Govindaram

 

forget about the moon and sun,

 

I have stars flying around my head. Haribol!

 

Hoping to understand all this more 1 day.

 

That at the beginning of Krishna Consciousness, while reading you can come across something which makes you think, eh? that can't be true, sometimes maybe we are not yet ready for certain info, so we should try to devote time to chanting AND reading, I also may read something and think WHAT?, but there is always an explanation for it, you just have to either believe it in Toto, or try and research more deeply and ask devotees about it.

 

Hare Krishna

 

Well, I can say being born into a Hindu family, I have chanted names of God, demi-gods etc, and I am telling everybody the complete truth, I have never before felt minute transcendental pleasure before UNTIL,

 

I offered prayers to Srila Prabhupada & Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and chanted The Hare-Krishna Maha-Mantra..

 

Funny story..one day while chanting, I thought to myself, Govindaram there is something in this Maha-Mantra, and my intelligence said 'I know you fool'...

 

 

I would take this little fellow..as well..

 

 

Recognize Him? /images/graemlins/smile.gif

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Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/ Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare/Hare </font color>

 

you have your priorities right prabhuji,

 

#1 wife

#2 flour for pakooras! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

<font color="red"> The Glories of Namacarya Haridasa Thakura </font color>

 

Haridasa Thakura-the acarya of the holy name:

 

Sanatana Gosvami replied: "O Haridasa Thakura, who is equal to you? You are one of the associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Therefore you are the most fortunate. The mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, for which He has descended as an incarnation, is to spread the importance of chanting the holy name of the Lord. Now instead of personally doing so, He is spreading it through you. My dear sir, you are chanting the holy name 300,000 times daily and informing everyone of the importance of such chanting. Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of Krishna consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly. You simultaneously perform both duties in relation to the holy name by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the spiritual master of the entire world, for you are the most advanced devotee in the world."

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 4.99-103

 

 

 

 

Although born in a Muhammadan family, Haridasa Thakura became a regularly initiated brahmana as well as Namacarya by dint of chanting the holy name:

 

According to external vision, Haridasa Thakura belonged to a Muhammadan family. Nevertheless, because he engaged himself in performing the yajna of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, he became a regularly initiated brahmana. As stated in

 

Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.33.6):

 

yan-namadheya-sravananukirtanad

yat-prahvanad yat-smaranad api kvacit

svado 'pi sadyah savanaya kalpate

kutah punas te bhagavan nu darsanat

 

Even if a devotee comes from a family of dog-eaters, if he surrenders to the Personality of Godhead he immediately becomes a qualified brahmana and is immediately fit to perform yajna, whereas a person born in a family of brahmanas has to wait until completing the reformatory processes before he may be called samskrta, purified...A person who is not purified by the prescribed process of samskara is called asamskrta, but if one remains kriya-hina even after being purified by initiation-in other words, if one fails to actually apply the principles of purity in his life-he remains an unpurified mleccha or yavana. On the other hand, we find that Haridasa Thakura, although born in a mleccha or yavana family, became Namacarya Haridasa Thakura because he performed the nama-yajna a minimum of 300,000 times every day.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 3.124

 

 

 

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu exhibited the glories of the holy name through Haridasa Thakura:

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu exhibited the glories of the holy name of the Lord through Haridasa Thakura, who was born in a Muhammadan family...

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 5.86

 

 

 

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that He understands the glories of the holy name by the mercy of Haridasa Thakura:

 

[Lord Caitanya to Vallabha Bhatta]: "Haridasa Thakura, the teacher of the holy name, is among the most exalted of all devotees. Every day he chants 300,000 holy names of the Lord. I have learned about the glories of the Lord's holy name from Haridasa Thakura, and by his mercy I have understood these glories."

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 7.48-49

 

 

 

 

Namacarya Haridasa Thakura was the incarnation of Lord Brahma:

 

[Lord Caitanya to Haridasa Thakura]: "Your role in this incarnation is to deliver the people in general. You have sufficiently preached the glories of the holy name in this world."

 

Haridasa Thakura is known as namacarya because it is he who preached the glories of chanting hari-nama, the holy name of God. By using the words tomara avatara ("your incarnation"), Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu confirms that Haridasa Thakura is the incarnation of Lord Brahma. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says that advanced devotees help the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His mission and that such devotees or personal associates incarnate by the will of the Supreme Lord. The Supreme Lord incarnates by His own will, and, by His will, competent devotees also incarnate to help Him in His mission. Haridasa Thakura is thus the incarnation of Lord Brahma, and other devotees are likewise incarnations to help in the prosecution of the Lord's mission.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 11.25

 

 

 

 

Haridasa Thakura delivers the prostitute sent by Ramacandra Khan by his chanting of the holy name:

 

After leaving his home, Haridasa Thakura stayed for some time in the forest of Benapola. Haridasa Thakura constructed a cottage in a solitary forest. There he planted a tulasi plant, and in front of the tulasi he would chant the holy name of the Lord 300,000 times daily. He chanted throughout the entire day and night. For his bodily maintenance he would go to a brahmana's house and beg some food. He was spiritually so influential that all the neighboring people worshiped him. A landholder named Ramacandra Khan was the zamindar of that district. He was envious of Vaisnavas and was therefore a great atheist. Unable to tolerate that such respect was being offered to Haridasa Thakura, Ramacandra Khan planned in various ways to dishonor him. By no means could he find any fault in the character of Haridasa Thakura. Therefore he called for local prostitutes and began a plan to discredit His Holiness. Ramacandra Khan said to the prostitutes, "There is a mendicant named Haridasa Thakura. All of you devise a way to deviate him from his vows of austerity." Among the prostitutes, one attractive young girl was selected. "I shall attract the mind of Haridasa Thakura," she promised, "within three days." Ramacandra Khan said to the prostitute, "My constable will go with you so that as soon as he sees you with Haridasa Thakura, immediately he will arrest him and bring both of you to me." The prostitute replied, "First let me have union with him once; then the second time I shall take your constable with me to arrest him." At night the prostitute, after dressing herself most attractively, went to the cottage of Haridasa Thakura with great jubilation. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant, she went to the door of Haridasa Thakura, offered him obeisances and stood there. Exposing part of her body to his view, she sat down on the threshold of the door and spoke to him in very sweet words. "My dear Thakura, O great preacher, great devotee, you are so beautifully built, and your youth is just beginning. Who is the woman who could control her mind after seeing you? I am eager to be united with you. My mind is greedy for this. If I don't obtain you, I shall not be able to keep my body and soul together." Haridasa Thakura replied, "I shall accept you without fail, but you will have to wait until I have finished chanting my regular rounds on my beads. Until that time, please sit and listen to the chanting of the holy name. As soon as I am finished, I shall fulfill your desire." Hearing this, the prostitute remained sitting there while Haridasa Thakura chanted on his beads until the light of morning appeared. When she saw that it was morning, the prostitute stood up and left. Coming before Ramacandra Khan, she informed him of all the news. "Today Haridasa Thakura has promised to enjoy with me. Tomorrow certainly I shall have union with him." The next night, when the prostitute came again, Haridasa Thakura gave her many assurances. "Last night you were disappointed. Please excuse my offense. I shall certainly accept you. Please sit down and hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra until my regular chanting is finished. Then your desire will surely be fulfilled." After offering her obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura, she sat down at the door. Hearing Haridasa Thakura chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, she also chanted, "O my Lord Hari, O my Lord Hari." When the night came to an end, the prostitute was restless. Seeing this, Haridasa Thakura spoke to her as follows. "I have vowed to chant ten million names in a month. I have taken this vow, but now it is nearing its end. I thought that today I would be able to finish my performance of yajna, my chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. I tried my best to chant the holy name all night, but I still did not finish. Tomorrow I will surely finish, and my vow will be fulfilled. Then it will be possible for me to enjoy with you in full freedom." The prostitute returned to Ramacandra Khan and informed him of what had happened. The next day she came earlier, at the beginning of the evening, and stayed with Haridasa Thakura. After offering obeisances to the tulasi plant and Haridasa Thakura, she sat down on the threshold of the room. Thus she began to hear Haridasa Thakura's chanting, and she also personally chanted "Hari, Hari," the holy name of the Lord. "Today it will be possible for me to finish my chanting," Haridasa Thakura informed her. "Then I shall satisfy all your desires." The night ended while Haridasa Thakura was chanting, but by his association the mind of the prostitute had changed. The prostitute, now purified, fell at the lotus feet of Haridasa Thakura and confessed that Ramacandra Khan had appointed her to pollute him. "Because I have taken the profession of a prostitute," she said, "I have performed unlimited sinful acts. My lord, be merciful to me. Deliver my fallen soul." Haridasa Thakura replied, "I know everything about the conspiracy of Ramacandra Khan. He is nothing but an ignorant fool. Therefore his activities do not make me feel unhappy. On the very day Ramacandra Khan was planning his intrigue against me, I would have left this place immediately, but because you came to me I stayed here for three days to deliver you." The prostitute said, "Kindly act as my spiritual master. Instruct me in my duty by which to get relief from material existence." Haridasa Thakura replied, "Immediately go home and distribute to the brahmanas whatever property you have. Then come back to this room and stay here forever in Krishna consciousness. Chant the Hare Krishna mantra continuously and render service to the tulasi plant by watering her and offering prayers to her. In this way you will very soon get the opportunity to be sheltered at the lotus feet of Krishna." After thus instructing the prostitute about the process of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, Haridasa Thakura stood up and left, continuously chanting "Hari, Hari." Thereafter, the prostitute distributed to the brahmanas whatever household possessions she had, following the order of her spiritual master. The prostitute shaved her head clean in accordance with Vaisnava principles and stayed in that room wearing only one cloth. Following in the footsteps of her spiritual master, she began chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra 300,000 times a day. She chanted throughout the entire day and night. She worshiped the tulasi plant, following in the footsteps of her spiritual master. Instead of eating regularly, she chewed whatever food she received as alms, and if nothing was supplied she would fast. Thus by eating frugally, and fasting she conquered her senses, and as soon as her senses were controlled, symptoms of love of Godhead appeared in her person. Thus the prostitute became a celebrated devotee. She became very advanced in spiritual life, and many stalwart Vaisnavas would come to see her. Seeing the sublime character of the prostitute, everyone was astonished. Everyone glorified the influence of Haridasa Thakura and offered him obeisances.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 3.99-143

 

 

 

 

Haridasa Thakura defeats Maya, in the form of a prostitute, and initiates her in the chanting of the holy name:

 

