Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Based on the commentary by Śrīla Prabhupāda and Study Material Prepared by Anjana
Suta Academy (www.jayarama.us ), Vrindavana Institute of Higher Education
(www.vihe.org), Vaiṣṇava Training & Education, UK, Mayapur Institute
(www.mayapurinstitute.org ) and by Bhakti Sastri Team of ISKCON Chowpatty
(www.bhakticourses.com )
“We must cultivate philosophical knowledge in order to have a proper understanding by
which we can proceed without being bewildered by the temptations of the world. To learn
simply for the sake of accumulating knowledge is one of the greatest obstacles to spiritual
advancement.”
Step 3 ISO Invocation and Mantra 1-6. Simple Living and High Thinking
Step 5: NOI 7-8 - Back to the Process & NOI 9-11 - Rādhārani and Rādhā-Kunda
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is conducted under the supervision of Śrīla Rūpa
Gosvāmī.
BACE: Spiritual Credentials of the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement:
o Is this movement new? No, it is conducted under supervision of Śrīla Rupa
Goswami.
o Prabhupāda is extremely humble here giving all credit of movement to Rupa
Goswami.
o Once when Lord Caitanya came out of an ecstatic mood after dancing during
the night on the beach at Puri, He called the devotees together and said that He
would explain the essence of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. That was the
Upadeśāmrita.
o Śrīla Rupa Goswami’s hand writing was like rose petals. He wrote the prayers
and stuck the palm leaf on roof. He went for bath, Lord Caitanya saw that.
How can he understand My mind? How has he become so intimate and
understood the core of my heart? Svarupa Das Goswami: You bestowed Your
mercy upon him. Lord Caitanya: Yes, at prayaga.
o Similarly Śrīla Prabhupāda understood mind of his spiritual master. He said
everything that I wanted to give I gave in first two cantos. They were
composed in Rādhā Damodara Mandir in front of Samadhi of Śrīla Rupa
Goswami. He would daily get mercy of Śrīla Rupa Goswami.
o Why Prabhupāda went to USA? Because Rupa Goswami came in his dream
and told him to do so.
Caitanya Carana Prabhu (CCP): Lotus feet of devotees manifest through their instructions.
(1) (goal of study-we learn to teach) Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared in order to
bestow upon human society the benediction of the science of Krishna.
(2) To understand the mission of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and follow in His
footsteps, (means to reach the goal) one must very seriously follow in the footsteps
of the six Gosvāmīs.
a. (Śrīla Prabhupāda glorifies Upadeśāmrita by putting it on the same level as the
Siksastakam) To guide our activities he gave us this Upadeśāmrita to follow.
As Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu left behind Him the eight verses known as
Śikshāshtaka, (again the goal of study in mentioned) Rūpa Gosvāmī gave us
Upadeśāmrita so that we may become pure Vaiṣṇavas.
b. (Hanumatpreksa Swami (HPS): memorize text 1 and 3 of siksastaka. In a
professional survey in England in 1987 the experts concluded that NOI was
the best book we have for introducing KC and making devotee.)
c. (CCP: How do we know science of Kṛṣṇa? By looking at lives of greatest
devotees. Who are greatest devotees – the Gopīs and mañjarīs are their
associates. Goswamis were mañjarīs, so they know the science of Kṛṣṇa).
d. (HPS: How shall we learn? Śrīla Prabhupāda Mentions a disciplic succession.
He mentions Lord Kṛṣṇa, Srimati Rādhārani, Lord Caitanya, Rupa Goswami,
Six Goswamis, Narottam Das Thakura, Gaudiya Vaiṣṇavas, Us.)
e. BACE: Śrīla Prabhupāda: You cannot become a pure devotee by your own
effort; you can become a pure devotee only when you are guided by another
pure devotee.
f. HPS: NOD is the Complete Science of Bhakti-yoga, and NOI is its summary?
LM and VMadhava constitute the demonstrations of the Science? Rupa
Goswami Prabhupāda begins NOD citing, sarvopadi vinir muktam... hrsikena
hrsikesa sevanam... Here we find in Text One Rupa Goswami is starting with
the same thing: Bhakti-yoga means to occupy the senses in the service of
Kṛṣṇa. Also, in his commentary on Caitanya-bhāgavata, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Prabhupāda mentions that this first Text is also in the Hansa-giti of the
Mahabharata.
(3) (Śrīla Prabhupāda starts to introduce the contents of NOI) In all spiritual affairs, one’s
first duty is to control senses. (amazing statement, BG10.10 says the same thing) One
must promote himself to the platform of goodness, sattva-guna, by following the
instructions of Rūpa Gosvāmī, and then everything concerning how to make further
progress will be revealed.
a. BACE: Example of plane coming to runway. Runway is like mode of
goodness. We have to use this body to launch to Goloka. So this mode of
goodness has to be cultivated.
(4) (means to reach the goal) Advancement in Krishna consciousness depends on the
attitude of the follower. To achieve the highest success in life by becoming a
Gosvāmī (master of senses) and then a pure devotee of the Lord, one must follow
the instructions known as Upadeśāmrita, which have been given by Śrīla Rūpa
Gosvāmī. Upadeśāmrita constitutes the first instructions for neophyte devotees.
One should follow these instructions very strictly. Then it will be easier to make
one's life successful.
a. SB: Lord is conquered by the love of those who have conquered their senses.
b. CCP: Easier means otherwise it is very difficult.
c. HPS: Love is beyond the law. The four principles are for you baby devotees.
We advanced devotees smoke marijuana and enjoy rasa-lila with lusty young
maidens because we are enjoying the higher rasas.' Someone actually told me
this. My mind tries to tell me this on odd occasions. So here is the exact
quotation to fight it.
d. HPS: The airplane has pitch, roll and yawl. These three make the 'attitude' of
the airplane, or its orientation to the environment. This is 'buddhi', not 'manasa'
nor 'indriya', gross action. Buddhi means the perspective or attitude on which
we think, feel and will (Manas). You can read the NoI with your lips, you can
read it with your mind, you can understand it rationally or speculatively, as we
are doing here, you can contemplate your understanding of what you have
read, and you can love it. We must go up the ladder of karma-yoga, dhyana-
yoga, jnana-yoga, buddhi-yoga to come to bhakti-yoga. This Yoga-ladder will
come up again and again. There is a lot more that needs to be said but here
Prabhupāda is making it obvious that we have to have the proper attitude to
advance. In the BG Kṛṣṇa says: 'jitatmana prasantasya paramatma saṁhitā,
Once the Mind, Atma, is conquered the Supersoul is reached/
e. HPS: Also, we have seen that so many problems in ISKCON are resolved just
from NoI. This would indicate that ISKCON is largely an organization of
neophytes. Well, why not? ISKCON is a preaching movement. Let it be filled
with many neophytes, but progressive
Lesson One (Preface)
1. Who is Śrīla Rupa Goswami?
2. Which are the most exalted of Krishna's pastimes? How can we understand them?
3. The Kṛṣṇa Consciousness movement is conducted under the supervision of __________
______________.
4. To understand the mission of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu and follow in His footsteps,
one must very seriously _____________ __ ____ __________________ __ ___ ____
5. One must promote himself to the platform of ________________ by following the
instructions of Rupa Goswami, and then everything concerning how to make further progress
____ ___ ____________________________.
6. Advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness depends on the _________________ ___ ____
_________________.
7. What date was the NOI completed? Where?
8. What is Lord Caitanya's mission? How can we understand the mission of Lord Caitanya
and follow in his footsteps?
9. Just as Lord Caitanya left us the eight verses known as ____________, Rupa Goswami has
left us Upadeśāmrita.
10. List the names of the six Goswamis
11. In all spiritual affairs what is one's first duty?
Miscellaneous Notes
HG Narayani Mataji says that Prabhupāda dictated the NOI purports in 1973 to HG
Hrsikesananda Das and she typed them.
Śrīla Prabhupāda: Distribute NOI like BG. Devotees: But this is for devotees. Śrīla
Prabhupāda: It is must because it teaches how to control mind and senses.
CCP: Śrīla Prabhupāda: Lord Caitanya gave four orders to the goswamis. New Temple and
new books are signs of success. Whenever a book is published, I feel like winning an empire.
Third sign is number of people joining.
CCP: Vrindavana devotees gave philosophical books and Bengali associates of Lord
Caitanya gave His pastimes books (Caitanya Bhāgavata, Caitanya Mangala, etc.). The two
heritages were synthesized into Caitanya Caritamrta. SKDKG grew up in company of
Bengali Vaiṣṇavas and later was systematically trained by the Goswamis of Vrindavana.
When Goswamis would write pastimes too, they will write from the point of view of
explaining the siddhanta. E.g. Brihad Bhagavatamrita.
(para 4) Vaco-vegam
o 1st problem: If we do not speak about Kṛṣṇa Consciousness, we speak about
all sorts of nonsense.
o Analogy: toad in field invites snake by croaking. Comparable to talking of
materialistic men and impersonalist Māyāvādīs who always speak nonsense
and invite death.
BACE: Camus, French philosopher, said “Don’t try to teach me, I may
not follow you. Don’t try to follow me, I may not be able to lead you.”
Big books. Nonsense.
CCP: Time’s flow is different when we do prajalpa.
Miscellaneous: One of the differences between frog and toad – frog
lives mostly in water, toad mostly on land. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses
perfect word. Ref http://www.diffen.com/difference/Frog_vs_Toad
o 2 problem: Does not mean we have to remain silent. Helpful for some time,
nd
o HPS: The word that Śrīla Prabhupāda takes up from BRS1.1.11 (with
enthusiasm) is the word śīlanaṁ. This means cultivation. So Bhakti, means
action, cultivation. The relationship between the NOD and NOI is very
intimate.
o CCD:
Devotion is a matter of heart. Why do you need to exhibit your
devotion? Oh I had darsana of Kṛṣṇa in dream.
Relation is based on commitment. You may say “I Love You”, but it
depends on how committed are you to each other. Gopīs are exalted to
devotees, because they were committed to Kṛṣṇa. Their pastime when
Kṛṣṇa got headache showed their commitment.
Closest to pure love in material love is mother-child. Essence of this is
activity – she cares even in night. We can’t even tolerate alarm clock
which rings at time – bang!!! Baby is alarm clock without fixed time,
mother never bangs.
Real love is seen through selfless service. Love in a way its
authenticity is shown. Love means sacrifice.
King Solomon – 2 women came claiming a baby.
Śrīla Prabhupāda exemplified this practical activity most vividly. He
could have dreamt of Rādhā Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. He had completed
his family duties and retired. He was 69. But he spread the movement
of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Practical Activity. He would cook for
hippies.
We went to Gaudiya Matha in Puri. A boy from Pune wanted to serve
the sannyasi from Gaudiya Matha. But was not allowed as he was not
initiated. But Prabhupāda washed hippies’ plates. Practical activity.
If we give ecstasy to Kṛṣṇa, we get ecstasy. Prabhupāda – These
purports are his devotional ecstasies.
We feel these purports give such basic points. In Bhagavatam, Kṛṣṇa
going to Dwarka, Arjuna holding His hands, everyone crying, but in
purport Prabhupāda is criticizing Modern Civilization. Devotional
ecstasy is what gives Kṛṣṇa’s ecstasy. Kṛṣṇa wants all His children to
come back to Him. Duty of Guru to remove obstacles between
devotees and Kṛṣṇa. Prabhupāda is breaking the misconceptions which
keep us from loving Kṛṣṇa.
Even chanting we do is activity. Prabhupāda didn’t recommend silent
chanting. There have been ācāryas who chanted silently. But modern
ācāryas do not recommend silent chanting.
In Mayapur devotees were creating temple. Prabhupāda: Why are we
constructing these temples? This land is barren, but it is rich with fruits
of love of Kṛṣṇa as Caitanya Mahāprabhu is distributing even today.
We may listen them and get them, but not everyone. So we need to
attract them.
Gurudas Prabhu describes – he was in-charge of Vṛndāvana project.
Prabhupāda came first time after Gurudas P came. Devotees had some
imagination of Vṛndāvana after reading Kṛṣṇa book. Devotees thought
Prabhupāda will tell some exalted pastimes. But when Prabhupāda
came from Delhi to Vṛndāvana and while entering Vṛndāvana he said
one word, “Cement?” Engage in practical devotional service. BG 6.8 –
Pure devotee sees stones, pebbles and gold equally. See application of
that. Cement in stone. Prabhupāda valued cement as gold.
Prabhupāda translated bhakti as devotional (adjective-internal
component) service (noun-external component). Some translate as
devotion or divine love. What is the relationship between service and
devotion? Service is the vehicle of devotion and service is the engine
of devotion.
People – “why do you exhibit bhakti? Why do you raise arms and
dance? Bhakti in matter of heart” Kirtan is not exhibition but
expression of bhakti. Exhibition is for public show but expression is
for the object of devotion.
Anyone can say I am an advanced devotee. How does the other person
know? By commitment. Love is both noun and verb.
“But why God needs service, He is self-satisfied? For sake of
reciprocating. Suppose in spiritual world if everyone is just meditating
on Lord, it won’t be so attractive. But there also devotees act and
display their love for Kṛṣṇa. Yaśodā is churning butter.
Prabhupāda – when you come before deity, you should feel deity
asking – “What are you doing for Me?” Engine: By service our
devotional feeling are stimulated. Nitya siddha Kṛṣṇa Prema… E.g. in
a movie hero forgets his memory, his memory is revived by showing
him old items which he liked. So the hero doesn’t have to make a new
relationship with the father, he has to just revive his memory. So
service acts as engine. When we do service, our forgotten memory
becomes revived and our love is revived.
o BACE:
Jananivasa Prabhu once said Kṛṣṇa Consciousness is so simple that
you will miss it – just chanting and following regulative principles.
People like complex philosophy, but someone like Prabhupāda gives
everything so philosophy, they take it cheaply.
One Indian lady came to ISKCON Melbourne and started showing
ecstatic symptoms. Devotees felt inferiority complex. They wrote to
Prabhupāda. Prabhupāda said kick her, if she comes out of her ecstasy
that means she is fake.
One lady worshipping ladu gopal in vatsalya rasa. One day deity fell
from her hand – “O Gopal why are you running from me?” All fake,
due to her negligence the deity fell.
o (Para 2 - O.K. Devotional service is Śīlanaṁ, activity, but what activities?)
Anusilam: Bhakti is a sort of cultivation. As soon as we say "cultivation," we
must refer to activity. Cultivation of spirituality does not mean sitting down
idly for meditation, as some pseudo-yogīs teach. Such idle meditation may be
good for those who have no information of devotional service, and for this
reason it is sometimes recommended as a way to check distracting
materialistic activities. (BP: This leaves aside negative, but this does not
cultivate positive – devotion to Kṛṣṇa.) Meditation means stopping all
nonsensical activities, at least for the time being.
o Devotional service, however, not only puts an end to all nonsensical mundane
activities, but also engages one in meaningful devotional activities.
