Narayanidd

Sri Brahma Samhita text 1 & 48 isvarah paramah krsnah sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah anadir adir govinda sarva-karana-karanam "Krsna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal, blissful, spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has know other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes. yasyaika nisvasita-kalam athavalambya jivanti loma-vilaja jagad-anda-nathah visnur mahan sa iha yasya kala-viseso govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami "Brahma and other lords of the mundane worlds, appearing from the pores of the hair of Maha-Visnu, remain alive as long as teh duration of one exhalation of the later [Maha-Visnu]. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda of whose subjective personality Maha-Visnu is the portion of a plenary portion. YS, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabupada! Here is the translation to the verse you requested. manuSyANAm-of men; sahasreSu-out of many thousands; kaScit- someone; yatati-endeavors; siddhaya-for perfection; yatatAm-of those so endeavoring; api-indeed; siddhAnAm-of those who have achieved perfection; kaScit-someone; mAm-Me; vetti-does know; tattvataH-in fact. Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth. Purport: "...Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes, the primeval Lord Govinda. Isvarah paramah krsnah saccid-ananda-vigrahah/ anadir adir govindah sarva-karana-karanam. It is very difficult for the nondevotees to know Him. Although nondevotees declare that the path of bhakti, or devotional service is very easy, they cannot practice it. If the path of bhakti is so easy, as the nondevotee class of men proclaim, then why do they tsake up the difficult path? Actually the path of bhakti is not easy. The so called path of bhakti practiced by unauthorized persons without knowledge of bhakti may be easy, but whrn practiced factually according to the rules and regulations, the speculative scholars and philosophers fall away from the path. Srila Rupa Goswani writes in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.101) sruti-smrti-puranadi- pancaratra-vidhim vina aikantiki harer bhaktir utpatayaiva kalpate "Devotional service of the Lord that ignores the authorized Vedic literatures like the Upanisads, Puranas, and Narada-pancaratra is simply an unnecessary disturbance in society." It is not possible for the Brahman-realized impersonalist of the Paramatma-realized yogi to understand Krsna the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the son of Mother Yasoda or the charioteer of Arjuna. Even great demigods are sometimes confused about Krsna (muhyanti yat surayah). Mam tu veda na kascana: 'No one knows Me as I am,' the Lord says. And if one does know Him, then sa mahatma su-durlabhah. 'Such a great soul is very rare.' Therefore unless one practices devotional service to the Lord, one cannot know Krsna as He is(tattvatah), even though one is a great scholar or philosopher. Only the pure devotees can know something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities in Krsna, in the cause of all causes, in His omnipotence and opulence, and in His wealth, fame, strenght, beauty, knowledge and renunciation, because Krsna is benevolently inclined to His devotees. He is the last word in Brahman realization, and the devotees alone can realize Him as He is. Therefore it is said: atah sri-krsna-namadi na bhaved grahyam indriyaih sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah "No one can understand Krsna as He is by the blunt material senses. But He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him." (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu1.2.234)" Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Excerpt from article found in Chicago Suntimes March 14, 2003. "Senate Oks 'partial birth' ban" "The senate oks "a bill to ban a procedure that citics call a partial birth abortion." "The bill prohibits doctors from commiting an 'overt act' designed to kill a partially delivered fetus. In a 'partial birth,' the entire fetus head is outside the mother's body, or in a breech delivery, 'any part of the fetal trunk past the navel is outside the body of the mother." What astounds and disgusts me is that a procedure such as this is even being done! What's even worse? "Abortion rights supporters are concerned that the law could eventually lead to an erosion of the right to more commonly performed types of abortions." How can people's souls not cringe just knowing such horrors are in practice? Some are actually supporting them!! Bhagavad-gita Ch.1.40-42 adharmabhibhavat krsna pradusyanti kula-striyah strisu dustasu varsneya jayate varna-sankarah When irreligion is prominent in the family, O Krsna, the women of the family become polluted, and from the degredation of womanhood, O descendant