Pritesh01

Prabhupada's Views on Women By Urmila devi dasi Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Over the past months, several devotees-some of a very high devotional caliber-have directly or indirectly stated that Prabhupada's comments and instructions about women were erroneous, irrelevant to our spiritual life, or out-of-date, etc. It is certainly true that all of varnasrama, which includes the position of women in society, is external to our spiritual life and is not important in the sense that chanting Hare Krishna, worshipping the Deity, preaching, hearing Bhagavatam, and so forth, are important. It is also true that spiritual life isn't dependent on any material situation. However, some material situations are more favorable to spiritual life than are others. In particular, a stable society with functional families, are helpful to, as Prabhupada said, "make the mind peaceful" for spiritual life. If both men and women play their respective roles in this world, then the truly important things, such as always remembering Krishna and serving Him favorably, become so much easier. If we throw out the "external,” instructions that Prabhupada gave us regarding society-especially instructions that he repeated very often in his purports, lectures, letters, and conversations-we risk making our advancement so much more slow and difficult. And we risk developing the mentality that we can disregard anything Prabhupada said that we can't immediately understand or apply. The fact that we may not feel able to apply something doesn't mean that we should "resent the principle,” but rather we should go on trying "without consideration of defeat or hopelessness. " (gita 3. 31 purport) Prabhupada was preaching only 20-30 years ago. Society hasn't changed all that much. And certainly, hormones haven't changed since the creation, what to speak of in the last 20 years. The different psychology of men and women haven't changed since the creation. The psychological needs of men, women, and children remain as they were. If we truly believe, even theoretically, that we "are not this body,” then why do we care whether our bodily duties are "higher" or "lower" than someone else's? Such things are temporary, external, and don't touch the real self. If doing a "lower" duty will please Krishna and Prabhupada and help us fix our minds on the glorious holy name, why for the sake of pride will we reject it? Urmila devi dasi is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and frequent contributor to Back to Godhead Magazine. In any case, most difficulties with understanding the position of women can be solved if we understand that all of us have two duties-material and spiritual. The spiritual duties, the nine processes of devotional service, are equally available to every human being regardless of age, gender, race, intelligence, health, etc. etc. There should be full equality of doing these nine processes in our movement. The duties according to the body and mind, which should be dovetailed in the Lord's service, will, indeed, vary according to age, gender, inclination, intelligence, talent, cultural situation, and so forth. If we deny these before the stage of liberation, we will do them anyway, but in a way that will cause our bondage. (BG, chapters 3 and 18) Also, in terms of the external duties, women have varna. When comparing men and women, one must only compare a brahmana man to a brahmana woman. For example, a brahmana woman is certainly superior to a sudra man in terms of intelligence, freedom from lust, etc. I've written a lengthy article on this subject, with full scriptural references, if one wants more details. The "less intelligence" of women doesn't refer to IQ or talent, but the facts that women are more inclined to mundane enjoyment and are more under the control of passion and ignorance. Our logical abilities are more prone to be over-ridden by our emotions and sentimentality. If we wish to discuss areas in which Prabhupada was mistaken about women, we could bring up where he quoted some scientist as saying that women have 32 ounces less brain substance than men. The actual statistics are that women have 4 ounces less brain substance than men; when adjusted for body size, we have 1 ounce less. (One has to compare within race as certain races have larger brains). In any case, there is ample statistical evidence that men excel women in certain types of thinking; women excel in others. Each type of body has its material and spiritual advantages and disadvantages. While it would be scripturally correct to say that males have an overall advantage for spiritual advancement, women have some advantages, too, such as being softhearted and inclined to follow authority. We could also say that overall, human have more advantages than demigods to become Krishna consciousness. But demigods have some advantages that humans lack, and many demigods become pure devotees. Why not just accept the body we have for this life, and work with it so as to please Krishna and make our life peaceful, so that we can concentrate our time and energy on what's truly important-loving and remembering Krishna. Your servant, Urmila devi dasi

Is it ok to take a tulsi out of a tulsi tree brfor it falls? are they any sins occured when is the best time i can do this? is it true krishna only accepts prasadam with a tulsi leaf?

