Transcript
Page 1: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Page 2: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Based on the teachings ofHis Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Page 3: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Seeking the Seeking the Blessings of Blessings of

Guru, Gauranga Guru, Gauranga & All the & All the

Assembled Assembled VaishnavasVaishnavas

Page 4: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.4Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.4nārāyanam namaskrtya

naram caiva narottamam caiva narottamam

devīm sarasvatīm vyāsam

tato tato jayam udīrayet

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATIONBefore reciting this Before reciting this Śrīmad--Bhāgavatam, which is the very , which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances

unto the Personality of Godhead, unto the Personality of Godhead, Nārāyana, unto , unto Nara--nārāyana Rsi, the supermost human being, unto mother , the supermost human being, unto mother

Sarasvatī, the goddess of learning, and unto , the goddess of learning, and unto Śrīla Vyāsadeva, Vyāsadeva,

the authorthe author..

Page 5: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

nasta-prāyesv -prāyesv abhadresu

nityam bhāgavata--sevayā

bhagavaty bhagavaty uttama--śloke

bhaktir bhaktir bhavati naisthikī

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATIONBy regular attendance in classes on the By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by and by

rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed,

and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an praised with transcendental songs, is established as an

irrevocable fact.irrevocable fact.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.18Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.18

Page 6: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Section ThemesSection Themes 1.2.22 – Conclusion of Text 1.2.16 – 21 1.2.22 – Conclusion of Text 1.2.16 – 21

(The glories of the Devotional Service)(The glories of the Devotional Service)

1.2.23 - 29 – Who is the object of the Devotional Service1.2.23 - 29 – Who is the object of the Devotional Service

1.2.23 - 25 – The Worship of 1.2.23 - 25 – The Worship of Brahmā, , Visnu and and Śiva

1.2.26 - 27 – Worship of 1.2.26 - 27 – Worship of Visnu-Tattva-Tattva vs Other demigodsvs Other demigods

1.2.28 - 29 – 1.2.28 - 29 – Vāsudeva is the actual object of worship is the actual object of worship

Page 7: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.221.2.22

ato ato vai kavayo kavayo nityam

bhaktim paramayā mudā

vāsudeve bhagavati

kurvanty kurvanty ātma--prasādanīmTRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

Certainly, therefore, since time immemorial, all Certainly, therefore, since time immemorial, all transcendentalists have been rendering devotional transcendentalists have been rendering devotional service to Lord service to Lord Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, , the Personality of Godhead, with great delight, because such devotional service with great delight, because such devotional service

is enlivening to the self.is enlivening to the self.

Page 8: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

What is the speciality of devotional service onto Lord What is the speciality of devotional service onto Lord Śrī Krsna?? The facility for intimate personal contact as in the transcendental The facility for intimate personal contact as in the transcendental

pastimes of the Lord at Vrajabhūmi. pastimes of the Lord at Vrajabhūmi. Hence higher transcendentalists are more attracted towards Lord Sri Hence higher transcendentalists are more attracted towards Lord Sri

Krsna.Krsna. Lord Krsna is Lord Krsna is svayam--rūpa the original form of godhead and all other the original form of godhead and all other

forms are his plenary portions and integrated parts. forms are his plenary portions and integrated parts. As confirmed in Brahma Samhita –As confirmed in Brahma Samhita –

īśvarah paramah krsnah…… Krsna who is known as who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has is the Supreme Godhead. He has

an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.

rāmādi-rāmādi-mūrtisu kalā--niyamena tisthan…… I worship I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who manifested Himself , the primeval Lord, who manifested Himself

personally as personally as Krsna and the different avatāras in the world in the and the different avatāras in the world in the forms of forms of Rāma, , Nrsimha, , Vāmana, etc., as His subjective portions., etc., as His subjective portions.

Page 9: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Page 10: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Page 11: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.23 1.2.23

sattvam rajas rajas tama iti prakrter gunās tair prakrter gunās tair

yuktah parah purusa eka ihāsya ihāsya dhatte

sthity-sthity-ādaye hari--viriñci-hareti -hareti samjñāh

śreyāmsi tatra khalu sattva-tanor -tanor nrnām syuh

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

The transcendental Personality of Godhead is indirectly associated The transcendental Personality of Godhead is indirectly associated with the three modes of material nature, namely passion, goodness with the three modes of material nature, namely passion, goodness and ignorance, and just for the material world's creation, maintenance and ignorance, and just for the material world's creation, maintenance and destruction He accepts the three qualitative forms of and destruction He accepts the three qualitative forms of Brahmā, , Vishnu and and Śiva. Of these three, all human beings can derive ultimate . Of these three, all human beings can derive ultimate benefit from benefit from Visnu, the form of the quality of goodness, the form of the quality of goodness..

Page 12: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

This verse confirms that Lord This verse confirms that Lord Śrī Krsna, by His plenary parts, should be , by His plenary parts, should be rendered devotional service.rendered devotional service.

Brahma, Visnu, Mahesvara, they are the principal directors of the three gunas, Brahma, Visnu, Mahesvara, they are the principal directors of the three gunas, hence called gunavatara (The qualitative forms of the Lord).hence called gunavatara (The qualitative forms of the Lord).

Brahma:Brahma: Is the deity of rajas (passion). Is the deity of rajas (passion). The prison house of the material world is created by The prison house of the material world is created by Brahmā under under

instruction of the Personality of Godhead. i.e., creation is made possible by instruction of the Personality of Godhead. i.e., creation is made possible by the goodness of the goodness of Visnu

Vishnu:Vishnu: The Deity of the quality of goodness in the material world is the The Deity of the quality of goodness in the material world is the purusa--

avatāra known as Ksīrodakaśāyī known as Ksīrodakaśāyī VVisnu or or Paramātmā.. In charge of sattva-guna activities. In charge of sattva-guna activities. Maintenance of the material world is done by Maintenance of the material world is done by Visnu.. He is manifested by His millions and billions of integrated forms and He is manifested by His millions and billions of integrated forms and

separated formsseparated forms Mahesvara (Siva):Mahesvara (Siva):

Is the deity of ignorance. Is the deity of ignorance. At the end of a At the end of a kalpa (Brahma’s Life) the whole thing is destroyed by (Brahma’s Life) the whole thing is destroyed by Śiva..