of Vrsni, comes unwanted progeny. An increase of unwanted population certainly causes hellish life both for the family and for those who destroy the family tradition. The ancestors of such corrupt families fall down, because the performances for offering them food and water are entirely stopped. By the evil deeds of those who destroy the family tradition and thus give rise to unwanted children, all kinds of community projects and family welfare activities are devastated. Purport: "Community projects for the four orders of human society, combined with family welfare activities, as they are set forth by the institution of sanatana-dharma, are designed to enable the human being to attain his ultimate salvation. Therefore, the breaking of the sanatana-dharma tradition by irresponsible leaders of society brings about chaos in that society, and consequently people forget the aim of life- Visnu. Such leaders are called blind, and persons who follow such leaders are sure to be led into chaos." Your servant, Narayani d.d. p.s. for full article visit suntimes.com

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Excerpt from article found in Chicago Suntimes March 14, 2003. "Senate Oks 'partial birth' ban" "The senate oks "a bill to ban a procedure that citics call a partial birth abortion." "The bill prohibits doctors from commiting an 'overt act' designed to kill a partially delivered fetus. In a 'partial birth,' the entire fetus head is outside the mother's body, or in a breech delivery, 'any part of the fetal trunk past the navel is outside the body of the mother." What astounds and disgusts me is that a procedure such as this is even being done! What's even worse? "Abortion rights supporters are concerned that the law could eventually lead to an erosion of the right to more commonly performed types of abortions." How can people's souls not cringe just knowing such horrors are in practice? Some are actually supporting them!! Bhagavad-gita Ch.1.40-42 adharmabhibhavat krsna pradusyanti kula-striyah strisu dustasu varsneya jayate varna-sankarah When irreligion is prominent in the family, O Krsna, the women of the family become polluted, and from the degredation of womanhood, O descendant of Vrsni, comes unwanted progeny. An increase of unwanted population certainly causes hellish life both for the family and for those who destroy the family tradition. The ancestors of such corrupt families fall down, because the performances for offering them food and water are entirely stopped. By the evil deeds of those who destroy the family tradition and thus give rise to unwanted children, all kinds of community projects and family welfare activities are devastated. Purport: "Community projects for the four orders of human society, combined with family welfare activities, as they are set forth by the institution of sanatana-dharma, are designed to enable the human being to attain his ultimate salvation. Therefore, the breaking of the sanatana-dharma tradition by irresponsible leaders of society brings about chaos in that society, and consequently people forget the aim of life- Visnu. Such leaders are called blind, and persons who follow such leaders are sure to be led into chaos." Your servant, Narayani d.d. p.s. for full article visit suntimes.com

cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vrksa- laksavrtesu surabhir abhipalayantam laksmi-sahasra-sata-sambhrama-sevyamanam govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor who is tending the cows, yielding all desire, in abodes built with spiritual gems, surrounded by millions of purpose trees, always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of laksmis or gopis. venum kvanantam aravinda-dalayataksam barhavatamsam asitambuda-sundarangam kandarpa-koti-kamaniya-visesa-sobham govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who adept in playing on His flute, with blooming eyes like lotus petals with head bedecked with a peacock's feather, with the figure of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and His unique loveliness charming millions of cupids. More to come!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. In his book of essays entitled Upakhyane-upadesa, "Instructions in stories" , Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur gives the following commentary on the story of Ekalavya. Not only here but in numerous places, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur quite often spoke in *very* strong terms against 'atheistic moralism', identifying it as one of the most insidious opponents of true bhakti, yet which has become quite fashionable in kali-yuga as a watershed for pretensious persons actually opposed to God, appearing to be religious and being lauded and worshiped as such by foolish masses. While accepting adoration of others as great devotees, the spirit of such