When Lord Krishna and Radharani played the magnificent Divine dance of 'Maha Raasa Lila', Shankar Bhagavan entered the Lila as a Gopi. Thus He became popular with the Name Gopi-Isvara. There is a temple in Vrindavan for Gopisvara, Whom all Vrajavasis including GVs worship with love. -------------------- Shri Mahadeva protects the Holy Dham of Braja, and every wise pilgrim must go to offer his respect and homage unto him. Shri Mahadeva presides in Vraja as Gopishvara in Vrindavan, Bhuteshvara in Mathura, Nandishvara at Nandagrama, Kameshvara at Kamyavana, Cakaleshvara at Govardhan and Kundeshvara at Radha Kund. Prior to parikrama of Radha Kund we offer our respects to Kundeshvara Mahadeva, and prior to entering Vamsi Vat we pray for the blessing of Gopishvara Mahadeva, who guards the arena of the sacred circle dance. Every Vaishnava in the Holy Dham prays for the kind blessing of Shri Mahadeva. Visvanatha writes in his Sankalpa Kalpadruma (103): vRndAvanavani-pate! jaya soma soma-maule sanaka-sanandana-sanAtana-nAradeDya gopIzvara! vraja-vilAsi-yugAGghri-padme prema prayaccha nirupAdhi namo namaste "O gatekeeper of Vrindavana! O Soma, all glories to you! O you whose forehead is decorated with the moon, and who is worshipable for the sages headed by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Narada! O Gopisvara! Desiring that you bestow upon me prema for the lotus feet of Shri Shri Radha-Madhava who perform joyous pastimes in Vraja-dhama, I offer pranamas unto you time and again!" - - - - - - Every Gaudiya Vaishnava who prays to Pancha Tattva is worshipping Lord Shiva, as Sri Advaitacarya is Lord Shiva Himself. In Caitanya Caritamrita, Mahaprabhu's eternal Associate Sri Advaitacarya is said to be Lord Shiva, who always says, "I am the servant of Lord Krishna." Intoxicated by ecstatic Love for Krishna, He becomes overwhelmed and incessantly dances without clothing and sings about Lord Krishna's qualities and pastimes. -------------------- In Caitanya Bhagavata of Vrndavana dasa, there is a nice description of PRIVATE meeting of Mahaprabhu and Advaitacarya. It is again confirmed there that Lord Shiva Himself appeared as Advaitacarya. As it is clearly declared: Chapter nine. text 84. Anyone who does not like one of these two Lords does not like both Lords. Lord Caitanya and Lord Advaita are like Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. -------------- An episode from Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Pastimes: "Lord Caitanya soon arrived in 'Jalesvara' village. He went directly to the TEMPLE OF SIVA, the main Deity in that village. The Siva-Linga Deity was well looked after by local brahmana priest. The floral decorations in the temple and on the diety were attractive and the smell of incense permeated the air giving the place an exhilarating devotional mood. Devotees in the temple were singing, playing musical instruments, and dancing. The Lord's anger (for Lord Nityananda breaking His sanyasi danda) subcided in that joyful atmosphere. He let the loving devotional feelings in His heart gradually flow and merge in with the music. Enlivened by His Dear Devotee's, (Lord Siva's) opulence and influence in the temple, Lord Caitanya began to dance happily. Lord Caitanya KNOWS the Lord Siva's glorious character, for He is the FAVORITE among His devotees. IF ANYONE DISRESPECTS LORD SIVA, NOT FOLLOWING the EXAMPLE OF LORD CAITANYA, THEN HE CAN NOT BE CONSIDERED A VAISHNAVA and ALL HIS SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT IS ANNULLED. As the Lord danced, He made joyful sounds so loud that the very mountains seemed to tremble. Lord Shiva's devotees were struck with amazement and thought that LORD SIVA MUST HAVE APPEARED IN PERSON! The musicians and singers reached a crescendo and the Lord became fully absorbed in dancing, losing all contact with the outside world. Meanwhile, His devotees arrived. Mukunda began to sing, joined by others. Seeing His beloved associates, the Lord experienced great joy and DANCED more vigorously while the devotees danced circling Him. The whole scene was dynamically TRANSFORMED. Tears flowed out effusively in a hundred streams from Lord's eyes. Who can describe all the happenings properly? THIS TEMPLE OF LORD SIVA WAS SANCTIFIED BY THE LORDS PRESENCE AND DANCING IN FRONT OF THE DIETY OF SIVA-LINGA. THE REAL PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE TEMPLE WAS BUILT WAS FULFILLED." (An excerpt from 'Caitanya Bhagavata', Antya-Lila chapter 2, page 453, by B.V.Puri Goswami) This verse is from an excerpt on 'Bhakti' written in 'Uttara Khanda' of Sri Rama Carita Manas by Saint Sri Tulasidasa and spoken by Lord Ramacandra Himself. Lord Ramacandra said: " aurau eka guputa mata sabahi kahaum kara jori, shankara bhajana binaa nara bhagati na paavai mori " With folded hands I now lay before you one MORE SECRET doctrine: WITHOUT ADORING Lord Shankara NO MAN can ATTAIN loving DEVOTION to ME. There is one thing more which seems to be Tulasidasa's specific contribution - not emphasized by other saints, and that is the worship of Lord Shiva. Ramachandra Himself says that without the WORSHIP of SHIVA, one CANNOT cultivate His Bhakti. In this way the poet resolved the conflict between Shaivas and Vaishnavas. Probably for this reason, in North India the conflict never assumed such proportions as it did in the South. It should not be imagined that Tulasi dasa regarded Shiva as INFERIOR to Rama. The RELATION between Rama and Shiva is very PECULIAR. Rama WORSHIPS Shiva and Shiva WORSHIPS Rama. Tulasi says that Shiva is AT ONCE the servant, the friend, and the Lord of Rama. It ONLY means that the two are one with different forms; this is possible in Acintya-bheda-abheda. In the Padma Purana, it is said: aradhananam sarvesam visnor aradhanam param tasmat parataram devi tadiyanam samarcanam Once, Parvati-devi asked Lord Siva, "Of all kinds of worship, whose worship is best?" Then, Lord Siva told her plainly, "The worship and devotional service of Lord Narayana, Visnu, is the highest." Then Parvati became a little mortified and disappointed, thinking, "But I am serving Siva, so I hold a lower position." Then the next line came - tasmat parataram devi tadiyanam samarcanam. "But higher than the worship of Narayana is worship of the devotees of Lord Narayana. That is even greater than devotion to the Lord Himself." Then, Parvati smiled, thinking, "Then I am serving the devotee of the Lord. Siva is a devotee: vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh. So, I am doing the best thing." This is also confirrned by Krsna, in the Adi Purana : ye me bhakta-janah partha ne me bhaktas ca te janah mad bhaktanam ca ye bhaktas te me bhaktatama matah "Those who worship Me directly are not real devotees; real devotees are those who are devoted to My devotees." 1. Puranas have described that the consort of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi devi herself worshipped Lord Shiva, even offering her own bosom in place of lotus flowers, and thus the 'bael' fruit and tree had become very dear to Shiva. 2. Lord Rama also worshipped Shiva at Ramesvara and saints wrote that he too offered his lotus eyes to Shiva as a substitute for lotus flowers. 