In my earlier posts where I talk about falling down of devotees, I once again copy another purport by Srila Prabhupada where he clearly describes the power of maya and the concept of falling down.
We may have a tendancy to find fault and an opportunity may present itself to find fault but we have to practice restraint for no one is exempt from commiting one mistake or the other. A conditioned soul makes mistakes and continues his conditioning, but if a liberated soul gets illusioned and commits mistake, then he or she is sure to fall down. Prabhupada is saying that even a liberated soul will fall down if not careful and if not under the protection of the Lord.
Therefore, it is no wonder that many devotees came to ISKCON, practiced bhakti elevated their consciousness and perhaps by the power of maya gone back to a material consciousness. As practicing devotees, we should not get disturbed and find fault or think the system is not working. Bottom line is anyone can fall victim to Maya and as a lone individual, I have to use my best judgement and care to be vigilant on all sides and pray for protection from the Lord.
Below is the purport by Srila Prabhupada
Not only does the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead act on the conditioned soul within this material world, but sometimes it also acts on the most advanced learned scholars, who factually know the constitutional position of this material world through realization. As soon as someone thinks, "I am this material body (ahaḿ mameti [SB 5.5.8]) and everything in relationship with this material body is mine," he is in illusion (moha). This illusion caused by the material energy acts especially on the conditioned souls, but it sometimes also acts on liberated souls as well. A liberated soul is a person who has sufficient knowledge of this material world and is therefore unattached to the bodily conception of life. But because of association with the modes of material nature for a very long time, even liberated souls sometimes become captivated by the illusory energy due to inattentiveness in the transcendental position. Therefore Lord Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā (7.14), mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāḿ taranti te: "Only those who surrender unto Me can overcome the influence of the material energy." Therefore no one should think of himself as a liberated person immune to the influence of māyā. Everyone should very cautiously execute devotional service by rigidly following regulative principles. Thus he will remain fixed at the lotus feet of the Lord. Otherwise, a little inattention will create havoc. We have already seen an example of this in the case of Mahārāja Bharata. Mahārāja Bharata was undoubtedly a great devotee, but because he turned his attention slightly toward a small deer, he had to suffer two more births, one as a deer and another as the brāhmaṇa Jaḍa Bharata. Afterward he was liberated and went back home, back to Godhead.
The Lord is always prepared to excuse His devotee, but if a devotee takes advantage of the Lord's leniency and purposefully commits mistakes again and again, the Lord will certainly punish him by letting him fall down into the clutches of the illusory energy. In other words, theoretical knowledge acquired by studying the Vedas is insufficient to protect one from the clutches of māyā. One must strongly adhere to the lotus feet of the Lord in devotional service. Then one's position is secure.
- SB 5.18.4
Hare Krishna
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Spontaneous human combustion
Spontaneous human combustion or SHC is a phenomenon where a living human body without an apparent external source of ignition starts to ignite from within spontaneously. SHC is not very well studied or documented by modern science yet as there are not many reported cases to investigate. However, it is a valid phenomenon that is continuing to baffle medical experts and scientists. There are experts on both sides of the fence supporting or rejecting SHC. According to Wikipedia, there have been more than 200 cases documented over a period of 300 years.
The thing that is astounding apart from the spontaneous ignition is that the furniture and other objects proximal to the victim is not damaged or burnt by the high temperatures. Damage is limited only to the victim’s clothing, floor area and furniture. Anyways, SHC is a modern day mystery that is yet to be fully studied.
Although it seems that SHC is a modern day mystery, actually, there is a reference to it in the Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagavatam is an ancient book spoken 5000 years ago and documented as such. In it, there is a reference to SHC and the nature of it. Please see below.
The material body is a combination of earth, water, fire, air and ether. There is already fire within the body, and our practical experience is that the heat of this fire sometimes increases and sometimes decreases. The fire within the bodies of the sons of Sagara Mahārāja became so much hotter that all of them burned to ashes. The fire's increased heat was due to their misbehavior toward a great personality. Such misbehavior is called mahad-vyatikrama. They were killed by the fire of their own bodies because of insulting a great personality.
SB 9.8.11
Hare Krishna
The thing that is astounding apart from the spontaneous ignition is that the furniture and other objects proximal to the victim is not damaged or burnt by the high temperatures. Damage is limited only to the victim’s clothing, floor area and furniture. Anyways, SHC is a modern day mystery that is yet to be fully studied.
