Sri Vyasa-puja Hyderabad, August 19, 1976 [MP3 Audio]

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So anyone of you, you can become guru. It is not that I am an extraordinary man, an extraordinary god coming from some mysterious place. It is not that–it is very simple thing. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says yare dekha tare kaha krsna’-upadesa. So I request you follow the Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction that you also, you become a guru at your home.

(Srila Prabhupada’s lecture is preceded by several speeches in Hindi and one in English by a disciple.)

Prabhupada: Sripada Sampatkumar Bhattacarya, ladies and gentlemen: I must thank you for your kindly coming here during this Vyasa-puja ceremony. Vyasa-puja…Thisasana where they have seated me, it is called vyasasana. The guru is the representative of Vyasadeva. Everyone of you have heard the name of Vyasadeva, Veda Vyasa. So anyone who represents the great acarya, Vyasadeva, he is allowed to sit on the vyasasana. So Vyasa-puja… Guru is representative of Vyasadeva, therefore his birthday is accepted as Vyasa-puja.

Now I must explain my position because in these days, a person being worshiped as most exalted personality is something revolution. Because they like democracy, by vote somebody should be elevated however rascal he may be. But our this system, guru- parampara system, is different. Our system, if you do not accept the Vedic knowledge through guru-paramparasystem, it is useless. You cannot manufacture an interpretation of the Vedic language. Just like cow dung. Cow dung is the stool of an animal. Vedic injunction is that if you touch cow dung…, any stool of an animal, you have to take immediately bath and purify yourself. But the Vedic injunction is also that cow dung can purify any impure place. Especially we Hindus, we accept it. Now by reason it is contradictory. The stool of an animal is impure, and the Vedic injunction is cow dung is pure. Actually we accept cow dung as pure to purify any place. Out of panca-gavya the cow dung is there, cow urine is there.

So it appears contradictory, the Vedic injunction. But still we accept because it is Vedic order. That is… That is the acceptance of Vedas. Just like Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita, there are so many rascals, they cut short: “I like this; I do not like this.” No. Arjuna says sarvam etad rtam manye. That is understanding of Vedas. If a rascal makes cut, cutting, “I do not like this, I interpret” this is not Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita means you have to accept as it is. That isBhagavad-gita. We are presenting therefore Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Krishna says, the speaker of the Bhagavad-gita, He says sa kaleneha yogo nastah parantapa. “My dear Arjuna, thisBhagavad-gita science,” imam vivasvate yogam proktavan aham avyayam, “I spoke first of all to the sun-god, and he spoke to his son,” vivasvan manave praha. To Vaivasvata Manu. Manur iksvakave ‘bravit. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayo viduh. This is the process. Sa kaleneha yogo nastah parantapa. Anyone who does not come through this parampara system, if he presents any interpretation of Vedic literature, it is useless. It is useless. It has no meaning. Yogo nastah parantapa. So that is going on. It has no meaning. You cannot interpret on the words of God. That is not possible. And dharma means dharmam tu saksad bhagavat- pranitam. You cannot manufacture at your home a kind of religious system. That is rascaldom, that is useless. Dharma means saksad bhagavat-pranitam. Just like the law. Law means what is given by the government. You cannot manufacture law at your home. Suppose in the street, common sense, the government law is keep to the right or keep to the left. You cannot say “What is the wrong there if I go to the right or left?” No, that you cannot. Then you’ll be criminal. Similarly nowadays… Not nowadays–from time immemorial there are so many religious systems. So many. But real religious system is what God says or Krsna says.Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja. This is religion. Simple. You cannot manufacture.