3. Mother Sitadevi worshipped the consort of Lord Shiva, Gauridevi and Shiva before the 'bow breaking' at her 'Swayamvara'. 4. Queen Rukmini worshipped Gauridevi, the consort (Svarupa shakti) of Lord Shiva prior to Lord Krishna's arrival at her wedding. 5. So did the Gopis of Vraja at Katyayani (Consort of Lord Shiva) Vrata. 6. Lord Caitanya had also met his consort Lakshmipriya devi and other maiden performing worship to Lord Shiva on the banks of Ganges and blessed them accordingly proving the oneness of their Lordships. 7. Saint Vidyapati also wrote in his poems that Sri Radha herself prayed to Lord Shiva for protection from the 'cupid' and for blessings offering her lotus hands and bosom as a substitute for flowers and fruits. 8. In 'Vidagdhamadhavam', Sri Roopa wrote Radhaji going to Gauridevi (consort of Lord Shiva) temple for worship. 9. In his "Hamsa Duta' kavya, Roopa goswami wrote Radha Herself worshipping Lord Shiva and praying for Her Beloved's return to Vraja. 10. The favorite saint of Mahaprabhu, Jayadeva kaviraja himself prayed to Lord Shiva in 'mangalacarana' of his compositions. 11. Arjuna was advised by Lord Krishna Himself to do penance and worship to Lord Shiva to obtain 'Paashupatyaastram' which alone was able to win his powerful rival in Mahabharata war. 12. The Rasik Saint Bilva Mangala thakur, whose Sri Krishna Karmritam was enjoyed by Gauranga Mahaprabhu stated that after all he was a Shaivaite from birth but Lord Krishna had stolen his heart! zaivAvayam na khalu tatra vicAraNIyam paGcAkSarI japa parAn itarAM tadhApi ceto madIya matasI kusumAvabhAsaM smerAnanam smarati gopa vadhU kizoraM (SKK 2. 24) Meaning - I have always belonged to the 'Shaiva Sect' and I have been sincerely CHANTING the "Shiva Pancaakshari Mantra" - "Om Namah Shivaaya" all along. But I have NO IDEA WHY this Young Sweetheart of Gopis is following me and my heart is also enjoying the REMEMBERENCE of His Smiling, Beautiful Blue face!!! " 13. Sri Kedaara naath Bhakti Vinoda parents were worshippers of (so called demigod) Lord Shiva and the 'name', i.e. 'Kedaara Naath' given to this swami was a well known epithet of Lord Shiva. [Worship of Lord Shiva is a 'bhushana' for all Vaishnavas, so let us not indulge in 'dushana' of Lord Shiva. gaGgA taraGga ramaNIya jaTAkalApam gaurI nirantara vibhusSita vAmabhAgam, nArAyanapriyam anaGgamadApahAram, vArANasI purpatiM bhaja viSvanAthaM Worship Sri Vishwanatha, the Lord of Varanasi, whose locks look charming with the ripples of the Ganga; who is ever adorned on His left by Gauri (the Divine Mother), the Beloved of Narayana, and the destroyer of Cupid’s pride. vAacAm agocaram aneka guNasvarUpaM vAgIza viSNu surasevita pAdapIThaM, vAmena vigrahavareNa kalatravantam vArANasI purpatiM bhaja viSvanAthaM Worship Lord Shiva, Vishwanatha, the Lord of Varanasi, Who is beyond speech, the repository of limitless attributes; Whose feet are worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other gods, and Who has His wife (Gauri) on His left. (Sri Vishvanathashtakam. verses 1, 2) quote: -- . If Lord Shiva is indeed the Supreme Lord, then why should He not be worshipped as such ? -- But He is Gopishvara also, Who Himself is eternally in Love with Gopi-vallabha Krishna, and He enters Maha Raasa as the Gopi Who is but another expansion of Radharani, Lord Krishna's Swaroopa shakti. So Gaudiyas worshipping the Divine couple, together with Gopishvara is accepted by Rasik saints. We can worship Advaitacarya alone as a guru but worshipping together with Mahaprabhu is Panca tattva upasana. We can worship Hanumanji alone but he will in turn offer the devotees' worship to Lord Rama. Lord Shiva (Gopishvara) and Lord Krishna (Gopivallabha) are eternal Lovers, no matter how the conditioned souls percieve Them according to their own sanskaras. Their pastimes of mutual eternal Love for each other are always enjoyed by the devotees of both Divinities. The prayers to Lord Shiva addressing him such as- mukunda priya= very dear to Mukunda, Lord Krishna mAdhavAhlAda= giver of enjoyment to Madhava, Krishna garuDadhvajApta= very intimate relation of Vishnu Whose banner is adorned by Garuda, the King of birds nArAyaNa priya= Lover of Narayana and so on.. prove Their Divine Love. Lord Caitanya had also stressed this point by His pastimes with Advaitacarya Who was the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The traditional Gaudiya acaryas know Their Divine relationship very well except for a few recent followers. Devotees of Lord Ramacandra should keep their faith in the words of Lord Rama Himself. Here is another ancient verse describing the loving pastimes of These Two Divine Lovers- bANAtvaM vRSamatvam-ardha-vapuSA bhAryA tvam AryApate ghoNatvaM sakhitA mRdanga-vahatA c'etyAdi rUpaM dadhau, tvatpade nayanArpanAM ca kRtavAn tvad-deha-bhAgo hariH pUjyAt pUjyataraH sa eva hi na cet ko vA tadanyo 'dhikaH (Sivananda Lahari. 82 - Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada) Lord Vishnu, Hari, Who took many forms - as Thy arrow, as Thy mount, as Thy Consort occupying half Thy body, as a Boar, as Thy Friend, as Thy Drummer etc.,- has offered His Own eyes at Thy feet in place of Lotus Flowers, forming Part of Thy very Own Being! O Lord Shiva! You indeed are the most worshipful among the Worshipful! If not He (Gopishvara), Who is there to excel Him? 'svapne jAgaraNe zazvath kRSNa dhyAna rataH zivaH yathA kRSNA stathA zambhur na bhedo mAdhavezayoH" (Brahma Vaivarta Purana-Prakriti khanda II.56.61) "Sleeping or awake, Siva is constantly absorbed in MEDITATION of KRISHNA. As is Krishna, so is ShAmbhu; There is NO DIFFERENCE between MADHAVA and ISA" 'yo hariH sa zivaH sAkSAd yaH zivaH sa svayaM hariH ye tayor bhedamAti sthan narakAya bhave nnaraH (Visnu purana.5.33.46) "Whoever is Lord Hari, He Himself is Lord Shiva indeed. Whoever is manifesting as Lord Shiva, He Himself is Lord Hari. Any humanbeing mistakes both the Lords to be different, he/she surely goes to hell. (what to speak of going to Vaikuntha, Dwaraka or Vrindavana!) In Vishnu Purana also, VISHNU declares HIS NON DIFFERENCE from SIVA. (V.P.5.33.46-48) Here we find, full justification for the statement in the Narada PancaRatra concerning the BVP as teaching the NON DIFFERENCE between HARI AND HARA. Just as stated in Brahma-Samhita the relationship of Lord Siva and Lord Govinda are compared to that of milk and yogurt. Milk itself becomes TRANSFORMED into yogurt. "kSIraM yathA dadhi vikAra vizeSa yogAt saJjAyate na hi pRthag asti hetoH yaH zambhu tAm api tathA samupaiti kAryAd govindam AdipuruSaM tam ahaM bhajAmi" Just as milk itself is transformed into curd (yogurt), but yet they both are neither SAME nor DIFFERENT from each other, so also I adore my Beloved primeveal Lord Govinda, Who has transformed Himself into Lord Shiva for the performance of divine lilas. "yathA ziva mayo viSNuH zivasya hRdayaM viSNur viSNoz ca hRdayaM zivaH (Skanda Purana) Just as Lord Vishnu is pervaded by Lord Shiva, similarly, in Siva's heart Vishnu resides and Vishnu's heart is the abode of Shiva. -- Lord Vishnu= Lord Shiva= Gopishvara Shambhu= Sri Advaitacarya Acintya-Bheda-Abheda Tattva ki jai! Jaya Hari-Hara Mahadeva!

