boys.

54 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 55 Intense Eagerness Satisfied: bundles of clothes on the spot and ran In his past life the weaver had street, a florist named Sudāmā stayed Kr.s.n. a Gives His Darśana to in different directions. An effulgence lived in Mithilā. He was a great in his house. Sudāmā used to go to the Residents of Mathurā (the spirit soul) came from the wash- devotee and an expert weaver. He Vṛndāvana regularly to get rare flow- erman’s body and entered Lord Kṛṣṇa. made very fine garments for Rāma ers and would see Kṛṣṇa wearing rus- More than Kṛṣṇa’s wanting to see Thus the Lord delivered him. Then and Lakṣmaṇa to wear on Their tic dress. On the pretext of collecting the city, the city longed to see Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, and the cowherd wedding day. Seeing Rāma and flowers, he would go to where Kṛṣṇa Śrī Vallabh­ācārya writes in his boys took the garments that suited Lakṣmaṇa, more handsome than played and offer Him flowers as a gift. Madhurāṣṭakam, madhurādhi-pater them. millions of cupids, the noble-hearted Now, while all his assistants went out, akhilaṁ madhuram: “Everything is No mortal being can stop things weaver desired to place the garments he was at home, engrossed in making sweet about Kṛṣṇa, the emperor of from reaching the Lord and His devo- on the two Lords with his own hands. garlands for the Lord with beautiful, sweetness.” Kṛṣṇa is the real Lord of tees. For instance, Lord Rāma took All-knowing Lord Rāma in His heart fragrant, soft, colorful flowers. Mathurā. The people of Mathurā had the kingdom of Rāvaṇa and gave it to blessed the desire of the weaver, who Just as a devotee is eager to serve often heard about Kṛṣṇa’s sweet and Vibhīṣaṇa, Mohinī Mūrtī took nectar thus took birth in Mathurā. Now the Lord, the Lord is eager to receive valorous deeds in Vṛndāvana and had from the demons and gave it to the he made garments for Kṛṣṇa and the devotee’s service and bless the developed a deep attraction for Him. demigods, Lord Narasiṁha took the Balarāma and dressed Them himself, devotee. Thus Kṛṣna and Balarāma Now the eagerness of the residents throne of Hiraṇyakaśipu and gave and he attained a transcendental asked people the whereabouts of of Mathurā was fulfilled as they got it to Prahlāda, and Lord Kṛṣṇa took form like Theirs. (Śrī Garga-saṁhitā Sudāmā’s house and went there. See- to see Kṛṣṇa’s charming form. They kingdoms from Duryodhana and 5.10.10–16) ing Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma suddenly, were overwhelmed with happiness. Kaṁsa and gave them Yudhiṣṭira Sudāmā was overwhelmed with hap- With their lotuslike faces blooming Mahārāja and Ugrasena. piness and gratitude and considered with affection, they showered Kṛṣṇa Sincere Service Attitude himself blessed to receive Them at his with the flowers of their loving glan­ Rewarded: Kr.s.n. a Blesses home. He offered Them obeisances, ces and smiles. Many people offered Cherished Desire Fulfilled: Sudāmā the Florist bathed Their feet and worshiped Kṛṣṇa various presentations. They ap- Kr.s.n. a Blesses the Weaver While many Mathurā residents ea- Them with pure paraphernalia. Be- preciated the great fortune of the resi- Thereupon a weaver came before gerly came out to see Kṛṣṇa on the ing a lover of the Lord, he was dents of Vṛndāvana, who would daily Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. Out of fear of see Kṛṣṇa to their heart’s content. Painting by Puṣkara Dāsa Kaṁsa, this weaver had never gone to Vṛndāvana, but he had heard of its Great Arrogance Punished: great happiness from his companions Krsna Delivers the Wicked . . . who had gone there. Thus he was Washerman anxious to see Kṛṣṇa. The Lord will On entering the city, Kṛṣṇa and surely fulfill the heart’s longing of a Painting by Devahūti Devī Dāsī Balarāma came upon a washerman After Kṛṣṇa kills a wicked washerman, Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma select clothes sincere devotee. carrying colorful clothes for King they fancy from the washerman’s bundle. Feeling great affection for Kṛṣṇa Kaṁsa. Kṛṣṇa, who is complete in all and Balarāma, the weaver dressed respects, politely asked the washer- Mathurā, but this person happened stayed in his place for a year. Rāma Them in soft gold-colored silk cloth man for some garments, promising to be the king’s washerman, and thus considered that just as this washerman embedded with jewels, and he offered him a great benefit in return. What he was very arrogant. Our connection had criticized Him now, lusty kings Them cloth armlets, bracelets, and fortune! While millions of devotees with superior or influential people in the future might cite His accepting earrings that looked just like jewels, eagerly wait for an opportunity to can make us so proud that we deride Sītā as an excuse to have illicit connec- just suitable to Their bodily complex- render some service to the Supreme others and look down upon those tions with women. To avoid any such ions. The ornaments were suitable Lord even indirectly, that same Lord who don’t have such privilege. misunderstanding, Rāma banished to the occasion too, because Kṛṣṇa voluntarily came to this washerman The washerman said that Kṛṣṇa Sītā, although He and His dear devo- and Balarāma would soon fight with to ask for some cloth. and His associates, being uncivilized tees knew beyond doubt the chastity Kaṁsa’s wrestlers, and these soft or- Glorious are those devotees who cowherds, forest dwellers, and moun- and purity of glorious Sītā Devī. naments wouldn’t hurt Their bodies. eagerly look forward to serving the tain wanderers, did not deserve the Hearing the sinful washerman’s The brothers looked resplendent. Lord. Unfortunate people, however, fine cloth meant for the royal order. malicious words, Kṛṣṇa effortlessly Pleased with the weaver’s selfless ser- miss such chances, which come on He cautioned Kṛṣṇa that the king’s beheaded him merely with His fin- vice, Kṛṣṇa blessed him that he would their own accord. Instead of recogniz- soldiers would beat, loot, and kill gertips. The Lord doesn’t have to attain a cowherd-boy form like the ing his fortune in receiving the oppor- Them if They asked for the clothes. exert Himself to punish the wicked. Lord’s (sārūpya mukti) and would en- tunity to offer clothes to Kṛṣṇa, the In his previous birth this person For instance, Lord Narasiṁha killed joy opulence, influence, sensory vigor, wicked washerman rejected Kṛṣṇa’s had been a washerman in Ayodhyā, Hiraṇyakaśipu merely with His nails, and physical and mental strength. request and publicly ridiculed Him the kingdom of Lord Rāmacandra and Lord Varāha killed Hiraṇyākṣa with loud, angry, harsh, insulting (Śrī Garga-saṁhitā 5.10.4–8). He had with just a slap. words. criticized Rāma for accepting Sītā The washerman’s assistants, see- The garland-maker Sudāmā offers There were many washermen in Devī, who, kidnapped by Rāvaṇa, had ing his untimely end, dropped their Kṛṣṇa a garland of fragrant flowers.