Therefore in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the beginning is dharmah projjhita-kaitavo ‘tra paramo nirmatsaranam. So the… Somebody may envy that this person has sophisticated some disciples and they are offering prayers and puja. No, it is the system. Don’t envy the…Acaryam mam vijaniyan navamanyeta karhicit. Acarya is the representative of God. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. If you offer prayers, honor to the acarya, then Krsna the Supreme Personality of Godhead is pleased. To please Him you have to please His representative. “If you love me, love my dog.” And in the Bhagavad-gita it is said acaryopasanam. Acaryopasanam.We have to worship the acarya.

yasya deve para bhaktir
yatha deve tatha gurau
tasyaite kathita hy arthah
prakasante mahatmanah

This is the Vedic mantra. Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet.

tasmad gurum prapadyeta
jijnasuh sreya uttamam
sabde pare ca nisnatam
brahmany upasamasrayam

Tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya. So these are the injunction. The guru must come through the parampara system. Then he is bona fide. Otherwise he is a rascal. Must come through the parampara system, and in order to understand tad-vijnanam, transcendental science, you have to approach guru. You cannot say that “I can understand at home.” No. That is not possible. That is the injunction of the all sastra. Tasmad gurum prapad… Who requires a guru? Guru is not a fashion just like you keep a dog as a fashion, modern civilization, similarly we keep a guru. No, not like that. Who requires a guru? Tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuh sreya uttamam–one who is actually serious to understand the science of spirit soul. Tad vijnanam. Om tat sat. He requires a guru. Guru is not a fashion.

So Krsna says that acaryam mam vijaniyan: “You accept acarya as I am.” Why? I see that he is a man. His sons call him father, or he looks like a man, so why he should be as good as God? Because he speaks as God speaks, that’s all. Therefore. He does not make any change. Just like God says, Krsna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja. The guru says that you surrender to Krsna or God. The same word. God says man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru. Guru says that you always think of Krsna, you surrender unto Him, you offer Him prayer, you become His devotee. There is no change. Because he says as the Supreme Personality says, therefore he is guru. Even though you see that he is materially born, his behavior is like other men. But because he says the same truth as it is spoken in the Vedas or by the Personality of Godhead, therefore he is guru. Because he does not make any change whimsically, therefore he is guru. That is the definition. It is very simple. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has asked everyone to become guru. Everyone. Because there is need of guru. The world is full of rascals, therefore there is need of so many gurus to teach them. But what is that qualification of the guru? How everyone can become guru? This may be the question, next question. Because Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, amara ajnaya guru hana tara ei desa. Ei desa means wherever you are living you become a guru and deliver them. Suppose you are living in a small neighborhood, you can become a guru of that neighborhood and deliver them. “How it is possible? I have no education, I have no knowledge. How I can become guru and deliver them?” Caitanya Mahaprabhu said it is not at all difficult. Yare dekha tare kaha ‘krsna’-upadesa. This is your qualification. If you simply deliver the message given by Krsna you become guru. Krsna said, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja. You preach, you request everyone, “Sir, you surrender to Krsna.” You become guru. Very simple thing. Krsna said, man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru. You say that “You become a devotee of Krsna, you offer obeisances. Here is a temple; here is Krsna. Please come here. You offer your obeisances, and if you can you offerpatram puspam phalam toyam. You don’t offer… But it is very simple thing. Anyone can secure a little flower, a little fruit, a little water. It is not at all difficult.”

So this is the guru’s qualification. Guru does not show any magic or produce some wonderful things then he becomes guru. So practically I have done this. People are giving me credit that I have done miracles, but my miracle is that I carried the message of Caitanya Mahaprabhu: yare dekha tare kaha ‘krsna’-upadesa. So this is the secrecy. So anyone of you, you can become guru. It is not that I am an extraordinary man, an extraordinary god coming from some mysterious place. It is not that–it is very simple thing. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that yare dekha tare kaha krsna’-upadesa. So I request you follow the Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction that you also, you become a guru at your home. It is not that you have to make a gigantic show of becoming guru. The father has to become guru, the mother has to become guru. Actually, in the sastra it is said one should not become father, one should not become mother if he does not become a guru to his children. Na mocayed yah samupeta-mrtyum. If a person is unable to save his child from the clutches of birth and death, he should not become a father. This is real contraceptive method. Not that have sex like cats and dogs and when the child is there kill it and abortion. No. That is greatest sinful activity. Real contraceptive method is that if you are unable to deliver your son from the clutches of birth and death, do not become a father. That is wanted. Pita na sa syaj janani na sa syat guru na sa syat na mocayed yah samupeta-mrtyum. If you cannot save your children from the clutches of birth…