There is another incident concerning Haridasa Thakura's uncommon behavior. One will be astonished to hear about it. Hear about such incidents without putting forth dry arguments, for these incidents are beyond our material reasoning. One must believe in them with faith. One day Haridasa Thakura was sitting in his cave, reciting very loudly the holy name of the Lord. The night was full of moonlight, which made the waves of the Ganges look dazzling. All directions were clear and bright. Thus everyone who saw the beauty of the cave, with the tulasi plant on a clean altar, was astonished ant satisfied at heart. At that time, in that beautiful scene, a woman appeared in the courtyard. The beauty of her body was so bright that it tinged the entire place with a hue of yellow. The scent of her body perfumed all directions, and the tinkling of her ornaments startled the ear. After coming there, the woman offered obeisances to the tulasi plant, and after circumambulating the tulasi plant she came to the door of the cave where Haridasa Thakura was sitting. With folded hands she offered obeisances at the lotus feet of Haridasa Thakura. Sitting at the door, she then spoke in a very sweet voice. "My dear friend," she said, "you are the friend of the entire world. You are so beautiful and qualified. I have come here only for union with you. My dear sir, kindly accept me and be merciful toward me, for it is a characteristic of all saintly persons to be kind toward the poor and fallen." After saying this, she began to manifest various postures, which even the greatest philosopher would lose his patience upon seeing. Haridasa Thakura was immovable, for he was deeply determined. He began to speak to her, being very merciful toward her. "I have been initiated into a vow to perform a great sacrifice by chanting the holy name a certain number of times every day. As long as the vow to chant is unfulfilled, I do not desire anything else. When I finish my chanting, then I have an opportunity to do anything. Sit down at the door and hear the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. As soon as the chanting is finished, I shall satisfy you as you desire." After saying this, Haridasa Thakura continued to chant the holy name of the Lord. Thus the woman sitting before him began to hear the chanting of the holy name. In this way, as he chanted and chanted, the morning approached, and when the woman saw that it was morning, she got up and left. For three days she approached Haridasa Thakura in this way, exhibiting various feminine postures that would bewilder the mind of even Lord Brahma. Haridasa Thakura was always absorbed in thoughts of Krishna and the holy name of Krishna. Therefore the feminine poses the woman exhibited were just like crying in the forest. At the end of the night of the third day, the woman spoke to Haridasa Thakura as follows. "My dear sir, for three days you have cheated me by giving me false assurances, for I see that throughout the entire day and night your chanting of the holy name is never finished." Haridasa Thakura said, "My dear friend, what can I do? I have made a vow. How, then, can I give it up?" After offering obeisances to Haridasa Thakura, the woman said: "I am the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I came here to test you. I have previously captivated the mind of even Brahma, not to speak of others. Your mind alone have I failed to attract. My dear sir, you are the foremost devotee. Simply seeing you and hearing you chant the holy name of Krishna has purified my consciousness. Now I want to chant the holy name of the Lord. Please be kind to me by instructing me about the ecstasy of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. There is now a flood of the eternal nectar of love of Godhead due to the incarnation of Lord Caitanya. All living entities are floating in that flood. The entire world is now thankful to the Lord. Anyone who does not float in this inundation is most condemned. Such a person cannot be delivered for millions of kalpas. Formerly I received the holy name of Lord Rama from Lord Siva, but now, due to your association, I am greatly eager to chant the holy name of Lord Krishna. The holy name of Lord Rama certainly gives liberation, but the holy name of Krishna transports one to the other side of the ocean of nescience and at last gives one ecstatic love of Krishna. Please give me the holy name of Krishna and thus make me fortunate, so that I also may float in the flood of love of Godhead inaugurated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu." After speaking in this way, Maya worshiped the lotus feet of Haridasa Thakura, who initiated her by saying, "Just perform chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra." After thus being instructed by Haridasa Thakura, Maya left with great pleasure. Unfortunately, some people have no faith in these narrations. Therefore I shall explain the reasons why people should have faith. Everyone who hears this will be faithful. During the incarnation of Lord Caitanya to inaugurate the Krishna consciousness movement, even such personalities as Lord Brahma, Lord Siva and the four Kumaras took birth upon this earth, being allured by ecstatic love of Lord Krishna. All of them, including the great sage Narada and devotees like Prahlada, came here as if human beings, chanting the holy names of Lord Krishna together and dancing and floating in the inundation of love of Godhead. The goddess of fortune and others, allured by love of Krishna, also came down in the form of human beings and tasted the holy name of the Lord in love. What to speak of others, even Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaja, personally descends to taste the nectar of love of Godhead in the form of the chanting of Hare Krishna. What is the wonder if the maidservant of Krishna, His external energy, begs for love of Godhead? Without the mercy of a devotee and without the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, love of Godhead cannot be possible.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 3.221-66

 

 

 

 

Haridasa Thakura could defeat Maya because he was absorbed in thoughts of Krishna by constantly chanting His holy name:

 

[Maya to Haridasa Thakura]: After offering obeisances to Haridasa Thakura, the woman said: "I am the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I came here to test you."

 

In Bhagavad-gita (7.14) Lord Krishna says:

 

daivi hy esa guna-mayi

mama maya duratyaya

mam eva ye prapadyante

mayam etam taranti te

 

"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."

 

This was actually proved by the behavior of Haridasa Thakura. Maya enchants the entire world. Indeed, people have forgotten the ultimate goal of life because of the dazzling attractions of the material world. But this dazzling attraction, especially the attractive beauty of a woman, is meant for persons who are not surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Lord says, mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te: [bg. 7.14] "One who is surrendered unto Me cannot be conquered by the illusory energy." The illusory energy personally came to test Haridasa Thakura, but herein she admits her defeat, for she was unable to captivate him. How is this possible? It was because Haridasa Thakura, fully surrendered to the lotus feet of Krishna, was always absorbed in thoughts of Krishna by chanting the holy names of the Lord 300,000 times daily as a vow.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 3.250

 

 

<font color="green"> taken from folio infobase </font color>

<font color="red">---- </font color>

Sound is the representation of the actual object, as the sound produced speaking of the object gives an idea of the description of the object. Therefore sound is the subtle characteristic of the object. Similarly, sound representation of the Lord, in terms of His characteristics, is the complete form of the Lord, as was seen by Vasudeva and Maharaja Dasaratha, the fathers of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. The sound representation of the Lord is nondifferent from the Lord Himself because the Lord and His representation in sound are absolute knowledge. Lord Caitanya has instructed us that in the holy name of the Lord, as sound representation of the Lord, all the potencies of the Lord are invested. Thus one can immediately enjoy the association of the Lord by the pure vibration of the sound representation of His holy name, and the concept of the Lord is immediately manifested before the pure devotee. A pure devotee, therefore, is not aloof from the Lord even for a moment. The holy name of the Lord, as recommended in the Sastras-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-may therefore be constantly chanted by the devotee aspiring to be constantly in touch with the Supreme Lord. One who is thus able to associate with the Lord is sure to be delivered from the darkness of the created world, which is a product of false ego (tamasi ma jyotir gama).

 

Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.5.25

<font color="red">---- </font color>

 

<font color="red">---- </font color>

In the spiritual world the Absolute is always absolute; the name, form, quality and pastimes of the Absolute are all as good as the Absolute Himself. As such, one is understood to be an eternal servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead if he considers himself an eternal servant of the holy name and in this spirit distributes the holy name to the world. One who chants in that spirit, without offenses, is certainly elevated to the platform of understanding that the holy name and the Personality of Godhead are identical. To associate with the holy name and chant the holy name is to associate with the Personality of Godhead directly. In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu it is clearly said: sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah. The holy name becomes manifest when one engages in the service of the holy name. This service in a submissive attitude begins with one's tongue. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau: One must engage his tongue in the service of the holy name. Our Krishna consciousness movement is based on this principle. We try to engage all the members of the Krishna consciousness movement in the service of the holy name.

 

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 8.16

<font color="red">---- </font color>

 

if devotees here were on a desert island,

what 3 things would they take with them?

(desert not dessert) /images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

I would take..

 

Prabhupada Mp3 Collection

japa beads

some chipped rice /images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

"They say that disobeying parents & chanting Lord krsna's name will not lead to moksha as God will not pleased with a devotee disobeying parents."

 

Parents should be honoured yes, and if they have a certain request of you that you cannot fulfil, then they should understand. Maybe you can comprimize? (no idea how), your parents do own your body, but not the soul, so even if you do decide to get married then think of it as a sacrifice for your parents and yourself, if you are determined Not to get married, then you should become very serious in you bhajan/kirtan.

 

 

haribol!

 

good luck!

 

ps. you'll make a great father hehe /images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

Outside a Krishna Temple:

"out to chant, come back laddu"

 

/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

 

Not meaning to spoil this thread, or be offensive, since I'm not face-to-face with anybody so you can't give me a slap, (ahem), but aren't you all devotees just thinking of the good times (and thats all), but it seems maybe, just maybe that you are saying the Iskcon now is not 'with it', I mean just because it was ok for you then doesn't mean that new devotees or even old can't feel the same thing, thinking about the good old days is cool, but anyway, i hope i made myself clear, (my point i mean), any thoughts?, again I mean no offence, hare krsna

 

Haribol!

 

You can wear your dhoti over your jeans np /images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

 

The Holy Name of Krishna and Lord Krishna Himself are Non-Different..

<font color="red"> --- </font color>

 

The chanting of the holy names of Krishna is so sublime that if one chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra <font color="red"> offenselessly, </font color> carefully avoiding the ten offenses, he can certainly be gradually elevated to the point of understanding that there is no difference between the holy name of the Lord and the Lord Himself.

The Nectar of Instruction Text 5(puport)

 

 

Unless one is advanced in Krishna-prema, love of Krishna, he cannot see or understand. By the blunt material senses, we cannot even understand the name of Krishna. People are always asking, <font color="red"> "Why are these people chanting Hare Krishna?" </font color> They cannot understand, although Krishna realization begins with the name. The name of Krishna and Krishna are nondifferent, but we cannot realize this intellectually. We have to practice chanting Hare Krishna to realize it. When we actually advance in devotional service and chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra offenselessly, we will realize that Krishna and His name are nondifferent.

 

Teachings of Lord Kapila, the Son of Devahuti

 

Thankyou, hare krsna

 

Hello, I'm not sure what answer you'looking for, though is it scientifically proven also that sound vibration is highly beneficial for the mind, I am not expert in this, but just look at the music industry, the money it generates, anyway, The Maha-Mantra is a spiritual sound vibration, so it can change the consciousness, into Krishna consciousness, either you will have material consciousness or Krishna consciousness, the mind is subtle consciousness, it is possible to change it, like cleaning it up, and keeping the shine nice with Chanting, I hope I have helped you so far in your question, maybe devotees here can help you.

Caitanya-Caritamrita.Madh. 20.334-341

Chant Holy Name Together/24dec66/NY.MP3

(excerpt)

 

"just like mirror when cleansed of all the dust we can see our face nicely, similarly

when the mind is cleared of all material dust, then we can see what we are".

---

 

what an amazing analogy, so simple and sublime, jaya prabhupada!

<font color="red"> Dealing with Indian Brahmanas, Mayavadis,

and other Sampradayas </font color>

 

Indian Brahmanas and Mayavadis

 

1. In dealing with the smarta Brahmanas we must remember that they have

no bona fide parampara. Therefore they are not in a position to

have received transcendental knowledge.

 

2. The Vaisnava is more elevated than a brahmana.

 

3. Srila Prabhupada's second pranam mantra indicates that we should

minimize our dealings with the mayavadis.

 

4. We may choose to offer respects to Mayavadis but we must never

accept their food.

 

5. How to defeat Mayavadis:

(a) Their understanding of the Absolute is incomplete.

(b) They utilize relative means in their quest for the Absolute.

© They distort the quintessence of the scripture.

(d) Lord Siva came as Sankaracarya to bewilder the demoniac people

in the age of Kali through mayavadi philosophy.

 

6. It is better not to preach to mayavadis or smarta brahmans. However,

we should preach to the innocent who have been influenced by them.

 

 

Other Sampradayas

 

 

1. There are distinct differences between the four sampradayas - Sri,

Brahma, Rudra, Kumara.

 

2. There is a distinct difference between these sampradayas and ours.

 

3. There is a subtle difference between ISKCON and other Gaudiya

sampradayas.

 

4. Srila Prabhupada's spiritual position is unique. It is our special

good fortune to be related to Him.

 

5. The caste goswamis' conception of disciplic succession is a complete

misconception.

 

6. No matter how elevated, a Vaisnava always offers respects. The more

advanced he is, the more humble he is. Therefore our dealings with

other sampradayas should be very respectful.

 

7. In our dealings we must be aware that there is a difference between

submission, humility, and respect.

 

8. We should always be respectful towards other sampradayas - at least

externally - to protect Srila Prabhupada's good name.

 

9. It is good to know about differences and defects in other spiritual

communities.