Although it seems that SHC is a modern day mystery, actually, there is a reference to it in the Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagavatam is an ancient book spoken 5000 years ago and documented as such. In it, there is a reference to SHC and the nature of it. Please see below.
The material body is a combination of earth, water, fire, air and ether. There is already fire within the body, and our practical experience is that the heat of this fire sometimes increases and sometimes decreases. The fire within the bodies of the sons of Sagara Mahārāja became so much hotter that all of them burned to ashes. The fire's increased heat was due to their misbehavior toward a great personality. Such misbehavior is called mahad-vyatikrama. They were killed by the fire of their own bodies because of insulting a great personality.
SB 9.8.11
Hare Krishna
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
what is kirtanam?
Kirtanam actually means “describing”. You can describe with music, you can describe with words, you can describe in speeches, any sort of describing, that is called kirtanam
- Srila Prabhupada 1966/12/01 New York
- Srila Prabhupada 1966/12/01 New York
Monday, November 21, 2011
falling down
In ISKCON, during and after Srila Prabhupada earthly pastimes, many sanyasis and devotees went back to a material way of life. In other words, they fell down. Seeing devotees fall down can be discouraging to our spiritual life, especially advanced devotees such as sanyasis. In ISKCON’s history, many such sanyasis relinquished their vows. Using this as an excuse, many people (including devotees) find fault with ISKCON as an institution and organization. I think it is important for the leaders to do their best in terms of serving Srila Prabhupada and the mission but at the same time we must also recognize the power of material nature. We have to be careful before we find fault with fallen devotees or criticize the management. Of course, it is easy to criticize than to be the change agent.
Because material nature is as good as Krishna (very powerful), very easily, we can fall a victim to it. Devotees, I am sure with all best intentions start their spiritual careers but sometimes unable to withstand give into material desires and temptations. When we see such dubious devotees, to protect our own devotional creeper, we can stay away (aloof) from them. If we are spiritually strong, we can offer to help. But fault finding does not help anyone. In fact finding fault, we will go down in time. To illustrate my point on how material nature is so powerful and no one is exempt from Her clutches, below is a purport written by Srila Prabhupada on how two very powerful and greatest mystic yogis fell down to become birds. This narration, if anything, is an indication that if such great yogis can fall down into maya, we as neophytes can easily falter. So our only hope is to humble ourselves always in front of Krishna requesting His shelter. We should internally show compassion to souls who have fallen down and pray that one day they come back into Krishna’s service, we should be careful before we find fault with devotees who make or made mistakes.
Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha were always inimical. Formerly, Viśvāmitra was a kṣatriya, and by undergoing severe austerities he wanted to become a brāhmaṇa, but Vasiṣṭha would not agree to accept him. In this way there was always disagreement between the two. Later, however, Vasiṣṭha accepted him because of Viśvāmitra's quality of forgiveness. Once Hariścandra performed a yajña for which Viśvāmitra was the priest, but Viśvāmitra, being angry at Hariścandra, took away all his possessions, claiming them as a contribution of dakṣiṇā. Vasiṣṭha, however, did not like this, and therefore a fight arose between Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra. The fighting became so severe that each of them cursed the other. One of them said, "May you become a bird," and the other said, "May you become a duck." Thus both of them became birds and continued fighting for many years because of Hariścandra. We can see that such a great mystic yogī as Saubhari became a victim of sense gratification, and such great sages as Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra became birds. This is the material world.
-SB 9.7.7 – purport by Srila Prabhupada
Sage Vasistha and Vishwamitra muni were spiritual masters for Lord Ramachandra. If they both can fall down due to anger, then what is our chance? Therefore, there will be devotees falling down and we should not be disturbed by it but rather should convince ourselves to not be careless in our spiritual duties and if by Krishna’s mercy I fall down sometime, I simply have to get up and get back on the saddle of chanting and hearing. There is no other atonement in this age.