Page 13: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

What is Ulitmate Benifit ?What is Ulitmate Benifit ? To get liberated from this prison house of material existence, which is full of miseries To get liberated from this prison house of material existence, which is full of miseries

like repetition of birth, death, disease and old age.like repetition of birth, death, disease and old age. How to get the Ultimate Benefit? How to get the Ultimate Benefit?

By Worship of Lord Krishna or his Plenary Parts (Vishnu-tattva) through devotional service.By Worship of Lord Krishna or his Plenary Parts (Vishnu-tattva) through devotional service. Why only Vishu and not Brahma / Shiva?Why only Vishu and not Brahma / Shiva?

Worship of Worship of Vishnu:: Because Lord Vishu is the source of everything. Because Lord Vishu is the source of everything. He’s creator of the secondary creator (Brahma).He’s creator of the secondary creator (Brahma). In fact he creates the modes of nature, through which Brahma does his creation. In fact he creates the modes of nature, through which Brahma does his creation. However, he never comes under the influence of the mode of nature. However, he never comes under the influence of the mode of nature. He controls the modes of material nature.He controls the modes of material nature. Except for Vishnu, NO other Demigod can release the souls from the Material existance.Except for Vishnu, NO other Demigod can release the souls from the Material existance. Pure transcendentalists worship the form of goodness, Pure transcendentalists worship the form of goodness, Visnu, in his various forms by , in his various forms by

rendering devotional service. Only by such worship they get liberated from the miseries rendering devotional service. Only by such worship they get liberated from the miseries (repetition of birth, death, disease and old age) of the material world.(repetition of birth, death, disease and old age) of the material world.

Worship of Worship of Brahmā & & Śiva:: Materialists and the foolish human beings predominated by the Modes of Passion & Materialists and the foolish human beings predominated by the Modes of Passion &

Ignorance worship Ignorance worship Brahmā and and Śiva respectively. respectively. By such worship they get some relative facilities for temporary relief in the material world.By such worship they get some relative facilities for temporary relief in the material world. But they can never get liberated from the miseries repetition of birth, death, disease and old But they can never get liberated from the miseries repetition of birth, death, disease and old

age) of the material worldage) of the material world

What is Ulitmate Benifit ?What is Ulitmate Benifit ? To get liberated from this prison house of material existence, which is full of miseries To get liberated from this prison house of material existence, which is full of miseries

like repetition of birth, death, disease and old age.like repetition of birth, death, disease and old age. How to get the Ultimate Benefit? How to get the Ultimate Benefit?

By Worship of Lord Krishna or his Plenary Parts (Vishnu-tattva) through devotional service.By Worship of Lord Krishna or his Plenary Parts (Vishnu-tattva) through devotional service. Why only Vishu and not Brahma / Shiva?Why only Vishu and not Brahma / Shiva?

Worship of Worship of Vishnu:: Because Lord Vishu is the source of everything. Because Lord Vishu is the source of everything. He’s creator of the secondary creator (Brahma).He’s creator of the secondary creator (Brahma). In fact he creates the modes of nature, through which Brahma does his creation. In fact he creates the modes of nature, through which Brahma does his creation. However, he never comes under the influence of the mode of nature. However, he never comes under the influence of the mode of nature. He controls the modes of material nature.He controls the modes of material nature. Except for Vishnu, NO other Demigod can release the souls from the Material existance.Except for Vishnu, NO other Demigod can release the souls from the Material existance. Pure transcendentalists worship the form of goodness, Pure transcendentalists worship the form of goodness, Visnu, in his various forms by , in his various forms by

rendering devotional service. Only by such worship they get liberated from the miseries rendering devotional service. Only by such worship they get liberated from the miseries (repetition of birth, death, disease and old age) of the material world.(repetition of birth, death, disease and old age) of the material world.

Worship of Worship of Brahmā & & Śiva:: Materialists and the foolish human beings predominated by the Modes of Passion & Materialists and the foolish human beings predominated by the Modes of Passion &

Ignorance worship Ignorance worship Brahmā and and Śiva respectively. respectively. By such worship they get some relative facilities for temporary relief in the material world.By such worship they get some relative facilities for temporary relief in the material world. But they can never get liberated from the miseries repetition of birth, death, disease and old But they can never get liberated from the miseries repetition of birth, death, disease and old

age) of the material worldage) of the material world

Page 14: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.24 1.2.24

pārthivād dāruno dhūmaspārthivād dāruno dhūmas

tasmād agnis trayīmayahtasmād agnis trayīmayah

tamasas tamasas tu rajas rajas tasmāt

sattvam yad brahma--darśanam

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

Firewood is a transformation of earth, but smoke is better than the Firewood is a transformation of earth, but smoke is better than the raw wood. And fire is still better, for by fire we can derive the raw wood. And fire is still better, for by fire we can derive the

benefits of superior knowledge [through Vedic sacrifices]. Similarly, benefits of superior knowledge [through Vedic sacrifices]. Similarly, passion [rajas] is better than ignorance [tamas], but goodness [passion [rajas] is better than ignorance [tamas], but goodness [sattva] ]

is best because by goodness one can come to realize the Absolute is best because by goodness one can come to realize the Absolute Truth.Truth.

Page 15: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

This verse indicate how mode of goodness is better than the mode of passion & Ignorance, This verse indicate how mode of goodness is better than the mode of passion & Ignorance, by giving us analogy of how Fire is better than the smoke & wood.by giving us analogy of how Fire is better than the smoke & wood.

TamasTamas: : The uncivilized state of life, or the life of the lower animals, is controlled by the The uncivilized state of life, or the life of the lower animals, is controlled by the mode of tamas.mode of tamas.

Rajas: Rajas: The civilized life of man, with a passion for various types of material benefits, is The civilized life of man, with a passion for various types of material benefits, is the stage of rajas. The rajas stage of life gives a slight clue to the realization of the the stage of rajas. The rajas stage of life gives a slight clue to the realization of the Absolute Truth in the forms of fine sentiments in philosophy, art and culture with moral Absolute Truth in the forms of fine sentiments in philosophy, art and culture with moral and ethical principles.and ethical principles.