persons is actually indifferent or opposed to God. Such falsehood was the object of intense exposure by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. UPAKHYANE-UPADESA "To many people, Ekalavya's devotion to his guru is ideal, but there is a special consideration. What was Ekalavya's fault? That should be considered. Wearing the mask of guru-bhakti, devotion to the guru, Ekalavya actually revolted against his guru. Whether was actually considering him to be disqualified by birth in a low-class family, or was simply testing him for whatever reason, when hid gurudeva refused to teach him the art of Dhanur-veda it was Ekalavya's duty to accept the instruction of his spiritual master. But Ekalavya did not like that. He wanted to become great. Externally, without a guru his work would not be considered bona fide, or perhaps it was not possible to become great without accepting a guru. It was with these considerations that Ekalavya formed an imaginary or clay material form of the guru. Actually, his main intention was to learn Dhanur-veda and become great. In this he wanted to satisfy his own senses. He did not want to sacrifice himself to the will of his guru. That was not his honest desire." "Some may say that ultimately Ekalavya accepted the cruel order of his guru without a protest. But if we consider this issue more carefully and deeply we can see that Ekalavya considered mundane morality to be greater than transcendental devotion. It is a moral code taht when the guru wants some daksina one must offer it with spontaneous devotion. Otherwise he would have accepted the guru's first order." "The natural characteristic of devotion is that it is simple and spontaneous. If Ekalavya had unconditional and natural devotion for Hari, guru, and vaisnava, the the guru, Dronacarya, the best of vaisnavas, Arjuna, and Lord Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna, would not have been disappointed with his behavior. Ekalavya's endeavor to learn Dhanur-veda and his desire to become great were not accepted by his guru. In the core of Ekalavya's heart, he desired to become better than the best of vaisnavas, Arjuna. The desire to become greater than the vaisnavas is not devotion. It is non-devotional, and this is th eprinciple of the sahajiya-sampradaya." "By mundane consideration, this kind of desire to become great is a good desire. But devotion is the effort to remain behind and submissive to the vaisnavas. Ekalavya wanted his skill to be greater than that aquired by learning vedic wisdom directly from a bona fide spiritual master. By reporting Ekalavya's skill to Drona, Arjun showed Ekalavya his wrong approach to learning the Vedic science. If Arjuna had not mercifully pointed that out to him, then the glories of impersonalism would have prevailed. People would have created their imaginary, mundane, unconscious gurus, and learned different sciences and devotions, instead of approaching a bona fide guru." "So Arjuna took care that such an atheistic principle was not established. Therefore, Arjuna was not evious of Ekalavya. It was actually a manifestation of his causeless mercy toward Ekalavya and the whole world. If Ekalavya had been an unalloyed devotee of his guru, then Krsna would not have destroyed such an earnest disciple. Krsna always protects His devotees. But finally Ekalavya was killed by the hand of Krsna. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said that we cannot judge a devotee just by seeing his external austrities. The demons also perform austerities. Even demigods cannot perform austerities as much as the demons. [Cb. madhya 23.46]" "Ekalavya wanted to become greater than a vaisnava, against his guru's desire. That is why he was killed by Krsna and ultimately attained impersonal liberation. Only the demons are killed by Krsna. Devotees are always protected by Him. Hiranyakasipu and Prahlada are proof. Therefore, we should never try to become greater than vaisnavas and thus, wearing a mask of guru-bhakti, actually become impersonalists. That is what we should learn fron the example of Ekalavya. Proficiency in performing activities is not a symptom of devotion to the guru, or guru-bhakti. Bhakti means to remain subordinate and submissive to the Lord's loving servants, the vaisnavas." This naration was very eye-opening to me! I would like to get my hands on a copy of the book for further insight and wonderful Krsna katha! Does anyone know how this would be possible? Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, I do believe you are right. The name seems very familiar to me. I'll check anyway just to be sure. What are the names of his books. I would like to know more about this author. There is much bhakti in his poems. Like I said earlier bhakti is universal. Thanks for the info. YS, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, As promised here are the Bhagavatam verses describing Lord Siva. Eighth canto (I was way off) ch.7 texts 36-44 text: Srila Sukadeva goswami continued: Lord Siva is always benevolent toward all living entities. When he saw that the living entities were very much disturbed by the poison, which was spreading everywhere, he was very compassionate. Thus he spoke to his eternal consort, Sati, as follows. text 37: Lord Siva said: My dear Bhavani, just see how all these living entities have been placed in danger because of the poison produced from the churning of the ocean of milk. text 38: It is my duty to give protection and safety to all living entities struggling for existence. Certainly it is the duty of the master to protect his suffering dependents. text 39: People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are always engaged in animosity toward one another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to save them. Purport by Prabhupada: This is the characteristic of a vaisnava. Para-dhukha-dhukhi: a vaisnava is always unhappy to see the conditioned souls unhappy. Otherwise he would have no business teaching them how to become happy...There are four vaisnava sampradayas, and the Rudra-sampradaya is one of them because Lord Siva (Rudra) is the best of the vaisnavas (vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh). Indeed, as we shall see, Lord Siva drank all the poison for the benefit of humanity. text 40: My dear gentle wife Bhavani, when one performs benevolent activities for others, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, is very pleased. And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus become happy because of me. text 41: Srila Sukadeva gosvami continued: After informing Bhavani in this way, Lord Siva began to drink the poison, and Bhavani, who knew perfectly well the capabilities of Lord Siva, gave hi her permission to do so. text 42: Thereafter, Lord Siva, who is dedicated to auspicious, benevolent work for humanity, compassionately took the whole quantity of poison in his palm and drank it. text 43: As if in defamation, the poison born from the ocean of milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Siva's neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord. text 44: It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone's heart. YS, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, As promised here are the Bhagavatam verses describing Lord Siva. Eighth canto (I was way off) ch.7 texts 36-44 text: Srila Sukadeva goswami continued: Lord Siva is always benevolent toward all living entities. When he saw that the living entities were very much disturbed by the poison, which was spreading everywhere, he was very compassionate. Thus he spoke to his eternal consort, Sati, as follows. text 37: Lord Siva said: My dear Bhavani, just see how all these living entities have been placed in danger because of the poison produced from the churning of the ocean of milk. text 38: It is my duty to give protection and safety to all living entities struggling for existence. Certainly it is the duty of the master to protect his suffering dependents. text 39: People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are always engaged in animosity toward one another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to save them. Purport by Prabhupada: This is the characteristic of a vaisnava. Para-dhukha-dhukhi: a vaisnava is always unhappy to see the conditioned souls unhappy. Otherwise he would have no business teaching them how to become happy...There are four vaisnava sampradayas, and the Rudra-sampradaya is one of them because Lord Siva (Rudra) is the best of the vaisnavas (vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh). Indeed, as we shall see, Lord Siva drank all the poison for the benefit of humanity. text 40: My dear gentle wife Bhavani, when one performs benevolent activities for others, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, is very pleased. And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus become happy because of me. text 41: Srila Sukadeva gosvami continued: After informing Bhavani in this way, Lord Siva began to drink the poison, and Bhavani, who knew perfectly well the capabilities of Lord Siva, gave hi her permission to do so. text 42: Thereafter, Lord Siva, who is dedicated to auspicious, benevolent work for humanity, compassionately took the whole quantity of poison in his palm and drank it. text 43: As if in defamation, the poison born from the ocean of milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Siva's neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord. text 44: It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone's heart. YS, Narayani d.d.

Dear prabhu, this is the same question you asked in the thread "time flies so quickly" Please see my post there. YS, Narayani d.d.