56 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 57 comparison in the Lord’s service, as very much. Her mind overwhelmed desire would be fulfilled in Mathurā them to Him, those things will leave Kṛṣṇa wants every devotee to render by Kṛṣṇa’s beauty, charm, sweetness, City at the end of Dvāpara-yuga. By us anyway and return to Him. But the best service he or she can. smiles, words, and glances, Trivakrā Lord Śiva’s blessing she now became anyone who voluntarily offers things Kṛṣṇa was already dressed and gave Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma generous Lord Kṛṣṇa’s beloved. Thus Kṛṣṇa to the Lord with love, like the ascetic ornamented splendidly, enchanting amounts of ointment that contrasted awarded Trivakrā a conjugal relation- Śabari and the aborigine woman who onlookers, and now, with Sudāmā’s with Their complexions. She ignored ship with Him. Grabbing His upper offered fruits to Lord Rāma and Lord garlands, His body emanated a most her position as a servant of Kaṁsa cloth, the now beautiful and charming Kṛṣṇa respectively, receives all bless- pleasant fragrance. Kṛṣṇa then told and publicly decorated Kṛṣṇa with Trivakrā asked Kṛṣṇa to come to her ings from Him. Whether noble or Sudāmā to ask for a benediction. In- various patterns on His cheeks, chest, house. Kṛṣṇa promised her a visit af- wicked, anyone who offers something telligent Sudāmā prayed as follows: and arms, without disturbing the ter He had finished certain duties, and to the Lord will be rewarded with ­ornaments and garlands. He continued His tour. great material and spiritual benefit. so ’pi vavre ’calāṁ bhaktiṁ Pleased with Trivakrā, Kṛṣṇa want- Kṛṣṇa then went to Kaṁsa’s sacri- tasminn evākhilātmani ed to straighten her back. He stepped ficial bow and broke it, causing terror Gaurāṅga Darśana Dāsa, a disciple tad-bhakteṣu ca sauhārdaṁ on her toes with His lotus feet, took in Kaṁsa’s heart. Kṛṣṇa and Bala­ of His Holiness Rādhānāth Swami, is bhūteṣu ca dayāṁ parām hold of her chin with the index and rāma killed the wicked soldiers who dean of the Bhaktivedānta Vidyāpīṭha middle fingers of His right hand, sup- tried to attack Them. Then the Lords (www.vidyapitha.in) at ISKCON Sudāmā chose unshakable devotion ported her back with his left hand, concluded Their eventful tour and Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV). He has for Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Soul of all ex- and pulled up her body, thus straight- ­returned to Their residence to rest. written study guides, including Gītā istence, friendship with His devotees, ening her spine. By Kṛṣṇa’s touch, The Lord is the ultimate proprietor Subodhinī, Bhāgavata Subodhinī, and transcendental compassion for all Trivakrā was suddenly transformed of everything, as this entire universe and Caitanya Subodhinī, and teaches living beings. (Bhāgavatam 10.41.51) into an exquisitely beautiful woman manifested from Him. Even if we śāstric courses at several places in Kṛṣṇa bestowed what Sudāmā with straight, evenly proportioned arrogantly hold back things for our India. He also oversees the deity prayed for and also gave him strength, limbs. If one has bhakti for Kṛṣṇa, own selfish interests without offering worship at GEV. fame, beauty, long life, and ever-­ one’s heart will shine with straight- increasing prosperity for his family ness (honesty). If there is no bhakti, and departed ancestors. straightness is only an external show. Śrī Garga-saṁhitā (5.10.17–26) ex- Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī com- plains that in his previous life Sudāmā ments that Kubjā represents the had been a florist named Hemamālī earth, which was bent down by the in the Caitraratha gardens of Kuvera, great burden of countless wicked the treasurer of the demigods. He was rulers. Kṛṣṇa’s straightening Kubjā’s peaceful, generous, respectful to saints, back represents His rectifying the