Sattva: Sattva: Higher stage of material quality, which actually helps one in realizing the Absolute Higher stage of material quality, which actually helps one in realizing the Absolute Truth.Truth.

So one has to rise to the platform of the mode of goodness (So one has to rise to the platform of the mode of goodness (sattva) so that one can be ) so that one can be eligible for the devotional service of the Lord and can come to realize the Absolute Truth.eligible for the devotional service of the Lord and can come to realize the Absolute Truth.

How can one get to the platform of Sattva?How can one get to the platform of Sattva? By the expert direction of the spiritual master By the expert direction of the spiritual master

What is the mistake?What is the mistake? To consider that worship of any quality or any form of the Supreme Personality of To consider that worship of any quality or any form of the Supreme Personality of

Godhead is equally beneficial.Godhead is equally beneficial. Why is it a mistake?Why is it a mistake?

Except Except Visnu, all separated forms ( Brahma / Shiva) are manifested under the , all separated forms ( Brahma / Shiva) are manifested under the conditions of material energy, therefore the forms of material energy cannot help conditions of material energy, therefore the forms of material energy cannot help anyone to rise to the platform of anyone to rise to the platform of sattva, which alone can liberate a person from , which alone can liberate a person from material bondage.material bondage.

Page 16: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

bhejire munayo 'thāgre munayo 'thāgre

bhagavantam adhoksajam

sattvam viśuddham ksemāya

kalpante ye ' 'nu tān iha

TRANSLATION

Previously all the great sages rendered service unto the Previously all the great sages rendered service unto the Personality of Godhead due to His existence above the three Personality of Godhead due to His existence above the three modes of material nature. They worshiped Him to become modes of material nature. They worshiped Him to become free from material conditions and thus derive the ultimate free from material conditions and thus derive the ultimate

benefit. Whoever follows such great authorities is also benefit. Whoever follows such great authorities is also eligible for liberation from the material worldeligible for liberation from the material world ..

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.25Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.25

Page 17: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

The purpose of performing religion is neither to profit by material The purpose of performing religion is neither to profit by material gain nor to get the simple knowledge of discerning matter from gain nor to get the simple knowledge of discerning matter from spirit. spirit.

The ultimate aim of religious performances is to release oneself from The ultimate aim of religious performances is to release oneself from material bondage and regain the life of freedom in the transcendental material bondage and regain the life of freedom in the transcendental world, where the Personality of Godhead is the Supreme Person. world, where the Personality of Godhead is the Supreme Person.

Laws of religion, therefore, are directly enacted by the Personality of Laws of religion, therefore, are directly enacted by the Personality of Godhead, and except for the mahājanas, or the authorized agents of Godhead, and except for the mahājanas, or the authorized agents of the Lord, no one knows the purpose of religion.. the Lord, no one knows the purpose of religion..

There are twelve particular agents of the Lord who know the purpose There are twelve particular agents of the Lord who know the purpose of religion, and all of them render transcendental service unto Him. of religion, and all of them render transcendental service unto Him.

Persons who desire their own good may follow these mahājanas and Persons who desire their own good may follow these mahājanas and thus attain the supreme benefit.thus attain the supreme benefit.

In a sense, the three forms of In a sense, the three forms of Brahmā, , Visnu & & Śiva are one, How? are one, How? Lord Lord Śrī Krsna acts through them to create, maintain &destroy the world. acts through them to create, maintain &destroy the world.

Page 18: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Therefore the Great sages knowing that the lord is beyond the Therefore the Great sages knowing that the lord is beyond the modes of material nature worship him to attain the ultimate benefit.modes of material nature worship him to attain the ultimate benefit.

Who are those great Sages?Who are those great Sages? Twelve Mahajans who know the purpose of religion and render Twelve Mahajans who know the purpose of religion and render

transcendental service on to the Lord.transcendental service on to the Lord. Following the foot steps of these Mahajans, one attains supreme benefit.Following the foot steps of these Mahajans, one attains supreme benefit.

Srila Jiva Goswami ExplainsSrila Jiva Goswami Explains In Paramatma-Sandarbha, anuccheda 11:In Paramatma-Sandarbha, anuccheda 11:

Brahmā, & , & Śiva are the partial expansions of the Supersoul. are the partial expansions of the Supersoul. One should strive to find that Supersoul to attain liberation.One should strive to find that Supersoul to attain liberation.

In Skanda Purana :In Skanda Purana : Lord Lord Vishnu binds & Unties the soul with ropes of birth & death. binds & Unties the soul with ropes of birth & death. Hence, worship of Lord Hence, worship of Lord Vishnu Awards Liberation. Awards Liberation.

Why Passion is superior to Ignorance?Why Passion is superior to Ignorance? Passion can lead one to goodness, but ignorance can not.Passion can lead one to goodness, but ignorance can not. Passion can let one come closer to seeing the Supreme. However , it is Passion can let one come closer to seeing the Supreme. However , it is

agitating and troublesome so it does not allow us to see the supreme.agitating and troublesome so it does not allow us to see the supreme.

Page 19: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.26 1.2.26

mumuksavo mumuksavo ghora--rūpān

hitvā bhūta--patīn atha

nārāyana--kalāh śāntā

bhajanti hy hy anasūyavah

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

Those who are serious about liberation are certainly non-Those who are serious about liberation are certainly non-envious, and they respect all. Yet they reject the horrible and envious, and they respect all. Yet they reject the horrible and

ghastly forms of the demigods and worship only the all-ghastly forms of the demigods and worship only the all-blissful forms of Lord blissful forms of Lord Visnu and His plenary portions. and His plenary portions.

Page 20: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Vishnu-TattvaVishnu-Tattva Jiva-TattvaJiva-TattvaLord Krsna’s integrated plenary portions Lord Krsna’s separated parts and parcels

Integrated plenary portions of visnu-tattvas are the worshipful objects

Separated parts and parcels are the servitors

The Visnu-tattvas are represented by various names and forms, such as Nārāyana, Dāmodara, Vāmana, Govinda and Adhoksaja.