Why is Yumuna Devi worshiped by pushti sampradey

Was this celabrated by lord krishna in dwarpa yug Mahabharat time?

And why is it classed as a hindu book?

What gayatri mantra does initiated iskcon members recite?

" The Choice--Krishna Or Maya " Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18 August 21, 1972, Los Angeles Pradyumna: (leads chanting, etc.) nasta-prayesv abhadresu nityam bhagavata-sevaya bhagavaty uttama-sloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki [sB 1.2.18] Translation: "By regularly hearing the Bhagavatam and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed, and loving service unto the glorious Lord, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact." Prabhupada: So here it is said bhagavata-sevaya, not bhagavan-sevaya. Bhagavan is Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and bhagavata means in relation with Bhagavan, who has got relationship with Bhagavan. So here it is recommended bhagavata-sevaya, not bhagavan-sevaya. The idea is that you cannot approach Bhagavan, God, directly. That is not possible. First of all, you have to serve bhagavata, the devotee bhagavata. There are two kinds of bhagavata: book bhagavata and devotee bhagavata. So in the Siva Purana, there was a question by Parvati to Lord Siva. Lord Siva and Parvati, husband and wife. Parvati means the material nature. Srsti-sthiti-pralaya-sadhana-saktir eka chayeva yasya bhuvanani bibharti durga [bs. 5.44]. Durga-devi. Durga-devi is in charge of this material world. It is called durga, durga, just like fort. And the superintendent of this fort is Durga. You cannot go out of this fort; you are imprisoned. So such Durga-devi, who is so powerful energy -- she can create, annihilate, maintain, srsti-sthiti-pralaya-sadhana -- she is always sitting by the side of her husband, Lord Siva, and questioning about spiritual enquiries. Just see. Such powerful deity is also ignorant about spiritual life. So the husband, Lord Siva, is Vaisnava, and she's always asking, and sitting down underneath a bael tree. She can create so many universes, but for her, no building; only underneath a tree. So the question was, "Which worship is best?" So Lord Siva replied, aradhananam sarvesam visnor aradhanam param: "My dear Parvati, of all methods of worship, Visnu worship is the topmost." There are many demigods' worship, even Lord Siva's worship, but Lord Siva says, "Visnu worship is the best." Then he says again, tasmat parataram devi. "My dear Devi, better than that Visnu worship is tadiyanam samarcanam." Tadiya. Tadiya means those who are in relationship with Visnu, tadiya. Just like His devotee, tadiya. Tulasi-vrksa. Tulasi is tadiya. Or temple tadiya. Preaching tadiya. Tadiyanam samarcanam. This is bhagavata. So Lord Siva recommends that "Of all methods of worship, Visnu worship is the best, and better than Visnu worship is to worship His devotee or things in relationship with Him." Tadiyanam, that is bhagavata. Here it is also said, tadiyanam, bhagavata-sevaya. This book bhagavata, spoken by the devotee bhagavata, this should be taken very seriously daily. Otherwise you..., we do not understand what is Bhagavan. Therefore it is recommended here: nityam, daily, or constantly, twenty-four hours. We have to mold our life in such a way that twenty-four hours, not a single moment leaving aside, we should be engaged in bhagavata-sevaya, in the service of Lord's relations. The Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, the spiritual master, tulasi-devi, the temple, the preaching, the books -- these are all bhagavata. So nityam bhagavata-sevaya. Nasta-prayesu. If we engage ourself in this bhagavata-sevaya... Just like we are doing daily, trying to read one verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam, discussing amongst ourselves. This is bhagavata-sevaya. Nityam, daily, regularly. By this process, when the dirty things within the heart, nasta-prayesv abhadresu [sB 1.2.18]. Abhadra means dirty things, inauspicious things. What is that inauspicious thing? Inauspicious things means the heart disease for sense enjoyment; this is inauspicious, Different varieties, abhadresu. There are three modes of material nature. And multiply it three, mix it again, it becomes nine, and again multiplied, nine by nine, it becomes eighty-one. So these, this... Originally the three... Just like three colors, yellow, red and blue. These three colors, you mix... Those who are artists, those who know the color display... Simply you mix three colors in different way, and it becomes varieties of color. So our heart disease, dirty thing, varieties of sense enjoyment, varieties. So heart is full with varieties of sense enjoyment. Therefore by nityam bhagavata-sevaya [sB 1.2.18], by daily, regular worshiping Bhagavatam, we become free from the dirty things. In the previous verse we have read that srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah, hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani [sB 1.2.17]. We have got abhadrani, so many inauspicious things, within our heart. This can be cleansed simply by hearing the message of Krsna from Srimad-Bhagavatam, from Bhagavad-gita, from the lips of devotees. In this way, when almost the dirty things are cleared off -- not all... As soon as all dirty things are cleared off, then we are liberated soul. Immediately love of God, the original consciousness. You become mad. Just like Caitanya Mahaprabhu, yugayitam nimisena caksusa pravrsayitam sunyayitam jagat sarvam govinda-virahena me "Feeling separation of Govinda." How? "One moment is equal to twelve years," yugayitam. One yuga means twelve years. One moment appearing. Sometimes we have got experience, if we want to see something, it is called expectant psychology. I am expecting something, somebody, that my friend or my lover is coming. So on the door, if there is "koot,Oh, you have come? No, no. He has not come." The one moment is twelve years. Such kind of separation, when we feel for Krsna, that means all dirty things are over. And something for Krsna, something for sense enjoyment, that means still the dirty things are there. But the more we