 

10. We must always be aware of the unique position of the Vrajabasis and

never offend them.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

"Swamiji, your disciples don't pronounce the sanskrit very nicely. Even

the Hare Krsna mantra they sometimes do not say correctly." Prabhupada:

"Yes, that is why we have come here -- to get your association so you

can teach us." (SP Lil.V, p. 62)

 

SP Letter to Alfred Ford (7/16/74)

"So far as your questions are concerned, in India a sannyasi or a person

in the renounced order of life is always honored. Even in this fallen

down condition of India a sannyasi is honored everywhere, and he has no

problem for his living condition. So you are correct that a person in

the renounced order of life is honored."

 

Give everyone proper respect (4/30/70) Jayapataka

"Regarding your questions how to offer respects to Sannyasis. Every

Sannyasi, even if you see a Mayavadi Sannyasi, offer him your respects

-- there will be no harm. As you have observed we shall follow Lord

Caitanya's instruction that we give all due respects to others regarding

their position, but there is no need of always associating with each of

them. Even if one is Vaisnava, but not of good character, we can give

him the Vaisnava respect, but we cannot associate with him."

 

SP Nectar <3:30>

"One time when Prabhupada was at Bhaktivedanta Manor, a Mayavadi

sannyasi came to visit. Srila Prabhupada received him graciously, and

they had some discussion. When the man departed, he deliberately left

behind a big stack of pamphlets. The pamphlets contained a little essay

on the monistic doctrine that "all is one," defying the direct meaning

of the Vedic scriptures and completely omitting Lord Krsna as the

Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The next afternoon, Prabhupada met with the devotees as usual. His

practice was to receive a very big plate of fruit and nuts, take some

himself, and then ask a disciple to distribute the maha-prasadam to all

the devotees. On this particular day, Prabhupada called for the

pamphlets. The devotees were surprised --"Why is Prabhupada calling for

these pamphlets?" When they were brought in, Srila Prabhupada said,

"Distribute one to each of the devotees." The devotees were bewildered,

as the Mayavadi pamphlets were distributed to one and all.

Then Prabhupada said, "Everyone take a pamphlet, open it up and put it

in your hand." He took a few fruits from the plate, began eating them,

and then indicated that the rest should be distributed. He said the

devotees should use the pamphlets as paper plates. One of the devotees

mentioned later that Prabhupada was practicing yukta-vairagya by this

simple act. He had found a useful purpose for the atheistic tracts,

simultaneously ridiculing their author and yet engaging him in

devotional service.

 

Dealing with Mayavadis

 

...Then the other sannyasi <mayavadi> began speaking. Suddenly Srila

Prabhupada looked at us and said, "Start kirtan immediately." So we got

up in the middle of the sannyasi's speaking and started kirtana.

 

"He was preaching impersonal philosophy and I could not tolerate it,"

Prabhupada said. (Bhurijan w/SP in Japan, SP Lil.V, p.92)

 

<font color="red"> Serving and Honoring Prasad </font color>

 

 

"I like this idea very much. Our chanting is the medicine and our

prasadam is the diet for curing material disease." (SP letter to

Dayananda 68/10/37)

 

How to Honor Prasad

 

When a devotee distributes prasada, remnants of food offered to the

Supreme Personality of Godhead, in order to maintain our spirit of

devotional service we must accept this prasada as the Lord's grace

received through the pure devotees. (NI Text 4, p 39)

 

1. Remember that Krsna prasadam is non-different from Krsna. Recite the

'sarira avidya-jal' prayer to remember that.

 

2. Use the right hand to eat and drink.

 

3. Meditate on how Krsna tasted the offering. (One can also meditate

on Krsna's mercy in providing prasadam and the prasadam pastimes of

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Krsna.)

 

4. Do not talk while honoring prasadam (besides glorifying Krsna and

His prasadam.)

 

5. Do not throw prasadam. Never touch prasadam with your feet.

 

6. Wash hands, feet and mouth before and after eating.

 

7. Drink a glass of water one hour before eating. For some time after

eating, don't drink; if you at all have to drink, drink something

hot.

 

8. Srila Prabhupada said: Fill 1/4 of your stomach with water, 1/2 with

food and the other 1/4 with air. DO NOT OVEREAT!

 

 

How to Serve Prasadam

 

"We should never waste Krishna prasadam. Best thing is to cook only

what is required and then give each person what he wants. That is the

Vedic system, that the people sit in rows behind their plates and

servers pass down the rows and put a very small portion of each

foodstuff on each plate, unless there is some objection by a person.

Then nothing is given. Then if anyone wants more, the servers pass up

and down the rows continually and give more if anyone requests. In this

way nothing is wasted and everyone is satisfied." (SP letter to Kirtiraja)

 

1. All to be served should be invited to sit on the floor, and

prasadam should be served by qualified devotees.

 

2. Those who are serving should be very clean, peaceful, and

satisfied. They should eat before serving, if necessary. They

should try not to speak while serving.

 

3. Serve just the right amount so that nothing is wasted.

 

4. Seniors should be served first. Householders should serve the

guests. Old people and children should be served first.

 

5. Place salt and lemon on each plate before those to be served are

seated.

 

6. Always serve water first.

 

7. Prasadam should be served in the following order:

First bitter preparations like sukta and bitter melon

Then spinach and other astringent items

Fried preparations and dahl

Various spicy vegetables

Sour items

Sweet preparations

 

Rice and capatis are staple foods and should be on the plate.

 

8. Go around serving seconds until everyone is satisfied. Don't be

stingy - don't hold anything back because you want to take it

later. Prasadam is meant for distribution.

 

9. Do not touch plates with the serving spoon. Touching the plate

contaminates the spoon. If a spoon becomes contaminated, you

should wash it.

 

10. Don't let your fingers touch any of the preparations, even water.

Salt should never be served by hand, use a spoon.

 

11. Never touch prasadam with your feet or step over it.

 

12. Serve the prasadam from serving buckets.

 

13. Don't drag buckets along the floor or make clanging noises with pot

handles or utensils. Serve quietly.

 

14. After everyone is finished honoring prasadam, clean the place

immediately.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

Story of Prabhupada's Visit (along with some disciples) at the Asram of

Puri Maharaja in Visakhapatnam (SP Lil.V, pg 66-67):

"Prabhupada's godbrother Ananda was eager to cook and serve not only

Srila Prabhupada, but all his disciples. Ananda was elderly, yet he took

the position of always offering menial service. Although he spoke very

little English, Prabhupada's disciples could perceive the affection of

Ananda and Srila Prabhupada for each other. Ananda's communication with

Srila Prabhupada's disciples was particularly manifest through his

cooking and serving of prasadam...

 

[A wonderful description is then given on how Ananda would serve all the

devotees prasadam.]

Each morning everyone would gather on the veranda outside Prabhupada's

quarters, the men sitting on one side, the ladies on the other. Down the

center aisle, Ananda would walk briskly, distributing prasadam, while

Prabhupada sat at one end in a wooden chair, fingering his japa beads

and observing the devotees take prasadam. Prabhupada had supplied money

to the asram and Ananda was regularly cooking sumptuous feasts:

deep-fried chunks of potatoes in powdered spices, rice, yogurt, dal,

three different types of subjis, french fries, chutney, malpura,

rajkeli, sandesa, ksira -- and everything cooked to a nectarean standard

of excellence.

 

Prabhupada would sit at the head of the two rows and encourage them to

take prasadam: "Give him more!" Prabhupada would praise Ananda's

cooking, smiling with pleasure to see his disciples accept prasadam. The

devotees would finish, having been induced to eat as much as they

possibly could, and Srila Prabhupada would say aloud the prema-dhvani.

Then all the devotees would shout in response, "Jaya!"

 

After one such feast, Prabhupada called the devotees into his room and

remarked, "See how he is cooking. He cooks everything, he serves it, and

then he doesn't eat until everyone is fully satisfied. This is Vaisnava,

how he should act. He is more satisfied to serve than to enjoy himself."

 

 

Kirtana Etiquette

 

"Regarding your question about the dancing, the dancing should be done

enthusiastically by raising the hands like Panca-tattva. You can also

dance enthusiastically by raising hands. All of Lord Caitanya's

followers used to dance with raised hands. If someone dances with

ecstasy, that is all right, but it is better to dance with raised

hands." (SP Letter to Kirtanananda 11/10/74?)

 

 

1. Kirtan means glorification of Sri Hari by means of singing. (When

only one devotee sings, it is bhajan.)

 

2. Glorify Sri Krsna, not yourself.

 

3. Sing with sincere devotion for the pleasure of Sri Krsna and His

devotees.

 

4. When singing in a group, one or two persons should lead and other

devotees should follow.

 

5. The instruments that Srila Prabhupada instructed for accompanying

kirtan were kartal, mridanga and jhampa (whompers). He didn't

approve of harmonium for kirtan. For bhajan it is alright. The

instruments, especially jhampa, should not drown out the holy name

or cause pain to the ears. The instruments should follow the kirtan

leader.

 

6. Use simple melody and preferably the appropriate melody (raga) for

the time of day.

 

7. Don't think that you are the best singer and therefore you should

lead. Vaisnavas are by nature humble. They naturally want to

follow not lead. However, if they are requested to lead by the

Vaisnavas, then they are happy to serve.

 

 

Etiquette in Public

 

 

yad yad acarati sresthas tat tad evetaro janah

sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate

(B.G. 3.21)

 

Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his

footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the

world pursues.

 

 

1. Always remember that you are representing Srila Prabhupada. Srila

Prabhupada never compromised the Absolute Truth. However, he was

always the perfect gentleman. This is Krsna Consciousness.

 

2. While dealing with people we have to sacrifice our false ego. We

must train ourselves not to be concerned with the subtle interaction

of the three modes and material nature.

 

3. We need to develop single-minded determination to think, speak and

act as Srila Prabhupada wants us. This is Krsna consciousness.

 

4. It is imperative that we remember, by constant practice, that

everyone is a part and parcel of Sri Krsna. Our only business is to

reawaken their consciousness to spiritual Reality.

 

5. Always remember that everyone - including Sri Krsna - is watching

you.

 

6. Sankirtan is the most effective method to awaken Krsna

consciousness. A devotee should be very concerned to distribute Sri

Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy. This should be the essence of all our

dealings.

 

7. Never lose your temper in public. Humility and tolerance will

always win over anger and frustration.

 

8. Don't eat in public or sit in public places for discussion or

relaxation.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

SP Letter to Sri Govinda (6/12/74)

"Actually, what is our aim? Our aim is to create men of ideal character.

And if our men are distributing books on this account, they are doing

the best service to society. What we are doing, that they must see --

see their sacrifice, what is behind their life, how they are living, how

they have sacrificed everything for the welfare of society."

 

(SP Lil.V, p.22-23) "That is the standard of living in America. You

cannot say, `No, I shall not lie down in this nice apartment. I shall

lie down in the street. I am a sannyasi!' Then nobody will respect me.

So we have to use it <cars>, but we should not be attached to it. Our

attachment should be for Krsna, and for Krsna's service we can accept

anything."

 

Touching feet

 

(3/11/70) Acyutananda

"You do not allow anyone to touch your feet--but if they want to insist

on touching your feet and there is no other way to avoid it, you can

simply remember your predecessor Acaryas and Spiritual Masters and

accept them and return namaskar with folded hands. That is the Vaisnava

etiquette.

 

When Srila Prabhupada was questioned by journalists he didn't answer in

view of what would be printed, but Prabhupada was speaking to these

reporters as spirit souls, reaching out toward Krsna consciousness. (SP

Lil.V, pg 58)

 

A young man demanded, "Have you realized the soul in the innermost

depths of your being?"

Prabhupada: "Yes."

The man: "When was the Bhagavad-Gita written?"