Painting by Rāmaprasāda Dāsa and devoted to the Supreme Lord. burdened condition of the earth Kṛṣṇa in the home of Kubjā, a former hunchback He had transformed For five thousand years he worshiped by punishing the demoniac people. into a beautiful woman on arriving in Mathurā. Lord Śiva daily with three hundred (Bhāgavatam 10.42.1, Purport) lotuses. Lord Śiva was pleased to offer According to Śrī Garga-saṁhitā aware of scriptural conclusions and immediately offered fresh garlands to him a boon. Hemamālī asked Śiva to (5.11.1–11), in her past life Kubjā thus praised the Lord eloquently in the Lords and Their associates. Kṛṣṇa bless him with the opportunity to see was Śūrpaṇakhā, the sister of the ­various ways. He said, expects us to offer the best we have. Lord Kṛṣṇa enter his home. Lord Śiva demoniac king Rāvaṇa. When Lord Our ability to serve Him comes from said that his desire would be fulfilled Rāma was in Pañcavatī forest dur- tāv ajñāpayataṁ bhṛtyaṁ Him; thus He empowers different in Mathurā at the end of Dvāpara- ing His exile, she fell in love with kim ahaṁ karavāṇi vām servants to render different types of yuga. To keep Lord Śiva’s promise, Him. Rāma had vowed to accept only puṁso ’ty-anugraho hy eṣa service. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma now entered one wife, however, and didn’t accept bhavadbhir yan niyujyate What we offer may not be the Sudāmā’s home and blessed him. Śūrpaṇakhā. So Śūrpaṇakhā tried YOU’RE INVITED! greatest or the most expensive thing to devour Sītā Devī. But Lakṣmaṇa “Please order me, Your servant, to in a material sense, but if offered with Heart’s Longing Reciprocated: quickly cut off her ears and nose with do whatever You wish. To be en- pure love and devotion, the Lord His sword. Kr.s.n. a Transforms Kubjā and gaged by You in some service is prizes it. For instance, Lord Rāma was Grants Her Pure Love for Him Her love refused, disappointed certainly a great blessing for anyone.” immensely pleased with the simple Sūrpaṇakhā went to Puṣkara-tīrtha. (Bhāgavatam 10.41.48) service of a squirrel in the making As Kṛṣṇa walked further, He saw a Wishing to get Lord Rāma as her Love for the Lord is visible in of the stone bridge across the ocean. young hunchback woman carrying husband, she stayed underwater and TheMost Hare Kṛṣṇa Sunday centers around the world put Feaston a special festival one’s eagerness to serve Him. And Kṛṣṇa is more attracted to our service fragrant ointments, and He asked meditated on Lord Śiva for ten thou- every Sunday – for regulars as well as newcomers. Come by the opportunity to serve Him is the attitude and mood of gratitude than her for some. She was Trivakrā, also sand years. When Śiva appeared be- and get a taste of the world’s oldest cultural tradition. Call your highest attainable benediction. Be- to the magnitude of our service. Thus known as Kubjā. She introduced fore her, she asked him to grant her nearest center to find out the schedule for the Sunday Feast. ing a first-class servant, Sudāmā there is no scope for scarcity, inse- herself as a maidservant of Kaṁsa, the blessing of getting Śrī Rāma as Visit: centres.iskcon.org understood what Kṛṣṇa wanted and curity, and unhealthy competition or who she said liked her ointments her husband. Lord Śiva said that her