BP: Teacher to gurukula student: stop doing this. Negative is stopped,
but positive can be done by engaging him in reading some good book,
etc.
CCP: Nonsense activities - -ve X axis. Meditation: Zero. Bhakti:
positive X axis.
o (CCP: When Prahlada was asked what bhakti is, he also mentions activities.
Except śravaṇaṁ all are active, only śravaṇaṁ is passive.) The nine processes
of devotional service are as follows:
1. hearing the name and glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
2. chanting His glories
3. remembering the Lord
4. serving the Lord's feet
5. worshiping the Deity
6. offering obeisances unto the Lord
7. acting as the Lord's servant
8. making friends with the Lord
9. surrendering oneself fully to the Lord
o BP: One has to do them, but he can’t do it whimsically because he will make
so many blunders. It will be as bad as an uneducated person trying to teach
himself.
o Para 3 - And which of these activities are first?
BP: So Prabhupāda explains how to learn. Arjuna had so many good
reasons to not fight. But he was confused, so he surrendered to his guru
Kṛṣṇa.
Śravaṇaṁ, or hearing, is the first step in acquiring transcendental
knowledge. One should not give aural reception to unauthorized
persons, but should approach the proper person.
E.g. Bali Maharaja
Sastric Support: BG 4.34 (tad vidhi …) – humility, service and
inquiry.
Para 4 - from whom to hear?
Mundaka Upaniṣads (tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evabhigacchet
MU 1.2:12)
This method of submissively receiving transcendental
confidential knowledge is not merely based on mental
speculation.
CC Madhya 19.151 (brahmanda bhramite…).
The living entities are wandering throughout the material
universe. When by good fortune one comes in contact with a
pure devotee and hears from him patiently, one begins to
follow the path of devotional service.
o BACE: How many souls are in body? Uncountable.
Consider how many might be in 14-planetary system of
world. How fortunate are we, Lord Caitanya appeared
just 500 years ago.
BACE: Reporter: Do you feel liberated? Prabhupāda: If I eat a
samosa, how do you what I am feeling, unless you also eat?
The proof of pudding is in eating.
BACE: Prabhupāda: How do you know Kṛṣṇa is Supreme
Personality of Godhead? Gurudas Prabhu: Because you say so.
Prabhupāda: Anyone can say anything; I am just an old man.
Gurudas Prabhu: Because you feel the ecstasy when you serve
Kṛṣṇa. Prabhupāda: Yes. So bhakti is not just a theoretical
proposition, it is experienced practically.
BACE: BG says it is performed blissfully – rajvidya
rajguhyam…. If we follow instructions of Sri Upadeśāmrita
we’ll experience the bliss. Because we are going from śraddhā
to prema. Straight to Rādhā Kunda.
BACE: If it so simple, the price must be high? It must be for
very exceptional people. An automatic washing machine with
all functions must be costly? Devotees: What was our
qualification? Prabhupāda: I created your qualification. So guru
creates the qualification and Kṛṣṇa preserves what a devotee
has and supplies what he lacks. E.g. Parīkṣit Maharaja.
Purpose of ISKCON: (who can perform bhakti?) Such an
opportunity is offered to a person who is sincere. (Where to
perform bhakti?) The International Society for Krishna
Consciousness is giving such a chance to humanity at large.
(Why perform bhakti?) If by fortune one takes advantage of
this opportunity to engage in devotional service, the path of
liberation immediately opens.
o BACE: Sincerity means eagerness to perform without
duplicity. A sannyasa fell and was shy to meet
Prabhupāda. I thought you would reject me as Lord
Caitanya rejected Chhota Haridasa. With tears in his
eyes Prabhupāda said I’m not Caitanya Mahāprabhu. I
need sincere souls like you to preach. Please continue
practicing. If one is sincere he can continue practicing
even after a fall down. There is no loss or diminution.
o BP: If one doesn’t find time to hear, soon he’ll have no
time for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
o BP: If preaching doesn’t go on in ISKCON, the whole
institution becomes rubbish. There is no proper
preaching without proper śravaṇaṁ.
o BP: This is abhideya jnana by the mercy of Rupa
Gosvāmī.
o BP: Parrot has two qualities – it can repeat without
understanding and also by touch of its beak the fruit
becomes sweeter. We should take 2nd quality – the fruit
becomes sweeter by realization. SB became sweeter
because Śukadeva Gosvāmī spoke by realization and
not simply like parrot.
BACE: Sampradāya vihina mantra… In Kaliyuga patients are
so unfortunate that the doctor locks his clinic and goes out
giving prescriptions and medicines. And doctor instructs his
assistants / apprentices to do the same.
(Para 5-7) Enthusiasm (Utsāhān)
o (Para 5) One should accept this opportunity to return home, back to Godhead,
very enthusiastically. Without enthusiasm, one cannot be successful.
BP: enthusiastically means with great eagerness.
BACE: Charlie Chaplin example. Enthusiasm is contagious.
BACE: Śrīla Prabhupāda’s travelling at 70 yrs. was enthusiasm. He
was always enthusiastic – whether following Gandhi or his guru
maharaja.
o Even in the material world one has to be very enthusiastic in his particular
field of activity in order to become successful.
o Enthusiasm means action, but action for whom? One should always act
for Kṛṣṇa — kṛṣṇārthākhila-ceṣṭā (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu).
BP: Where does enthusiasm for a devotee comes from? Nalakuvera
and Manigriva were bathing in Ganges but were not purified, because
they didn’t had attitude. The enthusiasm comes from sense of pleasure.
For devotee the pleasure comes from service. We are predominated
enjoyer, not predominant enjoyer.
o (Para 6 - Very practical course of enthusiasm) In all phases of life one has to
perform devotional activities under the direction of the spiritual master in
order to attain perfection in bhakti-yoga.
BP: This is the essential principle which will make the rest of the page
makes sense.
Under the direction of the bona fide spiritual master, one has to
make everything favorable for Kṛṣṇa's service. For example, at
present we are using a dictaphone. The materialist who invented this
machine intended it for businessmen or writers of mundane subject
matters. He certainly never thought of using the dictaphone in God's
service, but we are using this dictaphone to write Kṛṣṇa conscious
literature.
Of course, the manufacture of the dictaphone is wholly within the
energy of Kṛṣṇa. All the parts of the instrument, including the
electronic functions, are made from different combinations and
interactions of the five basic types of material energy—namely, bhūmi,
jala, agni, vāyu and ākāśa. The inventor used his brain to make this
complicated machine, and his brain, as well as the ingredients, were
supplied by Kṛṣṇa. According to the statement of Kṛṣṇa, mat-sthāni
sarva-bhūtāni: [Bg. 9.4] "Everything is depending on My energy."
Thus the devotee can understand that since nothing is independent of
Kṛṣṇa's energy, everything should be dovetailed in His service.
o Para 7 – (excellent summary definition of enthusiasm):
Endeavor executed with intelligence in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is
called utsāha, or enthusiasm.
CCD: Enthusiasm is no replacement for competence. If you do
not cooking, you should have intelligence to at least ask
someone who knows. Enthusiasm is exhibited by sustained
commitment.
The devotees find the correct means by which everything can be
utilized in the service of the Lord (nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe
yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate).
CCD: Enthusiasm can also be shown by using more and more
ways to serve. E.g. lecturing on internet. It is shown by our
creativity.
BP:
o Yukta vairagya was a great gift of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Sarasvatī Thakura. Without utilizing everything it the
whole world cannot be made Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
o But, while using everything in Kṛṣṇa’s service,
guidance of spiritual master is necessary. Devotees were
using rock n roll to promote chanting, but they were
falling down due to this. Prabhupāda stopped them, yes
I want to use everything in Kṛṣṇa’s service, but not in
this way.
BACE:
o Prabhupāda stayed in a 5-star hotel. Reporter: Isn’t it
hypocritical? Prabhupāda: Since we are Kṛṣṇa’s
children, and this hotel belongs to Kṛṣṇa, we can use it
in Kṛṣṇa’s service. Not seeing the reporter being
satisfied he said, I can stay under tree but no one will
come for my press conference.
o Members from Rādhā Damodara Bus Party came – “We
are so enthusiastic that BBT can’t provide as much as
we are distributing. We’ve defeated them.” Prabhupāda:
I’ve defeated both of you. They are publishing 4th canto
and I am on 7th canto.
o Enthusiasm is closely related to tat-tat-pravartanāt. If
you do not follow regulative principles, your
enthusiasm will dip gradually.
The execution of devotional service is not a matter of idle
meditation but practical action in the foreground of spiritual life.
BACE: Enthusiasm is life of faith. Without enthusiasm faith has no
meaning. There are many believers of God, but not many enthusiastic.
Patience & Confidence (Dhairyāt & Niścayād) Para 8
o (BP: Balance mode of passion, be enthusiastic, but not impatient.) These
activities must be executed with patience.
o One should not be impatient in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Indeed, this Kṛṣṇa
consciousness movement was started single-handedly, and in the beginning
there was no response, but because we continued to execute our devotional
activities with patience, people gradually began to understand the importance
of this movement, and now they are eagerly participating.
BACE:
Prabhupāda waited 11 yrs. for initiation. Many devotees get
restless after 3 yrs. Devotees become restless – I am doing so
much austerity and sadhana, still those thoughts coming.
Prabhupāda single headedly did writing, publishing, cooking,
distributing, etc. Result – no disciple.
He had complete plan ready for League of Devotees – but that
also failed. Prabhupāda had vision – bhakti Sastri, he wrote
Bhagavad Gita commentary when he was a grhastha. He told
his god brothers – this mission will spread beyond India. He
told New York bus conductor – I’ve temple, books, etc. Swami
Ji I can’t see that.
Real vision is to see the invisible, feel the intangible and
achieve the impossible. Even Juhu land so many problem.
“Don’t you want to get purified?”
o (1) One should not be impatient in discharging devotional service, but (2)
should take instructions from the spiritual master and execute them with
patience, (3) depending on the mercy of guru and Kṛṣṇa.
In CC Mukunda – Lord Caitanya will see after so many
millions of years. He was ecstatic.
o The successful execution of Kṛṣṇa conscious activities requires both patience
and confidence.
BP: Confidence is essential for enthusiasm and patience.
BACE: In early years, one has lot of enthusiasm. But in later years,
confidence carries a devotee. Confidence that the process works. Fuel
of enthusiasm will run out if there is no confidence. For running a car
we need both fuel and coolant. Enthusiasm is fuel and confidence is
the coolant. Doubt comes when there is no confidence. And doubting
person can’t find success in this world or next.
o A newly married girl naturally expects offspring from her husband, but she
cannot expect to have them immediately after marriage. Of course, as soon as
she is married she can attempt to get a child, but she must surrender to her
husband, confident that her child will develop and be born in due time.
o Similarly, in devotional service surrender means that one has to become
confident.
o Definition: The devotee thinks, avaśya rakṣibe kṛṣṇa: "Kṛṣṇa will surely
protect me and give me help for the successful execution of devotional
service." This is called confidence.
CCD: The confidence being talked about here is faith that this process
of bhakti will take me to Kṛṣṇa.
BP: Ref saranagati song by Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
BACE: Bhakti is the only way. In a LA meeting Śrīla Prabhupāda
asked sannyasis – how many are you convinced that Kṛṣṇa is the
Supreme Personality of Godhead? No one replied. No one was
convinced. You must be convinced to preach. I can preach because I
am convinced.
o Para 12: The cultivation of knowledge by philosophical speculation, the
collection of mundane opulence by the advancement of fruitive activities, and
the desire for yoga-siddhis, material perfections, are all contrary to the
principles of devotional service. One has to become thoroughly callous to such
non-permanent activities and turn his intention instead to the regulative
principles of devotional service. BG 2.69 – ya nisa …..pasyato muneh.
BP: Till para 11 Prabhupāda was telling what to cultivate, now Śrīla
Sarasvatī Thakura will tell what not to cultivate.
HPS: Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta is emphasizing acquisition of Yoga-
siddhis, mystical powers, as a real danger in Atyāhāra. Nowadays,
people don't have that temptation. Nowadays we are tempted by
hamburgers and milkshakes, but at the time of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Sarasvatī people really performed Hatha-yoga and had mystical
powers. In India, even to this day and rarely other places some people
do have to be careful of this aspect of Atyāhāra, acquiring too many
mystical powers.
o BACE: Division of confidence: Perfection, Protection, Profit, Powerful,
Productive, Pure.
o Para 13: Engagement in the devotional service of the Lord is the life and
soul of the living entity. It is the desired goal and supreme perfection of
human life. One has to become confident about this, and one also has to be
confident that all activities other than devotional service—such as mental
speculation, fruitive work or mystic endeavor—will never yield any enduring
benefit. Complete confidence in the path of devotional service will enable one
to attain his desired goal, but attempting to follow other paths will only
succeed in making one restless. In the Seventh Canto of the Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam it is stated: “One must be calmly convinced that those who have
given up devotional service to engage in severe austerities for other purposes
are not purified in their minds, despite their advanced austerities, because they
have no information of the transcendental loving service of the Lord.”
BACE: One has to be fixed in and confident of sambandha gyana.
Who am I? What is my relationship with Kṛṣṇa? We have to be
confident that we are servant of Kṛṣṇa. Then we would be able to
execute the process of abhideya. The faith in prayojana will develop
only when executes the process of abhideya. E.g. Dhruva Maharaja
didn’t know what he is going to get. But he had confidence in
sambandha with Lord and the abhideya process given by Nārada Muni
that he got prayojana. Life of soul in bhakti. Anything else is like
decoration of dead body.
HPS: This is not found in canto 7. But definitely in 10.2.32-33. May
be transcribing error. Sraddha sabde … One does not need any other
process. The process is perfect.
HPS: You read the Purports to the bone. That's what Śrīla Prabhupāda
suggested
o Para 14: It is further stated in the Seventh Canto: “Although mental
speculators and fruitive actors may perform great austerities and penances,
they still fall down because they do not have information about the lotus feet
of the Lord.” The devotees of the Lord, however, never fall down. In
Bhagavad-gītā (9.31), the Supreme Personality of Godhead assures Arjuna,
kaunteya pratijanati na me bhaktya pranasyati: “O son of Kunti, declare it
boldly that My devotee never perishes.”
o Para 15: BG 2.40 “In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little
advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of
fear.”
BACE: Protection – kaunteya pratijanati ... One cannot believe sarva
dharman … because Kṛṣṇa sometimes breaks His promises, but if
devotee promises, I do no break it.
BACE: Prahlada Maharaja was not thinking if this time Kṛṣṇa does
not come, I’ll give up. Ambarisa Maharaja didn’t move when fire
demon attack – if I am to be killed, this demon will kill me and if I’m
to be saved, this demon will not kill me.