sorry about the mistake. I'll have to find my original source and get the proper date and author. I'll follow with another post. Thanks. YS, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!! What wonderful nectar!! I was immediately reminded of a verse I recently read in Srimad Bhagavatam. During the churning of the ocean of milk a great amount of poison was produced. This poison caused much suffering to all living entities. They all applied to Lord Siva for help. He agreed to drink the poison with the permission of his wife, who knew the capabilities of her husband. Srila Prabhupada, describes in his purport, Lord Siva is known as the greatest of vaisnavas. He goes on to say that the vaisnavas are known by their infinate capacity for compassion. Vaisnavas do not relish in seeing others suffer. Srila Prabhupada states that because Lord Siva was such a great vaisnava he was willing to risk personal harm just to help relieve the suffering of all living entities. Srila Prabhupada demonstrated what a great vaisnava he was by risking his own life just to alieviate the suffering of the living entities by spreading Krsna consciousness all around the world!! Such compassion!!! JAI SRILA PRABHUPADA!! your servant, Narayani d.d.

Thank you very much for this link!! What a great resource! YS, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! In this age of kali we NEED lofty speech!! The loftiest of all speech! HARE KRSNA HARE KRSNA KRSNA KRSNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, I'd like to share this poem from around the 13th or 14th century. I believe a sikh poet wrote it, however, there is no doubt in my mind that it is full of the spirit of bhakti, which is universal! What do you think? My soul harken unto me! Love thy Lord as the lotus loves water Buffeted by waves its affection does not falter. Creatures that have their being in water, Taken out of water, die. My soul if thou hast not such love How wilt thou abtain release? If the word of Guru is within us We shall accumulate a store of devotion. My soul harken unto me! Love thy Lord as a fish loves water. The more the water, the greater its joy, Greater the tranquility of its body and mind. Without water it cannot live ine watch of the day Only God knows the anguish of its heart. My soul harken unto me! Love thy Lord as water loves milk. It takes on the heat, boils and evaporates before milk can suffer. He alone unites, He alone seperates He alone bestows true greatness. Without the Guru, love cannot be born The dross of ego cannot be rinsed away. He who recognizes the God within Understands the Word and is happy. O [Guru]! There is but one gate to the Lord's mansion And there is no other sanctuary. Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! mAM ca yo 'vyabhicAreNa bhakti-yogena sevate sa guNAn samatItyaitAn brahma-bhUyAya kalpate One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman. "This verse is a reply to Arjuna's third question: What is the means of attaining to the transcendental position? As explained before, the material world is acting under the spell of the modes of material nature. One should not be disturbed by the modes of material nature; instead of putting his consciousness into such activities, he may transfer his consciousness to Krsna activities. Krsna activities are known as bhakti-yoga--always acting for Krsna...So if one engages himself in the service of Krsna or his plenary expansions with unfailling determination, although these modes of material nature are very difficult to overcome, one can overcome them easily... One who surrenders unto Krsna at once surmounts the influence of the modes of material nature." -B.G. Ch.14 text 26 What is the best way to perform devotional service in this age of kali? Chant Hare Krsna!! Even though there is so much religious intolerance around the world the louder and longer we chant the more others will hear and slowly become purified. Just like Prahlad Maharaja. He was subject to the very embodiement of religious intolerance (his own father), yet still he chanted. What happened? Even though Hiranyakasipu didn't become a vaisnava, because of Prahlad's wonderful chanting, he was able to see the Lord face to face. He was even touched by the Lord's lotus hands when Nrsmhadava riped Him apart! Can you just imagine if hundreds of thousands of devotees chanted with such ardor? What a golrious time it would be!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

Letter to Janaki, 16 Sept 1967 "I'm so pleased for your writing such nice sentiment. I've especially noted that you could express yourself so beautifully. I know both you and your sister have inherited a good heart from your good mother. Your eagerness to get me back in the states will surely be a success because I'm also eager to return. Tears for Krsna is as good as associating with Him personally. In the spiritual world separation is more valuable than meeting. So your feelings and tears of Krsna consciousness will make you more enriched in spiritual advancement." Letter to Syama, 30 Aug 1968 "The nice sentiments expressed in your letter under reply is very much pleasing to me. When I initiated you, I accepted you on that very moment as my daughter. So you are eternally my daughter and I am your father. There is no doubt about it. And our relationship is based on Krsna consciousness, so the more successful you preach and help Krsna conscious movement, the more our relationship in transcendental platform is firm and fixed up. OUr business is to chant and glorify the Holy name of Krsna and wherever we may remain, Krsna is with us, Krsna is within your heart, Krsna is within my heart. So, spiritually there is no question of separation, even physically we may be in far distant place..." Letter to Advaita, 6 Oct 1968 "I am so glad to learn the New York devotees are all feeling my separation and you are also; this is very blissful. In the transcendental platform, actually separation is more relishable than meeting. But either separation or meeting, the state is always absolute. Actually in the spiritual platform, there is no separation, but it is a different stages of rasas." JAI SRILA PRABHUPADA!!