Prabhupada: "Now you answer my question. What is the process of

receiving knowledge from the Bhagavad-Gita?"

The man: "No, you tell me when was the Bhagavad-Gita written? According

to some swamis it was written fifteen hundred years ago, but you said

5000 years."

Srila Prabhupada raised his voice angrily: "I am not your servant. I am

Krsna's servant. You must answer my question!"

After the man left, Prabhupada completed his lecture by stating that one

must approach Krsna or Krsna's representative with a submissive

attitude, by serving and inquiring, not simply asking challenging

questions. (SP Lil.V, p.16)

 

"Just as the gopis were lusty for Krsna, Arjuna would get angry for

Krsna. So it is not bad that a devotee becomes angry for Krsna." (SP

Lil.V, p.17)

 

 

Etiquette in Holy Places

 

 

"Coming to pilgrimage means to come where the sadhus are. I am here, so

why is everyone going elsewhere?"

"You cannot see Vrndavana with visaya, or material spirit. The test is

how much you have conquered over eating, sleeping and mating. Don't

think you can just come to Vrndavana and become a Goswami!" (SP Lil.V,

p. 193)

 

1. We come to a holy place to become purified, to develop our Krsna

consciousness.

 

2. It is important not only to maintain a submissive, humble attitude

with other ISKCON devotees but with all the residents of the Dhama.

(We should be especially mindful of this in 'mundane' dealings e.g.

arranging transport, shopping).

 

3. To actually be in the Dhama means to be in the association of

devotees, to hear from senior Vaisnavas and serve them. We cannot

see a holy place with visaya (material spirit). We are reliant on

the mercy of the Vaisnavas.

 

4. We must maintain Srila Prabhupada's good name by being clean in all

our dealings. (This includes everything from eating to changing

money).

 

5. We must be aware that Govardhana Hill, Radha and Shyama Kund etc.

are Supremely transcendental personalities. If we desire to take

Their darshan we must do so in proper consciousness.

 

6. Animals are also residents of the Dhama. We should neither befriend

them nor make them our enemies. It is best to maintain a neutral

position.

 

7. It is important to come to the Dhama in a service mood rather than

an enjoying mood. Then our visit will be successful.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

SP Letter to Jadunandan (3/26/68)

Dhama considerations (neophytes are not recommended to go for seeking

solitude)

 

"The association of devotees is the only solace for our existence. New

York might have been a little busier than Boston, but so long as it is

under the guidance of an experienced devotee, the affairs in both cases

are all right. The tendency for solitude is a kind of reaction on our

past material activities, but solitude is not very good for a neophyte.

...The best thing therefore is not to seek solitude in the beginning, but

remain in the midst of pure devotees so that even there is attack of

Maya, their association will protect us. If you are, however, always

busy in the matter of preaching work, that is very nice. But to remain

alone in a solitary place for a new man is not advisable.

 

Vrndavana is of course very impressive for devotional service, but that

also is not advisable to remain alone. I am trying to get a nice place

at Vrndavana and when the place is there, I shall personally be present

with some devotees, and appreciate the atmosphere in Vrndavana. So long

we are engaged in devotional service with proper guidance, certainly we

are always in transcendental position, and transcendental position is

unlimited. It doesn't matter whether you are in Vrndavana or USA. But

still, of course, Vrndavana atmosphere is very sweet. But so long as we

have not completely freed our material attachment, even Vrndavana

residence becomes uncongenial. Just like in the case of Kirtanananda,

it was so happened. ...Our sound position is always being engaged in

service of Krsna, that is positive standing."

 

Learn the Etiquettes: "In the holy dhama, if one of my disciples drinks

from a jug and contaminates that jug, everyone will notice it. Don't be

criticized for this uncleanliness or I will be criticized. It is the

duty of the disciples to follow these etiquette habits very austerely."

(SP Lil.V, p.29-30) [refer this also to "How to serve and honor

prasadam"]

 

All Animals are Residents of the Dhama (Dogs, Hogs, Monkeys)

 

Not Disturbing The Dogs (SP Lil.V, p.25)

Once in Vrndavana, the devotees tried to chase away a few stray dogs by

throwing stones and yelling, but Prabhupada stopped them, "Leave them

alone," he said, and he began throwing the dogs prasadam from his plate.

 

The Monkeys

"Neither be their friends nor their enemies, if you make friends with

them, they will simply be nuisance. If you become their enemies, they

will become very vindictive. Just maintain a neutral position." (SP

Lil.V, p.42)

 

 

<font color="red"> Temple Room Etiquette </font color>

 

Temple room etiquette is described in detail by Srila Prabhupada in his

Nectar of Devotion.

 

 

Other Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

Letter to Nandarani & Krsna devi (10/4/67)

"Another thing I request is that everything in the Temple should be kept

nice and clean. Everyone should wash hands before touching anything of

Krsna's. We should always remember that Krsna is the purest and

similarly only the purest can associate with Him. Cleanliness is next to

Godliness."

 

[in arcan] There is no matter if there is a little change here and there

-- the real duty is love and devotion." (7/26/70) Yamuna

 

SP Letter to Kirtanananda (11/23/74)

Regarding the prasadam, I never approved Mr. Malkani cooking in the

temple. He is not initiated. Of course, he is Hindu, but he is not

initiated to cook in the temple. Any paid cook is not desirable. The

independent cooking in the temple is not good." {Footnote: "The right

thing is that only twice initiated brahmin disciples cook in the

temple.}"

 

Letter to Mahapurusa (3/28/68)

"Yes, a non-initiate can work under the direction of a devotee in the

kitchen."

 

(Cc. Antya 4.128 purp.) It is customary for the priests of temples in

India not even to touch outsiders nor enter the Deity room after having

been touched. This is a very important item in temple worship.

 

 

Seeing the Deity in a pleasing mood

 

Letter (5/27/70) to Tamal Krsna

"You have described Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krsna at London Temple

as wonderful. Yes, that is the test of standard service. If we see the

Deities in very pleasing mood, that will certify our service unto the

Lord. So everywhere we shall see the Deities in such pleasing mood. As

soon as we see the Deities in a different mood we must immediately

understand our discrepancies."

 

Srila Prabhupada said that the devotional practices in the Jaipur temple

were standard and could be introduced throughout ISKCON. <ie, offering

scented oils on cotton-tipped sticks, which the priest would later

offer, along with the flower garland from the deities, to the incoming

worshipers in exchange for fresh garlands>. (SP Lil.V, p.47,48.)

 

 

Serving Guests and Life Members

 

 

A Vaisnava's heart is very pure and a pure hearted person is extremely

magnanimous. So one's Vaisnavism will be judged by the degree of his

magnanimity.

 

 

General

 

1. Any guests who visit are Srila Prabhupada's guests. As his servants

it is our pleasure (and duty) to serve them.

 

2. The arrival of a guest is a chance to introduce a conditioned soul

to Srila Prabhupada or relish Vaisnava association. Vaisnavas feel

joy and gratitude to be blessed with such an opportunity.

 

3. Krsna consciousness is synonymous with personalism. We need to step

beyond the bodily conception and remember that everyone is a part

and parcel of Krsna and is very dear to Him. We show this

practically by: (a) welcoming the guest with sweet words, a seat and

prasada. (If no prasada is available at least a glass of water

should be offered.) (b) being prepared to give our time and sincere

concern © remaining Krsna conscious in our discussions and

dealings (d) thanking the guest for his visit and inviting him to

please come again.

 

4. Essentially, our mood should be one of loving exchange.

 

 

Receiving Guests in the Temple

 

"When we actually see people coming to our centre, chant, dance, take

prasad, becoming jubilant and purchase books, we know that certainly Sri

Caitanya Mahaprabhu is always present in such transcendental activities

and He is very pleased and satisfied." (Adi Lila 2.9.50, p.)

 

5. Spontaneous service is encouraged in the visitor by the sensitive,

pure preaching of the devotee. Every guest should at least be

engaged by hearing the glories of Srila Prabhupada, relishing

prasada and chanting the Holy Name.

 

6. The natural reciprocation of the soul to such engagement is a desire

to share the happiness experienced. The expert preacher will

facilitate this by offering prasad, temple invitations or literature

to the guest to distribute to his friends and relatives.

 

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

- SP Nectar 3, 1 Story of Surabhi Swami and Jayapataka Swami

 

One day while Srila Prabhupada was in Bombay, he simultaneously had

visitors from Vrndavana and Mayapura. This was during a period when

temple construction was going on in both places, so Prabhupada expected

his disciples in those places to come ask him for money. And the

disciples knew that Prabhupada would be expecting and demanding results

from them on these important construction projects.

But when these disciples visited from distant places, Prabhupada always

first welcomed them according to Vaisnava etiquette. Prabhupada had

said that his mission was like a war on maya, and so he received his own

soldiers from the field by first offering them sweet words and relief.

He asked them if they had taken any prasadam, and he suggested that they

might want to rest. At least for a few minutes, the immediate, pressing

problems were put aside, as Prabhupada's disciples basked in the

sweetness of his darsana and his kind welcome.

 

"You should always be able to offer water, hot puris and egg plant

bhaji?, and sweets," Prabhupada said. Even when guests appeared shy,

Prabhupada would insist they take a full meal. (SP Lil.V. p. 144)

 

During the train ride to Calcutta, Srila Prabhupada reiterated his

displeasure with the mismanaged ISKCON pandal at Kumbha-mela. Thousands

of guests were coming to the Hare Krsna pandal without receiving

prasadam. Determined that the bad example not be repeated, he dictated a

letter, "To all ISKCON Temple Presidents."

 

"Please accept my blessings. Now you must arrange in each temple there

must be sufficient stock of prasadam for distribution. You can keep

first-class cooks, two or three, and they should always be engaged.

Whenever any guest comes, he must get prasad. This arrangement must be

made, that the cooks prepare 10-20 servings at a time, of puris and

sabji, and then you can add halava and pakoras and the visitors may be

supplied immediately. Whenever a gentleman comes, he must be served. As

the twenty servings are being distributed, immediately the cooks prepare

another 20 servings and store it. At the end of the day if no one comes,

our men will take, so there is no loss. You cannot say, "It is

finished,It is not cooked yet,There is no supply for cooking,"

etc. This must be enforced rigidly.

The temple is managed by Srimati Radharani, Laksmiji; so why should

there be want? Our philosophy is, if anyone comes, let him take prasad,

chant Hare Krsna, and be happy. Everything is being supplied by Krsna.

Krsna is not poor, so why should we deny them? This should be done at

any cost. There is no difficulty. It simply requires nice management.

At the end of the day you may sell or give away. If we believe that

Krsna is providing for and maintaining everyone, then why should we be

misers? This means losing faith in Krsna and thinking that we are the

doers and suppliers. We are confident that Krsna will supply! Let the

whole world come. We can feed them. So please do this nicely. Begin at

once." (SP Lilamrta VI, pg 232; letter, Jan. 1977)

 

 

Seniors, Juniors, and Equals

 

gunadhikan mudam lipsed

anukrosam gunadhamat

maitrim samanad anvicchen

na tapair abhibhuyate

[sB 4.8.34]

 

gunadhikan -- who is more qualified; mudam -- pleasure; lipset -- one

should feel; anukrosam -- compassion; gunadhamat -- who is less

qualified; maitrim -- friendship; samanat -- with an equal; anvicchet --

one should not desire; na -- not; tapair --by tribulation; abhibhuyate

-- becomes affected.

 

 

(Narada Muni to Dhruva M:)

"Every man should act like this: when he meets a person more

qualified than himself, he should be very pleased; when he meets someone

less qualified than himself, he should be compassionate toward him; and

when he meets someone equal to himself, he should make friendship with

him. In this way, one is never affected by the threefold miseries of

this material world."