BACE: A failure in bhakti is successful in material life – takes birth in
house of rich or Vaiṣṇava family. Prabhupāda – many of my disciples
will enter heavenly planets as not all of them are doing with pure
intentions. Another example – Ajamila, Maharaja Parīkṣit, Gajendra,
Citraketu (Vrtrasura).
BP: The idea is to give is confidence that this is the only thing worth
achieving.
o Para 16: Devotional service is so pure and perfect that once having begun,
one is forcibly dragged to ultimate success.
BACE: Prabhupāda was dragged by his friend to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Sarasvatī Thakura. Prabhupāda thought I’ll do business and support the
movement by monetary means. But this was not desire of Kṛṣṇa so his
business collapsed. Instead his guru came into his dreams and forced
his into sannyasa. Sometimes Kṛṣṇa arranges a difficult situation so
that the devotee surrenders. More examples: Ajamila, Gajendra.
CCP: How are we dragged? (1) After fall down we engage in material
pleasures, but we will no pleasure in it as compared bhakti and hence
we are attracted again. (2) Kṛṣṇa doesn’t let us go because He loves us.
He doesn’t want to miss us. So He does anything and everything so
that we come back. He will not interfere with our free will but will
give us more and more facility to come back. This is the protection of
Lord.
o Sometimes a person will give up his ordinary material engagements and out of
sentiment take shelter of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord and thus begin the
preliminary execution of devotional service. Even if such an immature devotee
falls down, there is no loss on his part. On the other hand, what is the gain of
one who executes the prescribed duties according to his varṇa and āśrama but
does not take to devotional service? Although a fallen devotee may take his
next birth in a low family, his devotional service will nonetheless resume from
where it left off.
BACE: Bhakti is like resume button on MP3 player. It starts from
wherever you left.
o (Bhakti is Powerful) Devotional service is ahaituky apratihatā; it is not the
effect of any mundane cause, nor can it be terminated by any mundane cause
or permanently curtailed by any material interruption. Therefore a devotee
should be confident about his engagement and should not be very interested in
the activities of the karmīs, jñānīs and yogīs.
BACE: E.g. Haridasa Thakura, Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja, Wives
of brahmanas.
BP: Hold tightly to whatever advancement you have made.
o Para 17: Productive: There are certainly many good qualities among fruitive
actors, philosophical speculators and mystic yogīs, but all good qualities
automatically develop in the character of a devotee. No extraneous endeavor is
needed.
BACE: E.g. Mrgari. A person came to Sanatana Goswami for
chintamani – it is garbage, so what more valuable have?
BP: Prabhupāda is making us firmly stay on path of bhakti.
o Pure - Because a devotee is not interested in any material activity, he does not
become materially contaminated. He is immediately situated on the platform
of transcendental life.
BACE: BG – apicet sudarocoro. Pujari at Rādhāraman – may you
preach in this life and born in Vrndavana in next life. Prabhupāda – tell
him that may he be born as preacher in ISKCON. If a dirty many is
taking bath, it is not good to tell ‘O you are dirty’. E.g. Ratnaranjini
Mataji and Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja – both realized that the process
works.
Para 9 – tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt (acting according to the regulative
principles):
o HPS: Śrīla Prabhupāda puts the 4-principles and 16-rounds right on the table.
If we don't follow these our progress will be checked
o One should not be idle but should be very enthusiastic about executing the
regulative principles.
o Neglect of the regulative principles will destroy devotional service.
CCP: Dilute (don’t chant so much, chant a little), contaminate
(worship demigods) and perverse (worship a god man). So masses are
opium of religion. Masses make religion passive and destroy religion.
o In this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement there are four basic regulative
principles, forbidding illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication.
o If he becomes slack in following any of them, his progress will certainly be
checked.
BP: By following rules and regulations one gets knowledge and
detachment. But it is not that after getting knowledge and detachment,
one stops following the rules and regulations. Rather the purpose for
following them changes. Instead of following them to gain something,
one follows them to set a good example for others. If one rejects
prescribed duties without proper knowledge, the result is worse. E.g.
hippies. This is the main message of the 3rd chapter of BG.
BP: This is sadhana bhakti. Sadhana means practice, sādhya means
goal. Here abhideya tattva is being discussed – the practices that bring
out our Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Kṛtī sādhya bhavet sadhya sadhana
bhida. In CC the actual definition of sadhana bhakti is defined – When
transcendental devotional service, by which love for Kṛṣṇa is attained,
is executed by senses it is called sadhana bhakti.
BP: One should not question the rules and regulations and soon some
raga arises. Gradually that spontaneity increases in association. This is
goal of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement – that we become lovers of
Kṛṣṇa.
o In addition to these four prohibitions (yama), there are positive regulative
principles (niyama), such as the daily chanting of sixteen rounds on japa-mälä
beads.
BP: If one breaks 4 regulative principles, no one can help him make
advance.
o Varied engagement in devotional service.
BACE: Bhakti has so many varieties of activities. One can pick
anyone.
BACE: If we are senior it is not that we are exempted from rules. E.g.
Bharata Maharaja. Fall down is not sudden – it is a step by step
process.
In Kumbha Mela senior disciples were not waking in morning,
so to set example Prabhupāda himself woke so early and took
cold water bath.
Devotees: Disciples want to take your association to become
rejuvenated. Prabhupāda: Are they performing 16 rounds and 4
regulative principles? If no what is the meaning of association.
Para 10 – sanga tyagat (abandoning the association of nondevotees): In order to
be successful in devotional service one must give up the association of undesirable
people - karmīs, jñānīs, yogīs and other nondevotees. Once Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu
was asked by one of His householder devotees about the general principles of
Vaiṣṇavism, as well as the general routine activities of the Vaiṣṇava, - asat-saṅga-
tyāga,—ei vaiṣṇava-ācāra: [Cc. Madhya 22.87]. One has to live in the company of
pure devotees and execute the regulative principles laid down by the
previous ācāryas, the six Gosvāmīs. If one lives in the association of devotees, there
is little chance of associating with nondevotees.
o CCD: Śrīla Rupa Goswami repeats this principle twice – once in text 2 and
then in text 3. Shows its importance.
o CCD: Why with all positive points a negative point is brought about? It is
such a cardinal principle, that just by doing this negative desires will go out
and desire to do positive things will arise. This is not such as looking down the
materialist – “I am pure, you are impure.” This is based on simple principle of
spiritual health. I’m trying to recover and if someone is infected I’ve to protect
myself. We should not look now materialists. This is just a caution. Looking
down is fastest method to alienate people.
o CCD: 3 types of association – devotional, non-devotional, anti-devotional. In
an association when our faith is constantly been attacked, it is anti-devotional.
We should avoid it by devotional association.
o CCD: Circles of association – closest, close, formal, people with friction.
o CCD: Devotees represent Kṛṣṇa to society. By our good or bad behaviour we
can attract or repel them from Kṛṣṇa.
o CCD: In professional and otherwise life, how can I avoid non-devotee
association? Don’t get involved in their joys and sorrows. Be only functional
and as much as required. Association don’t happen by physical proximity, it
happens by exchange of emotions.
Purpose of ISKCON: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is
opening many centres just to invite people to live in the company of devotees and
practice the regulative principles of spiritual life.
o BACE: If you on a ship, your goal is to travel pass the association, all people
in ship may not be to your liking. Trnad api sunicena, taror eva sahisnuna,
amanina maan dena, kirtaniya sada hari.
o BP: Basic principle of Vaiṣṇavism is not intimately associating with non-
devotees because devotees don’t want to catch their desires. Even one moment
of association of pure devotee is sufficient to plant that desire for service in us.
E.g. sneezing. Essence of a serious vaisnava’s behaviour is giving up
association of non-devotees.
Para 11 sato vrtti (following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas): Devotional
service means transcendental activities. On the transcendental platform there is no
contamination by the three modes of material nature. This is called viśuddha-sattva.
We require everyone to rise early in the morning, by four A.M. and attend maṅgala-
ārati, read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, perform kīrtana, and so forth. Thus we hold
continuous activities in devotional service twenty-four hours daily. This is called sato
vṛtti, or following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas who expertly filled every
moment of time with Kṛṣṇa conscious activities.
o CCD: Guru is one who knows the way, shows the way and follows the way.
o HPS: Śrīla Prabhupāda takes the time to list the names of the Six Goswamis
again like in the Preface. He seems to enjoy this very profoundly.
o HPS: THE FIFTH REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE - "We require everyone to
rise early..." This is one of the most important phrases in the NOI. Śrīla
Prabhupāda commented that the only excuse for not coming to maṅgala-ārati
is an inability to crawl. Kṛṣṇa will always reward us for coming to Mangala-
arati. In the Kṛṣṇa book it explains that Kṛṣṇa stopped the Rasa-lila when
Mangala-arati time came. Also, He was sleeping peacefully embraced by
Srimati Rukmini Devi, but still He got up for Mangala-arati.
o HPS: Śrīla Prabhupāda lists Mangala-arati, Kirtana, reading Srimad
Bhagavatam and so forth. So we take this as the basic morning program.
Recitation of ten-offences to the Holy Names, Siksastakam, Tulasi prayers,
Guru-puja kīrtana we take as very nice but optional depending on your other
service; but up and Mangala-arati, Kirtana, 1-1/2 hours before sunrise, japa
and 1-hour class we take as really essential if we want to chant our rounds
properly, follow the four regulative principles strictly.
o HPS: The NOI is a guide book, a manual, for practically engaging our senses
(and our mind and intelligence) in the service of Hrisikesa.
Para 18 - Summary: Since all the devotees of the Lord are under the protection of
His supreme potency, they should not deviate from the path of devotional service and
take to the path of the karmī, jñānī or yogi. This is called utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt
tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt, enthusiastically executing the regulative activities of
devotional service with patience and confidence. In this way one can advance in
devotional service without hindrance.
o BP: Although the negative – sanga tyagat is not mentioned, that alone is
powerful enough to spoil everything.
Enthu Patience Faith Pure goodness
Enthu Patience Goodness
Enthu No Patience Passion
Enthu No Patience No faith Ignorance
Lesson Five (Text Three– first half) and Six (Text Three– second half)
1. Why is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness opening centres?
2. Why does Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Thakura say that "cultivation of knowledge by
philosophical speculation, the collection of mundane opulence by the advancement of fruitive
activities, and the desire for yoga-siddhis, material perfections, are all contrary to the
principles of devotional service"?
3. What is the value of attending the morning programme in ISKCON?
Q.1. What are the six principles favorable for the execution of pure devotional service?
Ans. The six principles favorable for the execution of pure devotional service are:
(i) Being enthusiastic
(ii) Endeavoring with confidence
(iii) Being patient
(iv) Acting according to regulative principles (such as hearing, chanting and remembering
Lord Krishna)
(v) Abandoning the association of nondevotees
(vi) Following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas.
The above six principles undoubtedly assure the complete success of pure devotional service.
Q.2. What is not devotional service?
Ans. (i) Sentimental speculation or imaginative ecstasy
(i) Sitting down idly for meditation (like pseudo – yogis teach)
Q.3. What devotional service actually mean?
Ans. (i) It’s a practical activity (sarva upadhi vinirmuktam……bhaktir uchate)
(ii) It is cultivation – requires actually doing positive things not idly sitting & meditating
(iii) Ends up all nonsensical activities and engages one in meaningful devotional service
Q.4. What is uttama bhakti or pure devotional service?
Ans. Uttama bhakti or unalloyed devotion unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri
Krishna, involves the rendering of devotional service in a way that is favorable to the Lord.
This devotional service should be free from any extraneous motive and devoid of fruitive
karma, impersonal jnana and all other selfish desires.
Q.5. What is effect of performing pure devotional service?
Ans. Performance of pure devotional service puts an end to all nonsensical mundane
activities. It also engages one in meaningful devotional activities.
Q.6. What are the nine process of devotional service?
Ans. The nine processes of devotional service are as follows:
(i) hearing the name and glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (śravaṇaṁ)
(ii) chanting His glories (kīrtanaṁ)
(iii) remembering the Lord (smaraṇaṁ)
(iv) serving the Lord’s feet (pada sevanam)
(v) worshiping the Deity (arcanaṁ)
(vi) offering obeisance unto the Lord (vandanaṁ)
(vii) acting as the Lord’s servant (dāsyaṁ)
(viii) making friends with the Lord (sakhyam)
(ix) surrendering oneself fully to the Lord (ātma-nivedanam)
Q.7. What is śravaṇaṁ or hearing? Elucidate the recommendations of scriptures.
Ans. Śravaṇaṁ or hearing is the process of aural reception. It is the first step in acquiring the
transcendental knowledge. One should be very careful about the source from whom he is
hearing.
One should not give aural reception to unauthorized persons, but should approach the proper
person, as recommended in Bhagavad-Gita (4.34).
tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam jnaninas tattva-darsinah
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively
and render service unto him. The self-realized should can impart knowledge unto you
because he has seen the truth.
Mundaka Upaniṣads recommends – tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evabhigacchet – to
understand that transcendental science, one must approach a bona fide spiritual master.
The method of submissively receiving the transcendental confidential knowledge is
confirmed in Caitanya Caritamrta (Madhya 19.151) as -
brahmanda bhramite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru-krishna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija
In the course of traversing the universal creation of Brahma, some fortunate should may
receive the seed of bhakti-lata, the creeper of devotional service. This is all by the grace of
guru and Krishna
Q.8. For living entities this material world is like what?
Ans. For living entities, this material world is like a place of confinement. Living entities are
anandamaya - pleasure seeking by nature therefore, this place of misery – the material world
– is like a prison for them and they actually wants to be free from this confinement which is a
place of conditional happiness.
Q.9. How the living entities are wandering throughout the material universe?
Ans. Confined in this material universe the living entities are wandering throughout by the
process of transmigration from species of life to another and from one planet to another.
Q.10. How the path of liberation for the living entities actually opens?
Ans. When by good fortune the living entity comes in contact with a pure devotee, patiently
hears from him, begins to follow the path of devotional service (opportunity for which is
provided at ISKCON) and actually engages in the worship of the Lord, then the path for
liberation actually opens.
Q.11. Explain the concept of utsāha (enthusiasm)? Explain its significance.
Ans. Endeavor executed with intelligence in Krishna consciousness is called utsāha or
enthusiasm. It is a strong feeling of excitement and interest for executing activities related to
Krishna consciousness by becoming actually involved in it. It means action for Krishna
(Kṛṣṇarthakhila-cesta) and one should never lose opportunities to discharge service related to
awakening of Krishna consciousness. Enthusiasm is essential for attaining success in any
activity – spiritual or material.
Q.12. How one should perform devotional service to attain perfection?
Ans. In order to attain perfection in bhakti-yoga one should perform devotional service under
the direction of the spiritual master. Under his direction, one has to make everything
favorable for Krishna’s service, even things like Dictaphone which was initially invented for
materialistic. As everything is dependent on Krishna’s energy, everything should be utilized
for His service and pleasure (nirbandhaḥ Krishna sambandhe yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate).