Hare Krishna
Because material nature is as good as Krishna (very powerful), very easily, we can fall a victim to it. Devotees, I am sure with all best intentions start their spiritual careers but sometimes unable to withstand give into material desires and temptations. When we see such dubious devotees, to protect our own devotional creeper, we can stay away (aloof) from them. If we are spiritually strong, we can offer to help. But fault finding does not help anyone. In fact finding fault, we will go down in time. To illustrate my point on how material nature is so powerful and no one is exempt from Her clutches, below is a purport written by Srila Prabhupada on how two very powerful and greatest mystic yogis fell down to become birds. This narration, if anything, is an indication that if such great yogis can fall down into maya, we as neophytes can easily falter. So our only hope is to humble ourselves always in front of Krishna requesting His shelter. We should internally show compassion to souls who have fallen down and pray that one day they come back into Krishna’s service, we should be careful before we find fault with devotees who make or made mistakes.
Viśvāmitra and Vasiṣṭha were always inimical. Formerly, Viśvāmitra was a kṣatriya, and by undergoing severe austerities he wanted to become a brāhmaṇa, but Vasiṣṭha would not agree to accept him. In this way there was always disagreement between the two. Later, however, Vasiṣṭha accepted him because of Viśvāmitra's quality of forgiveness. Once Hariścandra performed a yajña for which Viśvāmitra was the priest, but Viśvāmitra, being angry at Hariścandra, took away all his possessions, claiming them as a contribution of dakṣiṇā. Vasiṣṭha, however, did not like this, and therefore a fight arose between Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra. The fighting became so severe that each of them cursed the other. One of them said, "May you become a bird," and the other said, "May you become a duck." Thus both of them became birds and continued fighting for many years because of Hariścandra. We can see that such a great mystic yogī as Saubhari became a victim of sense gratification, and such great sages as Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra became birds. This is the material world.
-SB 9.7.7 – purport by Srila Prabhupada
Sage Vasistha and Vishwamitra muni were spiritual masters for Lord Ramachandra. If they both can fall down due to anger, then what is our chance? Therefore, there will be devotees falling down and we should not be disturbed by it but rather should convince ourselves to not be careless in our spiritual duties and if by Krishna’s mercy I fall down sometime, I simply have to get up and get back on the saddle of chanting and hearing. There is no other atonement in this age.
Hare Krishna
Sunday, November 20, 2011
simply chanting Hare Krishna will relieve us from all suffering
Even if one is sinful and cannot give up sinful life immediately, if he chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra with devotion and faith he will certainly be freed from all sinful activities, and his life will be successful. Paraḿ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-sańkīrtanam. This is the blessing of Lord Rāmacandra, who has appeared in this age of Kali as Lord Gaurasundara.
- Srila Prabhupada purport SB 9.10.51
Following my theme from previous posts, this is yet another purport by Srila Prabhupada on how simply chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra will relieve one of all unnecessary desires and activities. In other words, if we somehow cultivate devotion and faith in Krishna and His names despite our negative qualities, eventually we will be free from these qualities and make our life successful.
Hare Krishna
- Srila Prabhupada purport SB 9.10.51
Following my theme from previous posts, this is yet another purport by Srila Prabhupada on how simply chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra will relieve one of all unnecessary desires and activities. In other words, if we somehow cultivate devotion and faith in Krishna and His names despite our negative qualities, eventually we will be free from these qualities and make our life successful.
Hare Krishna
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Faults of others
When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.
- Epictetus AD 55 - AD 135 - Greek sage and philosopher
Look within. Amend yourself, rather than pry into the frailties of others. When faults in others misguide and delude you - have patience, introspect, find faults in yourself. Know that others cannot harm you unless you harm yourself.
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami - AD 1874 - AD 1937 - Vaishnava saint and philosopher
Hare Krishna
- Epictetus AD 55 - AD 135 - Greek sage and philosopher
Look within. Amend yourself, rather than pry into the frailties of others. When faults in others misguide and delude you - have patience, introspect, find faults in yourself. Know that others cannot harm you unless you harm yourself.
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami - AD 1874 - AD 1937 - Vaishnava saint and philosopher
Hare Krishna
Devotional mentality takes precedence, not rules
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee's attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone's heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one's devotional mentality.