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, Please accpet my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! I hope this helps in answering your question about the "origin" of Sanatana-dharma. Srila Prabhupada wwrites in the Bhagavada-Gita: "Sanatana-dharma does not refer to any sectarian process of religion. It is the eternal function of the living entities in relationship with the eternal Supreme Lord. Sanatana-dharma refers, as stated previously, to the eternal occupation of the living entity. Sripada Ramanujacarya has explained the word sanatana as 'that which has neither begining nor end,' so when we speak of sanatana-dharma, we must take it for granted on the authority of Sripada Ramanujacarya that it has neither begining nor end. The english word religion is a little different from sanatana-dharma. Religion conveys the idea of faith, and faithmay change. One may have faith in a particualr process, and he may change his faith and adopt another, but sanatana-dharma refers to activity which cannot be changed. For instance, liqidity cannot be taken from water, nor can heat be taken from fire. Similarly, the eternal function of the eternal living entity cannot be taken from the living entity. Sanatana-dharma is eternally integral with the living entity. When we speak of sanatana-dharma, therefore, we must take it for granted on the authority of Ramanujacarya that it has neither begining nor end. That which has neither begining nor end must not be sectarian, for it cannot be limited by any boundries. Those belonging to some sectarian faith will wrongly consider that sanatana-dharma is also sectarian, but if we go deeply into the matter and consider it in the light of modern science, it is possible for us to see that sanatana-dharma is the business of all the people of the world- nay, of all the living entities of the universe. Non-sanatana religious faith may have some begining in the annals of human history, but there is no begining to the history of sanatana-dharma, because it remains eternally with the living entities. Insofar as the living entities are concerned, the authoritative sastra state that the living entity has neither birth nor death. In the Gita it is stated that the living entity is never born and never dies. He is eternal and indestructible, and he continues to live after the destruction of his temorary material body. In referance to the concept of sanatana-dharma, we must try to understand the concept of religion from the sanskrit root meaning of the word. Dharma refers to that which is constantly existing with a particular object. We conclude that there is heat and light along with fire; without heat and light, there is no meaning to the word fire. Similarly, we must discover the essential part which is constant companion. That constant companion is eternal quality, and that eternal quality is his eternal religion. When Sanatana gosvami asked Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu about the svarupa of every living being, the Lord replied that the svarupa, or constituional postion, of the living being is the rendering of service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If we analyze this statement of Lord Caitanya's we can easily see that every living being is constantly engaged in rendering service to another living being...one friend serves another friend, the mother serves her son, the wife serves the husband, the husband serves the wife and so on. The politician presents his manifesto for the public to convince them of his capacity for service. The shopkeeper serves the customer, and the artisan serves the capitalist. The capitalist sserves the family, and the family serves the state in the terms of the eternal capacity of the eternal living being. In this way we can see that no living being is exempt from rendering service to other living beings and therefore we can safely concluded that service is the constant companion of the living being and that the rendering of service is the eternal religion of the living being. Yet man can profess to belong to a particular faith with referance to particular time and circumstance and thus claims to be a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist of an adherent of any other sect. Such designations are not sanatana-dharma. A Hindu may change faith to become a Muslim, or a Muslim may change his faith to become a hindu, or a Christian may change his faith and so on. But in all circumstances the change of religious faith does not affect the eternal occupation of rendering service to others. The Hindu, Muslim or Christion in all circumstances is servant to someone. Thus, to profess a particular type of faith is not to profess one's sanatana-dharma. The rendering of service is sanatana-dharma. Factually we are related to the Supreme Lord in service. This Supreme Lord is the supreme enjoyer, and we living entities are His servitors. We are created for His enjoyment, and if we participate in that eternal enjoyment with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, we become happy. We cannot become happy otherwise... It is not possible for the living entity to be happy without rendering transcendental loving service unto the Supreme Lord." This is sanatana-dharma. Hari Bol! I hope this helps. Your servant, Narayani d.d.