Q.13. What is the requirement for successful execution of Krishna consciousness?
Ans. The successful execution of Krishna consciousness requires both patience and
confidence. Because it depends on the mercy of guru and Krishna therefore one should
execute devotional service patiently under the guidance and instructions of the spiritual
Master. Once a devotee is situated on the path of devotional service, the attainment of
perfection is guaranteed – it requires only patience and confidence.
Example is given of a newly married girl who desires a child from her husband. It is not
possible immediately after the marriage is over, however, as soon as the marriage is over, she
can attempt to get a child, but she must surrender her husband and should be confident that
her child will develop and be born in due course.
One should give-up the association of undesired people which included karmīs, jñānīs, yogis
and other nondevotees.
Q.14. What does surrender mean in devotional service?
Ans. In devotional service, surrender means that one has to become confident. The devotees
thinks, avaśya rakṣibe Kṛṣṇa, Krishna will surely protect me and give me help for the
successful execution of devotional service.
Q.15. What is confidence in Krishna consciousness?
Ans. Avaśya rakṣibe Krishna, Krishna will surely protect me and give me help for the
successful execution of devotional service, this is called confidence in Krishna
consciousness.
Q.16. What is concept of tat tat karma pravartanāt in Krishna consciousness?
Ans. tat tat karma pravartana, in Krishna consciousness means following the regulative
principles with determination and sincerity. Neglecting the regulative principles will destroy
devotional service.
Q.17. What are the yamas (prohibitions) in Krishna consciousness movement?
Ans. The following four yamas (prohibitions) are prescribed in KC movement
(i) No illicit sex (ii) No meat-eating (iii) No gambling & (iv) No intoxication
Q.18. What are the niyamas (positive regulative principles) in KC?
Ans. (i) Chanting minimum 16 rounds daily on japa-mala
(ii) Associating with devotees
(iii) Studying scriptures (Prabhupāda’s books)
(iv) Eating only Prasad
Q.19. What is the general principle of Vaiṣṇavism its general routine activities?
Ans. This was a question which was asked to Lord Sri Caitanya when He replied, asat-sanga-
tyaga –ei vaiṣṇava-ācāra – to give-up association of worldly people is the general principle
and the routine activities are tandera caran sevi – service to devotees and bhakta sane vasa –
association with devotees i.e. to live in the company of the devotees and chant the holy name
of the Lord.
Q.20. What is viśuddha-sattva?
Ans. Visuddha-sattava is the platform of pure goodness which is completely free from all
material contaminations by the qualities of passion, goodness and ignorance.
Q.21. What is sato-vrtti?
Ans. Association with devotees who very expertly fill every moment with Krishna conscious
activity is called sato-vrtti. ISKCON is the organization which has 24 hours continuous
program for devotional service therefore association of devotees in ISKCON is sato-vrtti.
Q.22. Describe the factors that are contrary to devotional service according to Śrīla
Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Thakura?
Ans. (i) cultivation of knowledge by philosophical speculation
(ii) collection of mundane opulence by the advancement of fruitive activities
(iii) the desire for yoga-siddhis
(iv) material perfection
All the above items are contrary to devotional service according to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Sarasvatī Thakura.
Q.23. What is supreme perfection and desired goal of human life? How to attain this?
Ans. Engagement in the devotional service of the Lord is the life and soul of the living entity
and it is the desired goal and supreme perfection of human life. One has to become confident
about this, and one also has to be confident that all activities other than devotional service –
such as mental speculation, fruitive work or mystic endeavor – will never yield any enduring
benefit.
Complete confidence in the path of devotional service will enable one to attain this desired
goal, but attempting to follow other paths will only succeed in making one restless.
Q.24. Why the mental speculator and fruitive actors will fall down?
Ans. Mental speculators and fruitive actors have no information about the lotus feet of the
Lord because of which they fall down. But the devotees of the Lord never fall down
(kaunteya pratijanihi no me bhaktah pranasyati) (nehabhikrama-naso asti pratyavayo no
vidyate svalpam apy asya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat).
Q. 25 Fill in the blanks
1. Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation or imaginative ecstasy.
Its substance is ___________.
2. Endeavor executed with intelligence in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness is called utsāha, or
_________. One should take instructions from ______ __________________
_____________ and execute them with _______________ depending on the mercy of
guru and Kṛṣṇa. The successful execution of Kṛṣṇa Conscious activities require both
_____________ and _______________.
3. Surrender means one has to become ____________________.
4. Tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt means _____________ ______________ ____
___________ __________.
5. Uttama bhakti involves the rendering of devotional service in a way that is
__________ ___ _____ __________. This devotional service should be free from any
___________ ____________ and devoid of ______________ ___________,
_____________ ________ ______ _____ ______ _________ ________________.
6. In this Kṛṣṇa Consciousness movement we require everyone to rise early in the
morning, by four a.m., and attend Mangala Arati, or morning worship, then read
Srimad Bhagavatam, perform Kirtana and so forth. Thus we hold continuous activities
in devotional service twenty-four hours a day. This is called ___________________,
or following in the footsteps of the previous ācāryas.
7. Devotional service is so pure and perfect that once having begun, _____ _____
________________ _________________ ____ _______________
_______________.
Q. 26 Describe the importance of associating with devotees and avoiding the association of
non-devotees in the practice of devotional service, with reference to Sri Upadesamrita Texts 2
and 3, verses and purport. (Open Book)
Q. 27 Discuss the challenges you are facing in developing enthusiasm and confidence in your
practice of devotional service. What steps are you taking to overcome these challenges? Give
appropriate reference Sri Upadesamrita Text 3 in your response. (Open Book)
Text 4-6 Sādhu-Saṇgaḥ
In NOI Texts 1-3 we discussed Sense Control. In Texts 4-6 we will discuss Association. This
is a great science. We have also read up to ISO 6, that informed us about the Maha-bhagavata
and NOI will discuss the same thing. Let's see the comparisons and contrasts of Śrīla
Prabhupāda's ideas.
Text 4 talks about the general process of association, even amongst business men.
Text 5 discusses how to apply the general principles from Text 4 to three different levels of
devotees.
Text 6 discusses in detail association with the Uttama-adhikari, highest devotee.
Text 4-6 resonate with ISOPANISAD Mantra 7-11.
Text 4 - Six Loving Exchanges
dadāti pratigṛhṇāti
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati
bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva
ṣaḍ-vidhaṁ prīti-lakṣaṇam
Translation: “Offering gifts in charity, accepting charitable gifts, revealing one's mind in
confidence, inquiring confidentially, accepting prasāda and offering prasāda are the six
symptoms of love shared by one devotee and another.”
Connection: In previous lessons we mentioned that one’s desires and ambitions develop
according to the company one keeps – sangat sanjayate kamah. Therefore, if we want to
progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we have to associate with devotees. Text 4 explains what
association consists of. It also begins to explain how one should associate with devotees.
Further instructions on how to associate with different types of devotees are found in texts 5
and 6.
Explanation
BP: 2nd and 3rd verse talk about sanga tyagat and jana sanga. But we are social beings, if we
don’t know how to associate with devotees, we’ll be forced to associate with non-devotees.
Here is the explanation – how to sweetly and affectionately associate with devotees. This is
most basic and essential in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
BACE: Association is required. E.g. of Bharata Maharaja. He didn’t had association fell
down deer associated with sadhus Jada Bharata avoided bad association.
BG’s principle of association – 2.62 – sangat sanjayate… Wherever these 6 items are present,
it is association. Upadeśāmrita is collection of general principles given in various śāstras.
You can give same 6 principles to a businessman to advance.
(Para 1)
In this verse Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī explains how to perform devotional activities in the
association of other devotees.
(1) giving charity to the devotees,
(2) accepting from the devotees whatever they may offer in return,
(3) opening one's mind to the devotees,
(4) inquiring from them about the confidential service of the Lord,
o An experienced devotee explains, and an inexperienced devotee learns from
him. This is guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati.
(5) honouring prasāda, or spiritual food, given by the devotees, and
o When a devotee distributes prasāda, remnants of food offered to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, in order to maintain our spirit of devotional service
we must accept this prasāda as the Lord's grace received through the pure
devotees.
(6) feeding the devotees with prasāda.
o We should also invite pure devotees to our home, offer them prasāda and be
prepared to please them in all respects. This is called bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva.
(Para 2)
Even in ordinary social activities, these six types of dealings between two loving
friends are absolutely necessary.
o When one businessman wishes to contact another businessman he arranges a
feast in a hotel (5, 6), and over the feast openly expresses what he wishes to do
(3). He then inquires from his business friend how he should act (4), and
sometimes presents are exchanged (1, 2).
o BACE: Even though we may nicely practice KC alone, we’ll not be happy, as
we’ll not be able to share it.
o BACE: The 6 dealings should be with priti, else it will not give satisfaction.
Wherever there is priti, these 6 dealings will happen automatically. They are
spontaneous, not mechanical.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has been established to facilitate
these six kinds of loving exchanges between devotees.
o BACE: You lovingly offer food to deity and deity lovingly returns it as mahā
prasāda. E.g. Gopinath and Madhavendra Puri. But when offering food, don’t
accept that this will give me mahā prasāda.
o Because people are coming forward and dealing with the give-and-take policy,
the Society is now expanding all over the world.
BACE: Prabhupāda revealing secret of expansion of ISKCON.
BP: Some devotees left. Prabhupāda said it seems they came to take
something. Devotees: No Prabhupāda. Prabhupāda: But we want them
to take our rules and regulations.
o Pratigṛhṇāti: People are donating very liberally
o Dadāti: People are also eagerly accepting humble contribution in the shape of
books and magazines dealing strictly with the subject matter of Krishna
consciousness.
BACE: Prabhupāda made TKG sit before him and eat more and more
prasāda. TKG thought what is happening. Prabhupāda, “Give me
advance Laxmi for BTG in godown and then distribute it.” TKG
couldn’t refuse because his stomach was full.
BACE: Initially Prabhupāda didn’t gave any rules and regulations, but
only prasāda. Later they felt obliged, “can we help you wash dishes.”
If you want to transform someone’s heart, first give prasāda.
Prabhupāda, “Two things are very important – prasāda and holy name
distribution.”
BACE: In name of preaching don’t forget to associate with peers and
seniors. Keep a balance. E.g. Prabhupāda and Akincana Kṛṣṇa dāsa
Babaji Maharaja.
o Bhuṅkte bhojayate caiva: Hare Krishna festivals and invite life members and
friends to participate in the feasting by accepting prasāda.
CCP: KC is sometimes called kitchen religion. Prasāda is the way KC
enters into lives of many people. Even in early days Prabhupāda would
offer simple apple to visitors. He knew so many recipes from his
mother by observing and asking. He called his disciple Kirtanananda
as kitchenananda. Sudāmā took rice to Kṛṣṇa, didn’t went empty
handed. Lord Caitanya for last eighteen years just stayed at Puri and
exhibited sweet pastimes with devotees.
o Guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati: Sometimes the members and supporters inquire
very confidentially about the methods of performing devotional service, and
we try to explain this.
o The life of the Krishna conscious society is nourished by these six types of
loving exchange among the members.
o Therefore people must be given the chance to associate with the devotees of
ISKCON because simply by reciprocating in the six ways mentioned above an
ordinary man can fully revive his dormant Krishna consciousness.
Bhagavad-gītā (2.62) sańgāt sañjāyate kāmah: one's desires and
ambitions develop according to the company one keeps.
A man is known by his company
HPS: One does not have to go to Prabhupāda’s “Pure devotee God
brothers” (Though he may).
o BP: Until now we were studying how to associate. Following we’ll learn why
to associate.
o Since Krishna consciousness is inherent in every living entity, everyone
should be given a chance to hear about Krishna.
BACE: Morning walk in London. Frozen lake. Prabhupāda
pierced the layer of ice. “So, what is the meaning of this?” KC
is present in everyone. Because of conditioning there is thick
layer of anarthas. Simply apply pressure of KC to awaken
pleasure of KC. Then the natural state of water – liquid will
come up.
BACE: Prabhupāda ate onion garlic in sabji once at a lady’s
house at Delhi. Chastised his disciples why they didn’t inform
her in advance. Later she sponsored 10 day pandal program.
Not to encourage going on invitation and eating onion and
garlic, but to be sensitive if one is serving lovingly.
BP: In Hong Kong an Indian boy and his mother came to meet
Śrīla Prabhupāda. They were vegetarians, but her husband was
meat eater. They expressed desire to cook for Prabhupāda. He
agreed – “it is my duty to accept service.”
o BP: Prabhupāda can do it, but we should not eat where
meat is being cooked and on a higher level we should
eat only where prasāda is available. One gets karma of
place where he eats. One’s mind becomes wicked.
BP: 7 up became bona fide due to Prabhupāda. But, you better
be strict.
BACE: Prabhupāda started life member program so that these
6 loving exchanges continue for life time. It is the duty of
devotees if you receive something – donation – you have to
give something back. Life members must get books.
Prabhupāda took care of Mr Sethi of Juhu – please get a quarter
here, he refused.
o Simply by hearing and chanting — śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ — one's heart is
directly purified, and one's original Krishna consciousness is immediately
awakened.
CCP: Even if audience is not receptive, sincere speaker of Kṛṣṇa
Katha benefits. E.g. Sanjaya.
o Krishna consciousness is not artificially imposed upon the heart, it is already
there.
o When one chants the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the
heart is cleansed of all mundane contamination.
(Para 3)
HPS: Śrīla Prabhupāda continues with this theme that the essence of ISKCON is to
allow people to associate with us by hearing and become purified; and that
distributing the Holy Names is a fine example of ‘dadāti’, giving and receiving gifts.
Not only is the chanter of the mahā-mantra purified, but the heart of anyone who
happens to hear the transcendental vibration of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna
Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is also
cleansed.
Even the souls embodied in lower animals, insects, trees and other species of life also
become purified and prepared to become fully Krishna conscious simply by hearing
the transcendental vibration.
o E.g. Caitanya Mahāprabhu in Jharikhanda forest. We cannot imitate, but
follow.
Contributing or distributing the holy name of the Lord is a sublime example of
contributing or giving charity (the dadāti principle).
By the same token, one must also follow the pratigṛhṇāti principle and be willing and
ready to receive the transcendental gift.
One should inquire about the Krishna consciousness movement and open his mind in
order to understand the situation of this material world. Thus the guhyam ākhyāti
pṛcchati principles can be served.
o BACE: Devotees would come to meet in night. Devotees: We’re going now,
we are disturbing your work. Prabhupāda: It is also my work to talk to you.
Prabhupāda replied to so many letters and all in lot of details.
(Para 4)
HPS: Returns to glorifying ISKCON and introduces the negative injunction of not
sharing these six loving exchanges with the demons.