 

Purport: Generally when we find someone more qualified than ourselves,

we become envious of him; when we find someone less qualified, we deride

him; and when we find someone equal we become very proud of our

activities. These are the causes of all material tribulations. The great

sage Narada therefore advised that a devotee should act perfectly.

Instead of being envious of a more qualified man, one should be jolly to

receive him. Instead of being oppressive to a less qualified man , one

should be compassionate toward him just to raise him to the proper

standard. And when one meets an equal, instead of being proud of one's

own activities before him, one should treat him as a friend. One should

also have compassion for the people in general, who are suffering due to

forgetfulness of Krsna. These important functions will make one happy

within this material world.

 

Surpassing a Superior Personality

(maryada vyatikrama)

 

"To be well versed in the transcendental science necessitates awareness

of the techniques of spiritual science. Uddhava, being well aware of all

these technicalities of transcendental science advised Vidura to

approach Maitreya Rsi to receive transcendental knowledge. Vidura

wanted to accept Uddhava as his spiritual master, but Uddhava did not

accept the post because Vidura was as old as Uddhava's father and

therefore Uddhava could not accept him as his disciple, especially when

Maitreya was present nearby. The rule is that in the presence of a

higher personality one should not be very eager to impart instructions,

even if one is competent and well-versed. So Uddhava decided to send an

elderly person like Vidura to Maitreya, another elderly person.

 

Since both Maitreya and Vidura were directly instructed by the Lord,

both had the authority to become the spiritual master of Vidura or

anyone else, but Maitreya, being elderly had the first claim to becoming

the spiritual master, especially for Vidura, who was much older than

Uddhava. One should not be eager to become a spiritual master cheaply

for the sake of profit and fame, but should become a spiritual master

for the service of the Lord. The Lord never tolerates the impertinence

of maryada-vyatikrama. One should never pass over the honor due to an

elderly spiritual master in the interests of one's own personal gain and

fame. Impertinence... is very risky for spiritual realization." (SB

3.4.26)

 

SP Letter to Sudama (7/29/72) Respect for sannyasi

"All should offer due respect to a sannyasi. His position is always

superior to all other inmates of the temple. He must always maintain

that superior position by action and behavior."

 

SP Letter to Rayarama (1/30/67)

"One thing you may note as a matter of etiquette: The Spiritual Master

is addressed as `His Divine Grace', a Godbrother as `His Grace', and any

sannyasi is addressed as `His Holiness'."

 

SP Letter to Janardan (1/21/68)

"I understand that your Godbrothers are as your younger dependent

brothers. Kindly treat them as your younger dependent brothers and try

to advance them in Krsna consciousness as good as you can."

 

SP Letter to Arundhati (6/16/69)

"Regarding your second question about greeting karmis, if a karmi is a

friend, you just greet him Hare Krishna, and with folded hands touch

your forehead. If the karmi is a superior relative, then chant Hare

Krishna and bow down to him on the ground. That should be the etiquette

in our society transactions."

 

SP Letter to Yamuna devi & Harsharani (1/15/68)

"If you have any specific grievance, please let me know but don't be

disturbed by any sort of disagreement with your Godbrothers and

Godsisters. Each and every living entity is an individual soul and as

such disagreement is quite possible in our dealings with one another.

But we have to consider the central point of interest. You are both very

intelligent and sober girls and I have got good estimation of you; do

not take at any time an attitude of non-cooperation because you have not

agreed with another's point of view."

 

[As superiors] "We should not accept unnecessary favors for sense

gratification." (Letter to Brahmananda 2/20/68)

 

 

Treating Women as Mothers

 

 

"In distributing love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates

did not consider who was a fit candidate and who was not, nor where such

distribution should or should not take place. They made no conditions."

(Cc. Adi-Lila 2.7.22)

 

1. In essence, duality means that we forget that we are part and parcel

of Krsna. We want to enjoy separately from Him, we want to play the

controller. This controlling tendency culminates in sex desire.

 

2. Man/woman concept is synonymous with material consciousness.

 

3. Becoming Krsna conscious means rising above duality. We have to

become fixed in the consciousness that all are part and parcel of

Krsna and for His pleasure - not ours.

 

4. A devotee's foremost duty is to transcend sex desire.

 

5. This takes philosophical awareness, constant practice and

perseverance. (Aversion is not the solution. Attachment/aversion

are two sides of the same coin.)

 

6. Srila Prabhupada in the compassionate mood of the Pancatattva has

opened the treasure house of bhakti to all classes of men - and

women.

 

7. This offers us intense and unlimited opportunity to transcend

material attachment and aversion and develop transcendental

realization in Krsna.

 

8. The word 'mother' generates a mood of respect and sobriety.

 

9. When we advise that women should be seen as mothers, we mean that

our dealings with women should be reserved and respectful.

 

10. Such conduct will minimize offensive mentality and dealings with

other living entities.

 

11. Women should behave as mothers.

 

12. In the practice of Krsna consciousness segregation of the sexes is

essential.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

SP letter to Gargamuni (75/9/?):

"Regarding the disturbance made by the women devotees, they are also

living entities. They also came to Krishna. So consciously I cannot

deny them. If our male members, the brahmacharies and sannyasis, if

they become steady in Krishna consciousness, there is no problem. It is

the duty of the male members to be very steady and cautious. This can

be done by regular chanting like Haridas Thakur did."

 

Letter to Rayarama (10/4/67) "Protect the women (Don't Exploit Them.)"

"Please guide our innocent Godsisters who have come to our shelter.

Girls are more susceptible to the finer attachments of Maya. Boys are a

little stronger. Mrinalini, Jadurani and all other girls who are so

qualified, good-looking, intelligent, educated, and seriously engaged in

Krsna consciousness should always be given protection from the

attachments of Maya."

 

SP Letter to Gargamuni (10/18/69)

"Maya's most attractive feature is women and money. We Krishna Conscious

men have to deal with women and money in course of preaching work, and

the only prophylactic measure to save us is not to accept them for our

sense gratification. Then we shall remain strong enough. Materialistic

people take everything for sense gratification and Krishna Conscious

people take everything for Krishna's satisfaction. There is no fault in

the thing as it is; namely women and money, but it becomes faulty by

improper use. The improper use is to accept them for sense

gratification."

 

SP letter to Ekayani (12/3/72):

"Who has introduced these things, that women cannot have chanting japa

in the temple? If they become agitated, then let the brahmacharies go

to the forest. I have never introduced these things. The brahmacharies

cannot remain in the presence of women in the temple, then they may go

to the forest, not remaining in NYC, because in NY there are so many

women, so how they can avoid seeing? BEST THING IS TO GO TO THE FOREST

for not seeing any women, IF THEY BECOME SO EASILY AGITATED, but then no

one will either see them and HOW OUR PREACHING WORK WILL GO ON?"

 

 

Vaisnava Aparadhas

 

"In Krsna consciousness every man is so important because all of the

activities of a devotee of Lord Krsna is beneficial to all living

entities." (SP letter to Shivananda 6/15/69)

 

 

The Greatness of A Vaisnava

Quotes from Hari Bhakti Vilas

 

 

1. Devotees of Hari are very rare in the age of Kali. The position of

the devotee is more elevated than the position of Lord Brahma and

Lord Rudra.

 

2. The presence of a devotee at the time of death elevates even the

killer of a brahmana to the spiritual sky. (10.86)

 

3. If a dog-eater becomes a Vaisnava then he becomes more elevated than

a brahmana, and if a sannyasi is devoid of devotion to Visnu then he

considered to be more degraded than a dog-eater. (10.87)

 

4. Even at the time of total annihilation the devotees of Visnu do not

fall down. That's why Sri Hari is known everywhere as infallible,

all pervasive, and inexhaustible; therefore there is no need to fear

a devotee. A devotee never inflicts pain on anyone. (10.101-105)

 

5. Those who worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Hari are

the best of all people and no one is better than them in the three

worlds. (10.110)

 

6. Those sinless, magnanimous Vaisnavas purify the entire creation

therefore they are even better than the places of pilgrimage.

(10.118)

 

7. Those who are My devotees are not actually My devotees, those who

are My devotees of My devotees are real devotees. (10.133)

 

8 My devotees who are surrendered unto Me and free from attachment and

disgust, envy and pride, sing My glory all the time. They never

cause any harm to anyone. They are always engaged in worshipping My

devotees and eager to hear about Me, they are the ones who always

carry Me in their hearts. (10.145-146)

 

Blasphemy of a Vaisnava

 

SP letter to Gopal Krishna (4/21/70)

"You are always alert to see whether you are committing some offense.

This is a very nice attitude. In rendering service to Lord Krsna and His

representative, the Spiritual Master, we should always maintain this

fearful attitude which means careful attention. This attitude will

advance you progressively in Krsna consciousness."

 

Quotes from Hari Bhakti Vilas

 

1. When one blasphemes a Vaisnava he loses his religiosity, wealth,

fame and children. (10.310)

 

2. If one beats a Vaisnava, blasphemes a Vaisnava, shows disrespect to

a Vaisnava, gets angry upon a Vaisnava or does not express joy in

seeing a Vaisnava, he goes to hell. (10.310)

 

 

Four Kinds of Blasphemy to a Vaisnava

 

1. To find fault with a Vaisnava for his apparent low birth.

2. To blaspheme him for his previous faults.

3. To blaspheme him for his accidental fault.

4. To blaspheme him for the faults that are almost rectified.

(from Harinam Cintamani)

 

 

What to Do If One Commits Vaisnava Aparadha

 

If by chance one commits Vaisnava aparadha then he must beg forgiveness

from the Vaisnava very earnestly holding his feet. A Vaisnava is very

merciful so he will immediately embrace him and forgive him for all his

offenses. (from Harinama Cintamani)

 

 

Offering Praise to a Vaisnava

 

SP letter to Tamal Krsna (8/19/68)

"This is actually a devotee's business that everyone should appreciate

the value of other devotees. Nobody should criticize anyone."

 

Now that you have come to my house today, I have become glorified, my

life has become completely successful. To be able to see a Vaisnava is

as rare as the good fortune of seeing Sri Hari. I must have acquired

immense piety, huge as the Meru mountain that's why I got to see a great

Vaisnava like you." (HBV 10.337-338)

 

 

Dressing Like a Vaisnava

 

"Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said 'A first class Vaisnava is he whose very

presence makes others chant the Holy Name of Krsna.'" (Cc. Madhya-lila

6.16.74)

 

 

1. There should be no compromise in our Vaisnava appearance. We are

representatives of Srila Prabhupada. We should aim to be first

class representatives.

 

2. We need to be aware of the bonafide standard of appearance, maintain

it and preach it. In the age of Kali deviations easily become the

standard. We should be alert to this.

 

3. Proper Vaisnava dress helps us maintain proper consciousness

regarding our identity and responsibility in service to Srila

Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas.

 

4. Vaisnava appearance is attractive and will facilitate our preaching.

The first impression, which is most often formed from visual

stimuli, is the most longstanding.

 

5. Just by seeing a Vaisnava the conditioned soul is purified.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

"Srila Prabhupada was dressed appropriately for a resident of Vrndavana.