All demigods who are empowered by the Supreme Lord are also separated parts and parcels (Jiva-Tattva)

The Visnu-tattvas are living beings equally as powerful as the original form of the Personality of Godhead, and they display different categories of power in consideration of different times and circumstances

The separated parts and parcels (Jiva-Tattva) are powerful by limitation. They do not have unlimited power. They have different positions in the estimation of material powers, and some of them are demi gods like Kāla-bhairava, Śmaśāna-bhairava, Śani, Mahākālī and Candikā

Worship of Vishnu-Tattva can give the living entities (Jiva- Tattva) liberation from the miseries of this material world namely birth, death, old age & disease. Therefore Lord Vishu is called as mukti-pāda

Worship of Jiva-Tattva (demi-gods) can award the worshipers some temporary benefit only, and not the ultimate one, because they are themselves unable to get liberation, and what to speak of giving liberation to their devotees and more over they all are liquidated at the time of the annihilation of the material structure

The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Śrī Krsna, who is the original person of the Visnu categories, expands Himself into 2 different categories namely integrated plenary portions (Vishnu-Tattva) and separated parts and parcels (Jiva-Tattva).

Page 21: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Worship in Mode of Goodness

Worship in mode of Passion

Worship in Mode of Ignorance

Those who are actually situated in the mode of goodness (sattva-guna) of material nature worship only visnu-tattvas. Visnu-tattvas are represented by various names and forms, such as Nārāyana, Dāmodara, Vāmana, Govinda and Adhoksaja

Those who are in the mode of passion (rajo-guna), urged on by the desire for material enjoyment,, worship the demigods, like Brahmā, Śiva, Sūrya, Ganeśa and many similar deities.

Those who are in the lowest categories of the mode of darkness or ignorance (tamo-guna), worship the demigods like Kāla-bhairava, Śmaśāna-bhairava, Śani, Mahākālī and Candikā.

Who is Who is pāsandī ??

One who classify the One who classify the Visnu-Tattvas in the same categories with the -Tattvas in the same categories with the Jivat-Tattvas. Jivat-Tattvas.

In the age of In the age of Kali many foolish persons commit such unlawful many foolish persons commit such unlawful offenses and equalize the two categories. They become an offender by offenses and equalize the two categories. They become an offender by the name the name pāsandī. .

Page 22: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Who rejects the worship of other demigods? Those who are very serious about liberation.Those who are very serious about liberation. In general the highly qualified brāhmanas situated in the mode of goodness reject the In general the highly qualified brāhmanas situated in the mode of goodness reject the

worship of both horrible and attractive features of these demigods. worship of both horrible and attractive features of these demigods.

Why do they rejects the worship of other demigods? Because they know that the demigods can award the worshipers some temporary Because they know that the demigods can award the worshipers some temporary

benefits only, and not the ultimate one (Liberation from material condition).benefits only, and not the ultimate one (Liberation from material condition). The demigods, even to the stage of The demigods, even to the stage of Brahmā, the supreme of all the demigods, cannot offer , the supreme of all the demigods, cannot offer

liberation to anyone. liberation to anyone. ExampleExample : Hiranyakaśipu underwent a severe type of penance to become : Hiranyakaśipu underwent a severe type of penance to become eternal in life, but his worshipful deity, eternal in life, but his worshipful deity, Brahmā, could not satisfy him with such blessings. , could not satisfy him with such blessings.

Because the demigods are themselves unable to get liberation, and what to speak of Because the demigods are themselves unable to get liberation, and what to speak of giving liberation to their devotees.giving liberation to their devotees.

And more over like other living entities the demigods are liquidated at the time of the And more over like other living entities the demigods are liquidated at the time of the annihilation of the material structure. annihilation of the material structure.

How do they regard the demigods? They have no grudges against the mode of worship of other demigods. They have no grudges against the mode of worship of other demigods. They have all respect for other demigods, even though they may look ghastly, like They have all respect for other demigods, even though they may look ghastly, like Kāla

-bhairava or Mahākālī, because they very well know that those horrible features of the -bhairava or Mahākālī, because they very well know that those horrible features of the Supreme Lord (demigods) are all different servitors of the Lord under different Supreme Lord (demigods) are all different servitors of the Lord under different conditions.conditions.

Page 23: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Who worship the Vishnu-Tattvas?Who worship the Vishnu-Tattvas? Those who are very serious about liberation from the Those who are very serious about liberation from the

material conditions of life.material conditions of life. In general the qualified brāhmanas worship the In general the qualified brāhmanas worship the visnu--

tattvas represented by the tattvas represented by the śālagrāma--śilā, and some of , and some of the higher castes like the ksatriyas and vaiśyas also the higher castes like the ksatriyas and vaiśyas also generally worship the generally worship the visnu-tattvas.-tattvas.

Why do they worship the Vishnu-Tattvas?Why do they worship the Vishnu-Tattvas? Because they very well know that none other than Because they very well know that none other than

Vishnu is Vishnu is mukti--pāda, (Giver of Liberation from the , (Giver of Liberation from the material conditions of life) material conditions of life)

Page 24: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

rajrajas-as-tamah--prakrtayah

sama--śīlā bhajanti vai

pitr--bhūta-prajeśādīn-prajeśādīn

śriyaiśvarya-prajepsavahśriyaiśvarya-prajepsavah

TRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

Those who are in the modes of passion and ignorance Those who are in the modes of passion and ignorance worship the forefathers, other living beings and the worship the forefathers, other living beings and the

demigods who are in charge of cosmic activities, for they demigods who are in charge of cosmic activities, for they are urged by a desire to be materially benefited with women, are urged by a desire to be materially benefited with women,

wealth, power and progenywealth, power and progeny

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.27Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.27

Page 25: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

In the Bhagavad-In the Bhagavad-gītā ( (7.20- 23) it is clearly said, that those who are - 23) it is clearly said, that those who are mad after material enjoyment approach the different demigods for mad after material enjoyment approach the different demigods for temporary benefits, which are meant for men with a poor fund of temporary benefits, which are meant for men with a poor fund of knowledge.knowledge.

BG[7.20] - Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material BG[7.20] - Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.regulations of worship according to their own natures.

BG[7.21] - I am in everyone's heart as the Supersoul. As soon as one BG[7.21] - I am in everyone's heart as the Supersoul. As soon as one desires to worship some demigod, I make his faith steady so that he desires to worship some demigod, I make his faith steady so that he can devote himself to that particular deity.can devote himself to that particular deity.

BG[7.22] - Endowed with such a faith, he endeavors to worship a BG[7.22] - Endowed with such a faith, he endeavors to worship a particular demigod and obtains his desires. But in actuality these particular demigod and obtains his desires. But in actuality these benefits are bestowed by Me alone.benefits are bestowed by Me alone.

BG[7.23] - Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and BG[7.23] - Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet.ultimately reach My supreme planet.

Page 26: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Prabhupada recommends the following :Prabhupada recommends the following : If one is serious about going back to Godhead, there is no need to worship If one is serious about going back to Godhead, there is no need to worship

demigods of whatsoever category, because the demigods are but servants of the demigods of whatsoever category, because the demigods are but servants of the Lord and as such, they are duty-bound to supply necessities of life in the form of Lord and as such, they are duty-bound to supply necessities of life in the form of water, light, air, etc. water, light, air, etc.

Accept only to the point of bare necessities of life and not more or less than that. Accept only to the point of bare necessities of life and not more or less than that. Never increase the depth of material enjoyment. Never increase the depth of material enjoyment. If so, we get bound more and more to the miseries of material existence. If so, we get bound more and more to the miseries of material existence. Aim of life - End the miseries of life and not to increase them.Aim of life - End the miseries of life and not to increase them. By By Visnu worship one can derive benefit in this life as well as in life after death. worship one can derive benefit in this life as well as in life after death. Forgetting these principles, foolish people who are after more wealth, more wives Forgetting these principles, foolish people who are after more wealth, more wives

and more children worship various demigods. and more children worship various demigods. Perversity of religion. Perversity of religion. Bhāgavat-dharma vs K vs Kaitava--dharma. . Example: Lord Krsna stopped Indra’s worship and advised the residents of Example: Lord Krsna stopped Indra’s worship and advised the residents of Vraja

to worship by their business and to have faith in God. to worship by their business and to have faith in God. So one should carefully execute occupational service with faith in God in the So one should carefully execute occupational service with faith in God in the

proper way, and worship the Supreme Lord by the fruits of one's hard labor for proper way, and worship the Supreme Lord by the fruits of one's hard labor for existence and that will lead one gradually on the progressive march back to existence and that will lead one gradually on the progressive march back to Godhead.Godhead.

Page 27: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

vāsudeva--parā vedā

vāsudeva--parā makhāh

vāsudeva--parā yogā

vāsudeva--parāh kriyāh

vāsudeva--param jñānam

vāsudeva--param tapah

vāsudeva-paro dharmo-paro dharmo

vāsudeva--parā gatihTRANSLATIONTRANSLATION

In the revealed scriptures, the ultimate object of knowledge is In the revealed scriptures, the ultimate object of knowledge is Śrī Krsna, the Personality of Godhead. The purpose of performing , the Personality of Godhead. The purpose of performing

sacrifice is to please Him. sacrifice is to please Him. Yoga is for realizing Him. All fruitive is for realizing Him. All fruitive activities are ultimately rewarded by Him only. He is supreme activities are ultimately rewarded by Him only. He is supreme

knowledge, and all severe austerities are performed to know Him. knowledge, and all severe austerities are performed to know Him. Religion [Religion [dharma] is rendering loving service unto Him. He is the ] is rendering loving service unto Him. He is the

supreme goal of life.supreme goal of life.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.28-29Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 1.2.28-29

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VVāsudeva / Lord / Lord Śrī Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the only object of worship is , the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the only object of worship is confirmed in these two ślokas.confirmed in these two ślokas.

Vāsudeva--parā vedā - The ultimate purpose of Vedas is to know Lord Krsna - The ultimate purpose of Vedas is to know Lord KrsnaAll the revealed scriptures are prepared by the Lord through His incarnation in the body of All the revealed scriptures are prepared by the Lord through His incarnation in the body of Śrīla Vyāsadeva, just to remind the fallen souls, conditioned by material nature, of Vyāsadeva, just to remind the fallen souls, conditioned by material nature, of Śrī Krsna, , the Personality of Godhead. the Personality of Godhead. Sum and substance of all the Vedas - Establishing one's relationship and ultimately reviving Sum and substance of all the Vedas - Establishing one's relationship and ultimately reviving our lost loving service unto Him.our lost loving service unto Him.VeVedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo vedānta-krd veda-vid eva cāhamdaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo vedānta-krd veda-vid eva cāham[Bg. 15.15].[Bg. 15.15].By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedānta, and I am the , and I am the knower of the Vedas.knower of the Vedas.The verdict of all the Vedic literatures - No demigod can award freedom from material The verdict of all the Vedic literatures - No demigod can award freedom from material bondagebondageHowever, Impersonalists who have no information of the Personality of Godhead minimize However, Impersonalists who have no information of the Personality of Godhead minimize the omnipotency of the Supreme Lord and put Him on equal footing with all other living the omnipotency of the Supreme Lord and put Him on equal footing with all other living beings, and for this act such impersonalists get freedom from material bondage only with great beings, and for this act such impersonalists get freedom from material bondage only with great difficulty. difficulty. They can surrender unto Him only after many, many births in the culture of transcendental They can surrender unto Him only after many, many births in the culture of transcendental knowledgeknowledge..Bahunam Janmanam anthe Jnanavan Mam Prapadyanthe…. BG[7.19]Bahunam Janmanam anthe Jnanavan Mam Prapadyanthe…. BG[7.19]After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rareMe to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare

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Vāsudeva--parā makhāh - The purpose of performing sacrifice is to please Lord Krsna - The purpose of performing sacrifice is to please Lord Krsna

Another name of Another name of Vāsudeva is is Yajña (sacrifice), and in the Bhagavad- (sacrifice), and in the Bhagavad-gītā it is clearly stated it is clearly stated that all sacrifices and all activities are to be conducted for the satisfaction of that all sacrifices and all activities are to be conducted for the satisfaction of Yajña, or , or Visnu, , the Personality of Godhead. the Personality of Godhead. Bhoktaram yagna Tapasam… BG[5.29]Bhoktaram yagna Tapasam… BG[5.29]A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.Even in the beginning of any Karma-Kanda rituals they recite the names of Lord Vishnu. Even in the beginning of any Karma-Kanda rituals they recite the names of Lord Vishnu. Because Lord Vishnu is the ultimate beneficiary and all such sacrifices are also meant for Because Lord Vishnu is the ultimate beneficiary and all such sacrifices are also meant for realizing the truth about realizing the truth about Vāsudeva. .

VVāsudeva--parāh kriyāh – All frutive activities are ultimately rewarded by Him only – All frutive activities are ultimately rewarded by Him only

Kriya means varnasrama-dharma, everyone is engaged in his own work. Kriya means varnasrama-dharma, everyone is engaged in his own work. Brahmana is engaged in his own work. Ksatriya is engaged in his own work. Brahmana is engaged in his own work. Ksatriya is engaged in his own work. svanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhir hari-tosanam svanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhir hari-tosanam SB[1.2.13]SB[1.2.13]All the activities should be done for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. It doesn't matter All the activities should be done for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. It doesn't matter whether you are brahmana or a ksatriya or a vaisya or a sudra.whether you are brahmana or a ksatriya or a vaisya or a sudra.Just try to see by your work whether Krsna or Vasudeva is being satisfiedJust try to see by your work whether Krsna or Vasudeva is being satisfied

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Vāsudeva--parā yogā - Yoga is for realizing Lord Krsna - Yoga is for realizing Lord Krsna

Yoga means to get connected / unite with the Supreme Lord. Yoga means to get connected / unite with the Supreme Lord. Yoga is not meant for health sake. But people are so much absorbed in the bodily concept of life, Yoga is not meant for health sake. But people are so much absorbed in the bodily concept of life, everything they want with this, in connection with this body, so that they can have more sense everything they want with this, in connection with this body, so that they can have more sense gratification. That's all. Instead of vasudeva-para yogah, they are doing sarira-para yogah. gratification. That's all. Instead of vasudeva-para yogah, they are doing sarira-para yogah. The process, however, includes several bodily features such as The process, however, includes several bodily features such as āsana, dhyan, , dhyan, prānāyāma…, and all of …, and all of them are meant for concentrating upon the localized aspect of them are meant for concentrating upon the localized aspect of Vāsudeva represented as represented as Paramātmā..By performing proper Yoga one will get Paramātmā realization, but that is partial realization of realization, but that is partial realization of Vāsudeva, and if one is successful in that attempt, one realizes , and if one is successful in that attempt, one realizes Vāsudeva in full. in full. But by ill luck most yogīs are stranded by the powers of mysticism achieved through the bodily process. But by ill luck most yogīs are stranded by the powers of mysticism achieved through the bodily process. Ill-fated yogīs are given a chance in the next birth by being placed in the families of good learned Ill-fated yogīs are given a chance in the next birth by being placed in the families of good learned brāhmanas or in the families of rich merchants in order to execute the unfinished task of brāhmanas or in the families of rich merchants in order to execute the unfinished task of Vāsudeva realization. realization. If such fortunate brāhmanas and sons of rich men properly utilize the chance, they can easily realize If such fortunate brāhmanas and sons of rich men properly utilize the chance, they can easily realize Vāsudeva by good association with saintly persons. But unfortunately, such preferred persons are by good association with saintly persons. But unfortunately, such preferred persons are captivated again by material wealth and honor, and thus they practically forget the aim of life.captivated again by material wealth and honor, and thus they practically forget the aim of life.Yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantar-atmana [Bg. 6.47]Yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantar-atmana [Bg. 6.47]And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me — he is the most intimately united with Me in renders transcendental loving service to Me — he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.the highest of all. That is My opinion.

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Vāsudeva--param jñānam - Lord Krsna is the supreme knowledge - Lord Krsna is the supreme knowledge

What is jñāna?What is jñāna? According to Bhagavad-According to Bhagavad-gītā there are eighteen items in culturing knowledge. there are eighteen items in culturing knowledge. By such culture of knowledge one becomes gradually prideless, devoid of vanity, nonviolent, By such culture of knowledge one becomes gradually prideless, devoid of vanity, nonviolent,

forbearing, simple, devoted to the great spiritual master, and self-controlled. forbearing, simple, devoted to the great spiritual master, and self-controlled. By culture of knowledge one becomes unattached to hearth and home and becomes conscious of the By culture of knowledge one becomes unattached to hearth and home and becomes conscious of the

miseries due to death, birth, old age and disease. miseries due to death, birth, old age and disease. Culture of knowledge leading one to the transcendental plane of meeting Culture of knowledge leading one to the transcendental plane of meeting Vāsudeva is real is real

knowledge. And all culture of knowledge culminates in devotional service to the Personality of knowledge. And all culture of knowledge culminates in devotional service to the Personality of Godhead, Godhead, Vāsudeva. .

Bahunam Janmanam anthe Jnanavan Mam Prapadyanthe…. BG[7.19]Bahunam Janmanam anthe Jnanavan Mam Prapadyanthe…. BG[7.19] After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to

be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rarebe the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare Therefore, Therefore, Vāsudeva is the ultimate aim in culturing all different branches of knowledge. is the ultimate aim in culturing all different branches of knowledge.

What is What is ajñāna? ? Physical knowledge in its various branches which is aimed to satisfy the senses, which means Physical knowledge in its various branches which is aimed to satisfy the senses, which means

prolongation of the term of material existence and thereby continuance of the threefold miseries is prolongation of the term of material existence and thereby continuance of the threefold miseries is called called ajñāna, or the opposite of real knowledge., or the opposite of real knowledge.

Om Ajnana Timirnadasya Jnanajana Shalakay Chakshur unmilitham ena Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha…. Om Ajnana Timirnadasya Jnanajana Shalakay Chakshur unmilitham ena Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha…. I offer my humble obeisance unto my dear spiritual master who with pure spiritual knowledge has illuminated I offer my humble obeisance unto my dear spiritual master who with pure spiritual knowledge has illuminated

my consciousness which was blinded by the darkness of nescience.my consciousness which was blinded by the darkness of nescience.