The members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness invite the
Society's members and supporters to dine with them when they hold love feasts in all
their branches every Sunday.
o BACE: Prabhupāda won’t think small, most ISKCON managers will faint if
they hear his Sunday feast standards.
o BACE: Prabhupāda and disciples went for food invitation. Next day a devotee
slept for long. “I saw you ate 11 puris.” You have to take care of jihvā vegam
as in text 1.
Many interested people come to honor prasāda, and whenever possible they invite
members of the Society to their homes and feed them sumptuously with prasāda. In
this way both the members of the Society and the general public are benefited.
BP: Above section gives essence of ISKCON. ISKCON is based on these 6
principles, not on any managerial structure. These 6 activities should happen in
various forms in ISKCON.
People should give up the company of so-called yogīs, jñānīs, karmīs and
philanthropists because their association can benefit no one.
If one really wants to attain the goal of human life, he should associate with devotees
of the Krishna consciousness movement because it is the only movement that teaches
one how to develop love of God.
Religion is the special function of human society, and it constitutes the distinction
between human society and animal society.
o Animal society has no church, mosque or religious system.
o In all parts of the world, however downtrodden human society may be, there is
some system of religion.
o Even tribal aborigines in the jungles also have a system of religion.
When a religious system develops and turns into love of God, it is successful. (sa vai
pumsah paro dharmo…)
(Para 5)
HPS: A summary
If the members of human society actually want Peace of mind, tranquillity and
friendly relations between men and nations, they must follow the Krishna conscious
system of religion, by which they can develop their dormant love for Krishna, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead.
(Para 6)
HPS: Elaboration on idea started in para 4.
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Thākura warns all devotees engaged in broadcasting
the Krishna consciousness movement not to speak to the impersonalist Māyāvādīs.
o The world is full of Māyāvādīs and atheists, and the political parties of the
world take advantage of Māyāvāda and other atheistic philosophies to promote
materialism.
BP: Religion is the opium of masses (by Karl Marx) came from
Western view of religious system of India.
BP: If varnasrama is not working correctly, better to correct that
instead establishing democracy.
o Analogy: No benefit in feeding a snake milk and bananas because the snake
will never be satisfied. On the contrary, by taking milk and bananas the snake
simply becomes more poisonous (kevalam visha-vardhanam).
For a similar reason, we should not disclose our minds to the serpent Māyāvādīs and
karmīs. Such disclosures will never help.
o It is best to avoid association with them completely and never ask them about
anything confidential because they cannot give good advice.
o BACE: They made not make you reject bhakti immediately, but they will
poison you enough to have doubts about process of bhakti.
Nor should we extend invitations to Māyāvādīs and atheists nor accept their
invitations, for by such intimate intermingling we may become affected by their
atheistic mentality (sańgāt sañjāyate kāmah).
It is the negative injunction of this verse that we should refrain from giving anything
to or accepting anything from the Māyāvādīs and atheists.
o BP: One elevated sadhu in Vṛndāvana had Bhagavatam class every day. One
day he went to eat at a feast at a temple and came back to give Bhagavatam
class. A woman passed nearby from him. He became lusty for a moment. He
immediately got up and started moving towards Yamuna to drown himself.
People stopped him.
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has also warned, vishayīra anna khāile dushta haya mana:
"By eating food prepared by worldly people, one’s mind becomes wicked.”
o HPS: CC 3.6.278
Unless one is very advanced, he is unable to utilize everyone's contribution to further
the Krishna consciousness movement; therefore on principle one should not accept
charity from the Māyāvādīs or atheists.
Indeed, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has forbidden devotees to associate even with
ordinary men who are too addicted to material sense gratification.
(para 7)
The conclusion is that we should always
o keep company with devotees,
o observe the regulative devotional principles,
o follow in the footsteps of the ācāryas and
o In full obedience carry out the orders of the spiritual master.
In this way we shall be able to develop our devotional service and dormant Krishna
consciousness.
A madhyama adhikari is expected to
o love the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
o make friends with the devotees,
o show favor to the ignorant and
o Reject the jealous and demoniac.
In this verse there is brief mention of the process of making loving transactions with
the Supreme Personality of Godhead and making friends with the devotees.
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has set such an example in his life. When he decided to retire, he
distributed fifty percent of his life's earnings to Krishna's service and twenty-five
percent to his relatives and kept twenty-five percent for personal emergencies. This
example should be followed by all devotees.
o HPS: Do you follow this? In what way?
Whatever one's income, fifty percent should be spent on behalf of Krishna and His
devotees, and this will fulfil the demands of dadāti.
o BACE: Even if people are not taking, the principle of dadāti should continue.
If no one comes for program, speak to 4 walls. Prabhupāda did like this one
time, initially no one came for a lecture, so Prabhupāda gave lecture to 4 walls
and recorded it. Next time when people came, he played the lecture. If you
feel you are not receiving love, you are not giving enough love. Bali Maharaja
kept on giving. Prabhupāda: If you want to repay my debt, give this love to
others.
(Para 8)
HPS: Introduction to text 5.
In the next verse, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī informs us what kind of Vaishnava should be
selected as a friend and how Vaiṣṇavas should be served.
Lesson Seven (Text Four)
Q.1. What are the six symptoms of love share by devotees and others?
Ans. (i) Offering gifts in charity, (ii) Accepting charitable gifts (iii) Revealing one’s mind in
confidence; (iv) Inquiring confidentially, (v) Accepting prasāda, and (vi) Offering prasāda are
the six symptoms of love shared by devotees and others.
Q.2. What is the sublime example of contributing or giving charity?
Ans. Contributing or distributing the holy name of the Lord is a sublime example of
contribution or giving charity (dadāti principle).
Q.3. Why one should inquire and open his mind to KC movement?
Ans. One should inquire and open his mind to Krishna Consciousness movement in order to
understand the situation of this material world. Also, this way one will be able to serve the
guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati principles as well.
Q.4. To attain the goal of human life what one needs to do?
Ans. If one really wants to attain the goal of human life, one should associate with the
devotees of the Krishna consciousness movement because it is the only movement that
teaches one how to develop love of God.
Q.5. What is the distinction between human society and animal society?
Ans. Religion is the special function of the human society whereas animal society has no
such system. In all parts of the world, however downtrodden human society may be, there is
some system of religion, even the tribal aborigines in the jungles have some system of
religion but the animal society has no churches, mosque or any religious system.
Q.6. What is required for peace of mind, tranquillity and friendly relations between man and
nation?
Ans. If the members of human society actually want peace of mind, tranquillity and friendly
relations between man and nations, they must follow the Krishna conscious system of
religion, by which they can develop their dormant love for Krishna, the Supreme Personality
of Godhead and as soon as they do so, their minds will immediately be filled with peace and
tranquillity.
Q.7. Why Śrīla Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakura warns not to speak about mayavadis?
Ans. Śrīla Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakura warns the devotees who are engaged in
broadcasting the Krishna consciousness movement not to speak to the impersonalist
mayavadis who are always determined to oppose such theistic movements.
Q.8. Why and how the political parties take advantage of Mayavadis and atheists?
Ans. Political parties take advantage of Mayavadis and other atheistic philosophers to
propagate materialism and atheisms in the society. They seek the help of Mayavadis and
atheistic philosophers to back their party or the political parties’ gives strong backing to such
mayavadis and atheistic philosophers who are engaged in propagation of materialism and
atheisms. Because they do not want the Krishna consciousness movement to develop as it
educates people in God consciousness.
Q.9. What is the policy of atheists and mayavadis?
Ans. The policy of atheists and mayavadis is to stop or destroy the movements like Krishna
Consciousness because it educates the people in God consciousness.
Q.10. Explain the analogy of feeding milk and banana to serpents with Mayavadis and
Karmis?
Ans. Disclosing one’s mind to Mayavadis and Karmis is like feeding milk and banana to
serpents because just like feeding serpent will increase only his venom which will be
dangerous for one’s life similarly disclosing minds to mayavadis and karmīs will never help,
rather they will spoil and fill the mind of the inquisitive with the venom of their bad or
useless advice as they cannot give good advice.
Q.11. Why not give or accept invitation/gift/food etc. from mayavadis or karmīs?
Ans. (i) By intermingling with mayavadis or karmīs one may become affected by their
atheistic mentality.
(ii) By eating food prepared by worldly people one’s mind becomes wicked and with wicked
mind one can never attain Krishna bhakti or perfection of life.
(iii) Unless one is very advanced, he is unable to utilize everyone’s contribution to further the
Krishna consciousness movement, therefore on principle one should not accept charity from
the mayavadis or atheists (example of the Bengali ladies offering land to Śrīla Prabhupāda –
which was discovered as their plan to misuse ISKCON power and property – they were from
murgi mission).
(iv) Forbidden by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu to associate even by ordinary men who are
too addicted to material sense gratification
Q.12. What is the process of developing devotional service and awakening dormant Krishna
consciousness?
Ans. The process of developing devotional service and awakening dormant KC is that (i) one
should always keep company with devotees, (ii) observe the regulative devotional principles,
(iii) follow in the footsteps of the ācāryas and (iv) in full obedience carry out the orders of the
spiritual master.
Q.13. What are the expectations of a devotee in the middle status?
Ans. The devotee who is neither a neophyte nor a mahā-bhāgavata (a greatly advanced
devotee) but is within the middle status of devotional service is expected to (i) love the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, (ii) make friends with the devotees, (iii) show favour to the
ignorant and (iv) reject the jealous and demoniac.
Q.14. How one can fulfil the demands of dadāti principle? Give Example.
Ans. To fulfil the demands of the dadāti principle, one must spend 50% of his income
(whatever may be the income) on behalf of Krishna and His devotees. The example has been
set forth by Śrīla Rupa Gosvāmī himself, when he decided to retire, he distributed 50% of his
earnings to Krishna’s service and 25% gave to his relatives and kept 25% for personal
emergencies.
Q.15. What is guhyam Ākhyāti pṛcchati according to Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Ans. An experienced devotee explains and an inexperienced devotee learns from him. This is
guhyam Ākhyāti pṛcchati.
Q.16 Fill in the blanks
1. The International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness has been established to
__________ ______ _______ ________ _____ ________ __________
__________________ _______________.
2. People must be given a chance to associate with the devotees of ISKCON because
simply by reciprocating in the six ways mentioned above an ordinary man can
_______ __________ _____ _______________ ____________ _________________.
3. One’s desires and ambitions develop according to _____ ________ _____ keeps.
4. Distributing the holy name is a sublime example of ____ __________
_______________. If the members of human society actually want peace of mind,
tranquillity and friendly relations between men and nations, they must follow the
Krishna conscious system of religion, by which they can develop their dormant love
for Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
5. By eating food prepared by worldly people, one’s mind ___________ ____________.
6. One should not accept charity from _______________ ______ ______________.
Q. 17.Give two reasons why ISKCON has been formed.
Q. 18 Of the six loving exchanges which two does Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasize the most?
Q. 19 What example does Rupa Goswami show us in how to fulfill the principle of dadāti
pratigṛhṇāti?
(Para 10 – After Initiation the Steps/Process - Chant prescribed round offenselessly and
mercy will come)
If one chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra offenselessly, carefully avoiding the ten
offenses, he can certainly be gradually elevated to the point of understanding that
there is no difference between the holy name of the Lord and the Lord Himself.
One who has reached such an understanding should be very much respected by
neophyte devotees.
Without chanting the holy name of the Lord offenselessly, one cannot be a proper
candidate for advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if one properly
finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of hari-nāma, he is elevated step by
step to the highest platform, uttama-adhikārī.
o HPS: The Dīkṣā contract!
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement prescribes sixteen rounds daily because people in
the Western countries cannot concentrate for long periods while chanting on beads.
o HPS: The Acharya says 16 for westerners, not 4.
However, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura used to say that unless one chants
at least sixty-four rounds of japa (one hundred thousand names), he is considered
fallen (patita).
According to his calculation, practically every one of us is fallen, but because we are
trying to serve the Supreme Lord with all seriousness and without duplicity, we can
expect the mercy of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is famous as patita-
pāvana, the deliverer of the fallen.
(Para 11 – Definition of the Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī in terms of faith in chanting)
Anyone who is trying to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness by regularly chanting the
holy name should always be respected by Vaiṣṇavas.
o E.g. George Harrison
On the other hand, we have witnessed that some of our contemporaries who are
supposed to be great preachers have gradually fallen into the material conception of
life because they have failed to chant the holy name of the Lord.
o CCP: Prabhupāda: I have inherited the legacy of my spiritual master. How?
He didn’t get any property of his guru maharaja? He inherited his desire to
preach. Pure devotees criticize for the sake of protection and education.
Prabhupāda begged forgiveness in the end.
Conclusion: Anyone who is trying to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness by regularly
chanting the holy name should always be respected by Vaiṣṇavas.
(Para 12 & 13 – Levels from CC Madhya 22, Instructions to Sanatana Goswami. Our level of
faith in the Bhagavad Gita determines our level spiritual development.)
Whose conclusive knowledge of the śāstras is not very strong but who has developed
firm faith in chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and who is also undeterred in the
execution of his prescribed devotional service should be considered a madhyama-
adhikārī.
A madhyama-adhikārī is a śraddhāvān, a staunchly faithful person
Actual candidate for further advancement in devotional service.
CC Madhya 22.64 - “One becomes qualified as a devotee on the elementary platform,
the intermediate platform and the highest platform of devotional service according to
the development of his śraddhā [faith].”
CC Madhya 22.62 – “’By rendering transcendental service to Kṛṣṇa, one
automatically performs all subsidiary activities.’ This confident, firm faith, favorable
to the discharge of devotional service, is called śraddhā.”
Śraddhā, faith in Kṛṣṇa, is the beginning of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Whatever Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā is to be accepted as it is, without
interpretation. This was the way Arjuna accepted Bhagavad-gītā. sarvam etad ṛtaṁ
manye yan māṁ vadasi keśava. “O Kṛṣṇa, I totally accept as truth all that You have
told me.” (Bg. 10.14)
This way of understanding BG is called sraddha.
Accept one portion and reject another – this is not sraddha.
Accept the instructions of Bhagavad-gītā in their totality, especially the last
instruction: sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja. (Bg. 18.66)
When one becomes completely faithful in regard to this instruction, one’s strong faith
becomes the basis for advancing in spiritual life.
(Para 14 – Process to realize: Chanting Faithfully reveals Kṛṣṇa)
When one fully engages in chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, he gradually
realizes his own spiritual identity.
Unless one faithfully chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, Kṛṣṇa does not reveal Himself.
We cannot realize the Supreme Personality of Godhead by any artificial means. We
must engage faithfully in the service of the Lord. Such service begins with the tongue
(sevonmukhe hi jihvādau), which means that we should always chant the holy names
of the Lord and accept kṛṣṇa-prasāda.
We should not chant or accept anything else. When this process is faithfully followed,
the Supreme Lord reveals Himself to the devotee.