Thank you for your words of incouragement! Throughout all of these discussion threads the answer always presents itself in Prabhupada's books. Most of the time I'll be doing my daily reading the later when I visit this forum my day's reading seems to apply somewhere. Srila Prabhupada just continuing his preaching!!!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

Thank you for your words of incouragement! Throughout all of these discussion threads the answer always presents itself in Prabhupada's books. Most of the time I'll be doing my daily reading the later when I visit this forum my day's reading seems to apply somewhere. Srila Prabhupada just continuing his preaching!!!! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Can some please relate the Donakeli pastime? I have forgotten everything save the name. Thank you. Hari Bol! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnava, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Couldn't tattoos, if gotten in the right frame of mind, be similar to applying tilak? Tattoos can be a devotee's way to showing the world that, "My body is a temple of the Lord to be used in His service." Hare Krsna! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. While reading I came to the following verse and purport. I feel it relates well to this topic. ch.5 text 15 nadatte kasyacit papam na caiva sukrtam vibhu ajnanenavrtam jnanam tena muhyanti jantavah Translation: Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of ignorance which covers their real knowledge. Purport: The sanskrit word vibhu means the Supreme Lord who is full of knowledge, riches, strength, fame, beauty and renunciation. He is always satisfied in Nimself, undisterbed by sinful or pious activities. He does not create a particular situation for any living entity, but the living entity, bewildered by ignorance, desires to be put into certain conditions of life, and thereby his chain of reaction begins. A living entity is, by superior nature, full of knowledge. Nevertheless, he is prone to be influenced by ignorance due to his limited power. The Lord is omnipotent, but the living entity is not. The Lord is vibhu, or omniscient, but the living entity is anu, or atomic. Because he is a living soul, he has the capacity to desire by his free will. Such desire is fulfilled only by the omnipotent Lord. And so, when the living entity is bewildered in his desires, the Lord allows him to fulfill those desires, but the Lord is never responsible for the actions and reactions of the particular situation which maybe desired. Being in a bewildered condition, therefore, the embodied soul identifies himself with the circumstantial material body and becomes subjugated to the temporary misery and happiness of life. The Lord is the constant companion of the living entity as Paramatma, or the Supersoul, and therefore He can understand the desires of the individual soul, as one can smell the flavor of a flower by being near it. Desire is a subtle form of conditioning for the living entity. The Lord fulfills his desire as he deserves: Man proposes and God desposes. The individual is not, therefore, omnipotent in fulfilling his desires. The Lord, however, can fulfill all desires, and Lord being neutral to everyone, does not interfere with the desires of the minute independant living entities. However, when one desires Krsna, the Lord takes special care and encourages one to desire in such away that one can attain to Him and be eternally happy. The vedic hymns therefore declare, esa u hy eva sadhu karma karayati tam yam ebhyo lokebhya unninisate. esa u evasadhu karma karayati yam adho ninisate:"The Lord engages the living entity in pious activities so that he may be elevated. The Lord engages him in impious activities so that he may go to hell." (Kausitaki Upanisad 3.8) ajno jantur aniso yam atmanah sukha-duhkhayoh isvara-prerito gacchet svargam vasv abhram eva ca "The living entity is completely dependent in his distress and happiness. By the will of the Supreme he can go to heaven ot hell, as a cloud is driven by air." Therefore the embodied soul, by his immemorial desire to avoid Krsna consciousness, causes his own bewilderment. Consequently, although he is constitutioally eternal, blissful and cognizant, due to the littleness of his existence he forgets his constitutional position of service to the Lord and is thus entrapped by nescience. And, under the spell of ignorance, the living entity claims that the Lord is responsible for his conditional existence... Hare Krsna! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