engage our time, nityam bhagavata-sevaya, the dirty things becomes cleansed, gradually. Just like when you are hungry, you are given foodstuff, you eat. The more you eat, your hunger is satisfied. You feel strength, you feel satisfaction. Similarly, the more you advance in Krsna consciousness, you feel comfortable, released from the material discomforts. In this way, nasta-prayesu. Gradual process. So nasta-prayesv abhadresu nityam bhagavata-sevaya [sB 1.2.18]. Not all cleansed, but praya, say, seventy-five cleansed. At that time, you become fixed-up in devotional service, naisthiki. There are different stages of devotional service. That I have explained several times. First of all, sraddha, sadhu-sanga, bhajana-kriya, anartha-nivrttih syat. When anartha-nivrttih syat, all unwanted things are finished, at that time, nistha, firm faith. So bhagavaty uttama-sloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki. So, so long there are dirty things, our faith and devotion in Krsna is not very fixed up, sometimes we deviate, we go away. But then nasta-prayesu, when seventy-five percent of the dirty things are cleansed, then our faith in God becomes fixed up. Bhagavaty uttama-sloke. Uttama, uttama means udgata-tama. This material world is tama, ignorance, darkness. And Krsna is beyond this material world; therefore He is called para. Para means transcendental. So uttama-sloka. So when we offer our prayers to Krsna, they are not ordinary words. Therefore those who are not liberated soul, they cannot offer prayers actually. We have to repeat the prayers offered by liberated soul, not by ordinary man. Because he is not yet uttama, he is not yet in the transcendental platform. Therefore we don't allow songs which are not sung by liberated souls like Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Narottama dasa Thakura. They are liberated souls. We don't allow any literature which is not given by liberated soul. Literatures, they are always following Vedic principles. Vedas, the original transcendental literature, and any literature which is produced under the guidance of Vedic literature, that is also nice. That is perfect. Therefore whenever we write something, we give immediately Vedic evidence. We give some Sanskrit verse. This means that we are not manufacturing ourself. What we have heard from the parampara system, from higher authorities, we are presenting, simply, in our own language, and the evidence is this Vedic verse. This is perfect literature. So whimsically, we cannot write any poetry for Krsna. That is not possible. That will create havoc. Srila Rupa Gosvami says, sruti-smrti-puranadi- pancaratra-vidhim vina aikantiki harer bhaktir utpatayaiva kalpate [bRS 1.2.101] Any devotional sentiment which is not supported by Vedas, sruti... Sruti means Veda, and smrti means corollary to the Veda, or things which are written in corroboration with the Vedic ideas... That is called smrti. Just like Bhagavad-gita is smrti. Bhagavad-gita, the purpose of Bhagavad-gita is the same as the Vedas, but it is not directly Veda; therefore it is called smrti. Sruti-smrti-puranadi [bRS 1.2.101]. The Puranas, there are eighteen Puranas. Puranadi means Ramayana, Mahabharata also. Sruti-smrti-puranadi-pancaratra-vidhim vina [bRS 1.2.101]. Pancaratra-vidhi, given by Narada Muni for worshiping the Deity. We are worshiping the Deity under the pancaratra-vidhi. So Rupa Gosvami says that "Any devotional service which has no reference with sruti, smrti, purana, pancaratra, that is simply a disturbance. Simply disturbance, creating disturbance." We cannot manufacture. Sometimes we are questioned, "Can we do this? Can we do that?" Of course, it is good. But there is no need of manufacturing some idea. Whatever idea is already there, follow strictly. So bhagavaty uttama-sloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki. That fixed up bhakti is required, not oscillating: sometimes this side, sometimes that side. So this can be possible, fixed up devotional service, by nityam bhagavata-sevaya [sB 1.2.18], regularly worshiping the bhagavata-grantha and the devotee bhagavata. Because without hearing about God authentically, how we can fix up? So we should hear, srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah. Sva-kathah krsnah [sB 1.2.17]. Krsna's word is given by Krsna. Just like Bhagavad-gita. Sva-kathah means "His own words." So this is bhagavata. And sva-kathah, Srimad-Bhagavatam is also sva-kathah. The Puranas also, sva-kathah. Because all these books are given by Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva is incarnation of Krsna. So that is also sva-kathah. So we have to hear about Krsna which is given by Krsna. Bhagavad-gita is given by Krsna, and Bhagavata and other Puranas and Vedic literature given by Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa. And the method is taught by Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So therefore, everything is Krsna's. Krsna directly, Krsna as Vyasadeva; Krsna as Caitanya Mahaprabhu devotee. So we have to follow this. Sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda, sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda. Krsna is teaching how to approach Krsna. That is bona fide. We cannot take any other method. This is the authorized method. The, the person concerned, He is teaching how to worship Krsna, how to become devotee. Krsnaya krsna-caitanya-namne. Rupa Gosvami said,"Lord Caitanya, You are Krsna, but You have appeared as Krsna Caitanya." Krsnaya krsna-caitanya-namne. Namo maha-vadanyaya krsna-prema-pradaya te [Madhya 19.53]. "You are distributing love of Krsna." How it is possible for ordinary man? "But Krsna, because You are Krsna, simply You are in the name of Krsna Caitanya. So therefore You can distribute. Your thing, You can distribute." So, srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani vidhunoti suhrt satam [sB 1.2.17] Nasta-prayesv abhadresu. A little, maybe; not all. There may be some habitual... But still, even there are some flaws in the beginning, if we fix up our devotion to Krsna... That is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita: api cet su-duracaro bhajate mam ananya-bhak sadhur eva sa mantavyah samyag vyavasito hi sah [bg. 9.30] ksipram bhavati dharmatma sasvac-chantim nigacchati kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati So in the beginning we must be sincere, very sincere, to follow the rules and regulations. But due to our past habits, if there is some flaw, that is excused. Not intentionally. Because I am habituated to something, and I am, although engaged in Krsna consciousness, my past habits sometimes becomes manifest. So Krsna says, "All right, you try your best. It will be rectified." Ksipram bhavati dharmatma. Ksipram means "Very soon, you'll be dharmatma, perfect, religious." Ksipram bhavati dharmatma sasvac-chantim nigacchati: "And you'll be elevated to the eternal platform of peace and tranquillity." Kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati: "If one is sincere devotee, he'll be not lost. He'll make progress." But if there is any ulterior motive, then he'll be lost. Maya is there. The maya, just like shadow and light, they're side by side. A little crossing the marginal line between shadow and light, you are in the darkness. Similarly, a little crossing of the marginal line from the darkness to light, you are in light. So Krsna and maya are side by side. As soon as you forget Krsna, or as soon as you want to utilize Krsna for your sense gratification, it is immediately maya, darkness. And as soon as you want to serve Krsna, immediately it is light. So if we keep ourself on this side, light side, always serving Krsna, then there is no possibility of our being in contact with maya. daivi hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te [bg. 7.14] This maya is very strong. The same example yesterday we were giving. The sun, little deviation, the whole world, universe, becomes frozen, and little deviation, the whole universe becomes ablaze. This is the position, very... Therefore our position is marginal. We are called marginal energy. We may be dark side or in the light side. So Krsna consciousness means to keep always in the light side. If we always think of Krsna, by chanting Hare Krsna mantra, then we shall keep ourself on the light side. And as soon as we think of sense gratification, immediately we are on the dark side. So our... We should be very cautious that we may not fall down on the dark side. We can keep ourself in the light side by nityam bhagavata-sevaya [sB 1.2.18]. Simply studying Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, try to understand, chanting Hare Krsna mantra. Twenty-four hours be engaged in this way. You'll be on the light side. Read the purport. Pradyumna: "Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious things within the heart which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realization. The remedy is the association of the Bhagavatas. There are two types of Bhagavatas, namely the book Bhagavata and the devotee Bhagavata. Both the Bhagavatas are competent remedies, and both of them or either of them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles. A devotee Bhagavata is as good as the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata and the book Bhagavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhagavatas. Bhagavata book and person are identical. The devotee Bhagavata is a direct representative of Bhagavan, the Personality of Godhead, so by pleasing the devotee Bhagavata one can receive the benefit of the book Bhagavata. Human reason fails to understand how by serving the devotee Bhagavata or the book Bhagavata one gets gradual promotion on the path of devotion. But actually these are the facts explained by Srila Naradadeva, who happened to be a maidservant's son in his previous life. The maidservant..." Prabhupada: There is another Vedic evidence: yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau tasyaite kathita hy arthah prakasante mahatmanah [sU 6.23] To... Vedic literature, the meaning becomes revealed to a person who has got unflinching faith in God and the spiritual master. Just like Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, he was illiterate, but he became the spiritual master of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami. So the purport of the Vedic literature becomes revealed to a person who has got unflinching faith in God and the spiritual master. Go on. Pradyumna: "The maidservant was engaged in the menial service of the sages, and thus he also came into contact with them. And simply by associating with them and accepting the remnants of foodstuff left by the sages, the son of the maidservant got the chance to become the great devotee and personality Srila Naradadeva. These are the miraculous effects of the association of Bhagavatas. And to understand these effects practically, it should be noted that by such sincere association of the Bhagavatas one is sure to receive transcendental knowledge very easily..." Prabhupada: So our principle should be not to disassociate ourself from the devotees. Narottama dasa Thakura therefore sings, tandera carana-sebi-bhakta-sane bas, janame janame hoy ei abhilas: "I desire birth after birth to serve the acaryas and to live with devotees." So our this association, society's is giving these two opportunity: you serve the purpose or the orders of the acaryas and live with devotees. Then you will be secure in devotional service. Tandera carana-sebi-bhakta-sane bas. Bhakta-sane bas is very important thing. Even there is little inconvenience, still we should stick to live with the devotees. Then we shall be profited. Go on. Pradyumna: "...with the result that he becomes fixed in the devotional service of the Lord. The more progress is made in devotional service under the guidance of the Bhagavatas, the more one becomes fixed in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. The messages of the book Bhagavata, therefore, have to be received from the devotee Bhagavata, and the combination of these two Bhagavatas will help the neophyte devotee to make progress on and on." (end) >>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18 -- Los Angeles, August 21, 1972