58 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 59 Steer Your Life Guided by Wisdom By Gaura Śaraṇa Dāsa

The Vedic scriptures point us to the highest destination and tell us how to get there.

IFE IS A JOURNEY, and on this jour- of eating, sleeping, mating and defending. ney the soul is seated in the vehicle of But the special property of the humans is La body given by the material nature that they are able to engage in spiritual life. (bhrāmayan sarva-bhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni Therefore without spiritual life, humans māyayā, Gītā 18.61). Material nature sup- are on the level of animals.” This verse sug- plies various types of vehicles to the souls gests that the privilege of having a human wandering in material existence, depend- body over an animal body is the ability to ing on their past desires and karma. Out steer our life towards a destination higher of various types of vehicles, the human than just eating, sleeping, mating, and body is considered the best vehicle for the defending, which even animals can some- journey towards a spiritual destination. times do even better than human beings. And Prahlāda Mahārāja says in Śrīmad- The greatest privilege of being in a hu- Bhāgavatam (7.6.1), durlabhaṁ mānuṣaṁ man vehicle is the opportunity to learn janma: “A human birth is rarely achieved.” about the highest destination and how to We are all extremely fortunate to get there. Whether we know it or not, our have this human vehicle, which is better journey began the moment we were born equipped for the journey of life than ani- by the force of time. So it’s time to under- mal forms. According to Hitopadeśa (25), stand the wisdom given in the Vedic scrip- tures, especially Bhagavad-gītā, to make āhāra-nidrā-bhaya-maithunaṁ ca this journey successful. sāmānyam etat paśubhiḥ narāṇām Kṛṣṇa, while seated in a vehicle, a char- dharmo hi teṣām adhiko viśeṣo iot, speaks to Arjuna about the existential dharmeṇa hīna paśubhiḥ samānāḥ journey of the soul, about the vehicle the soul acquires, and about how to drive the “Both animals and men share the activities vehicle to its ultimate destination.