My dear vaisnavas, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. While reading I came to the following verse and purport. I feel it relates well to this topic. ch.5 text 15 nadatte kasyacit papam na caiva sukrtam vibhu ajnanenavrtam jnanam tena muhyanti jantavah Translation: Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of ignorance which covers their real knowledge. Purport: The sanskrit word vibhu means the Supreme Lord who is full of knowledge, riches, strength, fame, beauty and renunciation. He is always satisfied in Nimself, undisterbed by sinful or pious activities. He does not create a particular situation for any living entity, but the living entity, bewildered by ignorance, desires to be put into certain conditions of life, and thereby his chain of reaction begins. A living entity is, by superior nature, full of knowledge. Nevertheless, he is prone to be influenced by ignorance due to his limited power. The Lord is omnipotent, but the living entity is not. The Lord is vibhu, or omniscient, but the living entity is anu, or atomic. Because he is a living soul, he has the capacity to desire by his free will. Such desire is fulfilled only by the omnipotent Lord. And so, when the living entity is bewildered in his desires, the Lord allows him to fulfill those desires, but the Lord is never responsible for the actions and reactions of the particular situation which maybe desired. Being in a bewildered condition, therefore, the embodied soul identifies himself with the circumstantial material body and becomes subjugated to the temporary misery and happiness of life. The Lord is the constant companion of the living entity as Paramatma, or the Supersoul, and therefore He can understand the desires of the individual soul, as one can smell the flavor of a flower by being near it. Desire is a subtle form of conditioning for the living entity. The Lord fulfills his desire as he deserves: Man proposes and God desposes. The individual is not, therefore, omnipotent in fulfilling his desires. The Lord, however, can fulfill all desires, and Lord being neutral to everyone, does not interfere with the desires of the minute independant living entities. However, when one desires Krsna, the Lord takes special care and encourages one to desire in such away that one can attain to Him and be eternally happy. The vedic hymns therefore declare, esa u hy eva sadhu karma karayati tam yam ebhyo lokebhya unninisate. esa u evasadhu karma karayati yam adho ninisate:"The Lord engages the living entity in pious activities so that he may be elevated. The Lord engages him in impious activities so that he may go to hell." (Kausitaki Upanisad 3.8) ajno jantur aniso yam atmanah sukha-duhkhayoh isvara-prerito gacchet svargam vasv abhram eva ca "The living entity is completely dependent in his distress and happiness. By the will of the Supreme he can go to heaven ot hell, as a cloud is driven by air." Therefore the embodied soul, by his immemorial desire to avoid Krsna consciousness, causes his own bewilderment. Consequently, although he is constitutioally eternal, blissful and cognizant, due to the littleness of his existence he forgets his constitutional position of service to the Lord and is thus entrapped by nescience. And, under the spell of ignorance, the living entity claims that the Lord is responsible for his conditional existence... Hare Krsna! Your servant, Narayani d.d.

When the Lord completed His mission He no longer desired to remain in this material world. The Lord is complete and wherever He is His devotees and companions are. Since the Yadus were the Lords devotees and family they could not be killed by ordinary means or by ordinary people. Thus by the Lord's design they eradicated themselves with the help of a brahmin's curse and in doing so returned back home back to Godhead. Your servant, Narayani d.d. Another example is the chrariot of Arjuna. When the battle of Kuruksetra was over Arjuna and Krsna got off the famous chariot and as soon as they did, the chariot burned to the ground. Arjuna was astonished and asked Lord Krsna why this happened. The Lord told His dear friend the charoit had served it's purpose and returned to Agni (who had provided Arjuna with it in the first place).