Panch Tatva Mantra was this added after Mahaprabhu's time? is this not more powerful then the mahamantra do any other samprady chant this also?

many Purans state om kar was the first thing? while others say Ma Durga is and some Say Shiv how was the universe created and by whom who gave each devta a job?

Is chanting Vishnu Sahasranaam more powerful then doing 16 rounds on the mahamantra?

Are they any officail commentries available on it and by whom?

Are they any officail commentries available on it and by whom?

Krishna devotees claim... ""A bath in this river is said to be one hundred times more purifying than a bath in the Ganges. The reason being that even though the Ganges was once touched by the feet of Lord Vishnu, it was the Yamuna where Lord Krishna Himself played and swam with His cowherd boyfriends; He also sported in its waters with the beautiful gopi damsels of Vraja."

are artis which we sing at non iskcon temples vedic the one's in hindi and gujarati? for example, Jai Ambey Gauri Maiya Jai Mangal Moorti Jai Anand Karni, Tumko Nishdin Dhyavat Hari Brahma Shivji. Mang Sindoor Virajat Tiko Mrigmad Ko, Ujjaval Se Dou Naina Chandra Badan Niko. Kanak Saman Kalever Raktamber Raje, Rakt Pushp Galmala Kanthan Par Saje. Kehari Vahan Rajat Khadg Khappardhari, Sur Nar Munijan Sewat Tinke Dukhhari. Kanan Kudal Shobhit Nasa Gaj Moti, Kotik Chandra Divaker Sam Rajat Jyoti. Shumbh Nishumbh Bidare Mahishasur Ghati, Dhumra Vilochan Naina Nishdin Madmati. Chund Mund Sanhare Shonit Beej Hare, Madhu Kaitabh Dou Mare Sur Bhay Hin Kare. Brahmani Rudrani Tum Kamla Rani, Agam Nigam Bakhani Tum Shiv Patrani. Chaunsath Yogini Mangal Gavat Nritya Karat Bhairoo Bajat Tal Mridang Aru Bajat Damroo. Tum Hi Jag Ki Mata Tum Hi Ho Bharta, Bhaktan Ki Dukh Harta Sukh Sampati Karta. Bhuja Char Ati Shobhit Khadg Khappardhari, Manvanchhit Phal Pavat Sewat Nar Nari. Kanchan Thar Virajat Agar Kapur Bati, Shreemaal Ketu Men Rajat Koti Ratan Jyoti. Maan Ambeyjee Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gavai, Kahat Shivanand Swami Sukh Sampati Pavai. or the traditional Om Jai Jagdish Hare Swami Jai Jagdish Hare, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Are pics of the Deitys available?