- SB 8.23.2 - Purport by Srila Prabhupada
This quote, i think, forms the foundation for bhakti yoga. Our sincere efforts to please the Lord and the Lord's consequential mercy upon us forms the basis of our advancement in Krishna consciousness. One cannot go without the other. I also think when Srila Prabhupada was physically present in this world, he practiced this point to the core. No matter how ragged or far-off an individual was, if that individual had some inclination for sincere service (in whatever form or shape) towards Krishna, Srila Prabhupada being the expert fanned that small spark of service to a forest fire. To do that, Srila Prabhupada took the most humble position, tolerated our misgivings (in other words did not care for our negative qualities) and was ready to facilitate at any level as long the individual person performed his or her sincere service. To actually bow down and humble oneself to help a person advance in their sincerity/service towards Krishna is real preaching and this type of preaching pleases the Lord. Also, this exhibits one's love for the other. This love between individuals forms the bond and strength against adversities in this material world and helps us stay focused in Krishna consciousness. Srila Prabhupada, therefore, was and is the glue for this whole movement because he was unabashed in his love by patiently teaching us to render some (small or big) service to Krishna. People took note of this love.
Unfortunately, in today's ISKCON (and this is strictly my experience), we have become more inclined towards following rules and regulations detached from this mood of loving dealings and judge devotees as "advanced" based on one's ability to strictly follow rules. By loving dealings, I do not mean just words of sweetness or politeness at all times...I mean a genuine desire to show concern for others based on philosophical and spiritual values.
If we want to cultivate a worldwide community, then we have to follow in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada in that we should be ready to tolerate others misgivings and at the same time genuinely encourage them to perform some service to Krishna according to their natural capacity. This does not require management training or workshops...all it requires is a genuine feeling or desire to help others get closer to Krishna. If we display this quality of affection and tolerance, devotional mentality will automatically grow in us and in others. In this devotional atmosphere, the desire to follow rules will automatically follow.
In essence, rules are secondary to cultivating devotional mentality and not the other way round. As followers of ISKCON, we have to help people increase their devotional mentality (bhava) towards God, then, once we successfully do that in an individual, automatically the individual will gradually develop the desire to follow the rules to make further progress. I believe the current ISKCON has to create an atmosphere (by that I mean the local leaders should lead from the front) where the followers feel welcomed and their natural propensity to serve the Lord (in devotion) be aroused. I feel this is lacking and hence contrary to the purport above.
Hare Krishna
- SB 8.23.2 - Purport by Srila Prabhupada
This quote, i think, forms the foundation for bhakti yoga. Our sincere efforts to please the Lord and the Lord's consequential mercy upon us forms the basis of our advancement in Krishna consciousness. One cannot go without the other. I also think when Srila Prabhupada was physically present in this world, he practiced this point to the core. No matter how ragged or far-off an individual was, if that individual had some inclination for sincere service (in whatever form or shape) towards Krishna, Srila Prabhupada being the expert fanned that small spark of service to a forest fire. To do that, Srila Prabhupada took the most humble position, tolerated our misgivings (in other words did not care for our negative qualities) and was ready to facilitate at any level as long the individual person performed his or her sincere service. To actually bow down and humble oneself to help a person advance in their sincerity/service towards Krishna is real preaching and this type of preaching pleases the Lord. Also, this exhibits one's love for the other. This love between individuals forms the bond and strength against adversities in this material world and helps us stay focused in Krishna consciousness. Srila Prabhupada, therefore, was and is the glue for this whole movement because he was unabashed in his love by patiently teaching us to render some (small or big) service to Krishna. People took note of this love.
Unfortunately, in today's ISKCON (and this is strictly my experience), we have become more inclined towards following rules and regulations detached from this mood of loving dealings and judge devotees as "advanced" based on one's ability to strictly follow rules. By loving dealings, I do not mean just words of sweetness or politeness at all times...I mean a genuine desire to show concern for others based on philosophical and spiritual values.
If we want to cultivate a worldwide community, then we have to follow in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada in that we should be ready to tolerate others misgivings and at the same time genuinely encourage them to perform some service to Krishna according to their natural capacity. This does not require management training or workshops...all it requires is a genuine feeling or desire to help others get closer to Krishna. If we display this quality of affection and tolerance, devotional mentality will automatically grow in us and in others. In this devotional atmosphere, the desire to follow rules will automatically follow.
In essence, rules are secondary to cultivating devotional mentality and not the other way round. As followers of ISKCON, we have to help people increase their devotional mentality (bhava) towards God, then, once we successfully do that in an individual, automatically the individual will gradually develop the desire to follow the rules to make further progress. I believe the current ISKCON has to create an atmosphere (by that I mean the local leaders should lead from the front) where the followers feel welcomed and their natural propensity to serve the Lord (in devotion) be aroused. I feel this is lacking and hence contrary to the purport above.
Hare Krishna
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