(Para 15 - Defining Uttama adhikari – accept him as Guru, don’t imitate)
When a person (1) realizes himself to be an eternal servitor of Kṛṣṇa, (2) he loses
interest in everything but Kṛṣṇa’s service.
(3) Always thinking of Kṛṣṇa, devising means by which to spread the holy name of
Kṛṣṇa, he understands that his only business is in spreading the Kṛṣṇa consciousness
movement all over the world.
Such a person is to be recognized as an uttama-adhikārī, and his association should be
immediately accepted according to the six processes.
Everything one possesses should be offered to him, for it is enjoined that one should
deliver whatever he has to the spiritual master.
The brahmacārī in particular is supposed to beg alms from others and offer them to
the spiritual master.
One should not imitate the behavior of an advanced devotee or mahā-
bhāgavata without being self-realized, for by such imitation one will eventually
become degraded.
(Para 16 – know our level and the level of other devotees, including our guru)
In this verse Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī advises the devotee to be intelligent enough to
distinguish between the kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, madhyama-adhikārī and uttama-adhikārī.
The devotee should also know his own position and should not try to imitate a
devotee situated on a higher platform.
Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has given some practical hints to the effect that
an uttama-adhikārī Vaiṣṇava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen
souls to Vaiṣṇavism.
o CCP: Is preaching success a sign of spiritual advancement? Yes, provided it is
not a substitute for inner fulfilment. Inner fulfilment means when we preach
KC we are feel happiness and satisfied. We always have struggles, but we like
patients who have been diagnosed and are being treated correctly. Pain may
not go immediately, but is definitely reduced. Lust, pride, greed, illusion,
anger, laziness, etc. go down. So since we have been cured, we want others to
be cured. We don’t want them to suffer. So we share. If this is the motive, then
our natural conviction comes out. In this case preaching success is growing
out of one’s inner fulfilment. Such a person attracts many people. If preaching
success is substitute for inner fulfilment then it is dangerous. In this case I
want to get outside glorification as substitute for inner satisfaction. I speak
eloquently because I want to be glorified. “I have made so many devotees.”
They treat me as representative of God.
One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform
of uttama-adhikārī.
A neophyte Vaiṣṇava or a Vaiṣṇava situated on the intermediate platform can also
accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be
understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under
his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-
adhikārī as a spiritual master.
o HPS: See CC Madhya 8.128 for discussion of Guru.
HPS: This is a much cited paragraph to determine who is Guru. We understand that
Śrīla Prabhupāda is indicating the arrangement that also existed before he left his
body. ISKCON devotees on the 3rd and 2nd levels can and should accept disciples, to
train them, but these disciples will be not advance than their Gurus, because their
Guru doesn't know more. So, everyone should, must, have Prabhupāda as a Guru also,
so that they can have a proper evaluation of their Madhyama-adhikari gurus.
Prabhupāda encouraged people to become disciples of his disciples, to be Tamal-
Kṛṣṇa Maharaja's man, to be Hansadutta's man, but all in terms of these devotee’s
relation and basic surrender to Śrīla Prabhupāda. As we engage in devotional service
all these relations become clear.
Lesson Eight (Text Five)
Q.1. How to one should conduct with devotees at different levels?
Ans. One should mentally honor the devotee who chants the holy name of the Lord Krishna.
Offer humble obeisance to the devotee who has undergone spiritual initiation (dīkṣā) and
engaged in the worship of deity. Associate with and faithfully serve that pure devotee who is
advanced in un-deviated devotional service and whose heart is completely devoid of the
propensity to criticize others.
Q.2. Who is a kaniṣṭha adhikari? What is his feature? How to behave with him?
Ans.: A person who is very faithfully engaged in the worship of the deity in the temple, but
who does not know how to behave towards devotees or people in general is called a prakrta-
bhakta or kaniṣṭha – adhikari. He is a neophyte devotee who has received the hari-nama
initiation from the spiritual master and is trying to chant the holy name of Krishna.
A kaniṣṭha adhikari is situated on the lowest platform of devotional service and is interested
only in worshiping the deity in the temple. His faith is soft and pliable (bendable). He also
has attraction and attachment for materialistic acquisitions like women, money, intoxicant
etc.
A kaniṣṭha – Vaishnava should be offered respect from within the mind and should be given
all help to gradually advance in the path of progress but association of such Vaiṣṇavas should
be avoided.
Q.3. Who is a madhyama-adhikari? Describe his feature and suggest how to behave with
him?
Ans. A madhyama-adhikari is a devotee who worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead
as the highest object of love, makes friends with the Lord’s devotees, is merciful to the
ignorant and avoids those who are envious by nature.
A persona whose conclusive knowledge of the śāstras is not very strong but who has
developed firm faith in chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra and who is also undeterred in
the execution of his prescribed devotional service should be considered a madhyama-
adhikari. Such a person is very fortunate.
A madhyama-adhikari is a śraddhāvān, a staunchly faithful person and he is actually a
candidate for further advancement in devotional service.
When one is actually initiated by the bona fide spiritual master and when he seriously
engages in the service of the Lord, he should be accepted as a madhyama adhikari.
Q.4. What is called śraddhā?
Ans. The confident, firm faith that by rendering transcendental service to Krishna, one
automatically performs all subsidiary activities and which is favorable to the discharge of
devotional service is called ‘śraddhā’. It is the beginning stage in the development of Krishna
consciousness. Sraddha is 100% faith in the words of Krishna and it means accepting the
instructions of Bhagavad-Gita in their totality, especially the last instruction of sarva-
dharman parityajya mam ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (abandon all varieties of religion and just
surrender unto Me).
Q.5 What is the process of accepting Bhagavad-Gita?
Ans. One should have strong faith that the words of Bhagavad-Gita are authoritative
instructions and whatever Krishna says in Bg. is to be accepted as it is, without interpretation.
This was the way Arjuna accepted Bhagavad-Gita. After hearing Bg., Arjuna told Krishna,
“sarvam etad ṛtaṁ manye yan mam vadasi keśava (Or Krishna, I totally accept as truth all
that You have told me”, (Bg.10.14)
This is the correct way of understanding Bhagavad-Gita and this is called ‘sraddha’, it is not
that one accepts a portion of Bhagavad-Gita according to his own whimsical interpretations
and then rejects another portion.
Q.6. How one realizes his own spiritual identity?
Ans. When one fully engages in chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra (Hare Krishna Hare
Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare! Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!!), he
gradually realizes his own spiritual identity. Unless one faithfully chants the Hare Krishna
mahā-mantra, Krishna does not reveal Himself – sevonmukhe he jihvādau svyam eva
sphuraty adah) (Bhakti Rasāmṛta sindhu 1.2.234).
Q.7. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead reveals Himself?
Ans. Whenever He desires. However, when one engage faithfully in the service of the Lord
which begins with the tongue (sevonmukhe hi jihvādau) that means that one should always
chant the holy names of the Lord and accept Krishna prasāda. Other than this, one should not
follow anything else and when this process is faithfully followed, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead reveals Himself to the devotee.
Q.8. Who should be recognized as an uttama-adhikari?
Ans. When a person realizes himself to be an eternal servitor of Krishna, he loses interest in
everything but Krishna’s service. Always thinking of Krishna, devising means by which to
spread the holy name of Krishna, he understands that his only business is in spreading the
Krishna consciousness movement all over the world. Such a person is to be recognized as an
uttama-adhikari.
Q.9. How one should take association of an uttama-adhikari?
Ans. Association of the uttama-adhikari should be accepted according to the six principles or
process (dadāti, pratigṛhṇāti, guhyam ākhyāti …etc.).
Q.10. According to Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura, how to recognize an uttama-adhikari?
Ans. Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some practical hints to the effect than an uttama-
adhikari Vaiṣṇava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to
Vaiṣṇavism.
Q.11. What is the process of dīkṣā (initiation)?
Ans. The process by which a devotee becomes attached to Krishna is the process of dīkṣā. At
the time of initiation, when a devotee fully surrenders to the service of the Lord, Krishna
accepts him to be as good as He Himself. By dīkṣā one gradually becomes disinterested in
material enjoyment and gradually becomes interested in spiritual life. When a person is
serious about accepting dīkṣā he must be prepared to practice austerity, celibacy and control
of the mind and body.
Q.12. Who is a proper candidate for spiritual initiation?
Ans. (i) One who is prepare to practice austerity, celibacy and control of the mind and body
(ii) One who is prepared and desirous of receiving spiritual enlightenment (divyam jnanam)
or knowledge of the Supreme.
(iii) One must be jijñāsu, very much inquisitive to learn from the bona fide spiritual master.
Q.13. How to become spiritually initiated?
Ans. To become spiritually initiated one should approach a bona-fide spiritual master (tad-
vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evabhigacchet
One should not accept a spiritual master without following his instruction. Nor should one
accept a spiritual master just to make a fashionable show of spiritual life
One should make pertinent spiritual enquiries pertain to transcendental science.
Q.14. What is the meaning of the word ‘uttamam’?
Ans. The word ‘uttamam’ refers to that which is above material knowledge. Tama means ‘the
darkness of this material world’ and ut means ‘transcendental’.
Q.15. When one will understand that the holy name and the Lord are non-different?
Ans. When one chants the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra offenselessly, carefully avoiding the
ten offences, he can certainly be gradually elevated to the point of understanding that there is
no difference between the holy name of the Lord and the Lord Himself.
Q. 16 In ISO 6 and NOI 5 Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly admonishes that we should know our
own level of development and not imitate a devotee on a higher platform. What happens if
we imitate? Is it a way to advance? What level are you on? Give a little objective evidence?
Q. 17 Fill in the blanks
1. “By dīkṣā one gradually becomes _______________ ____ __________________
_________________ and gradually becomes ____________ ____ __________
_______.”
2. One whose faith is _________ ____ __________ is called a neophyte.
3. “A person whose conclusive knowledge of śāstras is _____ ________ ___________
but who has developed _______ ________ ____ ___________ _____ _____
________ _______-_________ and who is also _____________ in execution of his
prescribed devotional service should be considered a madhyama-adhikari.
4. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of
___________-_____________.
5. A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also
________ ________________, but it should be understood that they cannot ________
_____ ________ towards the ultimate goal of life under his __________ guidance.
Q. 18 Kanistha and Madhyama adhikaris can accept disciples, but you must accept and
uttama adhikari as Guru. Is there a contradiction here? Please explain briefly.
Q. 19 What the difference between hari nama and spiritual initiation?
Q. 20 If we carefully avoid the ___________ while chanting 16-rounds daily we will be elevated
to the platform of ____________.
Q. 21 Essay.9: What does the word "Sraddha" mean? Extra credit: Bengali and English
definition from CC 2.22.62 beginning "sraddha sabde -- ..."
Q. 22 Kṛṣṇa cannot be understood by the gross senses but when the senses are faithfully
engaged in two things especially He can be gradually realized. What are those two
engagements?
Q. 23 Can we advance by imitating the 1st class devotee?
Text 6 - Associating with the Pure Devotee – Avoid seeing with material vision
drstaih svabhāva-janitair vapuṣaś ca doṣair
na prākṛtatvam iha bhakta janasya paśyet
gaṅgāmbhasāṁ na khalu budbuda-phena-paṅkair
brahma-dravatvam apagacchati nīra-dharmaiḥ
Being situated in his original Kṛṣṇa conscious position, a pure devotee does not identify with
the body. Such a devotee should not be seen from a materialistic point of view. Indeed, one
should overlook a devotee’s having a body born in a low family, a body with a bad
complexion, a deformed body, or a diseased or infirm body. According to ordinary vision,
such imperfections may seem prominent in the body of a pure devotee, but despite such
seeming defects, the body of a pure devotee cannot be polluted. It is exactly like the waters of
the Ganges, which sometimes during the rainy season are full of bubbles, foam and mud. The
Ganges waters do not become polluted. Those who are advanced in spiritual understanding
will bathe in the Ganges without considering the condition of the water.
Connection: It is a continuation of Text 5. Here is description of Uttama-adhikari. Text 6
discusses further how we should associate with devotees - especially with the spiritual
master, who is understood to be transcendentally situated.
Overview
Para 1 & 2 – Pure devotee is liberated
Para 2 – Pure devotee is liberated and one should be at least Madhyama to recognize that
Para 3 – Overlook pure devotee bodily defects
Para 4 – Devotee not born in brahmana families should not be neglected
Para 5 – Gosvāmī can come from any family of any part of the world
Para 6 – Gosvāmī is not proud or jealous
Para 7 – Don’t see pure devotee externally, but see internal qualities and learn
Para 8 – Empowered devotee is not an ordinary human being
Para 9 – Conclusion Don’t correct pure devotee
Explanation
HPS: An Uttama adhikari transcends the body and a Kanistha adhikari can’t see that.
HPS: What an interesting text -- intriguing and exciting. Here is description of Uttama-
adhikari. Two things, He might be born in a dirty American body and family but if he is
elevated by Dīkṣā and faithful work then he is internally engaged in devotional service and
that electrifies his external body.
Another thing is the warning to the Kanistha-adhikari not to see the material aspects of the
pure devotee, ISKCON. See how they are engaged in devotional service and thus their
relatively bad qualities become good qualities.
BACE: In last verse we learnt how to differentiate between different devotees. Now it is
mentioned that we should be very careful in association of a pure devotee, because any
offense will create havoc in life of practicing devotee. A pure devotee having material body is
equally bewildering when Lord appears in form like us. Na mām duskritino mudha. Learn to
see by ears. It takes one to know one. Do not find fault. Before finding one fault, try to find 5
good qualities. Fault is in our consciousness. Drstaih and pasyet are technically same in
Sanskrit. But here drstaih means material vision and pasyet means spiritual vision. Devotees
were not reading Śrīla Prabhupāda books, so some sannyasis started calling Śrīla Prabhupāda
as God. This created havoc. So he created bhakti-sastri program. Ganges touched lotus feet
and in Yamuna the Lord bathed. Both are equally powerful. So on should distinguish between
two and appreciate spiritual nature of both. If we do not misunderstand a devotee, we will not
misunderstand Kṛṣṇa.
CCP: Prabhupāda integrates purport in translation itself.
(Para 1 & 2 – Pure devotee is liberated)
BP: Holy name, character, pastimes and activities are all sweet because They all are the
transcendentally sweet person. One who relishes reading Bhagavatam, associates with Kṛṣṇa.
CCP: This is one of the most important verses of the NOI. What do we do in association? –
We chant. This single verse can carry us through sadhana bhakti, if we understand its
essence.
(Para 1 – Summary of the analogy - Recover from disease of avidyā by cultivating Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness)
Avidyā (ignorance) perverts the ability to relish the transcendentally palatable name,
quality, form and pastimes of Kṛṣṇa.
Despite this disease, if one with great care and attention takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness,
chanting the holy name and hearing Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental pastimes, his ignorance
will be destroyed and his tongue enabled to taste the sweetness of the transcendental
nature of Kṛṣṇa and His paraphernalia.
Such a recovery of spiritual health is possible only by the regular cultivation of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness.
HPS: Chanting the Holy Names is like eating. It will always have an effect, but if we
chant in a systematic, regular, fashion as designed by an Acharya, it will have an even
more potent effect.
(Para 2 - Comparison of the diseased and normal condition)
(1) When a man in the material world takes more interest in the materialistic way of
life than in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he is considered to be in a diseased condition.
The normal condition is to remain an eternal servant of the Lord (jīvera ‘svarūpa’
haya – kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’ [CC Madhya 20.108]).
This healthy condition is lost when the living entity forgets Kṛṣṇa due to being
attracted by the external features of Kṛṣṇa’s māyā energy. This world of māyā is
called durāśraya (“false or bad shelter”).
(2) One who puts his faith in durāśraya becomes a candidate for hoping against hope.
(3) In the material world everyone is trying to become happy, and although their
material attempts are baffled in every way, due to their nescience they cannot
understand their mistakes.
(4) People try to rectify one mistake by making another mistake. This is the way of
the struggle for existence in the material world.
(5) If one in this condition is advised to take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and be happy, he
does not accept such instructions.
(Para 3 – ISKCON - Good association to remove this nescience. Contrast with blind leaders,
bad leaders, bad association)
This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is being spread all over the world just to remedy
this gross ignorance.
People in general are misled by blind leaders. The leaders of human society – the
politicians, philosophers and scientists – are blind because they are not Kṛṣṇa
conscious.
Because they are bereft of all factual knowledge due to their atheistic way of life, they
are actually sinful rascals and are the lowest among men.
(Para 4 & 5 – Chanting of Holy Name is the only remedy to remove disease of heart caused
avidyā laden atmosphere caused by atheistic leaders)
When such atheists become leaders of society, the entire atmosphere is surcharged
with nescience.
In such a condition, people do not become very enthusiastic to receive this Kṛṣṇa
consciousness movement, just as a diseased person suffering from jaundice does not
relish the taste of sugar candy.
However, for jaundice, sugar candy is the only specific medicine. Similarly, in the
present confused state of humanity, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the chanting of the holy
name of the Lord is the only remedy for setting the world aright.
The real disease is in the heart. If the mind is cleansed, however, if consciousness is
cleansed, a person cannot be harmed by the material disease.
To cleanse the mind and heart from all misconceptions, one should take to this
chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
HPS: We think in the head, based upon the attitudes, perspectives, Buddhi, that we
keep in our heart. So if we control our senses and mind by devotional service,
"Prabhu, hurry-up, the offering is late!", then the selfish attitude in the heart can't
manifest.
(Para 6 – Three Stages of Chanting)
There are three stages in chanting the holy name of the Lord – the offensive stage, the
stage of lessening offenses, and the pure stage.
There are ten basic offenses, and if the devotee avoids these, he can glimpse the next
stage, which is situated between offensive chanting and pure chanting.
When one attains the pure stage, he is immediately liberated. This is called bhava-
mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpanam.
As soon as one is liberated from the blazing fire of material existence, he can relish
the taste of transcendental life.
(Para 7 to 10- The Nine Stages of Devotional Service)
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is especially meant for creating an atmosphere in
which people can take to the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. (ajnata sukriti)
One must begin with faith (adau sradddha), and when this faith is increased by
chanting, a person can become a member of the Society.
Our sankirtan parties attracting thousands (sadhu sangah)
If one is sincere, he is initiated, and this stage is called bhajana-kriyā. One then
actually engages in the service of the Lord by regularly chanting the Hare
Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, sixteen rounds daily, and refraining from illicit sex, intoxicants,
meat-eating and gambling.
o BACE: Devotee means no going to restaurants. Ambarisa Prabhu wanted to
go a devotee’s restaurant in Hawaii. Prabhupāda said, “No restaurant.” Of
course, Govinda’s is ok.
By bhajana-kriyā one attains freedom from the contamination of materialistic life. No
restaurant, smoke, tea, coffee, sex life and gambling. In this way it is to be understood
that one is becoming cleansed of unwanted things (anartha-nivṛtti).
When a person is relieved from unwanted things, he becomes fixed in executing his
Kṛṣṇa activities. (nistha)
(Ruci)
Indeed, he becomes attached to such activities (Asakti)
Experiences ecstasy in executing devotional service (Bhava).
o The conditioned soul becomes free from material existence and loses interest
in the bodily conception of life, including material opulence, material
knowledge and material attraction of all variety.
o Understand who the Supreme Personality of Godhead is and what His māyā is.
o Although māyā may be present, it cannot disturb.
This is because the devotee can see the real position of māyā.
Māyā means forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa, and forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa
and Kṛṣṇa consciousness stand side by side like light and
shadow. If one remains in shadow, he cannot enjoy the
facilities offered by light, and if one remains in light, he cannot
be disturbed by the darkness of shadow. By taking to Kṛṣṇa
consciousness, one gradually becomes liberated and remains in
light. Indeed, he does not even touch the darkness.
BACE: A well-wisher came to SBSST. “I saw Kṛṣṇa is dream
yesterday.” “Did you saw māyā too?” “No” “Then you didn’t
see Kṛṣṇa because Kṛṣṇa is not without His energies.”
HPS: No accidental falldown from this stage. S/A Maharaja Bharata’s
falldown.
F – We don’t get object
I – We get the object, but it is not up to expectations
T – We get the object, we enjoy it, but it leaves us
Spiritual happiness: SING
I is intelligence, M is mind
CCP: Treat mind as another person. Whenever it says something, evaluate what it is saying.
If we are driving, if a known person says “hey, look that way” I would see position of road
and look cautiously. If the person is unknown first we will evaluate person first. Similarly
mind.
CCP: M – overthinking of the problem makes it bigger. We have to act to fix the problem.
Overthinking is like overcooking a rotten vegetable hoping that it will become good.
Thinking has to be done in a calm composed mind. Focus on present and future. Mind makes
us stick to some problematic situation and makes us depressed. Don’t tell God how big
problem is, tell your problem how big your God is.
I – mind sees something attractive and take you to fantasy land. Many people spend their
time in day dreaming. Whenever mind starts imagining pleasure, check it. To have vision is
something different. Prabhupāda – “There are temple, books, devotees, only time is
separating.” This vision would serve as lamp house and we’ll move in that direction. We
don’t have to become cheerleaders of the mind, we’ve to be controllers of mind.
N: The present is all that we have and is all that will have. Past is gone and future is not under
control. Mind distracts by lamenting on past and worrying about future. In this way
opportunity of present is lost. We can learn from past and plan for future, but that should be
done in mode of goodness when we are in control of mind. Mind works like whatever we are
doing is like practice and what we do in future will be important. No every moment is
precious. So focus on opportunities. When you do service, you think o I am not studying or
chanting and when we’re chanting we think o I don’t do service. Mind doesn’t want to work
hard with opportunity at hand and take path of least resistance. So we do whatever is in our
hand and leave things which are not in our control on Kṛṣṇa. I can’t promise that I’ll chant all
16 rounds attentively, what I can promise is that I’ll chant this one mantra attentively.
D: Mind refuses to acknowledge that the problem it with itself. Mind comes with 3 falsities –
blame Kṛṣṇa, process of bhakti is not powerful and I am too fallen.
(Para 3 – Both sadhaka and siddha should follow this advice – live in Vrindavana under
guidance of devotees)
BRS 1.2.295 - “In the transcendental realm of Vraja [Vraja-dhāma] one should serve
the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, with a feeling similar to that of His associates, and one
should place himself under the direct guidance of a particular associate of Kṛṣṇa and
should follow in his footsteps. This method is applicable both in the stage
of sādhana [spiritual practices executed while in the stage of bondage] and in the
stage of sādhya [God realization], when one is a siddha-puruṣa, or a spiritually
perfect soul.”
o BP: It is forbidden to do with your material body, what you would do in
spiritual world.
o BP: From prema POV bhava is sadhana bhakti, e.g. Bilvamangala Thakura.
But from the POV of sadhana bhakti, bhava is uttama bhakti.
o CCP: For us the authority is Śrīla Prabhupāda so we have to follow his
instructions. Some devotees feel Śrīla Prabhupāda didn’t speak about intimate
pastimes of Vrindavana. But he gave mood for selfless service. Gaudiya
doesn’t just means remembering pastimes of Rādhā Kṛṣṇa, but to remember as
They feel happy. Śrīla Prabhupāda left Vrindavana to please his guru
maharaja. This self-less sacrifice is the mood of Vrindavana. If we develop
this mood we’ll make rapid spiritual advancement.
(Para 4 to 6 - a summary of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvati's Anuvrtti)
(Para 4 – The Sum and Substance of all advice – First develop taste through commitment to
chant and after it is developed make Vrindavana your home under guidance of an expert
devotee)
One who has not yet developed interest in Kṛṣṇa consciousness should give up all
material motives and train his mind by following the progressive regulative principles,
namely chanting and remembering Kṛṣṇa and His name, form, quality, pastimes and
so forth.
o HPS: He has logical commitment, but no spontaneous taste. Vaidhī, not
Raga.
In this way, after developing a taste for such things, one should try to live in
Vṛndāvana and pass his time constantly remembering Kṛṣṇa’s name, fame, pastimes
and qualities under the direction and protection of an expert devotee.
o HPS: Or an ISKCON Temple, or make your home into a Temple.
This is the sum and substance of all instruction regarding the cultivation of devotional
service.
o HPS: This is a Summary? Details follow? See also SB 7.5.24: sravanam,
kirt…:
(Para 5 – Stages of Remembrance of Kṛṣṇa)
“In the neophyte stage one should always engage in hearing kṛṣṇa-kathā.
o HPS: These are described by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Th. in Hari-nama-cintamani.
Recollection, absorption, meditation, constant remembrance and trance are the five
items of progressive kṛṣṇa-smaraṇa.
o HPS: See Bhakti-sandarbha 278
śravaṇa-daśā, the stage of hearing
o Neophyte
o Engage in hearing Kṛṣṇa-kathā
o BP: Two type – krama suddha (proper) and krama heena (faulty, out of order).
Varaṇa-daśā, the stage of acceptance
o He becomes attached to the hearing of kṛṣṇa-kathā
o BP: Acceptance: One accepts details of his rasa with Kṛṣṇa. What are details:
guna, sambandha, age, nama, rupa, group, attire, place of residence, service,
form, what you are good at?
Smaraṇāvasthā, the stage of remembering
o When one is able to chant in ecstasy
o Five items of progressive kṛṣṇa-smaraṇa
Recollection (interrupted)
Absorption (uninterrupted)
BACE: Prabhupāda - Sound of sea waves of Wisconsin seems
are sound of heart of Gopīs for Kṛṣṇa.
Meditation (concentrated)
Anusmriti - Constant remembrance (meditation expands and becomes
constant)
Samadhi - Trance (uninterrupted and unceasing Anusmriti)
BACE: Prabhupāda would dance at the age of 76-77 and cause
people to dance.
sampatti-daśā, the perfection of life
o After smaraṇa-daśā or samādhi has fully developed, the soul comes to
understand his original constitutional position. At that time he can perfectly
and clearly understand his eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa.
(Para 6 - The Sum and Substance of all advice – first develop attachment through sadhana
bhakti and then perform raganuga bhakti in one of the rasas)
How can neophytes develop attachment for Kṛṣṇa’s name, fame, form, qualities? Give
up all kinds of motivated desires and simply engage in the regulative devotional
service of the Lord according to the directions of scripture.
When one has developed such attachment, he can spontaneously serve the lotus feet
of Kṛṣṇa even without following the regulative principles. This stage is called raga-
bhakti or devotional service in spontaneous love. At that stage the devotee can follow
in the footsteps of one of the eternal associates of Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. This is called
Raganuga bhakti.
o BP: Ragatamika – one who lives in Vrindavana and loves Kṛṣṇa in one of the
5 rasas. Raganuga – One who follows the ragatmika bhakti.
Rāgānuga-bhakti, or spontaneous devotional service, can be executed in
o śānta-rasa - like Kṛṣṇa’s cows or the stick or flute in the hand of Kṛṣṇa, or the
flowers around Kṛṣṇa’s neck.
o Dāsya-rasa (servant) - like Citraka, Patraka or Raktaka.
o Sakhya-rasa (friend) - like Baladeva, Śrīdāmā or Sudāmā.
BP: Baladeva is mixed rasa- friend and vatsalya as He acted as elder
brother.
o Vātsalya-rasa (paternal affection)- like Nanda Mahārāja and Yaśodā
o Mādhurya-rasa (conjugal love) - like Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī or Her lady friends
such as Lalitā and Her serving maids (mañjarīs) like Rūpa and Rati.
BP: Last 3 rasas are in Mādhurya only because they are very sweet.
BACE: Devotees would speculate what is Śrīla Prabhupāda’s rasa, Prabhupāda –
you’re not qualified for that.
BACE: Devotees to SBSST – what is our siddha pranali mantra. He replied – trnad
api sunicena, taror api sahisnuna, amanina manadena, kirtaniya sada hari.
BP: SBVT writes in Jaiva dharma that to take babaji initiation before bhava stage is
illegal.
BP: Most followers of Mahāprabhu are in Mādhurya rasa.
BP: Wherever Kṛṣṇa is served that is Vrindavana, but yet physical Vrindavana is
special because Kṛṣṇa performed His pastimes here. Prabhupāda – to live in
Vrindavana is like to live in lap of Kṛṣṇa. To live in Vrindavana if very fortunate. But
you live only when ordered by spiritual master.
Lesson Eleven (Text Eight)
Q.1. What is the essence of all advice?
Ans. The essence of all advice is that one should
(i) utilize one’s full time (24 hours a day) in nicely chanting and remembering the Lord’s
divine name, transcendental form, quality and eternal pastimes, thereby gradually engaging
one’s tongue and mind
(ii) One should reside in Vraja (Goloka Vrindavana dhāma)
(iii) One should serve Krishna under the guidance of devotees
(iv) One should follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s beloved devotees, who are deeply
attached to His devotional service
Q.2. Why there is a need to train the mind? Where to train the mind?
Ans. (i) The mind contains hundreds and thousands of impressions, not only of this life but
also of many, many lives of the past. These impressions sometimes come in contact with one
another and produce contradictory pictures which make the function of the mind dangerous
for the conditioned soul.
(ii) At the time of death, the mind and intelligence create the subtle form of a certain type of
body for the next life. If the mind suddenly thinks of something not very congenial, one has
to take a corresponding birth in the next life. On the other hand, if one can think of Krishna at
the time of death, he can be transferred to the spiritual world – Goloka Vrindavana.
(iii) The process of transmigration is very subtle, therefore Śrīla Rupa Gosvāmī advises
devotees to train their minds in order that they will be unable to remember anything other
than Krishna.
In view of the above, it is necessary to train the mind and make it a good friend.