This is whole Vedic literature. Punar janma jayayah. How to conquer over next birth, next material birth, they do not know. Foolish persons they have forgotten Vedic culture, what is the Vedic culture. Vedic culture is to conquer over the next birth, that’s all. But they do not believe in the next birth. Ninety-nine percent people, they have gone so down from the Vedic culture. The Bhagavad-gita also the same philosophy is there. Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti kaunteya. This is Vedic culture. Vedic culture means by the evolutionary process we come to this human form of life. Here is the chance of stopping transmigration of the soul from one body to another. Tatha dehantara praptir, and you do not know what kind of body I am going to get next. This body may be prime minister and next body may be dog by the laws of nature.

prakrteh kriyamanani
gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudhatma
kartaham (iti manyate)

They do not know. They have forgotten this culture. Misusing this human form of body like animals, eating, sleeping, mating and defending. This is not civilization. The civilization ispunar janma jayayah, how to conquer over next material birth. That is Krsna consciousness movement. Therefore we are presenting so many literatures. It is being accepted all over the world, learned circle. Take advantage of this movement. We have tried to open, our humble attempt to open a center here. Do not be envious upon us. Kindly take mercy upon us. We are…, our humble attempt. And take advantage of it. That is our request.

Thank you very much. (end)

[760819VP.HYD] Sri Vyasa-puja Hyderabad, August 19, 1976

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Sri Vyasa-puja Lecture London, August 22, 1973 (MP3 Audio)

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One who is doing this humble service of preaching work, Krishna consciousness, nobody is dearer than him to Me [Krishna]. So if you want to become recognized by Krishna very quickly, you take up this process of becoming spiritual master, present the Bhagavad-gita as it is. Your life is perfect.

My dear sons and daughters, I am so much obliged to you that you have become so enthusiastic for offering Vyasa-puja. Now try to understand. Several times we have explained why this function is called Vyasa-puja. I have already explained in the morning, this offering worshiping, one may think that this man is teaching his disciples man-worshiping, anthropomorphism. But it is not man-worshiping. One should not misunderstand. Vyasadeva is the original spiritual master. Original spiritual master is Krishna. From Krsna, Brahma was initiated, Lord Brahma.Tene brahma hrdaya adi-kavaye muhyanti yat surayah. It is stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that when Brahma was created, it was all darkness within the universe. He could not understand what is the purpose of his becoming there. Then he engaged himself in tapasya, and he was initiated from within.

Krsna is within everyone. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese ‘rjuna tisthati. So He is calledcaitya-guru, means guru within the heart. And when Krsna understands… Because Krsna knows everything, whatever we are willing, whatever we are doing. He is the Paramatma; He’s sitting within our hearts as witness. Anumanta upadrsta. Upadrsta means simply observing what we are doing, and what we are desiring. So as we desire, Krsna is very kind, He gives us facility. We have many times explained. Therefore, we have got varieties of bodies to enjoy this material world. So when Krsna sees that a living entity is very anxious to understand Him or to revive his Krsna consciousness, then Krsna gives him all opportunity, especially by manifesting Himself as the spiritual master. Antar bahih. The spiritual master is therefore Krsna’s manifestation–Krsna’s mercy manifestation to help a person to develop his Krsna consciousness. From within He’s helping. Therefore, He’s called caitya-guru, and from without, He sends His representative to help how to become advanced in Krsna consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja Offering–1961

If everyone just initiates then there will only be a contradictory result. As long as it goes on there will be only failure. O shame! My dear brothers, aren’t you embarrassed? In the manner of businessmen you increase your disciples.

A Vyasa-Puja offering of five prayers glorifying special characteristics of Srila 108 Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Goswami Thakura. Presented on the commemoration of his appearance, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at the Radha-Damodara temple, Vrindavana, India, in 1961.)

First Vasistya

1. On this day, O my master, I made a cry of grief; I was not able to tolerate the absence of my guru.

2. On this auspicious day I have come with this offering just to worship you, remembering your lotus feet.

3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s judgement is that renunciation is most important. Not only that, but such knowledge must be delivered to every conditioned being.

