Harmony

A Preview
 Table of Contents
I Cheated Them First .................................................................... 1
[If someone cheats you, do not retaliate, because you previously
cheated them.]
On Good Communication ............................................................. 1
[Listen to others and understand their happiness and distress,
rather than imposing upon them your mood.]
An Ideal Society ............................................................................ 2
[Tolerate problems as due to past karma or Krsna's test and
operation, rather than becoming angry and upset.]
We Are Not Masters To Chastize ................................................. 3
[No need to associate with a wretched person, but do not criticize]
Don't Quarrel ................................................................................ 4
[Be more humble than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree]
For Peace In The Family ............................................................... 5
[Husbands should respect their wives, wives should bring peace to
the family, and mothers should see that their children become
learned in bhakti]
Love and Affection ........................................................................ 5
[Give your whole being with love and affection for the others'
happiness, rather than controlling them or giving them suffering.]
Take Responsibility ....................................................................... 7
[See the good in others rather than focusing on their faults,
otherwise you must absorb their faults.]
About Criticism ............................................................................. 8
[First look at your own condition, and try to purify yourself.]
Do Not Worry About Others' Behavior ....................................... 8
[Honor sincere devotees, rather than worry about their temporary
contamination.]
Don't Fear ...................................................................................... 9
[Express yourself; don't think, “Only they are controlling.”
God Is The Most Respectful ......................................................... 9
[Respect others, rather than hankering for respect.]
 Preface
By the mercy of Çréla Gurudeva, Çréla Bhaktivedänta
Näräyaëa Gosvämé Mahäräja, a book called Harmony is planned
to be published for Gaura-pürëimä 2011. This book will contain
several of Çréla Gurudeva's lectures on how we can advance in
bhakti by having proper Vaiñëava dealings and moods towards
others.
In light of Çréla Gurudeva's loving requests that the devotees
in his saìga become more and more unified, and in light of the
recent pastimes he is performing, we wanted to have something
ready for this Kärtika. We have therefore published excerpts of
the book in chronological order, as a preview, and called it
Harmony, A Preview. We beg our respected readers to excuse us
for any mistakes that we might have made in publishing this small
booklet due to our rush to get it to you.
Aspiring for the service of the Vaiñëavas,
The Editors
Kärtika, 2010
　
I Cheated Them First
Mathurä, India: August, 1992
Çréla Näräyaëa Gosvämé Mahäräja: We must try to control our
heart and our mind. Some people have cheated us, that is true;
however, we should react in the following way, “I have cheated
them in a previous birth. That is why they are cheating me today.”
It should not make us angry.
Question: But those people can put many people in confusion.
Çréla Näräyaëa Gosvämé Mahäräja: If you hit someone and he hits
you back twice as hard, you cannot complain. You started and
then he reacted. You should think, “I have caused him some harm
in a previous birth, and now he is giving me back the reaction for
that.” Don't become angry or envious, otherwise your mind will
get agitated and you won't be able to perform bhakti. This
teaching is for all of you.
If someone abuses you with words, you should think, “His
insult doesn't affect me. I am not offended.” If we are not affected,
the offense will turn back against the person who has committed
it. It is not necessary to become angry.

On Good Communication
[In his introductory lecture of his six-day course on Çré Bhakti-
tattva-viveka]
First try to give up all your false egos, like anger. If you have a
lot of anger, you cannot understand all these topics.
Try to be very humble:
tåëäd api sunécena
taror api sahiñëunä
amäninä mänadena
kértanéyaù sadä hariù
This should not only be in Çré Caitanya-caritämåta; it should
come in your heart. If you are not always following this, but you are
always in an arrogant mood and telling others, “You should obey
me, I will not obey you. What I am telling is true to the highest
extent,” not considering what the other person is telling, or
whether he is giving good or bad advice. This not good. Do not be
like this.
Try to be like Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and His associates.
They were so broadminded. Always see what other persons want.
Try to realize their difficulties.
We should try to understand the suffering of another. We
should try to keep our own mood concealed, and try to accept and
hear the other person's mood. We should try to understand the
happiness and distress of another. We should give up our own
moods and hear the other person's moods. Then, together, we can
consider what to do. If we do not hear the other person's mood, but
rather keep our own mood prominent, this is not called
'association.'
We should try to follow all of these principles. This is the
ground-level, the platform, of bhakti. If the platform is not made,
then all these showers of instructions (hari-katha; in this case, he
means his six-day course on Çré Bhakti-tattva-viveka) may come
but they will not remain with you. If your ego is like a mountain,
then this shower will go down the mountain. It will not remain on
it. Those who are polite, tåëäd api sunécena, will gain everything;
and those who are proud will gain nothing.