I dou't i heard if we know about death and what happens after we will be more prepared

I dou't i heard if we know about death and what happens after we will be more prepared

Mahabharat can it be read fully? many people say we should not read it fully and leave a chapter out is this true?

Hari Bol can any one tell me where i can get hold of the GARUDA PURAAN in english and others of the same nature i am interested in what happens to soul after we leave this body

Hari Bol can any one tell me where i can get hold of the GARUDA PURAAN in english and others of the same nature i am interested in what happens to soul after we leave this body

In Srimad Bhagavatam 5.17.12, Srila Prabhupada explains that people have sex in the spiritual world and there is no possibility of conception there. How is sex possible between different persons in the spiritual world and how can they be Krishna conscious at the same time?

What is the definition of Jiivan Mukti in Gaudiiya Vaishnava philosophy?

First what is heaven. We are not Christians who have no idea of heaven so they just lump everything into the word heaven. Heaven(svarga) according to our scriptures is the set of material planets that are inhabited by the devas. There it is possible to have very long life, no disease ( I suppose due to preventive measures, the Asvini twins are their medical men), no old age and we get enjoyment of pleasures that we cant imagine. Vaisnavas dont go here. Vaisnavas go to Vaikuntha, spiritual realm, which is beyond the material universes. I am going to assume that when you said heaven you meant the svarga planets of the Devas. Next you made the comment "original body" which I assume you meant the body right now we have. If yes, then this body is one of the many material bodies we had accepted during birth and lost during death. There are material bodies acquired as a result of our past karma (punya and papa). So this material body cannot be considered as original. Our original body will be manifested when we return to Vaikuntha. Okay to discussion. It is not possible to reach svarga with this present material body. Why because the atmospheres are different. Trishaku tried to reach svarga with present body and he failed. You know that it is not possible to go to outer space in the body so the astronauts cover their bodies with protective covering. How do we enjoy when you cover yourself like an astronaut. Also what is the point going to svarga where enjoyments cannot be fully enjoyed because of the limitations of the earthly body. The devas having bodies made in svarga are able to enjoy much much more tha we possibly can on earth, that is why it is called heaven. on earth we enjoy seeing a beautiful flower and we smell it for enjoyment. an animal cannot enjoy the same flower even though it is available because of the limitations of its senses and perceptions. Similarly, our present body, being limited, will not be able to enjoy in spite of the enjoyment being there in svarga; if we cant enjoy in svarga and it is the same as on earth why go there and why call it heaven.. so we have to give up this present body. and take a new deva like body. Also many of us at the time of death will be having old bodies, diseased bodies, broken bodies, etc. Why go to heaven in such conditions? So new wonderful body is given. This are the reasons why we are given new bodies when we go to heaven if that is the place you want to go. But the scriptures suggest that we strive for Vaikuntha where we can serve in our original form as the servant of Krsna. jivera svarupa haya, krsnera nitya dasa. Your servant, Pritesh

First what is heaven. We are not Christians who have no idea of heaven so they just lump everything into the word heaven. Heaven(svarga) according to our scriptures is the set of material planets that are inhabited by the devas. There it is possible to have very long life, no disease ( I suppose due to preventive measures, the Asvini twins are their medical men), no old age and we get enjoyment of pleasures that we cant imagine. Vaisnavas dont go here. Vaisnavas go to Vaikuntha, spiritual realm, which is beyond the material universes. I am going to assume that when you said heaven you meant the svarga planets of the Devas. Next you made the comment "original body" which I assume you meant the body right now we have. If yes, then this body is one of the many material bodies we had accepted during birth and lost during death. There are material bodies acquired as a result of our past karma (punya and papa). So this material body cannot be considered as original. Our original body will be manifested when we return to Vaikuntha. Okay to discussion. It is not possible to reach svarga with this present material body. Why because the atmospheres are different. Trishaku tried to reach svarga with present body and he failed. You know that it is not possible to go to outer space in the body so the astronauts cover their bodies with protective covering. How do we enjoy when you cover yourself like an astronaut. Also what is the point going to svarga where enjoyments cannot be fully enjoyed because of the limitations of the earthly body. The devas having bodies made in svarga are able to enjoy much much more tha we possibly can on earth, that is why it is called heaven. on earth we enjoy seeing a beautiful flower and we smell it for enjoyment. an animal cannot enjoy the same flower even though it is available because of the limitations of its senses and perceptions. Similarly, our present body, being limited, will not be able to enjoy in spite of the enjoyment being there in svarga; if we cant enjoy in svarga and it is the same as on earth why go there and why call it heaven.. so we have to give up this present body. and take a new deva like body. Also many of us at the time of death will be having old bodies, diseased bodies, broken bodies, etc. Why go to heaven in such conditions? So new wonderful body is given. This are the reasons why we are given new bodies when we go to heaven if that is the place you want to go. But the scriptures suggest that we strive for Vaikuntha where we can serve in our original form as the servant of Krsna. jivera svarupa haya, krsnera nitya dasa. Your servant, Pritesh