4. The beginner in devotional service has no ability to solve this dilemma, but you are a maha-bhagavata, you have given us direction.

Spiritually There is No Difference Between Appearance and Disappearance

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Although this is the disappearance day of Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, so there is nothing to be lamented. Although we feel separation, that feeling is there, but spiritually, there is no difference between appearance and disappearance. There is a song, Narottama dasa Thakura’s song, ye anilo prema-dhana. Do you know, any one of you? Can you sing that song anyone?

His Divine Grace
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada’s
Disappearance Day, Lecture
–
Los Angeles, December 13, 1973 [731213DB.LA]

Prabhupada:

nama om visnu-padaya
krsna-presthaya bhutale
srimate bhaktisiddhanta
sarasvatiti namine

Questions About Initiation and Preaching

When someone is initiated they have received transcendental knowledge and their past karma is burned up, they must be a bit like a new born baby. Why is it they still appear and behave the same and even fall down, where has that divine knowledge gone?

Dear Prabhu

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

It’s wonderful to receive your questions as it gives me a chance to think about how to answer them. It’s inspiring to both ask questions about Krishna and also to answer them. It helps us both to make some spiritual advancement.

“So when some one is initiated then they have received transcendental knowledge & their past karma is burned up, they must be a bit like a new born baby, why is it they still appear & behave the same and even fall down, where has that divine knowledge gone?”

Knowledge is the solution–First Find A Bona Fide Guru (MP3 Audio from 1966)

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For knowledge we have got to go to the right person, one who has actually seen or experienced the Absolute Truth. Unless we find such a person who has actually seen the Absolute Truth or who has in his experience what is Absolute Truth, there is very little chance of our spiritual advancement.

[Bhagavad-gita 4.34-38 New York, August 17, 1966]

tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah

For knowledge we have got to go to the right person, tattva-darsi. Tattva-darsi means “one who has actually seen or experienced the Absolute Truth.” So unless we find out such a person who has actually seen the Absolute Truth or who has in his experience what is Absolute Truth, so there is very little chance of our spiritual advancement.

The Importance of Receiving the Guru (MP3 Audio Arrival Address Los Angeles)

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Spiritual master is the official collector. This is the Vedic system, to receive knowledge through the transparent medium, guru, and to receive Guru means the honor goes to Krishna. So this is necessary. This is not an artificial thing, but spiritually it is necessary.

Prabhupada: So I thank you very much for your kind reception. It is necessary.

saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastrair
uktas tatha bhavyata eva sadbhih
kintu prabhor yah priya eva tasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam

This is the process, Vedic process, to receive the transcendental knowledge through theparampara system, and the reception or honor given to the spiritual master, it goes to Krishna. Spiritual master is the official collector. Just like in government there is collector. He receives the money, taxes, from the citizens, not for his personal use but for the government. Similarly, this is the Vedic system, to receive knowledge through the transparent medium, guru, and to receive… Guru means the honor goes to Krsna. So this is necessary. This is not an artificial thing, but spiritually it is necessary. Therefore we hold Vyasa-puja day.

Does the Spiritual Master Have A Material Body? Is He Omniscient?

Some devotees have said to me that Srila Prabhupada’s form is spiritual. Now with my physical senses I perceive that Srila Prabhupada has a physical body. So how can it be possible that I can perceive a spirtual body? One can notice that Srila Prabhupada’s body was changing from youth to old age as do material bodies…

Hare KRSNA Madhudvisa dasa

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

I have had an issue disturbing me for some time now and wish that you could help. It mainly concerns Srila Prabhupadas form as we perceive it. I understand that to see Krishna’s body it would be impossible with material eyes. Though as I understand, it is possible to see Krishna with spiritual eyes annointed with pure love of God. Some devotees have said to me that Srila Prabhupada’s form is also spiritual. Now with my physical senses I perceive that Srila Prabhupada has a physical body. So how can it be possible that I can perceive a spirtual body? Or is this form Krishna’s and Lord Caitanya’s given grace for us(in material contamination,unable to perceive spiritual forms) to be able to worship as Guru? One can notice that Srila Prabhupada’s body was changing from youth to old age as do material bodies. What is your opinion or knowledge on the matter?