An Ideal Society
A darçana at the New Vraja Gurukula, Badger, California, 1997
Whether one is junior or senior, everyone should be honored
according to their position in bhakti. Those who are senior
disciples of Çréla Prabhupäda should be honored, and they should
have so much affection and love for their juniors. In this way a
very ideal society can be made. Your Prabhupäda, my Svaméjé, also
wanted this, and he tried for this. Some devotees, however, due to
false ego, wanted to control by intelligence and not by love and
affection. Therefore they could not be successful. The process for
achieving success has nothing to do with controlling. It has to do
with love and affection, viçva-prema, universal love.
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu had that universal love, and we all
must follow Him. If any problems come, try to reconcile it. You
should think, “It is due to my past karma,” or, “Kåñëa wants to test
me and to operate on me” – these two things. We must not be
angry and upset about disturbing occurrences. A school should be
established for the purpose of teaching this.
Meetings and classes may be held fortnightly, weekly, or on
the occasion of any festival. This is done for association, and for
developing love and affection towards each other. Sometimes one
prabhu can give class, sometimes another. Everyone can benefit
from these classes. There should be harmony; this is most
essential. By harmony you will be successful.

We Are Not Masters To Chastize

Badger, California: May 21, 1997
We should try to advance. Do not waste your time in
criticizing. Do not try to control all these things. Gurudeva can
control. He is a controller, and Kåñëa, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu
and Çré Nityänanda Prabhu are controllers. We should think, “I
am not the controller. I should be controlled by Them. I should try
to control myself.” In this way we should try to develop our Kåñëa
consciousness.

Also, while we are chanting, remembering and engaging in

devotional services, we should protect ourselves so that we do not
commit offences to others. Otherwise, those offences will spoil
everything. All our endeavours will be wasted and go in the
garbage can. So we should try not to offend anyone and always
honor all.
If you see that a person is wretched, then don't associate with
him. Try to do your daëòavat praëäma from afar by saying or
thinking: "Oh, daëòavat praëäma; I should go." But do not
criticize. Guru can criticize and chastise. We are not masters to
chastise. Be very humble, hankering for bhakti, so that your hearts
will melt. Try to serve Vaiñëavas and guru. If you chastise
Vaiñëavas, not honouring them, and at the same time you are
doing abundant service to gurudeva, gurudeva will not accept your
service.

Don't Quarrel
Wales, UK: July 2, 2000
Once, during Navadvépa parikramä, two disciples of my
Gurudeva were quarreling between themselves. Taking burning
sticks of wood from the kitchen, both were bitterly quarreling.
Someone came and told my Gurudeva, “Oh, they are quarreling
very much. Please somehow make them stop. They are not
listening to anyone.” Guru Mahäräja replied, “Let them quarrel.
They should bitterly quarrel; and after that they should go to court
and file a case against each other. I am not a judge. I have not come
to always sit in court and decide about worldly things. I have not
told them to quarrel. I told them that those who want to do
bhajana of Krsna should follow the principles of trinad api
sunicena, taror iva suhisnusa, amanina manadena. Following these
principles, they should be very humble, like a blade of grass, and
they should be more tolerant than trees. Trees never complain
about anything to anyone, even if they are being cut down. Even if
he is drying up, the tree never begs water. Rather, he is always
serving others. You can throw any stone at him, and he will give
you sweet fruits. His bark, his fruit, his wood, his everything, is for
others.
“So I have told them that I came to help them to develop
transcendental love and affection for Kåñëa. I have not come to be
a judge. In India, and especially in Bengal, there are thousands of
courts in which you can go and complain; no harm. But for this
thing you should not come to me.”
 …My request is that wife and husband not quarrel with each
other. You should be tolerant, otherwise your life will be spoiled.
Be like chaste Indian ladies and chaste Indian husbands. Be like
Räma, like Sétä, like the gopés, like Kåñëa, like Sävitré,
Satyabhämä, Anasüyä, Atri, and all others like them.

