Radhanath Swami sometimes says in his lectures: “Krishna does not want the object which you are offering Him; he wants the love and devotion by which you are offering it”. This may sound a very simple statement, but this is a very profound realization from Radhanath Swami.
How does one go about applying it? Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 5-10 that if somebody offers Him a flower, a fruit or a leaf with love and devotion; he would accept it. This offering should be made with intense feelings of love and devotion towards Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna further instructs Bhagavad Gita 9-27 that whatever we do, whatever we eat should be as an offering to Him.This means that everything we do must be in the mood of service towards Lord Krishna and all the food we eat must be offered to Him before we partake of it. Also, the prayers chanted before honoring the Prasadam of the Lord must be heartfelt and not mechanical. One of the main processes of devotional services is the chanting of the Holy names of the Lord. The chanting of the holy names must be done with intense feelings of love in separation from the Lord. This is true both for one’s personal japa and for group Kirtana. The processes of Bhakti are not mechanical or dry as they have internal processes to be simultaneously followed. When one bows down before the deity, it is not simply a mechanical act. Offering obeisances must be done with the right mood and attitude – O Krishna I am bowing down before you. Each deity has a pranam mantra, the mood and meaning of which needs to be internalized and practiced while offering obeisance.
BG 5-10
patraà puñpaà phalaà toyaà
yo me bhaktyä prayacchati
tad ahaà bhakty-upahåtam
açnämi prayatätmanaù
SYNONYMS
patram—a leaf; puñpam—a flower; phalam—a fruit; toyam—water; yaù—whoever; me—unto Me; bhaktyä—with devotion; prayacchati—offers; tat—that; aham—I; bhakti-upahåtam—offered in devotion; açnämi—accept; prayata-ätmanaù—from one in pure consciousness.
TRANSLATION
If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.
BG 9-27
yat karoñi yad açnäsi
yaj juhoñi dadäsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruñva mad-arpaëam
SYNONYMS
yat—whatever; karoñi—you do; yat—whatever; açnäsi—you eat; yat—whatever; juhoñi—you offer; dadäsi—you give away; yat—whatever; yat—whatever; tapasyasi—austerities you perform; kaunteya—O son of Kunté; tat—that; kuruñva—do; mat—unto Me; arpaëam—as an offering.
TRANSLATION
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of Kunté, as an offering to Me
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Radhanath Swami: A Divine personality
Radhanath Swami (then Richard Slavin) travelled from Europe to India by land in search of God.
He had a diverse experience of danger, inducements by the material energy and genuine spiritual experiences. This story is the most amazing story I have every read.
Even before reading the book, I knew of some of the content - having heard of it from ISKCON followers. I noticed that his disciples were his diehard fans. I could not immediately discern the reason for this as I had not met him at that time. I heard of his glorious qualities and began to cultivate a desire to meet him in person. I was wondering, "How special would be this personality whose disciples are being so nice to me?" At that time, a devotee family initiated by Radhanath Swami was helping me to cultivate Krishna Consciousness, with lots of genuine love and affection.
I heard more and more about the glories of Radhanath Swami from this family. I also saw videos of lectures given by and devotional songs sung by Radhanath Swami.
I had the first personal vision of Radhanath Swami at New Vrindanvan. I was deeply impressed by the quality of the Bhagavatam classes given my Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami combines a deep study of the Bhagavatam precepts along with his inner realizations and devotional experiences in his lectures. The lectures have a feeling of devotional intensity that leaves the listeners eager for more, wishing that the lecture never stop. During the Sunday feast program, Radhanath Swami's lectures can go on for 2-3 hours and during pilgrimage tours to Vrindavan, Mayapur or South India, the lectures are considerably longer.
These lectures transport the listeners to altogether another realm, to which Radhanath Swami belongs. All bodily miseries like hunger and thirst are forgotten during the time the lecture is on. At times, listeners have the feeling that Radhanath Swami is answering questions in their innermost thoughts during his lectures.
Devotional melodies of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra sung by Radhanath Swami are truly soul uplifting. The devotional feelings aroused by listening to and by singing with Radhanath Swami are a genuine spiritual experience. Practicing devotees and newcomers all join together in ecstatic dancing during these kirtans. Material desire melts away and is replaced by genuine spiritual desires by participating in these dancing festivals.