Prabhupada on his Disciples Becoming Gurus

It is not that you have become a student and you’ll remain student. No. One day you shall become also guru and make more students, more students, more. That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission, not that perpetually… Yes, one should remain perpetually a student, but he has to act as guru. That is the mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

76-09-01.Jag Letter: Jagajivana
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 27, 1976 and have noted the contents with care. I am very pleased that you have taken up this mission of spreading the Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. This is the wish of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that, yare dakho tare kaho krsna upadesa, everyone you see or meet, tell him about krsna; amara ajnaya guru haya tara ei desa, and by My command you become a guru and save this land. This was also the mission of my guru maharaj and it is my mission. You will perfect your life if you make it also your mission.

770415rc.bom Conversations
Prabhupada: “Like father, like son.” You should be. Gaurangera bhakta…, jane. Everyone. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, amara ajnaya guru hana tara’ ei desa. He asked everyone, “Just become guru.” Follow His instruction. You become guru. Amara ajnaya. Don’t manufacture ideas. Amara ajnaya. “What I say, you do. You become a guru.” Where is the difficulty? “And what is Your ajna?” Yare dekha tare kaha krsna-upadesa. Bas. Everything is there in the Bhagavad- gita. You simply repeat. That’s all. You become guru. To become a guru is not difficult job. Follow Caitanya Mahaprabhu and speak what Krsna has said. Bas. You become guru.

Srila Prabhupada on Initiation [compilation of quotes]

Please be happy in separation. I am separated from my Guru Maharaja since 1936 but I am always with him so long I work according to his direction. So we should all work together for satisfying Lord Krishna and in that way the feelings of separation will transform into transcendental bliss.

Prabhupada’s Initiation

SSR 8 Attaining Perfection
The spark of love for Krsna is struck by the spiritual master, the pure devotee. As for myself, my spiritual master, His Divine Grace Om Visnupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada, ordered me to take up the responsibility of spreading Krsna consciousness in the Western world. His Divine Grace had a great desire to preach Lord Caitanya’s message in the West, and my success is both his grace and pleasure. When I first met my spiritual master, I was a very young man in India, a nationalist, engaged in a very responsible office. But although I did not want to go, one of my friends, who is still living in Calcutta, forcibly took me to His Divine Grace. I was reluctant to see him because in our home our father used to receive many sannyasis and I was not very satisfied with their dealings. I thought that Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja might be a similar man, and if he were, what business would I have in seeing him? But my friend took me forcibly. “Why not see him?” he asked. I finally relented and went with him, and I profited.

The Guru Is A Pure Devotee!

During Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence there was no confusion in ISKCON over the qualifications and qualities of a bona fide guru. Srila Prabhupada was personally present and he exhibited all the qualities perfectly and all the devotees understood the spiritual master was a pure devotee.

Yasodanandana: Before you came, many gurus came, but they did not make any pure devotee of Krsna.Prabhupada: How they can? HE IS NOT PURE DEVOTEE OF KRSNA. HOW CAN HE DO? Krsna-sakti vina nahe nama pracara: “WITHOUT BEING EMPOWERED BY KRSNA NOBODY CAN TURN A PERSON TO BECOME DEVOTEE OF KRSNA.” It is not… ARTIFICIALLY, YOU CANNOT MAKE. HE MAY MAKE A SHOW of gold manufacturing, but HE CANNOT MAKE A DEVOTEE OF KRSNA. THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. (750203mw.haw)

Who Is a Real Guru?

Among the naïve , of course, one may pass for a spiritual master by wearing robes and a beard, bearing a twinkle in one’s eye, performing some magic tricks, or speaking riddles. But intelligent people won’t settle for these outer trappings…

A recent Gallop poll revealed that more than nineteen million American adults are now practicing some form of yoga, meditation, or other “self-renewal” process. To meet this great demand, many “gurus” have appeared on the scene, each teaching his version of spiritual truth. Some have attracted large followings, and every disciple undoubtedly feels that his guru is the best. But for the serious seeker of truth, choosing a spiritual master cannot be a matter of mere sentiment. Spiritual life is factual and scientific, and we have to test the qualifications of any spiritual teacher by referring to the standard authority. This authority is scripture, especially the Sanskrit Vedic scriptures, which throughout history have proved the philosophical basis for the guru-disciple relationship. By referring to Vedic scriptures we can know the criteria for a bona fide spiritual master. Then we can easily see who is actually a spiritual master, and who is a fraud.

Who Is Representing Srila Prabhupada Now?

The ISKCON living gurus are advising their disciples: You can’t understand Prabhupada’s books or classes, you have to hear from me instead. You can’t understand Prabhupada… So that’s hardly being Prabhupada’s representative.

“Each temple will be an ISKCON property and will be managed by three executive directors. The system of management will continue as it is now and there is no need of any change.” (Srila Prabhupada’s will)

What was the system of management when Srila Prabhupada was physically present? How did the temples run? How did new devotees get trained-up and initiated? How did the system of authority work in ISKCON?

“I am very glad to note that you are seeing that the devotees are maintaining the devotional practices. This is the secret to success.

PHALGUNA KRISHNA PANCAMI (Srila Prabhupada’s 1961 Vyasa-Puja Offering

A Vyasa-Puja offering of five prayers glorifying special characteristics of Srila 108 Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Goswami Thakura. Presented on the commemoration of his appearance, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at the Radha-Damodara temple, Vrindavana, India, in 1961.

First Vasistya

1. On this day, O my master, I made a cry of grief; I was not able to tolerate the absence of my guru.

2. On this auspicious day I have come with this offering just to worship you, remembering your lotus feet.

3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s judgement is that renunciation is most important. Not only that, but such knowledge must be delivered to every conditioned being.

4. The beginner in devotional service has no ability to solve this dilemma, but you are amaha-bhagavata, you have given us direction.

5. One bewildered by ignorance, what kind of renunciate can he be? He will only be a“phalgu-vairagi”; renouncing externally.

6. Renunciation is actually the result of real spiritual emotion. Without such feeling it is simply known as show-bottle.

7. But there is another “show-bottle” for the purpose of preaching. That is the Lord’s sannyasa by which the Mayavadis are defeated.

8. Lord Caitanya’s Philosophy is beyond varnasrama; it is Bhagavata dharma, for putting an end to all cheating processes of religion.

9. Performing dry renunciation there can be no real preaching. Therefore “Yukta vairagya” is given the highest essential understanding.

10. “That sannyasa which I have given you” is for preaching in devotion. The faithless sense enjoyers are unable to understand this.

Unless One is a Pure Devotee He Should Not Become A Preacher

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Unless one is situated as pure Vaisnava in his dealing, in his behavior, inside and outside, he should not become a preacher because it will not be effective, neither one should hear from such person. Those who are preaching, they must be very sincere. They should read the literatures, just like The Nectar of Instruction. We should follow, strictly follow. Then you’ll be able to preach and make disciples all over the world.

Pusta Krishna: “My dear Lord, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, on account of my association with material desires one after another, gradually I have now fallen in the blind well full of snakes. But Your servant Narada Muni kindly accepted me as his disciple and instructed me how to achieve this transcendental position. Therefore my first duty is to serve him. And how can I leave it?”

BhaktiLife eCourses

To accommodate the growing curriculum of the eCourses, we’ve partnered with BhaktiLife.org, a branch of Friends of the BBT, whose focus is online and offline education in Krishna conscious topics and practices.

Nectar of Instruction eCourse

by BhaktiLife

Lord Caitanya advented 500 years ago to bestow upon mankind the most intimate love of God known as prema-bhakti. He especially empowered Rupa Gosvami to write books of instructions how to develop this type of love, and his The Nectar of Instruction (Upadesamrta) is a compilation of 11 verses outlining spiritual steps one must apply to cultivate such divine love.

This one month eCourse covers the complete text with commentaries by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Included are an audiobook of the text, audio clips of Srila Prabhupada's lectures on specific topics in the text, graphic art to help illuminate various concepts, audio chanting of the mantras in both Sanskrit and English, practical assignments for participants to complete, open forums for discussions or questions, and personal guidance from teachers.

Following this proven method of studying in the association of other devotees via the internet, with senior devotee facilitators and guides, is a sure method to enhance one's understanding of the text. See Right Panel for additional themes included in the eCourse.

The teachers for the course are Dhruva Maharaja dasa and Samapriya dasi, both initiated disciples of Srila Prabhupada who have been practicing bhakti-yoga for almost 40 years.

To Register for the eCourse or for more information, please visit:http://www.bhaktilife.org/content/upadesamrta-nectar-instruction

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Homages to Srila Prabhupada

Vyasa-puja is an annual celebration by devotees of Lord Krishna to offer homage to their guru, or spiritual teacher. Krishna Himself admits that what He likes most is when someone likes His devotee.

Each year, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishes a limited number of copies of a Vyasa-puja book—a collection of homages to Srila Prabhupada from devotees and temples all over the world.

Mahalakshmi or Varalakshmi Vrata Puja

Mahalakshmi or Varalakshmi Vrata is a special vrata or fast dedicated to Hindu Goddess ‘Mahalakshmi,’ or as the name implies ‘Great Lakshmi’ (maha = great). Lakshmi is the presiding deity of wealth, prosperity, light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage. These eight facets of Lakshmi give rise to another name for the goddess — ‘Ashtalakshmi’ (ashta = eight).


When is Mahalakshmi or Varalakshmi Vrata Observed?


According to the lunar calendar of North India, the Mahalakshmi Vrata fast is observed for 16 days in a row between Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami and Ashwin Krishna Ashtami, i.e., commencing on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadra and ending on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of the following month Ashwin, which corresponds to September - October of the international calendar. The fast is more popular in Uttar Pradesh Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh than other states of India.


Mahalakshmi Vrata in Hindu Mythology


In Bhavishya Purana, one of the 18 major Puranas or ancient Hindu scriptures, there is a legend that explains the significance of Mahalakshmi Vrata. As the legend goes, when Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandava princes, enquires Lord Krishna about a ritual fast that can get back the wealth that they lost in his gambles with the Kauravas, Krishna recommends Mahalakshmi Vrata or Puja, which can replenish the worshipper with health, wealth, prosperity, family and kingdom through the divine grace of the Lakshmi.


How to Observe the Ritual of Mahalakshmi Vrata


At the dawn of this holy day, women take a ritual bath and pray to Surya, the Sun God. They sprinkle sacred water using purified grass blades or ‘durva’ on their body and tie sixteen knotted strings on their left wrist. A pot or ‘kalasha,’ is filled with water, decorated with betel or mango leaves, and a coconut is placed on top of it. It is further adorned with a red cotton cloth or ‘shalu’ and a red thread is tied around it. A Swastika symbol and four lines, representing the four Vedas are drawn on it with vermillion or ‘sindoor / kumkum’. Also called the Purna Kumbh, this represents the supreme deity, and is worshipped as the Goddess Mahalakshmi. Holy lamps are lit, incense sticks are burned and Lakshmi mantras are chanted during the ‘puja’ or ritual worship.


How is it Different from Varalakshmi Vrata?


The Varalakshmi Vrata is a fast observed by married Hindu women on the Friday that precedes the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August-September). The Skanda Purana this particular worship of Goddess Lakshmi as a means to seek her blessings for a good progeny and long life of the husband.

Top 5 Hindu Festivals: August-September 2011

The months of August and September in the Hindu almanac are replete with festivals and holidays.


It begins with Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, the unique tradition followed by sisters of tying a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers.


This joyous festival is followed by Janmashthami or the birthday celebrations of Lord Krishna, which is observed with great gaiety.


But nothing beats the pomp and show of the great Ganesha festival called Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls in September.


This is followed by the even more energetic carnival of Onam that is mainly celebrated in the southern Indian coastal state of Kerala.


September ends with the beginning of the nine divine nights or Navarati that involves fasts and rituals in honor of Durga, the mother goddess.


Below are the dates of the major Hindu holidays for August and September 2011.


1. Raksha-Bandhan: Saturday, August 13, 2011


2. Krishna Janmashtami: Monday, August 22, 2011


3. Ganesh/Vinayak Chaturthi: Thursday, September 01, 2011


4. Onam: Thursday/Friday, September 8/9, 2011


5. Navaratri: Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Top 5 Hindu Festivals: August-September 2011

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

Ganesh/Vinayak Chaturthi On Thursday, September (01-09-2011)

Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

The Lord of Success

The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.

Significance of the Ganesha Form

Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

How Ganesha Got His Head

The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.

However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body, thus reviving it.

Ganesha, the Destroyer of Pride

Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations. "All Hindus worship Ganesha regardless of their sectarian belief," says D N Singh in A Study of Hinduism. "He is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all Hindus."

Ganesh Chaturthi

The devotees of Ganesha are known as 'Ganapatyas', and the festival to celebrate and glorify him is called Ganesh Chaturthi.

60,000 celebrate Hindu festival in British countryside

Piligrims stand in line to enter at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple, in Watford, north of London, on August 21, 2011, during an open day for pilgrims to celebrate 'Janmashtami' - the birth of Lord Krishna. Over 65,000 pilgrims and guests are expected to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple to celebrate Janmashtami.

LETCHMORE HEATH: In a typically English setting, the grounds of a mock-Tudor country mansion, thousands of pilgrims are celebrating what organisers claim is the biggest Hindu festival outside India.


More than 60,000 people were expected to attend the two-day Janmashtami festival on Sunday and Monday at the Bhaktivedanta Manor temple outside suburban Watford, northwest of London.
The rolling fields backdrop of Letchmore Heath suggests an English country fete, as does the bunting and muddy grass, but the flavour is unmistakably Indian.


Dancing, dramas, devotional songs and inspirational talks from swami teachers filled the tents as outside, mothers in bright saris sipped coconut juice and children had their faces painted blue like Lord Krishna.
The smell of cattle and spicy food filled the air as thousands soaked up the party mood.
“Janmashtami is a coming together of a great big family,” said former temple president Gauri Das. “People wouldn’t miss this for anything. There’s just such a spirit that captures everybody,” the 49-year-old temple senior told AFP.


“There’s a tremendous atmosphere of devotion and goodwill. It’s a cultural extravaganza… The magic of this place is that it’s the Hertfordshire countryside,” he added. “You couldn’t turn it into an architectural piece of India. But at the heart of it are the ethics, ideals and devotion of Hindu culture. It’s become an iconic symbol of the British Hindu identity.”


The 1880s manor was bought for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1973 by Beatles guitarist George Harrison, a devotee.


As ducks waddled from the ornamental lake, pilgrims queued on the clipped lawns beneath the oak and willow trees, bearing flowers and fruit to decorate the shrine of Krishna.
Inside, devotees enjoyed their fleeting moment passing the shrine as chanting and drumming echoes around the room.


The manor is also a dairy farm and pilgrims could feed the 46 cows, which are fond of carrots and jaggery sweets.


The temple is behind the production of “Ahimsa” (non-violent) milk, from cattle that are not slaughtered when their milking years are over.


Indian, London and regional English accents can be heard wandering between the bookstalls and children’s play areas.


Avi Singh, 26, a warehouse operative from Lucknow in northern India, who moved to England six months ago, was impressed by the free festival.


“It’s nice, everything is gorgeous. It’s like we are in India, apart from the weather!” he told AFP. Non-Hindus were also among the thousands wandering between the food stalls, exhibitions and entertainment.


“We were intrigued and wanted to experience something different,” said Hayley Crompton, 26, a costume maker from Nottinghamshire in central England. “It’s a really beautiful atmosphere, really happy. It’s like an English summer party – only with much better food,” she said, after finishing off some potato curry.
According to the last published census in 2001, there were 558,000 Hindus in Britain, one per cent of the population. Therefore, roughly a tenth were expected to visit the festival.


One play, India Joe and the Temple of Krishna, told the story of a London-accented Hindu youth, telling his Indian-accented father of how the savings of his generation had been blown away in the recession and how he was determined to make the best of his life by facing it fully armed with his faith.


“These are contemporary British Hindu kids who are reinterpreting their ancient traditions into the most modern setting,” Das said.