For Peace In The Family

Lautoka, Fiji: February 8, 2002
Give respect to your parents and to your guru. And give your
wife the respect she deserves. The ladies should try to create a
peaceful environment in the house. Do not destroy the peace of
the house. Do not become like Çürpaëakhä or Pütanä; become
like Sétä or Rädhikä. In India we find many examples of
courageous women such as Laxmibai, the famous Queen of Jhansi,
and others who sacrificed so much for their country and society.
Women's responsibility is not only to cook and produce
children. Women should see that their children become learned
in bhagavad-bhakti, and that they become strong and courageous
like Bhéma and Arjuna. Mothers have more responsibility than
fathers, for they must teach their children, from childhood, about
Bhagavän and bhagavad-bhakti. Their children should be taught
Vedic Sanskåti (culture). They must not become atheists. Women
should play a very responsible role in educating children, and men
should play their part and also treat women with respect. Men
should not think that women are just servants of the house or that
they are simply producers of children. Lord Rämacandra, the
Päëòavas, and others have shown how to respect women.

Love and Affection

Odessa, Ukraine: September, 2002
We want to associate with everyone on the platform of love
and affection, not by controlling others. You cannot bring
someone to Kåñëa's service by manipulating or controlling them.
You cannot even control your own mind, what to speak of others.
 Don't try to control others by your order or your mind. Try to
give your whole being. Love has nothing to take, but everything to
give. If your aim and objective is to preach the love and affection
of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, try to give yourself to others. Your
whole life should be dedicated for the welfare of others. They will
reciprocate that love and give their life to serve Kåñëa. They will
not offer their love and affection if you are trying to control them.
Avoid criticizing others; criticize your own mind and bad habits
instead.
The first thing is that if you want to show love to others, do
not cause them any pain or suffering, or burden them for your
personal happiness or maintenance. Your first concern should be
the happiness and satisfaction of others. We want to be
completely selfless in our dealings. We have the example of the
tree that gives its bark, roots, fruits, leaves, wood, and shade; they
offer everything to others with no expectation of remuneration.
As human beings, why can't we be as selfless?
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has given us this verse:
tåëäd api sunécena
taror api sahiñëunä
amäninä mänadena
kértanéyaù sadä hariù
(Çré Çikñäñöakam, Verse 3)
Thinking oneself to be even lower and more
worthless than insignificant grass which has
been trampled beneath everyone's feet,
being more tolerant than a tree, being pride
less, and offering respect to all others based
upon their respective positions, one should
continuously chant the holy name of Hari.
Try to follow this instruction. I want my sannyäsés and
preachers to understand and follow this verse completely, and to
teach others by their personal example. I don't want them to
behave selfishly. They should try to give their hearts to others. I
have come to give my heart, not to take anything from you. This is
the preaching of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. He gave his heart
even to dogs, lions and tigers. Don't think that we need to ask
anyone for money. If we selflessly preach the message of Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu, God will automatically send money from
the sky-like a rain shower. We need not worry at all about that.
This is the teaching and example of Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu. I want you all to listen very carefully to what I am
saying here. My words should not evaporate in the air. Don't listen
and then forget what I have said. Everyone should hear carefully,
then write these instructions down and try to follow them.
If you want to be successful in your life, the first thing is to
give up the desire to praise yourself. Don't think “I am very
glorious and talented, I can preach everywhere.” Instead, glorify
your dékñä-guru and çikñä-guru everywhere. By doing this, you will
be successful in your preaching and glory will come into your
pocket. I have realized this, and you should also realize this fact. By
glorifying your guru-varga and your guru-parampara, everyone
will be pleased with your preaching and they will praise you. Go
on with your preaching, taking care that you don't seek that
praise. Remember that you are a servant of your dékñä and çikñä-
gurus. Do not be ambitious to create your own disciples, but try to
bring disciples to the lotus feet of your Gurudeva.