60 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 61 Know Your Destination “The individual is the passenger in the naturally the question arises, What wandering. For the mind to be con- “To those who are constantly devoted Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate goal, regulating car of the material body, and intel- will become of me if my intelligence trolled, however, one needs a strong to serving Me with love, I give the in- the interaction of the mind and senses Consider that you set out on a jour- ligence is the driver. Mind is the driv- is not strong enough to control the intelligence, as stated in Bhagavad- telligence by which they can come to with their sense objects is implicit and ney and don’t know where to go. It ing instrument, and the senses are the mind? This is explained as follows in gītā (3.43), evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ Me.” (Gītā 10.10) necessary. Only then will the spiritual might sound adventurous initially, horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or the Kaṭha Upaniṣad (1.3.7): buddhvā saṁstabhyātmānam ātmanā: And in Bhagavad-gītā 2.61 Kṛṣṇa practices be beneficial in strength- but sooner or later you will get tired sufferer in the association of the mind “One should steady the mind by delib- says, ening the intelligence through God of just traveling and will want to be and senses. So it is understood by yas tv avijñānavān bhavaty erate spiritual intelligence.” realization. back home. Like any other journey, great thinkers.” amanaskas sadā ’śuciḥ tāni sarvāṇi saṁyamya our life journey needs a destination na sa tat padam āpnoti How to Make the yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ to be meaningful. Any number of The Soul in Connection saṁsāraṁ cādhigacchati Intelligence Strong vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi temporary stops will not satisfy the The Hierarchy of Our Body with the Supreme Self tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā soul, however attractive they may be In Bhagavad-gītā 2.66 Kṛṣṇa says that In the Bhagavad-gītā (3.42) Kṛṣṇa “One whose intelligence is not strong Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in the to its conditioned mind and senses. one who is not connected with the Su- gives the hierarchy of the body and and hence has an uncontrolled mind purport to Bhagavad-gītā 3.42, “If, To be satisfied, the soul aspires for an preme in Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot “One who restrains his senses, keep- mentions that the soul is higher than and senses doesn’t reach the supreme therefore, the soul is directly engaged ­eternal destination, its home. have transcendental intelligence (nāsti ing them under full control, and fixes all these bodily functions: destination, but rather revolves in the with the Supreme, naturally all other Scriptures are like maps to guide buddhir ayuktasya). Kṛṣṇa also says, his consciousness upon Me, is known cycle of birth and death.” subordinates, namely, intelligence, us to our ultimate destination. Kṛṣṇa as a man of steady intelligence.” So indriyāṇi parāṇy āhur The tone of this verse needn’t mind and senses, will be automatically explains that the eternal destina- teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ only when the soul is connected with indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ dispirit us; rather, the verse can act as a engaged.” tion for the eternal soul is His eter- bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam Kṛṣṇa can intelligence be strong to manasas tu parā buddhir reminder for us to steer our life in the When the self is connected to the nal abode and not this temporary dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ control the mind and senses naturally. yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ right direction by controlling our mind Supreme Self through the processes ­material existence: yena mām upayānti te Though fixing the consciousness on and senses through our intelligence. of bhakti-yoga, then the self will avyakto ’kṣara ity uktas “The working senses are superior to naturally be satisfied (yato bhaktir tam āhuḥ paramāṁ gatim dull matter; mind is higher than the Mind and Senses, Reins adhokṣaje . . . yayātmā suprasīdati, yaṁ prāpya na nivartante senses; intelligence is still higher than and Horses TEMPLE OF THE Bhāgavatam 1.2.6). tad dhāma paramaṁ mama the mind; and he [the soul] is even Therefore by engaging ourselves higher than the intelligence.” In the chariot analogy, the mind is in the devotional activities of chant- “That which the Vedāntists describe as compared to reins, and the senses are VEDIC PLANETARIUM ing and hearing about the Supreme unmanifest and infallible, that which Intelligence, the Driver compared to the horses that drive the Mayapur, West Bengal, India Lord and remembering Him, we can is known as the supreme destina- chariot. Have you ever seen or been develop knowledge that strengthens tion, that place from which, having In the chariot analogy, intelligence in a vehicle where the brakes sud- The largest Vedic temple to be built in thou- our intelligence, and detachment that is the driver. The driver needs to be denly stopped working? It’s dreadful makes our mind and senses lose their attained it, one never returns – that is sands of years. To learn about the project, strong to make sure he can guide the to even imagine, and at worst it can taste for objects of enjoyment. My supreme abode.” (Gītā 8.21) keep track of its progress, and see how you Now that we know the spiritual mind and senses. be fatal. Hence in this journey of life, can get involved, visit the following sites: world is our destination, the next mind and sense control is crucial for vāsudeve bhagavati question is how to get there. yastu avijñānavān bhavaty us to make it to the destination. • facebook.com/tovp.mayapur bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ ayuktena manasā sadā janayaty āśu vairāgyaṁ Since the senses are inferior to • youtube.com/user/tovpinfo tasyendriyāṇy avaśyāni the mind, by controlling the mind we jñānaṁ ca yad ahaitukam Understanding the Body, • tovp.org the Chariot duṣṭāśvā iva sāratheḥ can easily control the senses. Hence sense control follows mind control “By rendering devotional service unto As a driver needs to understand “The senses of a person who is with- and not necessarily vice versa. Śrīla the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the vehicle to successfully reach the out discrimination and whose mind Prabhupāda gives an example in his one immediately acquires causeless destination, we as spirit souls travel- is always uncontrolled are unman- purport to Bhagavad-gītā 2.60: “Even knowledge and detachment from the ing in this human vehicle need to ageable, like the vicious horses of a Viśvāmitra, a great sage and perfect world.” (Bhāgavatam 1.2.7) When we understand it to drive to our ulti- driver.” (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 1.3.5) One yogī, was misled by Menakā into sex steer our vehicle in the right direction mate destination safely. In the Kaṭha whose intelligence is not strong can- enjoyment, although the yogī was with such transcendental intelligence, Upaniṣad (1.3.3–4), the human body is not control the mind and senses. If the endeavoring for sense control with se- eventually we will reach the ultimate explained as follows: horses driving a chariot are uncon- vere types of penance and yoga prac- destination of the supreme abode of trolled, then there are all the chances tice.” Since Viśvāmitra’s mind was Lord Kṛṣṇa. ātmānaṁ rathinaṁ viddhi for an accident and little or no chance diverted to meditate on sense objects, śarīraṁ ratham eva ca to reach the destination safely. The eventually his sense control failed Gaura Śaraṇa Dāsa Brahmacārī, a buddhiṁ tu sārathiṁ viddhi driver must hold the reins tightly to to help him. Kṛṣṇa says, dhyāyato disciple of His Holiness Rādhānāth manaḥ pragraham eva ca control the horses effectively and viṣayān puṁsaḥ (Gītā 2.62): if the Swami, has served in various projects, indriyāṇi hayān āhur travel in the right direction. mind is engaged in sense objects, the including ISKCON Chowpatty and viṣayāṁs teṣu gocarān In reality, however, for most of us senses cannot be controlled. Govardhan Ecovillage. He currently ātmendriya-mano-yuktaṁ our intelligence is not strong enough Therefore to control the senses serves at the Bhakti Center in New bhoktety āhur manīṣiṇaḥ to control our mind and senses. So one needs to control the mind from York City.

62 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 63 for him, and he turned his hand to IN MEMORIAM a remarkable variety of initiatives and projects with enthusiasm and determination. In doing all this, he was always a charming gentleman to those he met, and a genuine sadhu. His skills and affectionate dealings with others impressed a generation of worshipers at the Manor, and when “This Life Śrutidharma asked them to help Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission, they would often accept the invitation, becoming donors, life members, sevakas, and Is for patrons. The Manor Campaign

When Bhaktivedanta Manor was beset on all sides with challenges Serving to its very existence, Śrutidharma proved indispensable to the campaign

David Crick to keep the temple open. Whether through a sponsored walk in 1989, fund-raising dinners, or meeting Others” members of Parliament and Hindu leaders, Śrutidharma coordinated by Kripamoya Dāsa the campaign through various com- munity networks. He spent months at RUTIDHARMA DĀSA, the them to join the temple in 1980, the outreach team and visited thousands the end of 1993 and early 1994 tour- beloved son of Raojibhai and three friends became the first of of families in London over the next ing the country to request all Hindu SDhanlaxmi Patel, and younger many young devotees to become decade. He was known for his ability groups to unite to demonstrate their brother to Mukesh, was born in sadhus from the local community, to present Kṛṣṇa in an attractive man- concern and to fight the proposed Jinja, Uganda, in 1958. As a twelve- much to the surprise of their families. ner and always had the right story or temple closure. Eventually, his ener- year-old boy he made the journey to The two friends eventually became scripture verse for any occasion. He getic campaigning and urgent request ­London with his family and grew up Prāṇa­bandhu Dāsa and His Holiness sang, acted in dramas, gave speeches that each town send a coach or two in Wembley. ­Ātma­nivedana Swami. to crowds great and small, conducted to London brought 36,000 people Condolence letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Around the same time, the early Śrutidharma quickly became saṁskāras, and raised funds. No task onto the streets before the Houses of devotees of Kṛṣṇa came from Amer- an indispensable member of the was too big and no service too menial Parliament. ica and eventually started a temple After the grand victory in 1996, President of leaders of all religious groups and at 7, Bury Place near the British Śrutidharma and Prāṇabandhu jointly Bhaktivedanta Manor encouraged the congregation and vol- Museum. It was there, at age 19, that formed the Bhaktivedanta Manor unteers in their spiritual lives. He met the young Shailesh Patel met Śrīla Foundation (BMF). Two years later, Śrutidharma Dāsa formally became many dignitaries, including chief rab- Prabhupāda and became very im- in the spring of 1998, Śrutidharma the president of Bhakti­vedanta Man- bis, archbishops, two Prime Ministers, pressed with his words and mission. was married to Śrī Rādhikā Dāsī. or on the 18th of July 2010. Over the members of the royal family, and Her After graduating in biochemistry, They shortly became the proud last ten years, and until only months Majesty the Queen. Śrutidharma was engaged in heart ­parents of a son, Nitai. before his passing, he continually ex- Śrutidharma Dāsa gave his life research. Some months later, he took As a priest, chaplain to the Mayor panded his range of relationships to selflessly and wholeheartedly in the part in the Mahabharata Youth Club, of Harrow, interfaith leader, and reli- include serving as a chaplain, visiting service of Śrīla Prabhupāda and an initiative for the young people gious minister, Śrutidharma was also schools and businesses, taking part in Rādhā-Gokulānanda. For forty years of Harrow, Wembley, and Southall involved in publishing. He became the saṅkīrtana street processions, visiting he was a major pillar of the activities started by Akhaṇḍadhī Dāsa of head of publications and conceived, members of Parliament, conducting and achievements of Bhaktivedanta Bhaktivedanta Manor. Along with designed, and edited a series of pub- corporate events, and conducting Manor, a genuinely warm and affec- two friends he became an enthusias- lications for the Manor, including informal house gatherings and larger tionate brother and spiritual teacher tic member of the youth club, taking paperback books, magazines, guides, spiritual retreats. He was interviewed to thousands, and a sadhu who united part in energetic kīrtanas and plays. leaflets, calendars, websites, and the by newspapers, radio, and television. all in service to Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of After Akhaṇḍadhī Dāsa persuaded famous Janmashtami Souvenir Book. He offered kind hospitality to visiting his life.

64 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 65 FROM THE EDITOR

When God Loses Control VEDIC THOUGHTS WE CAN TRULY KNOW about God only when relationships with His devotees. Even in the He reveals Himself. Śrīla Prabhupāda often said Bhagavad-gītā, where He plays the role of a teach- that God reserves the right to not reveal Himself er, He speaks of the love He and His devotees The Supreme Personality Foolish people, who are actu- to the unworthy, including people who try to un- have for each other. of Godhead is unlimited, and ally drowning in ignorance but derstand Him through intellectual endeavors alone. In commenting on text 15.6 of the Gītā, where any service rendered Him is also consider themselves intelligent and Fortunately for us, God, Kṛṣṇa, has revealed Kṛṣṇa says something about His eternal abode, unlimited because the Lord’s unlimited scholarly, get battered by the kicks of Himself in various ways, including repeatedly com- Prabhupāda writes, “One should be captivated by energy is the dynamic force behind such service. māyā. They wander in the material world just like ing to this world with His eternal associates. The this information.” We should likewise be captivated When this supernatural energy is reposed in blind people being led by other blind people. Vedic scriptures tell of His descents, and even if to learn that pure love is so powerful that it can us, all our thoughts and feelings, our physical Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 1.2.8 we’re not there to witness them, by respectfully control even God, the Supreme Controller. body, our mind, our knowledge, and so on, are reading about them we can learn a great deal about Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam relates many examples of energized by it. Every endeavor then simply Him. That reading purifies our hearts, allowing us the power of pure spiritual love. One example that All the bodily forms of the Supreme Soul are merges into this flow of energy, and we become to appreciate Him and develop our love for Him. quickly comes to mind is Kṛṣṇa’s being tied up eternal and unchanging. They have no material like a lotus growing from the mud – in the One of the most amazing things we learn about by His mother, Yaśodā. He’s God, so no one can qualities, desirable or undesirable, and at no time God from the Vedic scriptures, especially Śrīmad- tie Him up – unless He allows it. Yaśodā’s love is world but uncontaminated by it. This is how the are they born from material nature. They are all Bhāgavatam and other scriptures that focus on so pure that it overpowers Him. Similarly, when nondual principle comes alive: our mind, heart, full of supreme bliss, fully aware of everything, Kṛṣṇa, is that even though He’s God and therefore Brahmā prays to Lord Kṛṣṇa for the ability to build consciousness, and activities become nondifferent complete in all transcendental qualities, and unlimitedly powerful, He enjoys being controlled and populate the universe, he praises Kṛṣṇa for ap- from the Supreme Lord, the Absolute Truth. devoid of all faults. by His devotees. This quality of His shows that love pearing to each devotee in whatever form of His His Divine Grace Maha-varaha Purāa is at the core of ultimate reality. the devotee wishes to see. “This is Your mercy on A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Quoted in Jīva Gosvāmī’s Vaiṣṇava authorities teach that one way to de- Your devotees,” Brahmā says. Renunciation Through Wisdom, Chapter 5 Bhagavat-sandarbha, Anuccheda 54 scribe the ultimate truth is to say that it consists of In the ultimate sense, Kṛṣṇa is always in control three essential elements: God (Kṛṣṇa), His devo- of everything, but because love is essential to His When a diseased eye is treated with medici- The Supreme Personality of Godhead may tees, and the loving exchanges between them – or nature, He arranges events in which He is free to nal ointment it gradually recovers its power to have inconceivable potencies and mutually Bhagavān, bhakta, and bhakti. The exchanges of ignore that He’s God so that He can savor the pure see. Similarly, as a conscious living entity cleanses contradictory qualities, for these truths are all love between Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His devo- love of His devotees. himself of material contamination by hearing and described in the scriptures, which are the root of tees (all of us in our pure state) motivate every- Kṛṣṇa’s dealings with His devotees go on eter- chanting the pious narrations of My glories, he all knowledge of the spiritual reality. thing He does. nally in the spiritual world. In His transcendental regains his ability to see Me, the Absolute Truth, Many religious traditions appreciate the majesty land of Goloka Vṛndāvana, He lives with His Śrīla Vyāsadeva in My subtle spiritual form. of God and praise His unlimited power, especially eternal associates in an atmosphere of love and Vedānta-sūtra 2.1.27 as displayed in His act of creation. Granted, reli- intimacy. His Godhood is not displayed there. His Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam gions outside the Vaiṣṇava tradition may also speak friends climb on his back, His parents scold Him 11.14.26 Although the Supreme Person has all variety of of God’s love for mankind, but they say little if when He’s naughty, His girlfriends rebuke Him out His personal energies, if one’s mind is unable to anything about His love-filled relationships with of jealous anger – all because He wants things that It is true that by practicing restraint of the senses appreciate that variety one may conceive of the His purest servants. way. And because He’s God, He always gets what by the yoga system one can get relief from the Lord in a more general way, or one may even Through Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and similar scrip- He wants. disturbances of desire and lust, but this is not have some direct realization of Him but without tures, Kṛṣṇa grants us access to His most intimate – Nāgarāja Dāsa sufficient to give satisfaction to the soul, for this a clear distinction between the energies and their [satisfaction] is derived from devotional service to possessor. Considered in this way, He is known as the Personality of Godhead. Brahman. Śrī Nārada Muni Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.6.35 Śrī Bhagavat-sandarbha, Anuccheda 2

66 BACK TO GODHEAD • JULY / AUGUST 2020 JULY / AUGUST 2020 • BACK TO GODHEAD 67 2020 Hare Kr. s.n. a Festival of India 2019 New York City Rathayātrā. Photo by Hari Kirtan and Vrindavan Eshwari.

SCHEDULE FOR NORTH AMERICA July 25–26 Montreal Rathayātrā September 5–6 Seattle Rathayātrā August 2 Los Angeles Rathayātrā September 12–13 East Los Angeles Festival August 11 Vancouver, BC, September 19 Potomac, MD, HoliDC Festival Śrī Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī September 26 Philadelphia Rathayātrā August 15–16 Vancouver, BC, Rathayātrā October 3 Bloomington, Illinois, August 16 San Francisco Rathayātrā Śrī Rāmacandra Vijayotsava August 22 Bellevue, WA, Ganesh Utsava October 10–11 Baltimore Rathayātrā

NOTE: Some of these dates are yet to be confirmed. Before scheduling your travel, be sure to confirm the festival date with the ISKCON temple in the city where the festival is to be held. Or email Festival of India: [email protected].