He wore kanthi-mala <neck beads> and a simple cotton dhoti, and he

carried japa-mala <chanting beads> and an old chadar, or shawl. His

complexion was golden, his head shaven, sikha in the back, his forehead

decorated with the whitish Vaisnava tilaka. He wore pointed white

slippers, not uncommon for sadhus in India. But who in New York had ever

seen or dreamed of anyone appearing like this Vaisnava? He was possibly

the first Vaisnava sannyasi to arrive in New York with uncompromised

appearance. Of course, New Yorkers have an expertise in not giving much

attention to any kind of strange new arrival." (SP Lilamrta, vol 2, pg 7)

 

Episode of Vaisnava wearing tilaka in Muslim factory (SP Nectar 3, 6th

Story): There was once a factory in India where all the workers were

Hindus, and mostly Vaisnavas. The Vaisnavas had freedom, therefore, to

wear their Vaisnava tilaka to work, and they also displayed other

Vaisnava paraphernalia. But after some time, the factory went into new

management, and then the proprietor was a Muslim. On taking over the

business, the Muslim owner declared that he would not allow the workers

to come to work any more wearing Vaisnava tilaka. Most of the workers

obeyed, and on the given date announced by the owner, they appeared at

the factory without their tilaka. One employee, however, thought that

he would take his chances and depend on Krsna. So he went to work

wearing very clear, white Vaisnava tilaka. After seeing all the workers

assembled, the new Muslim proprietor said, "This one devotee who has

worn Vaisnava tilaka is very courageous. He may be permitted to

continue wearing the tilaka to work. But all others are forbidden to

wear it any more."

In this way, Prabhupada encouraged the devotees to not unnecessarily

abandon the markings of a Vaisnava. Where situations forbid it,

Prabhupada said it was not absolutely necessary to wear tilaka, although

a devotee should at least put water tilaka on his body with the names of

Visnu. But if the paraphernalia is permitted, then a devotee should not

unnecessarily do away with the dress or beads of a Vaisnava.

 

Comment by SDG: This story has obvious modern day application. In 1966

Srila Prabhupada was pleased when Rupanuga and Satsvarupa persisted in

wearing Vaisnava tilaka to their jobs with the NYC Dept of Welfare.

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura also desired that one day the high

court judges may wear Vaisnava tilaka, and this would be a symbol of the

successful influence of Krsna consciousness in the world. Even in job

situations where wearing tilaka is not permissible, a devotee should try

in different ways to remember Krsna while at work. The story told by

Prabhupada about the man who insisted on wearing tilaka to his job may

remain an inspiration to all devotees who go to places of employment

controlled by the karmis. Somehow or other, we must remain as devotees.

 

"Gaudiya Vaisnava sikha is an inch and a half across -- no bigger.

Bigger sikha means another sampradaya. ...And they have to be knotted."

(SP Lil.V pg. 93)

 

 

Correcting Others

 

"Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims

of the material nature, and because he is too much absorbed in serving

Krsna he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or

find out some fault. No. Devotee means very liberal and kind to

everyone, always gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life." (SP

letter to Hansadutta 12/10/72)

 

1. There is a difference between criticism and correction. A devotee

realizes that criticizing a Vaisnava pollutes the heart and impedes

spiritual advancement.

 

2. To correct a devotee one must be:

(a) non-envious

(b) desirous to practically assist the devotee in his Krsna

consciousness.

© in a position spiritually or managerially which justifies

and/or necessitates such intervention.

 

OR

 

be personally requested by the devotee to help him in his

difficulty.

 

3. The devotee offering correction must be practicing what he preaches.

 

4. Methods of correction:

(a) Correct by personal example and association.

(b) Guide the devotee to the shelter of a more advanced

devotee.

© A junior devotee should not personally attempt to

correct another devotee. He should reveal his heart

to a senior devotee whom he feels at ease with and

seek his assistance/advice to adjust the situation.

 

5. Harsh words and actions have no place in correcting a sincere

devotee. We want to destroy the ignorance in the heart of a devotee

- not the devotee himself.

 

6. If there is some sincere and honest criticism offered, we should be

grateful, not upset. To react negatively to well-intentioned

correction is to manifest false ego.

 

7. An advanced Vaisnava will see each and every correction offered as

the mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

8. Prevention is better than cure. If all devotees take up the

responsibility to develop proper awareness in their devotional

behaviour the need for correction will be minimized.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

SP Letter to Patita Uddharan (12/12/74) "A devotee -- one who is humble

-- doesn't fault-find"

"So in your letter you are not finding fault with anyone. So you are

good Vaisnava. You do not find fault with anyone. This is the

qualification. We should always think ourselves humble and meek. This

you must know. So we all have to cooperate amongst ourselves, otherwise

what will people think if we ourselves fight with one another? A

devotee is always ideal in behavior."

 

SP Letter to Brahmananda (11/15/69)

"This is called Vaikuntha attitude. In the Vaikuntha factually there is

no fault in anyone, but there is another type of competition. The

competition is that one devotee thinks of other devotees how nicely they

are serving the Lord. In the material world the attitude is that

everyone likes to think that I am doing better than others. This is

material conception. In the Spiritual Sky it is just the opposite:

Everyone thinks that my contemporary devotees are doing better than me.

We are trained to address Godbrothers as Prabhu, which means Master.

This means we shall try to find out always the serving side of our

Godbrothers. Sometimes there are misgivings, but we should try to

overlook."

 

<Otherwise...>

 

Letter to Tamal Krsna (8/23/73) [73-8-26]

"I have received one complaint from an Indian devotee at Mayapur,

Prabharupa Das Brahmacary, that he is maltreated by our American

devotees. Kindly inquire into this matter and do the needful. Either

Indian of foreign whoever joins us they are not under any obligation,

our only tie is Love of Godhead. It should be our definite policy that

nobody is ill-treated that he may go away. We recruit a person to join

us after spending gallons of blood. Everyone comes for reformation, you

cannot expect everyone to be perfect, rather it is our duty to make

everyone perfect as far as possible. So we shall be very much cautious

and careful in this connection."

 

(Devotee misbehavior) Letter to Upendra (8/18/70)

"Kindly observe the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds regularly

and see that all your other assistants are doing the same. If someone

is lacking, try to induce him peacefully."

 

SP Letter to Bhavananda (10/28/70)

"Regarding some misbehavior, that we have to check by training

peacefully. Your attitude of tolerance and kindness is very nice, so

train them in this way."

 

SP Letter to Upendra (3/11/69)

"Yes, a new man may commit blunders in the beginning, but that does not

mean we may be too impatient with him. After all, training means the man

does not know, so you should train him nicely. A Vaishnava is expected

to be humbler than the blade of grass, so when you train some new man

you should not get agitated with him. After all, we are preachers, and

we do not expect our audience or candidates completely respondent to our

call. If everyone is trained [already] then what is the use of our

preaching?"

 

SP Letter to Hansadutta (9/29/74) "Mend it; Don't Break it"

"Try to settle up amicably and correct yourself. One man is trained up

with great difficulty, especially in spiritual life. Everyone has got

some weakness and deficiency. It is better to correct or mend it than to

break it."

 

SP Letter to Nara-Narayana (2/7/69) "Let The Authority Handle It"

"I beg to thank you very much for your letter pointing out some of the

discrepancies of many of the devotees in New York. You are correct

regarding the items which you have stated, such as sleeping in front of

the deities, taking of unoffered foodstuffs, drinking water from the

bathroom, and non-chanting of rounds. But the thing is discipline can

not be observed unless there is obedience. As you are obedient to me,

you should be similarly obedient to my representative. Your statement

about Brahmananda that he is a wonderful devotee is 100 percent agreed

by me. He is in charge of the New York center, and therefore, if proper

obedience is not given to him, it will be impossible for him to manage

affairs of the temple. Under the circumstances, the discrepancies you

have observed in the temple may be referred to him, and he is quite

reasonable, and will handle the matter with the respective devotees."

 

SP Letter to Madhumangala (11/18/72)

"Regarding general state of affairs at Amsterdam temple, I can

understand there is some disturbance among you, but that is not to be

taken very seriously. Real business is preaching work. And if there is

full attention on this matter only, all other businesses will be

automatically successful. Fighting amongst ourselves is not at all good,

but if our preaching work is neglected, or if we fall down in following

the regulative principles -- such as rising before four, chanting 16

rounds, like that -- if these things are not strictly observed, then

Maya will enter and spoil everything. So my best advice to you is to

strictly observe these things yourself and be the example so that all

others may follow. We should not criticise each other as Vaisnavas,

because there is fault in everyone and we may be ourselves subject to

criticism. Best thing is to be above suspicion ourselves, then if we see

discrepancies and make suggestions, the others will automatically

respect and take action to rectify the matters. Otherwise the whole

thing is doomed if we simply go on fighting over some small thing. So

try to organize things and preach together in this spirit and that will

please me very very much."

 

SP Letter to Vrndavanesvari (7/28/69)

"You have mentioned about some criticism made by Jayagovinda which upset

you. I do not know exactly what is the point, but if there is some

honest criticism, there should be no cause of becoming upset."

 

SP letter to Goursundar (8/26/72): THE DEFECT LIES WITHIN YOU

"If there is some incident and I claim that no one is cooperating with

me or no one will work with me, that is MY defect, NOT THEIRS. The

Vaisnava devotee must think like this. We should not find fault with

others and criticise and go away. That is not the Vaisnava way. Better

we should always be willing to offer all respect to others and consider

them as our superiors always."

 

 

Etiquette in Management

 

ISKCON is a spiritual organization personally established by Srila

Prabhupada. We must to take care that it doesn't become material.

Anything (husband-wife relationship, Deity worship, even prasadam) can

turn material by one's consciousness. In any society, there must be some

organization and management, otherwise there will be chaos. Even in the

spiritual world, Krsna's friends are subdivided and supervised (Lord

Balarama is group leader for his cowherd boy-friends; Candravali and

Radharani head up left-wing and right-wing gopies, etc). ISKCON is no

different. In order for people interact in a harmonious fashion,

dealings and activities must be regulated and orchestrated.>

 

1. The material nature is the world of exploitation but the spiritual

nature is the world of service.

 

2. ISKCON is a spiritual organization. Regardless of position everyone

is first and foremost a servant of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila

Prabhupada. No one should exploit his position for selfish

interests.

 

3. Higher position means greater service. Position means an opportunity

to purely represent Srila Prabhupada. Hence our management must be

based on humility and tolerance.

 

4. Treat your subordinates as younger brothers.

 

5. Leadership is based on spiritual qualification, not on anything

material. A mature, dedicated preacher makes the best leader.

 

6. A leader's character must be spotless.

 

7. Leaders must feel for their followers, then the followers will

naturally trust them.

 

8. It is important to lead with detachment and guide with a strong

sense of duty.

 

9. Krsna conscious management is autocratic and democratic.

 

10. Talk to devotees and be open to new ideas.

 

11. Don't hide anything from the Vaisnavas.

 

12. There should be more than one signer for bank accounts, buying of

properties etc.

 

13. It is best if all incoming funds are declared before the Deities,

Srila Prabhupada, and the Vaisnavas.

 

14. All incoming funds should be deposited in the bank and then spent

from the account.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

"The sweetness of Lord Krsna is not to be tasted by those who consider

themselves equal to Krsna. It is to be tasted only through the sentiment

of servitude." (CC Adi-lila 6.103)

 

SP Letter to Hansadutta (7/11/70)

"...Or you may follow your other plan, but however you do, do it jointly

by combined consultation. If you do it jointly in this way, you will get

strength to decide the right thing."

 

SP Letter to Amogha (5/9/72)

"One thing is, too much competition between centers is not good, the

emphasis should be on co-operation, not competition."

 

SP Letter to Janaki (1/18/69)

"Please do your duty combinedly without any disruption of peaceful

attitudes amongst yourselves. We are pushing our movement on the

background of a peaceful atmosphere in the world, and if we show a

little disturbance in our own camp that will not be a very good example,

Therefore, every one should be forbearing, tolerant and cooperative."

 

"Krsna consciousness is such an important mission, the devotees should

cooperate, even if there were discrepancies <insufficient income,

inadequate diet>. The material world is like an ocean, and there would

always be waves." (SP Lil.V, p.9)

 

SP Letter to Upendra (8/6/70)

Now all my disciples must work combinedly and with cooperation to spread

this sankirtan movement. If you cannot work together, then my work is

stopped up. Our Society is like one big family and our relationship

should be based on love and trust. We must give up the fighting spirit

and use our intelligence to push ahead. You should accept help from your

Godbrothers."