It is a spiritual treat to watch Radhanath Swami chanting his rounds after the Mangala arati in the morning. Anybody who has observed Radhanath Swami during this time, would surely perfect his chanting in the due course of time. The physical presence of Radhanath Swami is a genuine spiritual experience in itself. All the miseries of life are simply forgotten by simply beholding him in one's vision.
In summary; Radhanath Swami exhibits deep humility, grace and devotion. He is very dear to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. His lectures are both scholarly and sparked with devotional fervor and realizations; his bhajans full of spiritual ecstasy; his presence is beatific ad blissful.
He had a diverse experience of danger, inducements by the material energy and genuine spiritual experiences. This story is the most amazing story I have every read.
Even before reading the book, I knew of some of the content - having heard of it from ISKCON followers. I noticed that his disciples were his diehard fans. I could not immediately discern the reason for this as I had not met him at that time. I heard of his glorious qualities and began to cultivate a desire to meet him in person. I was wondering, "How special would be this personality whose disciples are being so nice to me?" At that time, a devotee family initiated by Radhanath Swami was helping me to cultivate Krishna Consciousness, with lots of genuine love and affection.
I heard more and more about the glories of Radhanath Swami from this family. I also saw videos of lectures given by and devotional songs sung by Radhanath Swami.
I had the first personal vision of Radhanath Swami at New Vrindanvan. I was deeply impressed by the quality of the Bhagavatam classes given my Radhanath Swami. Radhanath Swami combines a deep study of the Bhagavatam precepts along with his inner realizations and devotional experiences in his lectures. The lectures have a feeling of devotional intensity that leaves the listeners eager for more, wishing that the lecture never stop. During the Sunday feast program, Radhanath Swami's lectures can go on for 2-3 hours and during pilgrimage tours to Vrindavan, Mayapur or South India, the lectures are considerably longer.
These lectures transport the listeners to altogether another realm, to which Radhanath Swami belongs. All bodily miseries like hunger and thirst are forgotten during the time the lecture is on. At times, listeners have the feeling that Radhanath Swami is answering questions in their innermost thoughts during his lectures.
Devotional melodies of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra sung by Radhanath Swami are truly soul uplifting. The devotional feelings aroused by listening to and by singing with Radhanath Swami are a genuine spiritual experience. Practicing devotees and newcomers all join together in ecstatic dancing during these kirtans. Material desire melts away and is replaced by genuine spiritual desires by participating in these dancing festivals.
It is a spiritual treat to watch Radhanath Swami chanting his rounds after the Mangala arati in the morning. Anybody who has observed Radhanath Swami during this time, would surely perfect his chanting in the due course of time. The physical presence of Radhanath Swami is a genuine spiritual experience in itself. All the miseries of life are simply forgotten by simply beholding him in one's vision.
In summary; Radhanath Swami exhibits deep humility, grace and devotion. He is very dear to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. His lectures are both scholarly and sparked with devotional fervor and realizations; his bhajans full of spiritual ecstasy; his presence is beatific ad blissful.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My encounter with Radhanath Swami
My encounter with Radhanath Swami
I first came into the divine presence of H.H. Radhanath Swami at the New Vrindavan Community, West Virginia, USA. My wife and I were visiting New Vrindavan for a long weekend and had driven from New Jersey, where we resided at that time. After we were checked in into our room at the time, we were received by a young Brahamachari who had been initiated that morning, before our arrival. He was effulgent and full of spiritual bliss. He humbly informed us that he had received initiation from Radhanath Swami, although he was not qualified! He said that Radhanath Swami is a pure devotee and he was very happy to receive his blessings. He also informed us that earlier, he was residing in New Jersey and working in the Software field. He had been part of our counseling group or Bhakti Vruksh before we had joined it. He was now doing full time service at the New Vrindavana community.
The next day we attended Bhagavatam Class given by Radhanath Swami. The verse was SB 3.22.5 in this class Radhanath Swami explained the importance of even a moment’s association with a saintly person. I was very much impressed by the way Radhanath Swami was giving this class, with an immense and unbelievable amount of sincerity, concentration and devotion. I was in no doubt that I was in the presence of a great saintly person and that I must take full advantage of every moment of this association. I asked Radhanath Swami a question which he answered to my utmost satisfaction. In another Bhagavatam Class on another day, in his reply to a question posed by me, Radhanath Swami said that our spiritual lineage of Gaudiya Vaishnavism takes us to the highest perfection of Raganuga Bhakti.
My wife and I met with other devotees who were visiting New Vrindavan from New Jersey. We heard the following story about Radhanath Swami which happened when he was living in New Vrindavan. At this time Radhanath Swami had the service of a poojari or priest at one of the temples at New Vrindanvan. He was also part of the 24 hour kirtana service. This kirtan was going on in a temple on a hill. It was very difficult to get to this hill temple in the night and the kirtan had to be performed 24 hours. Radhanath Swami had a horse which he used to ride to get to this temple. At this time Radhanath Swami was attacked by a mob of goons where did not want the Hare Krishna devotees to settle New Vrindavan. Radhanath Swami was attacked and fell of the horse. He was injured and unable to walk. The goons were about to kill him but somehow or other spared him. Radhanath Swami was now in a very delicate condition, he was injured and unable to walk. He was in the middle of the night in a forest on a hill. Nobody knew about his predicament, except the goons and Krishna. If he did not get near the devotees quickly, it would be very difficult to survive the night. This is how Krishna saved His devotee. The horse who had earlier thrown off Radhanath Swami, came and sat down beside Radhanath Swami – now inviting Radhanath Swami to ride on his back. With high difficulty Radhanath Swami got onto the horse. The horse displayed rare intelligence and delivered Radhanath Swami to the temple devotees. It appears that the horse was driven by Krishna’s intelligence.
When my wife and I returned to New Jersey after our New Vrindavan Visit, it so happened that Radhanath Swami was also on a preaching mission there. Our Bhakti Vruksh leader, Devaki Nandana Prabhu had helped organize a big program at a Durga Temple at New Jersey. This was a very lively program with an excellent lecture Radhanath Swami followed by ecstatic dancing Kirtans led by Radhanath Swami. I still remember the way he said – ‘Everybody now dance!’ In the lecture Radhanath Swami had told us how the Gopal’s Garden school was being run and how the Bhaktivedanta Hospital was being run. He had told us that the operation theatre had a picture of Narsimha Deva; that the atmosphere was all spiritual and everybody who visited the hospital was becoming a devotee due to the love and care received. He told us that in the Gopal’s Garden school, the entire staff was chanting, the cleaners, bus driver, teachers – everybody. He told us about the Radha Gopinath Mandir and how it was being run.
This association with Radhanath Swami left a deep impression in me and my wife. We longed to be part of this community being cultivated by Radhanath Swami. The Supreme Lord fulfilled our desire. After a few years, we moved to Mumbai and became part of all that Radhanath Swami had described. His words about taking advantage of a moment’s association had proved prophetic. My family, now including my son, is now part of the Radha Gopinath congregation. My son is very happy going to Gopal’s garden school and it is every bit like what Radhanath Swami had described. My heart is eternally grateful to Radhanath Swami for being such an excellent devotee and spiritual master. He has deeply touched my heart and provided wonderful loving care. O my Lordships Radha and Krishna, in whatever abode and service you engage your devotee Radhanath Swami and his disciples, may I always be part of that service!
Srimad Bhagvatam 3.22.5
tava sandarçanäd eva
cchinnä me sarva-saàçayäù
yat svayaà bhagavän prétyä
dharmam äha rirakñiñoù
SYNONYMS
tava—your; sandarçanät—by sight; eva—only; chinnäù—resolved; me—my; sarva-saàçayäù—all doubts; yat—inasmuch as; svayam—personally; bhagavän—Your Lordship; prétyä—lovingly; dharmam—duty; äha—explained; rirakñiñoù—of a king anxious to protect his subjects.
TRANSLATION
Now I have resolved all my doubts simply by meeting you, for Your Lordship has very kindly and clearly explained the duty of a king who desires to protect his subjects.
PURPORT
Manu described herewith the result of seeing a great saintly person. Lord Caitanya says that one should always try to associate with saintly persons because if one establishes a proper association with a saintly person, even for a moment, one attains all perfection. Somehow or other, if one meets a saintly person and achieves his favor, then the entire mission of one’s human life is fulfilled. In our personal experience we have actual proof of this statement of Manu. Once we had the opportunity to meet Viñëupäda Çré Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé Mahäräja, and on first sight he requested this humble self to preach his message in the Western countries. There was no preparation for this, but somehow or other he desired it, and by his grace we are now engaged in executing his order, which has given us a transcendental occupation and has saved and liberated us from the occupation of material activities. Thus it is actually a fact that if one meets a saintly person completely engaged in transcendental duties and achieves his favor, then one’s life mission becomes complete. What is not possible to achieve in thousands of lives can be achieved in one moment if there is an opportunity to meet a saintly person. It is therefore enjoined in Vedic literature that one should always try to associate with saintly persons and try to disassociate oneself from the common man, because by one word of a saintly person one can be liberated from material entanglement. A saintly person has the power, because of his spiritual advancement, to give immediate liberation to the conditioned soul. Here Manu admits that all his doubts are now over because Kardama has very kindly described the different duties of individual souls.
I first came into the divine presence of H.H. Radhanath Swami at the New Vrindavan Community, West Virginia, USA. My wife and I were visiting New Vrindavan for a long weekend and had driven from New Jersey, where we resided at that time. After we were checked in into our room at the time, we were received by a young Brahamachari who had been initiated that morning, before our arrival. He was effulgent and full of spiritual bliss. He humbly informed us that he had received initiation from Radhanath Swami, although he was not qualified! He said that Radhanath Swami is a pure devotee and he was very happy to receive his blessings. He also informed us that earlier, he was residing in New Jersey and working in the Software field. He had been part of our counseling group or Bhakti Vruksh before we had joined it. He was now doing full time service at the New Vrindavana community.
The next day we attended Bhagavatam Class given by Radhanath Swami. The verse was SB 3.22.5 in this class Radhanath Swami explained the importance of even a moment’s association with a saintly person. I was very much impressed by the way Radhanath Swami was giving this class, with an immense and unbelievable amount of sincerity, concentration and devotion. I was in no doubt that I was in the presence of a great saintly person and that I must take full advantage of every moment of this association. I asked Radhanath Swami a question which he answered to my utmost satisfaction. In another Bhagavatam Class on another day, in his reply to a question posed by me, Radhanath Swami said that our spiritual lineage of Gaudiya Vaishnavism takes us to the highest perfection of Raganuga Bhakti.
My wife and I met with other devotees who were visiting New Vrindavan from New Jersey. We heard the following story about Radhanath Swami which happened when he was living in New Vrindavan. At this time Radhanath Swami had the service of a poojari or priest at one of the temples at New Vrindanvan. He was also part of the 24 hour kirtana service. This kirtan was going on in a temple on a hill. It was very difficult to get to this hill temple in the night and the kirtan had to be performed 24 hours. Radhanath Swami had a horse which he used to ride to get to this temple. At this time Radhanath Swami was attacked by a mob of goons where did not want the Hare Krishna devotees to settle New Vrindavan. Radhanath Swami was attacked and fell of the horse. He was injured and unable to walk. The goons were about to kill him but somehow or other spared him. Radhanath Swami was now in a very delicate condition, he was injured and unable to walk. He was in the middle of the night in a forest on a hill. Nobody knew about his predicament, except the goons and Krishna. If he did not get near the devotees quickly, it would be very difficult to survive the night. This is how Krishna saved His devotee. The horse who had earlier thrown off Radhanath Swami, came and sat down beside Radhanath Swami – now inviting Radhanath Swami to ride on his back. With high difficulty Radhanath Swami got onto the horse. The horse displayed rare intelligence and delivered Radhanath Swami to the temple devotees. It appears that the horse was driven by Krishna’s intelligence.
When my wife and I returned to New Jersey after our New Vrindavan Visit, it so happened that Radhanath Swami was also on a preaching mission there. Our Bhakti Vruksh leader, Devaki Nandana Prabhu had helped organize a big program at a Durga Temple at New Jersey. This was a very lively program with an excellent lecture Radhanath Swami followed by ecstatic dancing Kirtans led by Radhanath Swami. I still remember the way he said – ‘Everybody now dance!’ In the lecture Radhanath Swami had told us how the Gopal’s Garden school was being run and how the Bhaktivedanta Hospital was being run. He had told us that the operation theatre had a picture of Narsimha Deva; that the atmosphere was all spiritual and everybody who visited the hospital was becoming a devotee due to the love and care received. He told us that in the Gopal’s Garden school, the entire staff was chanting, the cleaners, bus driver, teachers – everybody. He told us about the Radha Gopinath Mandir and how it was being run.