Seeing The Good

India: September 4, 2005
It is very important that we don't focus on anyone's faults.
Look at their good qualities. We have to absorb these qualities in
ourselves. We must take the association of Vaiñëavas who are
superior to us and who have the mood we want. Then we can
attain bhakti.
About Criticism
Hilo, Hawaii: February 7, 2005
If lust or any other attachment is present in that person's heart it
will go away very soon, if he is chanting and remembering and
listening to hari-kathä. Be very careful. Don't criticize devotees or
non-devotees. First look at your own condition, and try to purify
yourself. Is there any lust in you? Is there any deceit in you, or not?
Be worried for that; don't worry for others. Çré Guru and Lord Çré
Kåñëa are responsible for others. You cannot do anything to help
them, so you have no right to criticize.

Do Not Worry About Others' Behavior

Murwillumbah, Australia: April 29, 2005
If Caitanya Mahäprabhu is not a Mäyävädé, why did He tell
Rämänanda Räya, “I am a mäyävädé-sannyäsé”? It is because He
was humble, more so than a blade of grass. He followed the
principles of the following verse, and all Vaiñëavas devotees
should be like Him in this regard.
Especially sannyäsés should be like this. All Vaiñëavas should
give honor to others. Don't worry about what others are doing.
Don't see whether others are doing nonsense or whatever else.
Don't criticize. Ask yourself: “How well am I developing in Kåñëa
Consciousness? Am I following 'tåëäd api sunécena taror api
sahiñëunä amäninä mänadena?'” We should also be aware of Lord
Çré Kåñëa's statement in the Bhagavad-gétä: “api cet su-duräcäro
bhajate mäm ananya-bhäk.” [“Even if one commits the most
abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to
be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his
determination” (Bhagavad-gétä 9.30).] Don't worry about a
sincere devotee's temporary material contamination, otherwise
your own life will be spoiled.
Don't Fear
Navadvépa (Koladvépa), India : March 22–24, 2007
“I think you should all tell your ideas openly and bravely; don't
fear from anyone. You all have a right to express your ideas. Do
not think, 'Oh, only they are controlling.'”