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Vāsudeva--param tapah - All severe austerities are performed to know Lord Krsna.- All severe austerities are performed to know Lord Krsna.

Tapasya: Means voluntary acceptance of bodily pains / inconveniences to achieve some : Means voluntary acceptance of bodily pains / inconveniences to achieve some higher end of life. higher end of life. What is not real Tapasya?

Example: Rāvana and Hiranyakaśipu underwent a severe type of bodily torture to and Hiranyakaśipu underwent a severe type of bodily torture to achieve the end of sense gratificationachieve the end of sense gratification

Sometimes modern politicians also undergo severe austerities to achieve some Sometimes modern politicians also undergo severe austerities to achieve some political end.political end.

These austerities are classified as modes of passion and ignorance. passion and These austerities are classified as modes of passion and ignorance. passion and ignorance cannot end the miseries of life. Hence these are not considered as tignorance cannot end the miseries of life. Hence these are not considered as tapasya. .

What is real Tapasya?What is real Tapasya? yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurusva mad-arpanamyat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurusva mad-arpanam BG [9.27] BG [9.27] Whatever austerities you perform - do that, O son of Whatever austerities you perform - do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me., as an offering to Me. So one should accept voluntary bodily inconvenience for the sake of knowing So one should accept voluntary bodily inconvenience for the sake of knowing

Vāsudeva because only that will end the threefold miseries of the conditioned life. because only that will end the threefold miseries of the conditioned life. Example: Vasudeva and and Devakī,, underwent penances to get ,, underwent penances to get Vāsudeva as their son. as their son. Therefore if any austerities have to be done, they must be done to achieve the end of Therefore if any austerities have to be done, they must be done to achieve the end of

knowledge, knowledge, Vāsudeva..

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Vāsudeva-paro dharmo-paro dharmo – To render loving service unto Lord Krsna is Supreme Dharma – To render loving service unto Lord Krsna is Supreme Dharma

Who defines the Dharma / Religious principles?Who defines the Dharma / Religious principles? Dharmam tu saksad bhagavat-pranitam [SB 6.3.19}Dharmam tu saksad bhagavat-pranitam [SB 6.3.19} Real religious principles are enacted by the Supreme Personality of GodheadReal religious principles are enacted by the Supreme Personality of Godhead

What is the real religious principle? SB[6.3.20-21]What is the real religious principle? SB[6.3.20-21] Bhāgavata--dharma, or surrender unto the Supreme Lord and love him without any contamination , or surrender unto the Supreme Lord and love him without any contamination

by the modes of material nature. It’s very difficult for ordinary humans to know & understand.by the modes of material nature. It’s very difficult for ordinary humans to know & understand.Who knows the real religious principles? SB[6.3.20-21]Who knows the real religious principles? SB[6.3.20-21]

Lord Lord Brahmā, , Bhagavān Nārada, Lord , Lord Śiva, the four Kumāras, Lord , the four Kumāras, Lord Kapila [the son of [the son of Devahūti], ], Svāyambhuva Manu, , Prahlāda Mahārāja, , Janaka Mahārāja, Grandfather , Grandfather Bhīsma, , Bali Mahārāja, , Śukadeva Gosvāmī and I myself know the real religious principle Gosvāmī and I myself know the real religious principle

How to know & understand the most confidential religious Principles SB[6.3.20.21] purport?How to know & understand the most confidential religious Principles SB[6.3.20.21] purport? Yamarāja states that the true religious principle is understandable only if one follows any of the Yamarāja states that the true religious principle is understandable only if one follows any of the

four four paramparā system. system.Svanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhir hari-tosanam [SB 1.2.13]. Svanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhir hari-tosanam [SB 1.2.13].

Following Following varnāśramavarnāśrama, one should simply accept such religious principles that will lead ultimately , one should simply accept such religious principles that will lead ultimately to the devotional service of the Lord. One may perform a particular occupational duty according to to the devotional service of the Lord. One may perform a particular occupational duty according to his position in the social order, but if by executing his duty one does not come to the point of his position in the social order, but if by executing his duty one does not come to the point of Krsna consciousness, all his activities are in vain. Anything that does not lead to the perfectional consciousness, all his activities are in vain. Anything that does not lead to the perfectional stage of stage of Krsna consciousness should be avoided. consciousness should be avoided.

Sarva--dharmān parityajya BG[18.66] BG[18.66] One should give up all other duties and surrender unto the lotus feet of One should give up all other duties and surrender unto the lotus feet of Krsna

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Vāsudeva--parā gatih: To attain Lord Krsna is the Supreme Goal of Life.: To attain Lord Krsna is the Supreme Goal of Life.Aim of Life:Aim of Life:

Lord Lord Śrī Krsna’s innumerable forms are made possible by His various energies. ’s innumerable forms are made possible by His various energies. His energies are also multifarious, and His internal energies are superior and external energies His energies are also multifarious, and His internal energies are superior and external energies

inferior in quality. Bhagavad-inferior in quality. Bhagavad-gītā ( (7.4-6) as the ) as the parā and the aparā prakrtis. and the aparā prakrtis. So His expansions of various forms including the living entities which take place via the internal So His expansions of various forms including the living entities which take place via the internal

energies are superior forms, whereas the expansions which take place via the external energies are energies are superior forms, whereas the expansions which take place via the external energies are inferior forms.inferior forms.

The living entities who are expanded by His internal potency are eternally liberated persons, The living entities who are expanded by His internal potency are eternally liberated persons, whereas those who are expanded in terms of the material energies are eternally conditioned souls. whereas those who are expanded in terms of the material energies are eternally conditioned souls.

Therefore, all culture of knowledge, austerities, sacrifice and activities should be aimed at Therefore, all culture of knowledge, austerities, sacrifice and activities should be aimed at changing the quality of the influence that is acting upon us i.e. ,external energy of the Lord, and changing the quality of the influence that is acting upon us i.e. ,external energy of the Lord, and just to change the quality of the influence, we must endeavor to cultivate spiritual energy.just to change the quality of the influence, we must endeavor to cultivate spiritual energy.