This association with Radhanath Swami left a deep impression in me and my wife. We longed to be part of this community being cultivated by Radhanath Swami. The Supreme Lord fulfilled our desire. After a few years, we moved to Mumbai and became part of all that Radhanath Swami had described. His words about taking advantage of a moment’s association had proved prophetic. My family, now including my son, is now part of the Radha Gopinath congregation. My son is very happy going to Gopal’s garden school and it is every bit like what Radhanath Swami had described. My heart is eternally grateful to Radhanath Swami for being such an excellent devotee and spiritual master. He has deeply touched my heart and provided wonderful loving care. O my Lordships Radha and Krishna, in whatever abode and service you engage your devotee Radhanath Swami and his disciples, may I always be part of that service!
Srimad Bhagvatam 3.22.5
tava sandarçanäd eva
cchinnä me sarva-saàçayäù
yat svayaà bhagavän prétyä
dharmam äha rirakñiñoù
SYNONYMS
tava—your; sandarçanät—by sight; eva—only; chinnäù—resolved; me—my; sarva-saàçayäù—all doubts; yat—inasmuch as; svayam—personally; bhagavän—Your Lordship; prétyä—lovingly; dharmam—duty; äha—explained; rirakñiñoù—of a king anxious to protect his subjects.
TRANSLATION
Now I have resolved all my doubts simply by meeting you, for Your Lordship has very kindly and clearly explained the duty of a king who desires to protect his subjects.
PURPORT
Manu described herewith the result of seeing a great saintly person. Lord Caitanya says that one should always try to associate with saintly persons because if one establishes a proper association with a saintly person, even for a moment, one attains all perfection. Somehow or other, if one meets a saintly person and achieves his favor, then the entire mission of one’s human life is fulfilled. In our personal experience we have actual proof of this statement of Manu. Once we had the opportunity to meet Viñëupäda Çré Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé Mahäräja, and on first sight he requested this humble self to preach his message in the Western countries. There was no preparation for this, but somehow or other he desired it, and by his grace we are now engaged in executing his order, which has given us a transcendental occupation and has saved and liberated us from the occupation of material activities. Thus it is actually a fact that if one meets a saintly person completely engaged in transcendental duties and achieves his favor, then one’s life mission becomes complete. What is not possible to achieve in thousands of lives can be achieved in one moment if there is an opportunity to meet a saintly person. It is therefore enjoined in Vedic literature that one should always try to associate with saintly persons and try to disassociate oneself from the common man, because by one word of a saintly person one can be liberated from material entanglement. A saintly person has the power, because of his spiritual advancement, to give immediate liberation to the conditioned soul. Here Manu admits that all his doubts are now over because Kardama has very kindly described the different duties of individual souls.
Set aside Lust ,Anger, Greed, Pride – Obtain Ultimate Love
The below essay is based on a lecture by Radhanath Swami
Demoniac Qualities Lust Pride Prestige
Date: 08-01-95
Set aside Lust ,Anger, Greed, Pride – Obtain Ultimate Love
Radhanath Swami explains that our hearts are dirty, full of lust, anger, greed and pride. The false ego keeps telling us that we are important, that our so-called possessions belong to us. This leads to pride. The false ego tells us that what we have is not enough, leading to greed. The false ego hankers for sense enjoyment, leading to lust. When lust and greed are somewhat satisfied, pride increases. The increase in pride leads to further lust and greed, leading to a vicious never-ending cycle. When the fructification of lust and greed are bewildered, it leads to anger.
Radhanath Swami illustrates these points by two stories. One is the story of the Brahmana whose spare loin cloth was being eaten by rats while he was meditating and bathing in a river. Based on advise received he gets a cat to control the rats; a cow to provide milk to the cat; a wife to take care of the cow;and a job to take care of the wife. He finally gives up everything, including the spare loin cloth to be able to concentrate on this meditative practice. This story illustrates that it is not possible to solve spiritual problems by material means. The second story is of Shankachura, an associate of the devata Kubera – the treasurer of the devatas. Shankachura was very proud because of his wealth and position. He once visited Vrindavan when Krishna was personally present. At that time, Krishna and Balarama were exhibiting Their divine pastimes with the Gopis. Seeing the divine beauty of the Shankachura, lust was awakened in the heart of Shankachura. He wanted to enjoy the Gopis for himself, taking the place of Krishna and Balaram. Krishna’s pastimes with the Gopis are very sacred and divine, full of pure love. Shankachura tried to create a disturbance in this pastime and was thus destroyed. This story illustrates that Krishna is the only enjoyer and that it is futile to try to enjoy the material energy as well as what is meant only for Krishna’s pleasure.
The practice of Bhakti Yoga is the only way by which we can awaken divine love of the Supreme within ourselves and overcome the quadruple demons of lust, anger, greed and pride. The most sublime way of practicing Bhakti Yoga is to chant the holy names of God – Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare!
Demoniac Qualities Lust Pride Prestige
Date: 08-01-95
Set aside Lust ,Anger, Greed, Pride – Obtain Ultimate Love
Radhanath Swami explains that our hearts are dirty, full of lust, anger, greed and pride. The false ego keeps telling us that we are important, that our so-called possessions belong to us. This leads to pride. The false ego tells us that what we have is not enough, leading to greed. The false ego hankers for sense enjoyment, leading to lust. When lust and greed are somewhat satisfied, pride increases. The increase in pride leads to further lust and greed, leading to a vicious never-ending cycle. When the fructification of lust and greed are bewildered, it leads to anger.
Radhanath Swami illustrates these points by two stories. One is the story of the Brahmana whose spare loin cloth was being eaten by rats while he was meditating and bathing in a river. Based on advise received he gets a cat to control the rats; a cow to provide milk to the cat; a wife to take care of the cow;and a job to take care of the wife. He finally gives up everything, including the spare loin cloth to be able to concentrate on this meditative practice. This story illustrates that it is not possible to solve spiritual problems by material means. The second story is of Shankachura, an associate of the devata Kubera – the treasurer of the devatas. Shankachura was very proud because of his wealth and position. He once visited Vrindavan when Krishna was personally present. At that time, Krishna and Balarama were exhibiting Their divine pastimes with the Gopis. Seeing the divine beauty of the Shankachura, lust was awakened in the heart of Shankachura. He wanted to enjoy the Gopis for himself, taking the place of Krishna and Balaram. Krishna’s pastimes with the Gopis are very sacred and divine, full of pure love. Shankachura tried to create a disturbance in this pastime and was thus destroyed. This story illustrates that Krishna is the only enjoyer and that it is futile to try to enjoy the material energy as well as what is meant only for Krishna’s pleasure.
The practice of Bhakti Yoga is the only way by which we can awaken divine love of the Supreme within ourselves and overcome the quadruple demons of lust, anger, greed and pride. The most sublime way of practicing Bhakti Yoga is to chant the holy names of God – Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The nature of Reality
The following essay is based on a lecture by Radhanath Swami entitled ‘Significance of Krishna’s Appearance’, 1995
The living entity is the spirit soul, not the body. The spirit soul provides the spark of consciousness to the body. There are 8 million 4 hundred thousand species of life, which a particular living entity attains due to past conditioning. The living entity does not realize this truth and is engaged in a bitter struggle to survive. The living entity makes futile attempts to enjoy the material energy but meets with disease, old age and death. However, only the body perishes while the soul is eternal. In the conditioned state the soul is caught is this vicious cycle of birth and death. Love of God is the only way out of this entanglements and masses are simply ignorant about this. Out of His causeless mercy, the Supreme Lord decides to descend from His abode and help the living entities out this predicament. The Supreme Lord exhibits his pastimes on Earth in order to annihilate the miscreants and to protect his devotees. How does one recognize who God is? Anybody might claim to be god and say he has come to fulfill this purpose. The vedic scriptures say that God is that person who has all the six opulences in full. These six opulences are – all the beauty, all the fame, all the knowledge, all the renunciation, all the wealth and all the power. The Supreme Lord is understood to be Sri Kriishna, as he descends and exhibits the six opulences in full. Sri Krishna also descends as Caitanya Mahaprabhu and propagates the sublime of God realization by the congregational chanting of the holy names of God – Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare!
The living entity is the spirit soul, not the body. The spirit soul provides the spark of consciousness to the body. There are 8 million 4 hundred thousand species of life, which a particular living entity attains due to past conditioning. The living entity does not realize this truth and is engaged in a bitter struggle to survive. The living entity makes futile attempts to enjoy the material energy but meets with disease, old age and death. However, only the body perishes while the soul is eternal. In the conditioned state the soul is caught is this vicious cycle of birth and death. Love of God is the only way out of this entanglements and masses are simply ignorant about this. Out of His causeless mercy, the Supreme Lord decides to descend from His abode and help the living entities out this predicament. The Supreme Lord exhibits his pastimes on Earth in order to annihilate the miscreants and to protect his devotees. How does one recognize who God is? Anybody might claim to be god and say he has come to fulfill this purpose. The vedic scriptures say that God is that person who has all the six opulences in full. These six opulences are – all the beauty, all the fame, all the knowledge, all the renunciation, all the wealth and all the power. The Supreme Lord is understood to be Sri Kriishna, as he descends and exhibits the six opulences in full. Sri Krishna also descends as Caitanya Mahaprabhu and propagates the sublime of God realization by the congregational chanting of the holy names of God – Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Surrender unto Krishna, The Supreme Personality of God
The below essay is based on a lecture Live_By_God’s_Plan_Mumbai
by H H Radhanath Swami 28-10-95/1995-128
The material world has been created by the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna not for our enjoyment but for our purification. Here, the living entity tries to enjoy as per his desires. However, these plans to enjoy are inevitably frustrated.
The living entity does not have any control over birth, disease, old age and death. The Supreme Lord has spoken Bhagavad Gita to guide human beings on the path back to Him. However, again the living entities misuse their free will to disregard the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Lord has also made arrangements to facilitate the forgetful of the living entities. The living entities work hard to enjoy the material nature as per their nature. The human society is meant to be divided into 4 ashrams and 4 varnas. The division into ashrams is based on the stages of life (Student or Brahmachari, Householder or Grhasta, Forest Dweller or Vanaprastha and Renunicate or Sanyasis), whereas the division into varnas is based on the work inclination (Fruitive Worker or Shudra, Mercantile Class or Vaisya, Administrators or Kshatriya and Learned Class or Brahmana) The present degradation of human society has left the majority of the population in the shudra or fruitive worker category. Most of the population is engaged in trying to enjoy non-regulated sex life with the opposite sex either within a so-called marriage or even without the pretext of marriage. The happiness so obtained, is shallow and transient. The living entity has forgotten his eternal relation with the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna and is trying to be the proprietor or enjoyer. This results in material bondage and a hard struggle for existence in the visible universe.
When the living entity revives his relationship with the Supreme Lord, he is gradually relieved of all his suffering. Krishna, the supreme personality of God, is ever present with the living entity or atma. He is present as the param atma feature of the Lord. The conditioned living entity does not take direction from the paramata. When the living entity surrenders to the supreme Lord, he comes under the spiritual energy of the Lord and is freed from his material bondage. Krishna is a loving father and is always ready to accept the living entity and to guide him on his spiritual path. The surrendered living entity acts directly as per direction from the param atma. He is thus able to realize is spiritual nature or true identity and comes face to face with the supreme Lord Sri Krishna. He realizes an eternal and loving relationship with the Supreme Lord. This is also known as sat-cita-ananda or eternal truth, consciousness and happiness.
by H H Radhanath Swami 28-10-95/1995-128
The material world has been created by the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna not for our enjoyment but for our purification. Here, the living entity tries to enjoy as per his desires. However, these plans to enjoy are inevitably frustrated.
The living entity does not have any control over birth, disease, old age and death. The Supreme Lord has spoken Bhagavad Gita to guide human beings on the path back to Him. However, again the living entities misuse their free will to disregard the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Lord has also made arrangements to facilitate the forgetful of the living entities. The living entities work hard to enjoy the material nature as per their nature. The human society is meant to be divided into 4 ashrams and 4 varnas. The division into ashrams is based on the stages of life (Student or Brahmachari, Householder or Grhasta, Forest Dweller or Vanaprastha and Renunicate or Sanyasis), whereas the division into varnas is based on the work inclination (Fruitive Worker or Shudra, Mercantile Class or Vaisya, Administrators or Kshatriya and Learned Class or Brahmana) The present degradation of human society has left the majority of the population in the shudra or fruitive worker category. Most of the population is engaged in trying to enjoy non-regulated sex life with the opposite sex either within a so-called marriage or even without the pretext of marriage. The happiness so obtained, is shallow and transient. The living entity has forgotten his eternal relation with the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna and is trying to be the proprietor or enjoyer. This results in material bondage and a hard struggle for existence in the visible universe.
When the living entity revives his relationship with the Supreme Lord, he is gradually relieved of all his suffering. Krishna, the supreme personality of God, is ever present with the living entity or atma. He is present as the param atma feature of the Lord. The conditioned living entity does not take direction from the paramata. When the living entity surrenders to the supreme Lord, he comes under the spiritual energy of the Lord and is freed from his material bondage. Krishna is a loving father and is always ready to accept the living entity and to guide him on his spiritual path. The surrendered living entity acts directly as per direction from the param atma. He is thus able to realize is spiritual nature or true identity and comes face to face with the supreme Lord Sri Krishna. He realizes an eternal and loving relationship with the Supreme Lord. This is also known as sat-cita-ananda or eternal truth, consciousness and happiness.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Magic Moments: The Dog and God Story
The following incident happened on June 20, 2010.
It had been a very enlivening day.
I was driving home from after spending the day at Radhagopinath Mandir(http://radhagopinath.com/) at Girgaun Chowpathy, Mumbai.
My wife Sonal was sitting beside me and my five year old son Hrishikesh was at the back seat. Hrishikesh had dozed off. He was lying down sleeping peacefully.Soon, Sonal also dozed off....
After we got home, Sonal ascended an elevator with a few bags while I got my sleeping son to stumble along and get into another elevator. Unfortunately, Hrishikesh passed urine in the elevator while sleeping. This was hardly convenient as I would now have to get it cleaned. Also, the building management and security would chastise me about this, so it was an embarrassing incident.
I got off at the 13th floor at my apartment and delivered Hrishikesh to his mother. I then put my thoughts into cleaning the elevator. I was trying to find a mop when I noticed that a small dog that belonged to one of residents of the building had appeared outside my apartment door. This was a little bull dog. This was highly surprising and perplexing. The owner was nowhere to be seen! I thought I would deal with the dog laterand continued to look for a suitable mop. Meanwhile, the dog entered my apartment and started peacefully looking around. He was not barking or violent in any way. I abandoned my mop search and decided to get the dog out of my apartment and deliver him to his owner. I started talking to the dog in Hindi and to my surprise he started obeying me. I asked him to come out of the apartmentand he did so. I was quite astonished to find that once outside; he lay down flat on the ground. It seemed he was offering obeisances to a picture of Lord Narsimha Deva outside my apartment door...!
I then asked him to get into the elevator and he did so. This happened to be the same elevator on which my son had passed urine. The urine pool was still lying in the elevator.
After we got to the ground floor, I asked the dog to get out of the elevator. He peacefully obeyed me. I asked the security person about the owner of this dog. He informed me about the owner who he said lives on the tenth floor. He also told me that his caretaker Bharat was looking for him. This dog had suddenly run away from Bharat and somehow landed outside my apartment! I then asked the dog to get back into the elevator, so that I could deliver him to his owner. This time he refused to obey me! Meanwhile, another neighborhood dog came by. The bulldog started barking and jumping on him. His meek and humble personality was now gone! Meanwhile, Bharat came down the stairs looking for the bull dog. Bharat is also the cleaner of the apartment building. He was looking highly confused and sheepish. I told him about the dog. I also told him that the elevator had a urine pool. He thought that the dog must have done it and said he would clean it up! He then ran off to deliver the dog to his owner! Sonal and I had a hearty laugh over this entire incident.
Points noted:
1. The dog seemed to be under divine influence when he came outside my apartment. He was not acting like a dog but was meek and humble. He was obeying me in Hindi, while his owner always speaks to him in English. I do
not have any prior experiene with dogs!
2. The appearance of the dog in this manner saved me the botheration of cleaning the elevator myself, as well as lot of embarrassment.
3. The dog ran off at exactly the same time when I was looking for the mop to cleanup and appeared at my door.
4. The dog had offered obeisances to the deity pictures outside my door,including a picture of Narsimha deva.
Such magic moment and incidences are not uncommon amongst the followers of A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of ISKCON.
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