God Is The Most Respectful

[Çréla Näräyaëa Gosvämé Mahäräja tells this history, which is
told here in Çré Caitanya-Bhägavata, Antya-khaëòa 9:]
In ancient times many great sages had assembled on the bank
of the sacred Sarasvaté River to perform the sacrifice of hearing
the Puräëas. Each of them was very learned and well-versed in the
scriptures and they discussed only transcendental topics. Thus, in
their meeting they resolved to discover who of the three divinities,
Brahmä, Çiva and Viñëu, is the chief and Supreme over all. Some
said Brahmä is the Supreme, others said Maheçvara, Çiva, and yet
others maintained that Viñëu is the Lord of all Lords.
The various Puräëas apparently proposed reach of the three
major divinities as the Supreme. Of course, this was confusing, so
they turned to the sage Bhågu Muni for help in resolving the issue.
Since he was the son of Lord Brahmä, born of his mind, and the
most senior and expert amongst the sages, Bhågu, was the right
choice to investigate. The sages agreed that they would
unanimously accept the decision of Bhågu Muni after he had
personally tested each of the divinities. Upon hearing their
request, the great sage Bhågu took off to Brahmaloka, the abode of
Lord Brahmä.
Çré Bhågu Muni entered the court of Lord Brahmä and stood
there in front of Lord Brahmä. Lord Brahmä was very happy to see
his son and asked him about his well-being. Since the sage had
come to test his father, he did not pay much heed to Lord Brahmä's
words, but simply acted haughtily. Neither did he offer respects,
nor endearing words, as is becoming of a son to his father. When
Lord Brahmä noticed his son's misdemeanor and uncouth
behavior, he became livid with rage. Seeing the burning eyes of his
father, which could quickly reduce him to ashes, the sage swiftly
fled the scene. Others in Lord Brahmä's court began to pacify
Lord Brahmä saying, “After all he is your son our Lord, how can
you as a father be so angry with your son?” Overcome with
paternal affection Lord Brahmä put aside his anger. The words of
the courtiers had acted like water upon a fire. The sage Bhågu then
returned to explain everything to Lord Brahmä and next
proceeded to Mount Kailäsa to test Lord Çiva.
Upon seeing Bhågu Muni, Lord Çiva became very jubilent,
and together with his wife, Çré Pärvaté-devé, stood up to greet him.
The sage was his elder brother, so respectfully, he approached the
sage and wanted to embrace him. The sage said, “O Maheça, do
not touch me! You always dress like an uncivilized barbarian. You
are also always surrounded by unclean and uncouth ghosts,
hobgoblins, and untouchables. Your behavior is unpredictable
and ill-mannered, and which scripture recommends one to smear
ashes all over the body? If you touch me, I will have to take a bath,
so stay away from me!”
Sage Bhågu was saying all these words simply to test Çré
Maheçvara, but otherwise never a word of criticism about Lord
Çiva would be heard from his mouth. However now, Lord Çiva was
so enraged with the sage Bhågu that forgetting he was his elder
brother, he lifted his trident and looked as if he were about to
destroy the Three Worlds. As he rushed towards the sage, Çré
Pärvaté-devé stepped in between and caught hold of the hand of
her husband. She then fell at his feet and begged him saying, “My
Lord, is it proper to be so angry with your elder brother?” His wife's
wise solicitations calmed Lord Çiva and he felt ashamed for his
outburst. From there, the sage went to Vaikuëöha to test Çré Kåñëa.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead was reclining upon His
gem-studded bed, while the Goddess of Fortune, Çré Lakñmé-devé,
massaged His lotus feet. Suddenly, Bhågu Muni appeared as if from
nowhere and kicked the Lord upon His chest. Seeing the sage
Bhågu, the Supreme Lord immediately stood up and offered His
respects with folded hands, feeling very pleased. Together with
His wife, Çré Lakñmé-devé, the Supreme Lord then bathed the feet
of the sage and next offered him their finest seat to sit upon. With
His own hands, the Lord smeared sandalwood paste upon the
body of the sage. The Lord acted as if He were an offender trying
to exonerate Himself from His offences.
Lord Viñëu said to the sage, “I was not at all aware of your
auspicious arrival, thus kindly forgive Me for My transgression of
etiquette. The holy water from the bathing of your feet purifies all
the places of holy pilgrimage. Today, it has purified all the kings
and emperors of the innumerable brahmäëòas, universes, which
are situated in My personal form. May your character and
personality remain forever unsullied and undiminished.
“The dust from your foot I will keep imprinted upon My
breast with great happiness, in the same place where My beloved
wife, Çré Lakñmé-devé, is seated. Let the Vedas declare My name as
'Çrévatsa-läïchana', one who is marked with the sign of Çrévatsa.”
The sage, upon hearing the words of the Supreme Lord and
witnessing His humble demeanor, which was free from lust, greed,
anger, and illusion, was truly amazed. He felt greatly ashamed,
hung his head down, and remained so for a long time.
The actions of Båghu Muni were not really his own doing.
Certainly, he had acted under some compulsion, as if under a
spell. When he came out of this spell, he was overcome with joy
and reverence for the Supreme Lord.
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