In BG is said that those who are mahātmās, or those whose minds have been so broadened as to be In BG is said that those who are mahātmās, or those whose minds have been so broadened as to be engaged in the service of Lord Krsna, are under the influence of the internal potency, and the effect engaged in the service of Lord Krsna, are under the influence of the internal potency, and the effect is that such broadminded living beings are constantly engaged in the service of the Lord without is that such broadminded living beings are constantly engaged in the service of the Lord without deviation. deviation.

That should be the aim of life. And that is the verdict of all the Vedic literatures.That should be the aim of life. And that is the verdict of all the Vedic literatures.How should one engage himself in the transcendental loving service of the Lord?How should one engage himself in the transcendental loving service of the Lord?

anyäbhiläñitä-çünyaà jïäna-karmädy-anävåtamanyäbhiläñitä-çünyaà jïäna-karmädy-anävåtam

änukülyena kåñëänu- çélanaà bhaktir uttamäänukülyena kåñëänu- çélanaà bhaktir uttamä . "One should render transcendental loving service to Supreme Lord Krsna favorably and without . "One should render transcendental loving service to Supreme Lord Krsna favorably and without

desire for material profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical speculation. That is desire for material profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical speculation. That is called pure devotional service.“ By this one can attain the supreme goal of life, Lord Sri Krsna.called pure devotional service.“ By this one can attain the supreme goal of life, Lord Sri Krsna.

Page 35: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

How is the Lord Krsna situated transcendentally even though He accepts the How is the Lord Krsna situated transcendentally even though He accepts the quality of goodness of the material world?quality of goodness of the material world?

The following example will clear that matter more explicitly. In the prison house there The following example will clear that matter more explicitly. In the prison house there are the prisoners and the managers of the prison house. Both the managers and the are the prisoners and the managers of the prison house. Both the managers and the prisoners are bound by the laws of the king. But even though the king sometimes prisoners are bound by the laws of the king. But even though the king sometimes comes in the prison, he is not bound by the laws of the prison house. The king is comes in the prison, he is not bound by the laws of the prison house. The king is therefore always transcendental to the laws of the prison house, as the Lord is always therefore always transcendental to the laws of the prison house, as the Lord is always transcendental to the laws of the material world.transcendental to the laws of the material world.

Conclusion of this section 1.2.22 - 1.2.29Conclusion of this section 1.2.22 - 1.2.29::

Suta Gowami explains that Hari, Vāsudeva, Lord Krsna is the Suta Gowami explains that Hari, Vāsudeva, Lord Krsna is the Absolute Truth, Supreme personality of Godhead and is beyond Absolute Truth, Supreme personality of Godhead and is beyond the modes of material nature even though the modes of material nature even though He accepts the quality of goodness of the material world and therefore instructs that and therefore instructs that those serious about liberation should worship only Vāsudeva those serious about liberation should worship only Vāsudeva through devotional service, for he is the supreme goal of life.through devotional service, for he is the supreme goal of life.

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http://www.prabhupadavani.orghttp://www.prabhupadavani.org http://www.romapadaswami.comhttp://www.romapadaswami.com http://www.iskcondesiretree.orghttp://www.iskcondesiretree.org

Bhurijana prabhu’s Srimad Bhagavatam Bhurijana prabhu’s Srimad Bhagavatam Overview lecture on 1.2.22-1.2.29Overview lecture on 1.2.22-1.2.29

Unveiling His Lotus Feet – HG Bhurijana Unveiling His Lotus Feet – HG Bhurijana PrabhuPrabhu

ReferencesReferences

Page 37: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Page 38: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

One should culture knowledge in the following way:

(1) One should become a perfect gentleman and learn to give proper respect to others.

(2) One should not pose himself as a religionist simply for name and fame.

(3) One should not become a source of anxiety to others by the actions of his body, by the thoughts of his mind, or by his words.

(4) One should learn forbearance even in the face of provocation from others.

(5) One should learn to avoid duplicity in his dealings with others.

(6) One should search out a bona fide spiritual master who can lead him gradually to the stage of spiritual realization, and one must submit himself to such a spiritual master, render him service and ask relevant questions.

(7) In order to approach the platform of self-realization, one must follow the regulative principles enjoined in the revealed scriptures.

(8) One must be fixed in the tenets of the revealed scriptures.

Page 39: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

(9) One should completely refrain from practices which are detrimental to the interest of self-realization.

(10) One should not accept more than he requires for the maintenance of the body.

(11) One should not falsely identify himself with the gross material body, nor should one consider those who are related to his body to be his own.

(12) One should always remember that as long as he has a material body he must face the miseries of repeated birth, old age, disease and death. There is no use in making plans to get rid of these miseries of the material body. The best course is to find out the means by which one may regain his spiritual identity.

(13) One should not be attached to more than the necessities of life required for spiritual advancement.

(14) One should not be more attached to wife, children and home than the revealed scriptures ordain.

(15) One should not be happy or distressed over desirables and undesirables, knowing that such feelings are just created by the mind.

Page 40: Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ Founder Acharya ~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness

(16) One should become an unalloyed devotee of the Personality of Godhead, Çré Kåñëa, and serve Him with rapt attention.

(17) One should develop a liking for residence in a secluded place with a calm and quiet atmosphere favorable for spiritual culture, and one should avoid congested places where nondevotees congregate.

(18) One should become a scientist or philosopher and conduct research into spiritual knowledge, recognizing that spiritual knowledge is permanent whereas material knowledge ends with the death of the body.

These eighteen items combine to form a gradual process by which real knowledge can be developed. Except for these, all other methods are considered to be in the category of nescience. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thäkura, a great äcärya, maintained that all forms of material knowledge are merely external features of the illusory energy and that by culturing them one becomes no better than an ass. This same principle is found here in Sri Isopanisad. By advancement of material knowledge, modern man is simply being converted into an ass. Some materialistic politicians in spiritual guise decry the present system of civilization as satanic, but unfortunately they do not care about the culture of real knowledge as it is described in the Bhagavad-gétä. Thus they cannot change the satanic situation.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjl0NrHdcmAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjl0NrHdcmA


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