 

SP Letter to Kirtanananda (11/12/74)

"Yes, following the rules and regulations is the real qualification of

GBC. We have made things easy for being qualified for such position, but

still they are violating... Your conclusion is very good and I very much

appreciate that GBC or XYZ you are always servant of Krsna. That is

wanted."

 

SP Letter to Gajendra (1/27/70)

"When a Krishna Conscious person is elevated to a responsible position,

he never becomes puffed up. Just like a tree when overladen with fruits

becomes humble and lower down; similarly, a great soul in Krishna

Consciousness becomes humbler than the grass and bowed down like the

fruitful trees because a Krishna Conscious person acts as the agent of

Krishna, therefore he discharges his duty with great responsibility."

 

Spiritual Management (SP Lil.V, p.91)

Prabhupada said he knew "the pulse of his disciples." Thus he had

recently <1972> sensed a tendency to be too absorbed in management and

not enough in preaching. He had been telling his secretary that G.B.C.

men should not simply sit behind their desks and try to centralize power

but should become detached, take sannyasa, and travel and preach. Now

he had advised that they not give up their managerial burden but follow

his example of preaching and managing their G.B.C. zones in a renounced

spirit.

 

SP Letter to Krsnavesa dd (1/16/75)

"My request to you is that you try to follow the authorities there --

the temple president, the GBC, etc. Cooperate nicely with them. Our

movement is based on love and trust, so if we do not cooperate, then how

is that love and trust? Follow all of the rules and regulations very

strictly without deviation, chant 16 rounds, attend class and mangal

arati, and then everything will be all right."

 

SP Letter to Krsna das VE (3/5/69)

"This surrendering process is unconditional. Surrendering does not mean

that one should only surrender in favorable circumstances. That is not

surrender. Surrendering means that in any condition the surrendering

process must continue. [And what is an important part of that

surrendering process?] ...You must work conjointly. That is my desire.

And if you fight amongst yourselves for some individual interests, that

is not surrender."

 

"Krsna consciousness means full cooperation with Krsna, and Krishna

means with all His entourage. We should always remember this. Just

like when we speak of a tree, it includes the root, the trunk, the

branches, the leaves, the flowers -- everything. Therefore to love Krsna

means to love Him along with all His Name, His fame, His qualities, His

entourage, His abode, His devotees, etc." (3/2/70) Yamuna

 

 

<font color="red"> Vaisnava Behavior is Inspiring for Everyone </font color>

 

 

SP Letter to Janardan (1/21/68) Humbleness is appreciated

 

SP Letter to Shivananda (9/14/68)

"This Krsna consciousness movement through music, philosophy, spiritual

culture, and personal behavior culminating in ideal character of the

devotees. All these heavenly contributions combined together will

certainly bring about a major change in the life of Western people."

 

SP Letter to Batu Gopal (2/1/75)

"You are right. We must all become ideal in character and then people

will become very impressed with such purity. A devotee is faultless --

he has no flaws."

 

But, on the other hand, if we don't follow:

 

SP Letter to Madhavi Lata (10/28/68)

"It is nice that you are doing preaching work there, but you should know

that such practices like stealing are against the principles of Krsna

consciousness. I always want that my students should be very ideal in

character and not discredit our society."

 

Letter to Sridama (7/8/70)

"It is very good you have received permission for chanting and

distributing literature as well as collecting. Now you should

concentrate to develop your spiritual power to attract the fallen souls

to Krsna consciousness. The daily regulative duties must be performed

by everyone very strictly: the beads chanted sixteen rounds, and our

literatures read and discussed. In this way, everything should be done

very nicely. Sankirtan should be done by you in the streets and at

gatherings and in this manner display what is this Krsna consciousness

movement and how it is for everyone's eternal welfare and happiness. So

you do all these with great enthusiasm and very carefully. Our all

activities must be open so that no one may criticize our mission. So all

dealings must be to the standard of Vaisnavism. We cannot misrepresent

ourselves for the purpose of taking monies from the public, but as

everything is undertaken forth rightly in a Krsna consciousness way,

then Lord Krsna will be pleased to provide all facilities for aiding our

such sincere service."

 

 

Etiquette within Relationships

 

 

1. The Vaisnava society is very meticulously structured, where seniors

are always respected by the juniors and juniors always receive the

seniors nicely.

 

2. The Vaisnava society is structured according to Varnasrama,

Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya and Sudra; and Sannyasi, Vanaprastha,

Grhasta and Brahmachari.

 

3. There are considerations of seniority according to initiation among

Godbrothers. Devotees who have received initiation earlier are

considered senior.

 

4. The Guru's Godbrothers should be respected as the guru.

 

5. Sannyasis should always be respected as the guru.

 

6. In a Vaisnava society everyone tries to become humble. The more

advanced one is the more humble he becomes.

 

7. Sometimes senior Vaisnavas may offer respect to a junior Vaisnava

due to his humility, but a junior Vaisnava should never think that

he deserves that respect from all senior Vaisnavas. On the other

hand when a senior Vaisnava offers him respect then the junior

Vaisnava should feel extremely embarrassed, and repeatedly pray to

Krsna that He receives the respect.

 

8. One should always remember that his business is to become more

humble than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, and

desiring no respect for himself he should offer all respect to

others.

 

9. Transgression of Vaisnava etiquette will undoubtedly destroy one's

spiritual life.

 

10. Never take sides when there is a disagreement among senior

Vaisnavas. Stay neutral because the quarrel among the Vaisnavas is

a kind of pastime and beyond our understanding.

 

11. Disciple should always respect his guru as God.

 

12. Preachers should have compassion upon the innocent souls but avoid

offenders.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

 

Use of Titles

 

"One thing you may note also as a matter of etiquette. The Spiritual

Master is addressed as His Divine Grace, a Godbrother is addressed as

His Grace, and any sannyasin is addressed as His Holiness." (SP letter

to Rayarama 91/30/67)

 

Dealing with Godbrothers

 

- Definition of "Prabhu": SP, "You should not just use it mechanically;

you should meaningfully apply it."

 

SP Letter to Himavati VE (6/14/68) [68-6-18]

"Yes, to call one another "Prabhu" is all right, but not to become

prabhu. To accept others as prabhu, and remain as servant is the idea.

But because somebody is calling you "Prabhu", one should not become a

prabhu and treat others as servants. In other words, every one should

feel himself as servant, and not to think himself prabhu because he is

being called "Prabhu". This will make the relationship congenial."

 

- A Practical definition of "Prabhu": Ralph Waldo Emerson (who is quoted

on the jacket cover of all English Gita's) said, "Every man I meet is my

superior in some way. In that, I learn of him."

 

"To serve the Spiritual Master means also to serve his disciples."

 

SP Letter to Shivananda (1/23/69)

"Regarding serving your godbrothers, this is a very good practice. The

Spiritual Master is never without his followers, so to serve the

Spiritual Master also means to be the servant of his disciples. When

you want to serve the king, you must also serve his minister, secretary,

and everyone who serves him. And to serve his servants may please him

more than to serve the king personally."

 

But, on the other hand:

SP Letter to Kirtanananda (11/23/74)

"Why Taittiriya should have a servant? Godbrothers are not meant for

being servants. Without the spiritual master's order, nobody can utilize

the service of a Godbrother as one's personal servant. We address each

other as "Prabhu" so how we can engage our Godbrother as servant? Lord

Caitanya Mahaprabhu engaged Govinda das, who was His Godbrother, as His

servant, but that was only on the order of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's

spiritual master."

 

SP letter to Janardan (1/21/68)

"I understand that your Godbrothers are as your younger dependent

brothers: kindly treat them as your younger dependent brothers and try

to advance them in Krsna consciousness as good as you can."

 

SP Letter to Janaki (1/18/69)

"Please do your duty combinedly without any disruption of peaceful

attitudes amongst yourselves. We are pushing our movement on the

background of a peaceful atmosphere in the world, and if we show a

little disturbance in our own camp that will not be a very good example,

Therefore, every one should be forbearing, tolerant and cooperative."

 

SP Letter to Gargamuni (9/8/69)

"But one thing is you must stop this fighting between brothers.

Otherwise the whole program will be spoiled. Yourself, Tamal Krishna,

Brahmananda, Satsvarupa-- you should do everything combinedly. That is

my request. Gradually, by Krishna's Grace, we are expanding. So if

amongst us there is friction, it will be very dangerous."

 

SP Letter to Brahmananda (11/15/69)

"This is called Vaikuntha attitude. In the Vaikuntha factually there is

no fault in anyone, but there is another type of competition. The

competition is that one devotee thinks of other devotees how nicely they

are serving the Lord. In the material world the attitude is that

everyone likes to think that I am doing better than others. This is

material conception. In the Spiritual Sky it is just the opposite:

Everyone thinks that my contemporary devotees are doing better than me.

We are trained to address Godbrothers as Prabhu, which means Master.

This means we shall try to find out always the serving side of our

Godbrothers. Sometimes there are misgivings, but we should try to

overlook."

 

SP Letter to Upendra (8/4/70)

"It doesn't matter what we are, grhasthas or sannyasis, the point is to

be, paramahamsa, completely surrendered to Lord Krsna."

 

"Brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, brahmachari, grhasta, vanaprastha

and sannyasa. These are all MATERIAL DESIGNATIONS, but this Krsna

consciousness movement is for becoming transcendental to these material

designations, and these boys, these foreigners, they are being taught in

that light." (SP Lil.V, p.21)

 

 

Dealings Amongst Grhasthas

 

SP Letter to Vrndavan Chandra (6/24/70)

"I am so glad to learn that your good wife is also helping you. That is

the duty of a faithful companion of life. If the wife is helpful in the

spiritual progress of life, she is the best friend and philosopher. So

in Krsna consciousness the wife is never a burden, but she is completely

a counterpart.

So set example to your countrymen how younger generation can live

peacefully, husband and wife, being engaged in Krsna's service. There

are many examples of this type of husband and wife working in our

different centers for propagating this sublime message."

 

 

Dealing with One's Guru

 

Letter to Madhudvisa (2/14/70):

"In regard to praying to Lord Nityananda Prabhu, I have written to you

in my last letter that such prayer is quite appropriate. Our only prayer

should be in the matter of desiring further development of devotional

service and such sincere prayer should be submitted not directly to the

Lord but through the via media of His bona fide servitor or

representative." [Note: media is plural in number, not just one]

 

"I chastise you, because it is my duty. Disciple is related to

discipline, so it is my duty to my disciples. Otherwise, I am not upset

with anyone. I simply do this to discipline you, because you are my

disciples." (SP Lil.V, p.43)

 

"You may be afraid of your spiritual master, but that doesn't mean you

shouldn't come and see him." "I will drag you to come and see me." (SP

Lil.V, p.196)

 

- Disciples should not try to instruct their spiritual master:

"Not knowing why Madhavendra Puri was crying, Ramachandra Puri tried to

become his advisor. Thus he committed a great offense, for a disciple

should never try to instruct his spiritual master." (Cc Antya 8.21

purp.)

 

- Disciples should not initiate while the spiritual master is present.

SP Letter to Acyutananda (8/21/68)

"The first thing, I warn, Acyutananda, do not try to initiate. You are

not in a proper position now to initiate anyone. Besides that, the

etiquette is that so long the Spiritual Master is present, all

prospective disciples should be brought to him. Therefore if anyone is

anxious to be initiated, he should first of all hear our philosophy and

join chanting at least for three months, and then if required, I shall

send chanted beads for him if you recommend."

 

Gurus Should Not Transgress Vaisnava etiquette (and initiate their

Godbrothers' disciples in good standing):

 

SP Letter to Mukunda VE (3/26/68)

"I have received one letter which is very depressing from Hrshikesh. I

understand that he has been induced by Bon Maharaja to be initiated by

him for giving him shelter, and this foolish boy has accepted his

inducement. I have replied Hrshikesh's letter in the following words:

`My dear Hrsikesa... I am greatly surprised for Bon Maharaja's

initiating you, in spite of his knowing that you are already initiated

by me. So it is a deliberate transgression of Vaisnava etiquettes and

otherwise a deliberate insult to me. I do not know why he has done like

this, but no Vaisnava will approve of this offensive action. ... I do

not wish to discuss on this point elaborately now, but if you are

desirous to know further about it, I shall be glad to give you more

enlightenment...' If Hrshikesh writes you a letter, I think you may

avoid reply. I do not approve of both Hrshikesh's and Bon Maharaja's

this offensive action."

<font color="red"> Basic Principles of Vaisnava Behavior </font color>

 

Vaisnava etiquettes are not superficial or inessential.

 

"Having heard all these details, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, greatly

pleased, spoke as follows: (Cc Antya 4.128-30)

 

tathapi bhakta-svabhava -- maryada-raksana

maryada-palana haya sadhura bhusana

 

"My dear Sanatana, although you are the deliverer of the entire universe

and although even the demigods and great saints are purified by touching

you, it is the characteristic of a devotee to observe and the protect

the Vaisnava etiquette. Maintenance of the Vaisnava etiquette is the

ornament of a devotee."

 

[so it is stated, "Etiquette is the ornament of a Vaisnava." But what

does this mean? Is etiquette something only external or optional? We

could draw an analogy: Is it possible to be wealthy, but have no riches?

Or what is the value of wealth if one uses no costly ornaments?

Generally, one will decorate himself according to the degree of his

wealth. If one is very rich, he will be adorned with only the finest of

raiments and accessories. Similarly, for one who is profound in his

Krsna consciousness, the jewels of Vaisnava etiquette will naturally

grace all of his dealings and activities. The characteristics of a

devotee are always sublimely manifest in all of his actions. The depth

of a Vaisnava is judged by his symptoms. The true devotee will therefore

adorn himself unsparingly with the decorum of a Vaisnava in all

respects.

 

Etiquette [Dictionary Definition]: 1) conventional requirements as to

social behavior; 2) the code of ethics of a profession.

 

Accepting the identity of a Vaisnava necessitates a certain standard of

behavior or etiquette. Vaisnava etiquette facilitates Krsna

consciousness. It provides the criteria -- the protocol -- by which a

devotee can act properly in every situation. In the B.G. (6.24 purport),

quoting from verse 3 of the Upadesamrta, Srila Prabhupada roughly

paraphrases one of the items favorable for development of devotional

service as, "by engaging completely in activities of goodness."

Practicing Vaisnava etiquette means always acting in the mode of

goodness, which is a stepping-stone to the transcendental plane. The

mode of goodness is conducive to self-realization, whereas ignorance and

passion are not. Therefore, how one applies the principles of Vaisnava

etiquette reflects whether a devotee is Krsna conscious or not: ie., Is

he humble? conscientious? well-mannered? disciplined? cultured?

...sensitive? Someone who is actually a devotee will be known by how

much he displays the good qualities.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

A Vaisnava is Better Than a Brahmana

 

"Brahminical life means to be very, very clean, inside and out. Inside

by chanting and hearing, and outside by bathing three times daily, if

not possible at least two times, but never less than once. Bathing after

passing stool. The qualifications of the brahmanas are described in the

18th Chapter of B.G. verse 42: "Peacefulness, self-control, austerity,

purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness --

these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work." So see that these

instructions are being followed nicely."

 

Not Associating with Materialistic Persons

 

[in regard to brainwashing] Ramesvara: They claim that our life style

tends to take the devotee and isolate him from the world.Yes," said

P, "We hate to mix with you. No gentleman tries to mix with loafers.

Crows will not like to live with the ducks and white swans; and white

swans will not like to live with the crows. That is natural division.

Birds of the same feather flock together." (SP Lil.VI, pg 222)

 

The Feet

 

The feet should not touch (or even be exposed to) anyone or anything

(especially sacred items). That is offensive. Basically, the feet touch

only the floor. Otherwise, they are kept covered. One should not step

over (or reach over) anyone

 

a) while they are offering obeisances (eg., before the vyasasana)

b) while they are sitting (as in the temple room)

 

Slamming Doors

 

The slamming of doors, although seemingly a minor fault, greatly

disturbed Srila Prabhupada. It symptomized carelessness and misuse, and

Prabhupada said the sound cracked his heart. One time Prabhupada came

out of his room and called out, "Who is that slamming the doors? No one

knows from where this building has come. You take it for granted, that

it is here. But no one cares." (SP Lil.V, p.144)

 

Stealing

 

* SP Letter to Pradyumna VE (1/22/68) Don't steal

 

"But so far as stealing is concerned, one should not steal except in the

rarest circumstances. Moral principle is recommended in all scriptures

as a prerequisite for spiritual culture."

 

 

More on the Behavior of a Vaisnava

 

"It is the characteristic of a devotee to observe and protect the

Vaisnava etiquette. Maintenance of the Vaisnava etiquette is the

ornament of a devotee." Cc. Antya-Lila 4.129-130.

 

1. The consciousness of a devotee is manifested by his actions.

 

2. If one has any depth of realization, the jewels of Vaisnava

behaviour will naturally pace all of his dealings and activities.

 

3. We need to be aware that the vast majority of our exchanges are with

devotees and the innocent public. Aparadha is the only real

stumbling block in spiritual life. We must become fearful of

committing offence. This awareness will loan sobriety and gravity

to our behaviour. We will naturally become humble, Sri Caitanya

Mahaprabhu will become pleased, and we will make advancement without

serious obstruction.

 

4. Srila Prabhupada's reputation depends on our behaviour. In his

compassion he lifted us up from very degraded backgrounds. He was

even criticized by the less intelligent in India for doing so. In

order to maintain Srila Prabhupada's good name our behaviour should

be very exemplary.

 

 

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada

 

"Act in such a way that they will see we are of ideal character." -

 

Well-known SP quote: When asked, "How do you recognize a Vaisnava?" SP

replied, "He is a perfect gentleman."

 

(Cc Antya 102-3) Sanatana Goswami to Haridasa Thakura:

 

apane acara keha na kare pracara

pracara karena keha na karena acara

 

"Some behave very well but do not preach the cult of Krsna

consciousness, whereas others preach but do not behave properly."

 

acara pracara -- namera karaha dui karya

tumi -- sarva guru tumi jagatera arya

 

"You simultaneously perform both activities in relation to the Holy Name

by your personal behavior and by your preaching. Therefore you are the

most advanced devotee in the world."

 

"Better than the brahmana who knows the purpose of the Vedas is he who

can dissipate all doubts, and better than him is one who strictly

follows brahminical principles. Better than him is one who is liberated

from all material contamination, and better than him is a pure devotee,

who executes devotional service without expectation of reward." (S.B.

3.29.32)

 

 

SP Letter to Rupanuga (5/9/72) "Boil the Milk"

 

"Now I want that we shall concentrate on making our devotees Krishna

conscious and ourselves becoming Krishna conscious, and not be so much

concerned with expanding ourselves widely but without any spiritual

content. Just like boiling the milk, it becomes thicker and sweeter.

Now do like that, boil the milk."

 

To Patita Uddharan (12/12/74) "A devotee is always ideal in behavior."

 

So we all have to cooperate amongst ourselves, otherwise what will

people think if we ourselves fight with one another? A devotee is

always ideal in behavior."

 

SP Letter to Gargamuni (2/5/69) "Vaisnava Symptom is Humility"

 

"Your humble repentance is just like a Vaisnava student, so I thank you

very much for this humbleness. Lord Chaitanya taught us to be humbler

that the grass on the street and more tolerant that the tree. so these

symptoms are Vaisnava symptoms.

 

SP Letter to Dindayal (2/2/70)

"Krishna is so very merciful to those who are very humble in their

attitude engaged in service of the Lord. Lord Chaitanya advised,

therefore, one should be humbler than the straw and more tolerant than

the tree and thus be seriously engaged in glorifying the Lord. This

world is very awful. Anyone is ready to create some disturbance,

especially they are very much apt to disturb Krishna Consciousness

persons because that is the way of demoniac life. So, in order to

protect us from all dangerous elements, we have to chant the Hare

Krishna Mantra regularly being humbler than the straw and more tolerant

than the tree. Then Krishna, Who is Dindayal, will bestow His Mercy

upon us."

 

SP Letter to (8/18/70) Upendra

"You are good for everything but your attitude to remain good for

nothing is very nice. A Vaisnava is always humble and meek, and he is

never puffed-up, even he has got the highest qualities of demigods."

 

SP Letter to Janardan (1/21/68)

"So we have to be very careful in understanding Krishna Consciousness.

... To understand Krishna as He has spoken in the Bhagavad Gita or in

other Vedic literatures through the right sources of disciplic

succession, that is our real knowledge. The idea is everyone should try

to pace himself as if he doesn't know anything. His position is secure.

But as soon as he says that "I know everything, and I was previously

such and such...," that is actually rascal. So I know that you are

trying to know things from the real source, and you are not puffed up

like other fools who think that they know everything. Your humbleness

is very much appreciated by me."

 

"Otherwise, we may become subject to criticism"

 

SP Letter to Advaita (5/28/70)

"As I have already said many times that we have to maintain two lines

parallel; namely the path of Srimad Bhagavatam and the path of

Pancaratriki. Srimad Bhagavatam is the path for Paramahansas, and

Pancaratra path is for the neophytes. So the Temple worship is

necessary for the beginners so that by following the regulative

principles such devotees become more and more purified and thus

gradually come on the platform to understand Srimad Bhagavatam. So we

shall always keep these principles in view and maintain our centers on

this standard. Recently I have received one 'Kalyan' magazine in which

our activities in the Western world have been very much appreciated.

Especially they have appreciated my strong injunctions on the point of

following the four prohibitive regulations. So after describing our

activities, the editor has remarked in one place that things are going

very nicely at present, but it is God only Who knows how it will

continue in the future. This means that the Indians, or the rigid

followers of Vedic principles, are doubtful about my American and

European students about their sticking to these principles. So it is a

God-sent warning for us so that we may not deviate from the above

mentioned two lines of action and thus become subject to criticism by

the opposing elements."

 

"Our dealings with others must be very clear."

Letter to Bali Mardan (2/22/70)

 

SP Letter to Satsvarupa (8/19/69)

"Anyway, do things in good sense, without any disturbance. We have to

make progress very soberly, and I am always at your service whenever

required." [Therefore a serious devotee is always ready to take guidance

from superior/other Vaisnavas to understand the proper way of acting.]

 

"But we should never steal anything like money, food, water, gasoline,

etc., just to enhance our service to Krsna. That is too much dangerous,

and if we are caught then all our work is finished. Just like in India

recently, this Balyogi Guru Maharaji was detected by the customs

authorities attempting to smuggle some small items into India. By this

one tiny incident his entire effort for preaching - even he is rascal

Number One and his preaching is nonsense, even so the example is there -

his work is ruined now and he is practically finished, as the government

will not grant him a passport to leave India. So we shall always be

careful to avoid any kind of jeopardizing our high standing in the

society by some foolish and small act of illegal stealing." <Source N/A>

 

No Salaries

 

"The teacher and the pujari should never receive a salary. They must

work in pure devotion. The ksatriya also." (SP Lil.V, p.65-6)