The mind can be best trained in the association of devotees. Therefore, the best place is the
Krishna consciousness movement which is especially meant for training the mind to be
always engaged in Krishna’s business.
Q.3. What are different tenets of residence in Vrindavana (Vraja)?
Ans. (i) The land of Vrindavana (Vraja bhūmi) is spread over 84 cosas (168 square miles).
Staying anywhere within this area is considered residence in Vrindavana.
(ii) When one makes Vrindavana his residence, he should take shelter of an advanced devotee
there.
(iii) While residing in Vraja, one should always think of Krishna and His pastimes.
Q.4. What are the doctrines elucidated by Śrīla Rupa Gosvāmī about residence in
Vrindavana?
Ans. Śrīla Rupa Gosvāmī in his Bhakti Rasāmṛta Sindhu (1.2.294-295) elucidates that:
(i) A devotee should always reside in the transcendental realm of Vraja and always engage in
the remembrance of Sri Krishna and His beloved associates (Kṛṣṇaṁ smaran janaṁ cāsya
preṣṭham)
(ii) By following in the footsteps of such associates and by serving under their eternal
guidance, one can acquire an intense desire to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
(iii) In the transcendental realm of Vraja (Vraja dhāma) one should serve the Supreme Lord,
Sri Krishna, with a feeling similar to that of His associates, and one should place himself
under the direct guidance of a particular associate of Krishna and should follow in his
footsteps.
(iv) One should follow the above method whether at the stage of sadhaka (practicing devotee)
or at the stage of siddha (perfected devotee).
Q.5. What are the sum and substance of all instructions regarding cultivation of devotional
service as discussed by Śrīla Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvatī Thakura?
Ans. Śrīla Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvatī Thakura, while commenting on verse no.8 of NOI says
that “One who has not yet developed interest in Krishna consciousness should give up all
material motives and train his mind by following the progressive regulative principles,
namely chanting and remembering Krishna and His name, form, quality, pastimes and so
forth. In this way, after developing taste for such things, one should try to live in Vrindavana
and pass his time constantly remembering Krishna’s name, fame, pastimes and qualities
under the direction and protection of an expert devotee. This is the sum and substance of all
instruction regarding the cultivation of devotional service.
Q.6. What are different dasas (stages) of devotion? Explain.
Ans. Following are the different dasas:
(i) Sravana daśā (stage of hearing): In the neophyte stage one should always engage in
hearing Krishna kathā.
(ii) Varana daśā (stage of acceptance): By constantly hearing the transcendental holy name of
Krishna and hearing of His transcendental form, qualities and pastimes one can attain the
stage of acceptance called Varaṇa-daśā (stage of acceptance). When one attains this stage, he
becomes attached to the hearing of Krishna kathā.
(iii) Smaraṇa daśā (stage of remembrance): When one is able to chant in ecstasy, he attains
the stage of smaraṇa daśā (stage of remembrance). Recollection, absorption, meditation,
constant remembrance and trance are the five items of progressive Krishna smaraṇa. At first,
remembrance is uninterrupted; it becomes concentrated and is called meditation. When
meditation expands and becomes constant, it is called Anusmriti. By uninterrupted and
unceasing Anusmriti one enters the stage of Samadhi, or spiritual trance.
(iv) Sampatti-daśā (stage of perfection of life): After smaraṇa daśā or Samadhi has fully
developed, the soul comes to understand his original constitutional position. At that time he
can perfectly and clearly understand his eternal relationships with Krishna. That is called
sampatti daśā, the perfection of life.
Q.7. What are five items of smaraṇa daśā (stage of remembrance)?
Ans. Five items of smaraṇa daśā (stage of remembrance) are as follows:
(i) Recollection (ii) Absorption (iii) Meditation
(iv) Constant remembrance and (v) Trance
Q.8. What is meditation?
Ans. At first remembrance is interrupted at intervals, but later remembrance proceeds
uninterrupted and when it becomes concentrated it is called as meditation.
Q.9. What is Anusmriti?
Ans. When meditation expands and becomes constant, it is called Anusmriti.
Q.10. When one enters at the stage of spiritual trance (Samadhi)?
Ans. By uninterrupted and unceasing Anusmriti one enters the stage of Samadhi (stage of
spiritual trance).
Q.11. How neophytes can develop attachment for Krishna’s name, fame etc.?
Ans. Caitanya-Caritamrta advises those who are neophytes to give up all kinds of motivated
desires and simply engage in the regulative devotional service of the Lord according to the
directions of scripture. In this way a neophyte can gradually develop attachment for Krishna’s
name, fame, form, qualities and so forth.
Q.12. What is devotional service in spontaneous love (raga-bhakti)?
Ans. When one has developed attachment for Krishna’s name, fame, form quality etc., he can
spontaneously serve the lotus feet of Krishna even without following the regulative
principles. This stage is called raga-bhakti or devotional service in spontaneous love. At this
stage the devotee can follow in the footsteps of one of the eternal associates of Krishna in
Vrindavana. This is called raganuga-bhakti.
Raganuga-bhakti or spontaneous devotional service can be executed in the śānta rasa when
one aspires to be like Krishna’s cows or the stick or flute in the hand of Krishna, or the
flowers around Krishna’s neck. In the dāsa-rasa one follows in the footsteps of servants like
Citraka, Patraka or Raktaka. In the friendly sakhya-rasa one can become a friend like
Baladeva, Śrīdāmā or Sudāmā. In the vatsalya-rasa, characterized by parental affection, one
can become like Nanda Maharaja and Yaśodā, and in the Mādhurya-rasa, characterized by
conjugal love, one can become like Srimati Rādhārani or Her lady friends such as Lalita and
Her serving maids (mañjarīs) like Rupa and Rati. This is the essence of all instruction in the
matter of devotional service.
Q.13 “In the transcendental realm of Vraja (Vraja-dhāma) one should serve the Supreme
Lord, Sri Krishna, with a feeling similar to that of His associates, and one should place
himself under the direct guidance of a particular associate of Krishna and should follow in his
footsteps. This method is applicable both in the stage of sadhana (spiritual practices executed
while in the stage of bondage) and in the stage of sādhya (God realisation), when one is a
siddhapurusha, or a spiritually perfect soul.” Explain the different kinds of sadhana. Which
one does the above quote refer to?
Q.14 The essence of all advice is that one should utilise one’s full time-twenty four hours a
day – in nicely chanting and remembering the Lord’s diving, transcendental,
_______________ and ______________ _________________.
Q.15 The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is especially meant for ______________ _______
_________ to be always ____________ ______ _______ ____________.
Q.16 “In the neophyte stage one should always engage in hearing Kṛṣṇa-kathā. This is called
______________-_________, the stage of hearing.
Q. 17 What are the two categories of Sadhana bhakti and their characteristics?
Q. 18 What is the relationship between a Raganuga-bhakta and a Ragatmika bhakta?
Q. 19 Essay.10: What does the word "Guru" means and what is the function of Guru at
different levels of Bhakti-yoga?
Text 9-11 Bhava-bhakti and Prema-bhakti / Spiritual Geography
This section is more of glorification and less of Upadesa (although it is there indirectly).
In Text 8 Śrīla Rūpa Goswami Prabhupāda said, "tisthan vraje", stay in Vraja. But what is
Vraja. In Text 9 we find hierarchy of spiritual places.
In Text 10 he goes back to association, every type you can get, from the lowest to the
HIGHEST! We get hierarchy of spiritual seekers.
Finally, Text 11, both hierarchies are combined and we finish with Srimati Rādhārani and
Rādhā-kunda, the highest.
If you want to swim you go to the tank.
If you want to cash Traveller's Checks you go to a Bank.
If you want to find Gopīs, and the best of them all,
You go to that pond where it's always the best of Spring, Summer and Fall.
Text 9 - The Hierarchy of The Material and Spiritual Worlds / Understanding the reality and
the glory of the spiritual world with its transcendental hierarchy
vaikuṇṭhāj janito varā madhu-purī tatrāpi rāsotsavād
vṛndāraṇyam udāra-pāṇi-ramaṇāt tatrāpi govardhanaḥ
rādhā-kuṇḍam ihāpi gokula-pateḥ premāmṛtāplāvanāt
kuryād asya virājato giri-taṭe sevāṁ vivekī na kaḥ
The holy place known as Mathurā is spiritually superior to Vaikuṇṭha, the transcendental
world, because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathurā-purī is the transcendental forest
of Vṛndāvana because of Kṛṣṇa’s rāsa-līlā pastimes. And superior to the forest of Vṛndāvana
is Govardhana Hill, for it was raised by the divine hand of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and was the site of His
various loving pastimes. And, above all, the superexcellent Śrī Rādhā-kuṇḍa stands supreme,
for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of Gokula, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Where, then, is that intelligent Person who is unwilling to serve this divine Rādhā-kuṇḍa,
which is situated at the foot of Govardhana Hill?
Connection: In Text 8 Śrīla Rūpa Goswami Prabhupāda said, "tisthan vraje", stay in Vraja.
But what is Vraja. In Text 9 we find a geography lesson of Vraja.
Text nine describes the hierarchy of the different regions of the Lord's creations with Rādhā -
kunda as the topmost place.
Overview
Para 1 – Hierarchy of Glories of Spiritual World
Para 2 – The manifestation of Rādhā-kunda and how it is special to Lord Caitanya's followers
Explanation
It is just two paragraphs. It's like a little Kṛṣṇa book. Later, later, stay with us, we will take a
deeper look.
Material world- exploitation
Vaikuntha – dedication
Mathura – desperation
Intimacy increases.
Proof of existence of spiritual world?
1. People with high intellects like Ramanuja, Madhva, Jiva Goswami, Baladeva
Vidyabhusana speak about it.
2. All great religious traditions speak about it.
3. People have longing for supernatural – so they watch harry potter, etc. Why? It is an
indicative that something eternal.
4. Soul’s existence is easily understood. So where did this soul come from? That points
to spiritual world.
5. Our scale of perception is limited and scientists say many parallel universes exist. So
they are inaccessible to us. Advancement of science led scientist to know that there is
so much to be known. E.g. seeing earth from outer space. So we can at least be open
minded. Many particles discovered now, would have been considered fantasy 100
years ago.
6. God has provided for every need – water, fire, food, etc. One important need is
knowledge. Would God not provide it? God provides for that by scriptures and
scriptures talk about spiritual world.
(Para 1 – Hierarchy of Glories of Spiritual World)
Material World < Spiritual World < Mathura and adjoining area < Interior Forests of
Vrindavana < Govardhana Hill < Rādhā-Kunda.
Place Glory
Vaikuntha (1) Transcendental World
(2) Three fourths of the total creation (BP: material
world is limited, spiritual world is unlimited)
(3) Most Exalted Region – superior to material world
Mathura and adjoining area (1) Although appearing in material world (CCP:
Vaikuntha is inaccessible to us, Mathura is accessible
to us, so mercy flows)
(2) The Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself
appeared here.
Interior forests of The presence of the twelve forests (dvādaśa-vana) which are
Vṛndāvana famous for the various pastimes of the Lord
Govardhana Hill (1) Kṛṣṇa lifted Govardhana Hill like an umbrella
(2) Here Kṛṣṇa tends the cows with His cowherd friends
(BP: Kṛṣṇa appreciated Govardhana for providing
soft grass for His cows)
(3) There also He had His rendezvous with His most
beloved Śrī Rādhā and engaged in loving pastimes
with Her
Rādhā Kunda (1) At the foot of Govardhana
(2) Advanced devotees prefer to reside
(3) It is there that love of Kṛṣṇa overflows.
(4) This place is the site of many memories of the eternal
loving affairs between Kṛṣṇa and Rādhārāṇī (rati-
vilāsa).
(5) Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu desire to find it.
CCP: Is spiritual world infinite? Is spiritual world finite? Is material world infinite? Is
material world finite? There are levels of infinity. Basic principle is that spiritual
world is far bigger and grander than material world. Vaikuntha – without anxiety.
CCP: Hierarchy in spiritual world is in consideration of rasa. From point of tattva
everything is perfect is all spiritual world. No one is anxious in any part of Vaikuntha.
CCP: Same hierarchy is described by Sanatana Goswami in Brihad Bhagavatamrita –
Gopa Kumara story.
CCP: One person’s rasa can’t be imposed on another.
CCP: What does it mean to say that Mathura and Vrindavana are spiritual world? We
see so much dirt there. Dhama is revealed according to a person’s adhikara.
CCP: SBVT says dhāma is covered by yogamaya and covering is removed by endeavours or
purification of sadhaka combined by descent of mercy of Lord through devotees.
(Para 2 – The manifestation of Rādhā-kunda and how it is special to Lord Caitanya's
followers)
BP: Govardhana is shaped as peacock and Rādhā Kunda and Syama Kunda are eyes
of pea-cock.
CCP: Water of Rādhā Kunda is manifestation of Rādhārani’s love for Kṛṣṇa and
water of Syama Kunda is manifestation of Kṛṣṇa’s love for Rādhārani.
When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu first visited the area of Vraja-bhūmi, He could not at
first find the location of Rādhā-kuṇḍa.
Finally He found the holy spot, and there was a small pond there.
o HPS: Note that the “small pond there” is not the “actual Rādhā-kunda”. Like a
sign on a music store is not music. You have to do AUSTERITIES if you want
to see more. If you want to have even a glimpse of the real Rādhā-kunda.
Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has given much stress to Rādhā-kuṇḍa because of Śrī Caitanya
Mahāprabhu’s desire to find it. Who, then, would give up Rādhā-kuṇḍa and try to
reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.
The importance of Rādhā-kuṇḍa, however, cannot be realized by other
Vaiṣṇava sampradāyas.
Nor can persons uninterested in the devotional service of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu
understand the spiritual importance and divine nature of Rādhā-kuṇḍa.
Thus Rādhā-kuṇḍa is mainly worshiped by the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas.
BP: Prabhupāda was given order to print books near Rādhā Kunda only.
BP: When BBT devotees who was deep into book distribution, saw manuscript of it,
they questioned Prabhupāda whether to print it. Prabhupāda said yes, if devotees
know how exalted Vraja is, Rādhā Kunda is, then how much dear that devotee would
be who leaves them due to compassion to preach. One devotee was preaching book
distribution is best. So in Vrindavana he was asked the tricky question – who is better
– an uttama adhikari who is engaged in constant bhajana or a kaniṣṭha adhikari who is
engaged in book distribution? He replied of course the kaniṣṭha adhikari who is
engaged in book distribution. That’s wrong answer. How can we not respect a devotee
who preaches, else how we’ll be here? But that doesn’t mean to deprecate a person
who is in deep love with Kṛṣṇa and realized his relation.
Explanation
Summary of Themes
Nectar of Instruction 1 – Mind and Sense Control
Key NOI Verses/Passages:
References, other books:
Related themes:
____________________________________________________
Nectar of Instruction 2 – Attitude
Key NOI Verses/Passages:
References, other books:
Related themes: