PART ONE Thank you once again Vaisesaka Prabhu for all your wonderful service to Srila Prabhupada. Gratitude and praise are one of the most important lessons I've learned from the Book Bhagavata and the Devotee Bhagavata. Why? Because it's described that we become purified by hearing about, chanting about, meditating on, and ultimately faithfully accepting the Srimad-Bhagavatam. However, in Kali-yuga, I'm sure all devotees can humbly admit that they don't always desire to hear about, chant about, meditate on, or faithfully accept the Srimad-Bhagavatam. What's the solution to become purified then? It's described that if we're too lazy to purify ourselves from the aforementioned devotional activities, then we can still become purified by praising the devotional service of others. Who would be so resistant, proud and lazy to take the opportunity to purify oneself simply by praising the devotional service of others? Unfortunately, many of us, including myself, until I heard these profound teachings from the Srimad- Bhagavatam and saw these wonderful qualities exemplified by those I"m inspired by. Indeed, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.12), it is said, "Pure devotional service rendered to the Supreme Lord is spiritually potent that simply by hearing about such transcendental service, by chanting its glories in response, by meditating on it, by respectfully and faithfully accepting it, or BY PRAISING THE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE OF OTHERS, all living beings can be immediately purified." Therefore, there's a quote that says: "IF YOU COMPLAIN YOU WILL REMAIN, IF YOU PRAISE YOU WILL BE RAISED." Similarly, in his commentary to the Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.5.12), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Everyone should PRAISE ANOTHER'S SERVICE and not be PROUD OF HIS OWN SERVICE. This is the way of Vaisnava thinking, Vaikuntha thinking. There may be rivalries and apparent competition between servants in performing service, but in the Vaikuntha planets, the service of another servant is appreciated, not condemned. This is Vaikuntha competition. There is no question of enmity between servants. Everyone should be allowed to render service to the Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of others." Of course, an important point to point out is that Sri Rupa Goswami famously said, anyabhilasita-sunyam, namely that devotional praise should be without motive. What does that mean? I can't speak for others, but I can certainly speak for myself that I would only praise others when I thought they were inferior to me. The Bhagavatam doesn't recommend this kind of motivated praise. Therefore, Thucydides once said, "Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself." Similarly, in his speech, Drum Major Instinct, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "NOBODY IS UNHAPPY WHEN THEY ARE PRAISED, EVEN IF THEY KNOW THEY DON'T DESERVE IT AND EVEN IF THEY DON'T BELIEVE IT. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE UNHAPPY ABOUT PRAISE IS WHEN THAT PRAISE IS GOING TOO MUCH TOWARD SOMEBODY ELSE." I can personally relate to the above-mentioned quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed, I've had many incidents in my life regarding this subject matter, but one particular incident happened on book distribution probably in 2008 or 2009. Me and a few devotees were on book distribution, and me and one other devotee were relatively new at distributing books and he was my same age. He was distributing books like flyers and receiving donations for them as well and I was thinking, "I hope he doesn't distribute more than me," which he did of course. I was essentially thinking, "I would prefer the conditioned souls to refuse Krishna's mercy through him and instead exclusively receive it from me." I wasn't really familiar with any verses from the Srimad-Bhagavatam at the time but it doesn't take a genius to realize "This mentality probably isn't pleasing to Krishna."
Srila Prabhupada's books (Part 1 of 2) This is in response to a comment that was deleted yesterday for obvious reasons, but first I would like to mention that I'm currently reading Mukunda Goswami's book, Miracle On Second Avenue, and from reading this book, it gives me a deeper appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's disciples and I hope to read Our Family Business by Vaisesika Prabhu one day. Actually, a long time ago, the first time I ever heard of Vaisesika Prabhu is from one of his traveling book distributing disciples and they told me, "My Guru is Vaisesika Prabhu. He's a householder." My response was "I thought householders weren't allowed to be guru's." Then later I would hear more of Srila Prabhupada's lectures and read more of his books and Srila Prabhupada would always quote a verse in the Ramananda Raya pastime that always reminded me of Vasesika Prabhu: kiba vipra kiba nyasi sudra kene naya yei krsna tattva- vetta sei guru haya i.e. anyone who knows the science of Krishna can become a guru. Not long after I talked to Vaisesika's disciple, maybe within that year, Vaisesika came to our city and gave class and taught devotees how to distribute books. I could easily see why Vaisesika is a guru and inspired so many people, including myself. Actually, there are three main people in my life that inspired me to get more serious about scriptural knowledge: my brother, another Prabhupada disciple where I live and Vaisesika Prabhu. I'm definitely more inclined toward sastrically based classes like Vaisesika Prabhu's but I personally use a lot of inspirational quotes (that remind me of scriptural references) because from what I've personally observed, a lot of devotees aren't inclined in that scripturally based direction which I also believe is due to the fact that they're not encouraged to give classes enough. If people were more encouraged to give classes, then they'll definitely be forced to be more serious about scriptural knowledge. Actually, while I'm writing this sentence, I remember watching a lecture in the ISKCON Sillicon Valley community of a 10 year old giving Bhagavatam or Gita class under Vaisesika's Prabhu direction and based on this example, I don't see why younger kids shouldn't give class; otherwise they'll waste so many good years like Prahlada Maharaja says in play time, which means social media, movies etc. ENTERTAINMENT WILL GRATIFY BUT ONLY INNER-TAINMENT WILL SATISFY. Actually, there's a scriptural reference and purport I use all the time, and while remembering it, it reminds me of the example that Vaisesika Prabhu sets for his community, not just with the adults, but also with the children as well. Indeed, in his commentary to the Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 25.267), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, as an ideal teacher, or acarya, explained Srimad-Bhagavatam very elaborately Himself. He sometimes also empowered His devotees to speak while He listened. This is the way an acarya should train his disciples. Not only should he describe the bhagavata cult personally, but he should also train his disciples to speak on this sublime subject matter." There's one main reason why I became lax at memorizing scriptural verses. I use to go on book distribution all the time with my bro and a few devotees, but eventually we would do books and sitting down harinam simultaneously, and I would always be the one to play mridanga. So since I wasn't distributing books anymore, I lost interest in memorizing scriptural references. However, before this Pandemic, one scripturally based Srila Prabhupada disciple gave me a list of verses to memorize and implement in my preaching and one of these verses he told me to learn I heard Vaisesika Prabhu mention in his lectures as well. Indeed, this verse is from the Catanya-caritamrta (Adi 2.117), it is famously said: siddhanta baliya çitte na kara alasa iha ha-ite krsne lage sudrdha manasa "A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of philosophical conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus one's mind becomes attached to Sri Krishna." Now, as I was mentioning at the beginning, this comment was in response to a topic that's brought up unlimited times within ISKCON, usually not in very respectful ways unfortunately, but the answers I was personally looking for regarding these topics come from the Bhagavad-Gita, the Brahma-samhita, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta.
My bhakta leader used to guilt trip and bully me for not liking book distributions. The temple I lived in didnt take care of the brahmacaris so I used to go out just to sell a few books just to be able to buy clothes and toothpaste and soap. It left a bitter taste in my mouth so I never really liked it. At some point the temple were trying to get me to pay rent by selling books and turning all my money in. Even though I did service and served gurus for many years.
Srila Prabhupada's books (Part 2 0f 2) The controversial topic was this: Some devotees say "Srila Prabhupada's books are being changed," and the implication is that if they think (or know according to their estimation) that Srila Prabhupada's books are being changed, then we cannot go back to Godhead apparently. However, consider two children: one child learns to read and write whereas the other child doesn't learn to read and write. The child who learned to read and write can properly communicate with others, whereas the child who didn't learn to read and write cannot properly communicate with others. Similarly, according to the Bhagavad-Gita (10.10-11) and the Brahma-samhita (5.38), if we don't speak the language of love, then even if we're given the perfect translation of spiritual books, we won't understand anything, whereas if we do speak the language of love, then even if we're given an imperfect translation of spiritual books, we'll easily understanding everything. I believe Srila Prabhupada first spoke from an imperfect translation of a Gita by a Mayavadi translator with his early disciples before he published his own Gita, but because Srila Prabhupada spoke the language of love, he didn't require the perfect translation of the Gita. Similarly, it's described in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 10.25-44) that Haridas Thakur was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people, but because he had the right mentality, the language of love, he understood everything about spiritual knowledge. On the other hand, it's described in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya 8.18-27) that Ramacandra Puri was at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, but because he had the wrong mentality, the language of hate, he didn't understand anything about spiritual knowledge. Likewise, consider some of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's disciples who fought each other over the Gaudiya Matha properties. They were at the right place, at the right time, with the right person, with the right translations, but because they had the wrong mentality, they couldn't communicate with each other. So what was the use of having perfect translations of the Gita and Bhagavatam given by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta? In other words, according to logic, there's no use in having perfect books on the outside if we still can't communicate with others because we don't have perfect bhakti on the inside. Indeed, at the beginning of creation, Lord Brahma learned the language of love, not through books, but through bhakti; in Satya-yuga, everyone learned the language of love, not through books, but through bhakti, and in Kali-yuga, even Srila Bhaktisiddhanta says the primary means to learn the language of love, is not through books, but through bhakti, nay, through those who are carrying bhakti. Indeed, in the Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava: Volume One, chapter entitled "Service to Sastra" (pages 270-271), it is said: "A college student asked Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, 'If we don't learn reading and writing then how can we study sastra?' Srila Bhaktisiddhanta replied, 'I have imbibed the meaning of all the scriptures by observing the exemplary character of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and my gurudeva Paramahamsa Babaji. One cannot realize the true purpose of sastra by expertise in grammar or by memorizing roots and endings of words (or by having perfect translations of spiritual books). If that were so, then the great worldly professors would have comprehended the factual import of sastra." Indeed, since none of us speak the Sanskrit language, then the Gita and Bhagavatam are ultimately useless to us unless we receive mercy. Similarly, we require mercy in all aspects of life, and as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was explaining, mercy comes from those who are carrying perfect bhakti and not from those who are carrying perfect books. Therefore, E Stanley Jones said, "In conversion you are not attached primarily to an order, nor to an institution, nor a movement, nor a set of beliefs, nor a code of action----you are attached primarily to a Person, and secondarily to these things." Indeed, just as an aspiring doctor cannot become an authorized doctor by reading the perfect medical books, so no one can become expert in the language of love through reading perfect books but only through learning it from those who are carrying perfect bhakti. Therefore, in his commentary to the Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.1.8), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Srimad-Bhagavatam, or, for that matter, any other scientific literature, cannot be studied at home by one's own intellectual capacity. Medical books of anatomy or physiology are available in the market, but no one can become a qualified medical practitioner simply by reading such books at home. One has to be admitted to the medical college and study the books under the guidance of learned professors. Similarly, Srimad-Bhagavatam, the postgraduate study of the science of Godhead, can only be learned by studying it at the feet of a realized soul." Furthermore, it's described in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 17.7), in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 1.322-324) and in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 1.348-372), that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself was the original mis-translator of Vedic texts. It describes that Caitanya Mahaprabhu told his grammatically inclined students who were seeking perfect translations of Vedic texts that every Sanskrit word in the Vedic texts mean Krishna. The moral of this pastime is that only foolish people are more concerned about perfect books on the outside, whereas wise people are more concerned about perfect bhakti on the inside. It should also be pointed out that Caitanya Mahaprabhu was even able to harmoniously communicate with animals in the forest, what to speak of communicating with other human beings. The lesson to be learned is this: Just because people don't speak the same language, that doesn't mean they can't communicate. On the other hand, just because people do speak the same language, that doesn't mean they can communicate. In other words, it's not the language, but the love, that allows people to communicate. If we're humble, appreciative and forgiving, then we can communicate with others, even if we don't speak the same language, whereas if we're proud, envious and vengeful, then we can't communicate with others, even if we do speak the same language. Therefore, in the Holy Bible (1 Corinthians 13.1-8), it's beautifully said: "IF I SPEAK IN THE TONGUES OF MEN OR OF ANGELS, BUT DO NOT HAVE LOVE, I AM ONLY A RESOUNDING GONG OR A CLANGING CYMBAL. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will be stilled, and where there is knowledge, ti will pass away, but love will never pass away." All glories to Vaisesika Prabhu Ki Jaya twitter.com/HumilityGreatn1
PART TWO Later on, I learned a profound lesson from the Srimad-Bhagavatam regarding this subject matter. Indeed, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, it's essentially described that there are two types of personalities: those who perform the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) and those who perform austerities to be respected by others (Severe). For example, Prahlada Maharaja performed the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) whereas Hiranyakashipu performed austerities to be respected by others (Severe). Indeed, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada in many different ways because they had a disagreement, but Prahlada still performed the austerity of respecting his father. Indeed, Prahlada still respected someone who tried to kill, whereas we cannot even respect those who try to kill our reputation nor can we respect, honor or praise those we think have greater talents and abilities than us. On the other hand, it's described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.3.2 etc) that Hiranyakashipu performed extremely difficult austerities like being buried in the ground, skin eaten by ants, fasting from food and water, standing on his foes for thousands of years, spending thousands of hours reading libraries of books. In fact, Hiranyakashipu's name means "one who's addicted to money and women," but he was able to easily perform the very difficult austerity of poverty and celibacy for thousands of years as well. Why? Just to be respected by others. However, there was one austerity Hiranyakashipu could perform which was actually the easiest austerity compared to his other austerities. He couldn't perform the austerity of respecting Prahlada who only disagreed with his philosophy. In other words, Hiranyakashipu was essentially saying, "I WOULD RATHER PERFORM THE DIFFICULT AUSTERITY OF BEING BURIED ALIVE, EATEN BY ANTS, FASTING FROM FOOD AND WATER, STANDING ON MY TOES FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, SPEND THOUSANDS OF HOURS READING LIBRARIES OF BOOKS SO I CAN QUOTE THE SCRIPTURES LIKE A PARROT AND ULTIMATELY MONEY, SEX AND PORNOGRAPHY THAN TO PERFORM THE EASY AUSTERITY OF RESPECTING SOMEONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME OR PRAISING SOMEONE WHO RECEIVES MORE HONOR THAN ME." Similarly, like Hiranyakashipu, do we not say, although not in words, but certainly in actions, "I WOULD RATHER PERFORM THE DIFFICULT AUSTERITY OF CHANTING 300,000 NAMES OF THE LORD EVERYDAY LIKE HARIDAS THAKUR, I WOULD RATHER DISTRIBUTE MILLIONS OF SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS EVERYDAY, I WOULD RATHER SPEND THOUSANDS OF HOURS READING LIBRARIES OF BOOKS SO I CAN QUOTE THE SCRIPTURES LIKE A PARROT AND I WOULD RATHER FAST FROM FOOD AND WATER THE REST OF MY LIFE THAN TO RESPECT THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH ME OR PRAISE THOSE WHO RECEIVE MORE HONOR THAN ME." Just as a building without a foundation will fall when a storm comes, so also according to the Caitanya-caritamrta, if we're more concerned about performing SEVERE EGO PRODUCING AUSTERITIES ON THE OUTSIDE and less concerned about performing SINCERE HUMILITY PRODUCING AUSTERITIES ON THE INSIDE, then our Krishna consciousness will come crumbling down like Hiranyakashipu when we experience a little adversity. In other words, according to the Caitanya-caritamrta, only foolish people are more concerned about EXCLUSIVELY CALCULATING THEIR DEVOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTSIDE, whereas wise people are more concerned about INCLUSIVELY CALCULATING HOW MANY GOOD QUALITIES THEY HAVE ON THE INSIDE. Indeed, in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 8.16), it is said: "If one is infested with the ten offenses in the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and performing other devotional activities, despite his endeavor to chant the holy name, study libraries of books and fast from food and water the rest of his life, he will not get the love of Godhead that is the ultimate goal of this chanting. Why? Because he's less concerned about performing the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) and more concerned about performing austerities to be respected by others (Severe)." In his commentary to this verse from the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 8.16), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says in this connection that although one may go on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra for many, many years, there is no possibility of attaining the platform of devotional service unless one accepts Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. ONE MUST FOLLOW STRICTLY THE INSTRUCTION OF SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU GIVEN IN THE SIKSASTAKA (3): trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna amanina mana-dena kirtaniyah sada harih: 'One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.'" "FOR EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, AND EVERYONE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED." (Lord Jesus Christ) Thanks for everyone who appreciate these comments. I recently started a twitter that praises the Vaisnava's. Here's the link twitter.com/HumilityGreatn1
Considering the deforestation all over the globe especially in India...does one not think that perhaps printing these sacred books may not be better on HEMP paper?? Hare Krsna🐂
Super inspiring! I always appreciate Vaisesika Prabhu's catchy slogans. Thanks for having him on your show Namarasa!
Very inspiring, you have revived my desires for book distribution. All glories to your divine service Viasesika Prabhu🙏
Inspiring Prabhuji 🙏🙏🙏
PART ONE
Thank you once again Vaisesaka Prabhu for all your wonderful service to Srila Prabhupada. Gratitude and praise are one of the most important lessons I've learned from the Book Bhagavata and the Devotee Bhagavata. Why? Because it's described that we become purified by hearing about, chanting about, meditating on, and ultimately faithfully accepting the Srimad-Bhagavatam. However, in Kali-yuga, I'm sure all devotees can humbly admit that they don't always desire to hear about, chant about, meditate on, or faithfully accept the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
What's the solution to become purified then? It's described that if we're too lazy to purify ourselves from the aforementioned devotional activities, then we can still become purified by praising the devotional service of others. Who would be so resistant, proud and lazy to take the opportunity to purify oneself simply by praising the devotional service of others? Unfortunately, many of us, including myself, until I heard these profound teachings from the Srimad- Bhagavatam and saw these wonderful qualities exemplified by those I"m inspired by.
Indeed, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.12), it is said, "Pure devotional service rendered to the Supreme Lord is spiritually potent that simply by hearing about such transcendental service, by chanting its glories in response, by meditating on it, by respectfully and faithfully accepting it, or BY PRAISING THE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE OF OTHERS, all living beings can be immediately purified."
Therefore, there's a quote that says:
"IF YOU COMPLAIN YOU WILL REMAIN,
IF YOU PRAISE YOU WILL BE RAISED."
Similarly, in his commentary to the Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.5.12), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Everyone should PRAISE ANOTHER'S SERVICE and not be PROUD OF HIS OWN SERVICE. This is the way of Vaisnava thinking, Vaikuntha thinking. There may be rivalries and apparent competition between servants in performing service, but in the Vaikuntha planets, the service of another servant is appreciated, not condemned. This is Vaikuntha competition. There is no question of enmity between servants. Everyone should be allowed to render service to the Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of others."
Of course, an important point to point out is that Sri Rupa Goswami famously said, anyabhilasita-sunyam, namely that devotional praise should be without motive. What does that mean? I can't speak for others, but I can certainly speak for myself that I would only praise others when I thought they were inferior to me. The Bhagavatam doesn't recommend this kind of motivated praise.
Therefore, Thucydides once said, "Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself."
Similarly, in his speech, Drum Major Instinct, Martin Luther King Jr. said, "NOBODY IS UNHAPPY WHEN THEY ARE PRAISED, EVEN IF THEY KNOW THEY DON'T DESERVE IT AND EVEN IF THEY DON'T BELIEVE IT. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE UNHAPPY ABOUT PRAISE IS WHEN THAT PRAISE IS GOING TOO MUCH TOWARD SOMEBODY ELSE."
I can personally relate to the above-mentioned quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed, I've had many incidents in my life regarding this subject matter, but one particular incident happened on book distribution probably in 2008 or 2009.
Me and a few devotees were on book distribution, and me and one other devotee were relatively new at distributing books and he was my same age. He was distributing books like flyers and receiving donations for them as well and I was thinking, "I hope he doesn't distribute more than me," which he did of course. I was essentially thinking, "I would prefer the conditioned souls to refuse Krishna's mercy through him and instead exclusively receive it from me." I wasn't really familiar with any verses from the Srimad-Bhagavatam at the time but it doesn't take a genius to realize "This mentality probably isn't pleasing to Krishna."
Nectarean inspiration... without sharing dynamically we are like misers... wow! What a wake up call!!
হরে কৃষ্ণ, hare krishna... 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 love from Bangladesh.
Thanks so much for this Namarasa and Vaisesika Prabhus. So inspiring.
Beautiful and very inspiring!
Great episode!
I wanna go out right now and distribute a book 🙏🏼
I’m so new to this and so do I
It was so great!!
Srila Prabhupada's books (Part 1 of 2)
This is in response to a comment that was deleted yesterday for obvious reasons, but first I would like to mention that I'm currently reading Mukunda Goswami's book, Miracle On Second Avenue, and from reading this book, it gives me a deeper appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's disciples and I hope to read Our Family Business by Vaisesika Prabhu one day. Actually, a long time ago, the first time I ever heard of Vaisesika Prabhu is from one of his traveling book distributing disciples and they told me, "My Guru is Vaisesika Prabhu. He's a householder." My response was "I thought householders weren't allowed to be guru's." Then later I would hear more of Srila Prabhupada's lectures and read more of his books and Srila Prabhupada would always quote a verse in the Ramananda Raya pastime that always reminded me of Vasesika Prabhu: kiba vipra kiba nyasi sudra kene naya yei krsna tattva- vetta sei guru haya i.e. anyone who knows the science of Krishna can become a guru.
Not long after I talked to Vaisesika's disciple, maybe within that year, Vaisesika came to our city and gave class and taught devotees how to distribute books. I could easily see why Vaisesika is a guru and inspired so many people, including myself. Actually, there are three main people in my life that inspired me to get more serious about scriptural knowledge: my brother, another Prabhupada disciple where I live and Vaisesika Prabhu. I'm definitely more inclined toward sastrically based classes like Vaisesika Prabhu's but I personally use a lot of inspirational quotes (that remind me of scriptural references) because from what I've personally observed, a lot of devotees aren't inclined in that scripturally based direction which I also believe is due to the fact that they're not encouraged to give classes enough. If people were more encouraged to give classes, then they'll definitely be forced to be more serious about scriptural knowledge. Actually, while I'm writing this sentence, I remember watching a lecture in the ISKCON Sillicon Valley community of a 10 year old giving Bhagavatam or Gita class under Vaisesika's Prabhu direction and based on this example, I don't see why younger kids shouldn't give class; otherwise they'll waste so many good years like Prahlada Maharaja says in play time, which means social media, movies etc. ENTERTAINMENT WILL GRATIFY BUT ONLY INNER-TAINMENT WILL SATISFY.
Actually, there's a scriptural reference and purport I use all the time, and while remembering it, it reminds me of the example that Vaisesika Prabhu sets for his community, not just with the adults, but also with the children as well. Indeed, in his commentary to the Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 25.267), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, as an ideal teacher, or acarya, explained Srimad-Bhagavatam very elaborately Himself. He sometimes also empowered His devotees to speak while He listened. This is the way an acarya should train his disciples. Not only should he describe the bhagavata cult personally, but he should also train his disciples to speak on this sublime subject matter."
There's one main reason why I became lax at memorizing scriptural verses. I use to go on book distribution all the time with my bro and a few devotees, but eventually we would do books and sitting down harinam simultaneously, and I would always be the one to play mridanga. So since I wasn't distributing books anymore, I lost interest in memorizing scriptural references. However, before this Pandemic, one scripturally based Srila Prabhupada disciple gave me a list of verses to memorize and implement in my preaching and one of these verses he told me to learn I heard Vaisesika Prabhu mention in his lectures as well.
Indeed, this verse is from the Catanya-caritamrta (Adi 2.117), it is famously said:
siddhanta baliya çitte na kara alasa
iha ha-ite krsne lage sudrdha manasa
"A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of philosophical conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus one's mind becomes attached to Sri Krishna."
Now, as I was mentioning at the beginning, this comment was in response to a topic that's brought up unlimited times within ISKCON, usually not in very respectful ways unfortunately, but the answers I was personally looking for regarding these topics come from the Bhagavad-Gita, the Brahma-samhita, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta.
My bhakta leader used to guilt trip and bully me for not liking book distributions. The temple I lived in didnt take care of the brahmacaris so I used to go out just to sell a few books just to be able to buy clothes and toothpaste and soap. It left a bitter taste in my mouth so I never really liked it. At some point the temple were trying to get me to pay rent by selling books and turning all my money in. Even though I did service and served gurus for many years.
Srila Prabhupada's books (Part 2 0f 2)
The controversial topic was this: Some devotees say "Srila Prabhupada's books are being changed," and the implication is that if they think (or know according to their estimation) that Srila Prabhupada's books are being changed, then we cannot go back to Godhead apparently.
However, consider two children: one child learns to read and write whereas the other child doesn't learn to read and write. The child who learned to read and write can properly communicate with others, whereas the child who didn't learn to read and write cannot properly communicate with others.
Similarly, according to the Bhagavad-Gita (10.10-11) and the Brahma-samhita (5.38), if we don't speak the language of love, then even if we're given the perfect translation of spiritual books, we won't understand anything, whereas if we do speak the language of love, then even if we're given an imperfect translation of spiritual books, we'll easily understanding everything. I believe Srila Prabhupada first spoke from an imperfect translation of a Gita by a Mayavadi translator with his early disciples before he published his own Gita, but because Srila Prabhupada spoke the language of love, he didn't require the perfect translation of the Gita.
Similarly, it's described in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 10.25-44) that Haridas Thakur was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people, but because he had the right mentality, the language of love, he understood everything about spiritual knowledge. On the other hand, it's described in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya 8.18-27) that Ramacandra Puri was at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, but because he had the wrong mentality, the language of hate, he didn't understand anything about spiritual knowledge.
Likewise, consider some of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's disciples who fought each other over the Gaudiya Matha properties. They were at the right place, at the right time, with the right person, with the right translations, but because they had the wrong mentality, they couldn't communicate with each other. So what was the use of having perfect translations of the Gita and Bhagavatam given by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta? In other words, according to logic, there's no use in having perfect books on the outside if we still can't communicate with others because we don't have perfect bhakti on the inside.
Indeed, at the beginning of creation, Lord Brahma learned the language of love, not through books, but through bhakti; in Satya-yuga, everyone learned the language of love, not through books, but through bhakti, and in Kali-yuga, even Srila Bhaktisiddhanta says the primary means to learn the language of love, is not through books, but through bhakti, nay, through those who are carrying bhakti.
Indeed, in the Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava: Volume One, chapter entitled "Service to Sastra" (pages 270-271), it is said: "A college student asked Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, 'If we don't learn reading and writing then how can we study sastra?' Srila Bhaktisiddhanta replied, 'I have imbibed the meaning of all the scriptures by observing the exemplary character of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and my gurudeva Paramahamsa Babaji. One cannot realize the true purpose of sastra by expertise in grammar or by memorizing roots and endings of words (or by having perfect translations of spiritual books). If that were so, then the great worldly professors would have comprehended the factual import of sastra."
Indeed, since none of us speak the Sanskrit language, then the Gita and Bhagavatam are ultimately useless to us unless we receive mercy. Similarly, we require mercy in all aspects of life, and as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was explaining, mercy comes from those who are carrying perfect bhakti and not from those who are carrying perfect books.
Therefore, E Stanley Jones said, "In conversion you are not attached primarily to an order, nor to an institution, nor a movement, nor a set of beliefs, nor a code of action----you are attached primarily to a Person, and secondarily to these things."
Indeed, just as an aspiring doctor cannot become an authorized doctor by reading the perfect medical books, so no one can become expert in the language of love through reading perfect books but only through learning it from those who are carrying perfect bhakti.
Therefore, in his commentary to the Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.1.8), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Srimad-Bhagavatam, or, for that matter, any other scientific literature, cannot be studied at home by one's own intellectual capacity. Medical books of anatomy or physiology are available in the market, but no one can become a qualified medical practitioner simply by reading such books at home. One has to be admitted to the medical college and study the books under the guidance of learned professors. Similarly, Srimad-Bhagavatam, the postgraduate study of the science of Godhead, can only be learned by studying it at the feet of a realized soul."
Furthermore, it's described in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 17.7), in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 1.322-324) and in the Caitanya-bhagavata (Madhya 1.348-372), that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself was the original mis-translator of Vedic texts. It describes that Caitanya Mahaprabhu told his grammatically inclined students who were seeking perfect translations of Vedic texts that every Sanskrit word in the Vedic texts mean Krishna. The moral of this pastime is that only foolish people are more concerned about perfect books on the outside, whereas wise people are more concerned about perfect bhakti on the inside.
It should also be pointed out that Caitanya Mahaprabhu was even able to harmoniously communicate with animals in the forest, what to speak of communicating with other human beings. The lesson to be learned is this: Just because people don't speak the same language, that doesn't mean they can't communicate. On the other hand, just because people do speak the same language, that doesn't mean they can communicate. In other words, it's not the language, but the love, that allows people to communicate. If we're humble, appreciative and forgiving, then we can communicate with others, even if we don't speak the same language, whereas if we're proud, envious and vengeful, then we can't communicate with others, even if we do speak the same language.
Therefore, in the Holy Bible (1 Corinthians 13.1-8), it's beautifully said: "IF I SPEAK IN THE TONGUES OF MEN OR OF ANGELS, BUT DO NOT HAVE LOVE, I AM ONLY A RESOUNDING GONG OR A CLANGING CYMBAL. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will be stilled, and where there is knowledge, ti will pass away, but love will never pass away."
All glories to Vaisesika Prabhu Ki Jaya
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PART TWO
Later on, I learned a profound lesson from the Srimad-Bhagavatam regarding this subject matter.
Indeed, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, it's essentially described that there are two types of personalities: those who perform the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) and those who perform austerities to be respected by others (Severe). For example, Prahlada Maharaja performed the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) whereas Hiranyakashipu performed austerities to be respected by others (Severe).
Indeed, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada in many different ways because they had a disagreement, but Prahlada still performed the austerity of respecting his father. Indeed, Prahlada still respected someone who tried to kill, whereas we cannot even respect those who try to kill our reputation nor can we respect, honor or praise those we think have greater talents and abilities than us. On the other hand, it's described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.3.2 etc) that Hiranyakashipu performed extremely difficult austerities like being buried in the ground, skin eaten by ants, fasting from food and water, standing on his foes for thousands of years, spending thousands of hours reading libraries of books. In fact, Hiranyakashipu's name means "one who's addicted to money and women," but he was able to easily perform the very difficult austerity of poverty and celibacy for thousands of years as well. Why? Just to be respected by others.
However, there was one austerity Hiranyakashipu could perform which was actually the easiest austerity compared to his other austerities. He couldn't perform the austerity of respecting Prahlada who only disagreed with his philosophy. In other words, Hiranyakashipu was essentially saying, "I WOULD RATHER PERFORM THE DIFFICULT AUSTERITY OF BEING BURIED ALIVE, EATEN BY ANTS, FASTING FROM FOOD AND WATER, STANDING ON MY TOES FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, SPEND THOUSANDS OF HOURS READING LIBRARIES OF BOOKS SO I CAN QUOTE THE SCRIPTURES LIKE A PARROT AND ULTIMATELY MONEY, SEX AND PORNOGRAPHY THAN TO PERFORM THE EASY AUSTERITY OF RESPECTING SOMEONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME OR PRAISING SOMEONE WHO RECEIVES MORE HONOR THAN ME."
Similarly, like Hiranyakashipu, do we not say, although not in words, but certainly in actions, "I WOULD RATHER PERFORM THE DIFFICULT AUSTERITY OF CHANTING 300,000 NAMES OF THE LORD EVERYDAY LIKE HARIDAS THAKUR, I WOULD RATHER DISTRIBUTE MILLIONS OF SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOKS EVERYDAY, I WOULD RATHER SPEND THOUSANDS OF HOURS READING LIBRARIES OF BOOKS SO I CAN QUOTE THE SCRIPTURES LIKE A PARROT AND I WOULD RATHER FAST FROM FOOD AND WATER THE REST OF MY LIFE THAN TO RESPECT THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH ME OR PRAISE THOSE WHO RECEIVE MORE HONOR THAN ME."
Just as a building without a foundation will fall when a storm comes, so also according to the Caitanya-caritamrta, if we're more concerned about performing SEVERE EGO PRODUCING AUSTERITIES ON THE OUTSIDE and less concerned about performing SINCERE HUMILITY PRODUCING AUSTERITIES ON THE INSIDE, then our Krishna consciousness will come crumbling down like Hiranyakashipu when we experience a little adversity. In other words, according to the Caitanya-caritamrta, only foolish people are more concerned about EXCLUSIVELY CALCULATING THEIR DEVOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTSIDE, whereas wise people are more concerned about INCLUSIVELY CALCULATING HOW MANY GOOD QUALITIES THEY HAVE ON THE INSIDE.
Indeed, in the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 8.16), it is said: "If one is infested with the ten offenses in the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and performing other devotional activities, despite his endeavor to chant the holy name, study libraries of books and fast from food and water the rest of his life, he will not get the love of Godhead that is the ultimate goal of this chanting. Why? Because he's less concerned about performing the austerity of respecting others (Sincere) and more concerned about performing austerities to be respected by others (Severe)."
In his commentary to this verse from the Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 8.16), Srila Prabhupada writes, "Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says in this connection that although one may go on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra for many, many years, there is no possibility of attaining the platform of devotional service unless one accepts Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. ONE MUST FOLLOW STRICTLY THE INSTRUCTION OF SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU GIVEN IN THE SIKSASTAKA (3): trnad api su-nicena taror iva sahisnuna amanina mana-dena kirtaniyah sada harih: 'One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.'"
"FOR EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, AND EVERYONE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED."
(Lord Jesus Christ)
Thanks for everyone who appreciate these comments.
I recently started a twitter that praises the Vaisnava's. Here's the link
twitter.com/HumilityGreatn1
Considering the deforestation all over the globe especially in India...does one not think that perhaps printing these sacred books may not be better on HEMP paper??
Hare Krsna🐂
the point is for the book to be preserved for longer, so that more people can read from it :)