Bhakti Vikasa Swami's Blog, page 352
March 8, 2012
Who is Lord Caitanya?
yad advaitam brahmopanisadi tad apy asya tanu-bha
ya atmantar-yami purusa iti so 'syamsa-vibhavah
sad-aisvaryaih purno ya iha bhagavan sa svayam ayam
na caitanyat krsnaj jagati para-tattvam param iha
What the Upanisads describe as the impersonal Brahman is but the effulgence
of His body, and the Lord known as the Supersoul is but His localized
plenary portion. Lord Caitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna
Himself, full with six opulences. He is the Absolute Truth, and no other
truth is greater than or equal to Him.
Cc Adi 1.3
ya atmantar-yami purusa iti so 'syamsa-vibhavah
sad-aisvaryaih purno ya iha bhagavan sa svayam ayam
na caitanyat krsnaj jagati para-tattvam param iha
What the Upanisads describe as the impersonal Brahman is but the effulgence
of His body, and the Lord known as the Supersoul is but His localized
plenary portion. Lord Caitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna
Himself, full with six opulences. He is the Absolute Truth, and no other
truth is greater than or equal to Him.
Cc Adi 1.3
March 7, 2012
Will Economic Crisis Escalate Preaching?
Question:
We are against capitalism at ISKCON. Will this economic crisis around the world escalate preaching and many people would take to Krishna consciousness?
Download Will Economic Crisis Escalate Preaching?
We are against capitalism at ISKCON. Will this economic crisis around the world escalate preaching and many people would take to Krishna consciousness?
Download Will Economic Crisis Escalate Preaching?
Caitanya Mahaprabhu's unique contribution: sex with God
Caitanya Mahaprabhu informs us that one can even have sexual engagement with
the Lord. This information is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's unique contribution. In
this material world, sexual engagement is considered to be the highest
engagement, the greatest pleasure, although it exists only in a perverted
form. No one, however, has conceived that there can be sexual engagement in
the spiritual world. There is not a single instance of such theology
anywhere in the entire world. This information is given for the first time
by Caitanya Mahaprabhu: one can have the Supreme Personality of Godhead as
one's husband, as one's lover. This is possible in the worship of Radha and
Krsna, but no one, especially the impersonalists, can understand
Radha-Krsna. The impersonalists have no idea; they cannot even conceive that
God has form. But Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that not only does God have form,
but He has sex life also. This is the highest contribution of Caitanya
Mahaprabhu.
The Science of Self-Realization, ch. 8
the Lord. This information is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's unique contribution. In
this material world, sexual engagement is considered to be the highest
engagement, the greatest pleasure, although it exists only in a perverted
form. No one, however, has conceived that there can be sexual engagement in
the spiritual world. There is not a single instance of such theology
anywhere in the entire world. This information is given for the first time
by Caitanya Mahaprabhu: one can have the Supreme Personality of Godhead as
one's husband, as one's lover. This is possible in the worship of Radha and
Krsna, but no one, especially the impersonalists, can understand
Radha-Krsna. The impersonalists have no idea; they cannot even conceive that
God has form. But Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that not only does God have form,
but He has sex life also. This is the highest contribution of Caitanya
Mahaprabhu.
The Science of Self-Realization, ch. 8
March 6, 2012
Sri Krsna Caitanya mantra more powerful?
Devotee: Is it true that the Sri Krsna Caitanya mantra is more powerful than
the maha-mantra?
Prabhupada: (pause) Sri Krsna Caitanya and maha-mantra the same. Krsna and
His name is same. Sri Krsna Caitanya and Hare Krsna is the same.
Sri-krsna-caitanya radha-krsna nahe anya. Sri Krsna Caitanya is combination
of Hare and Krsna. So there is no difference. They are all the same. But
because we receive through the mercy of Sri Krsna Caitanya, Sri Krsna
Caitanya has appeared to deliver us this maha-mantra; therefore, we first of
all pray Sri Krsna Caitanya that "Give us strength to receive Hare Krsna."
Therefore we chant sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda… Just like you
offer your respect to the spiritual master first. That does not mean that
spiritual master is greater than Krsna. But the spiritual master is mercy
manifestation of Krsna; therefore sastra says that you should offer him the
same respect as to Krsna. But by that way, a spiritual master does not think
that "I have become greater than Krsna." Then he is a Mayavadi.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 2.46-62 — Los Angeles, December 16, 1968
the maha-mantra?
Prabhupada: (pause) Sri Krsna Caitanya and maha-mantra the same. Krsna and
His name is same. Sri Krsna Caitanya and Hare Krsna is the same.
Sri-krsna-caitanya radha-krsna nahe anya. Sri Krsna Caitanya is combination
of Hare and Krsna. So there is no difference. They are all the same. But
because we receive through the mercy of Sri Krsna Caitanya, Sri Krsna
Caitanya has appeared to deliver us this maha-mantra; therefore, we first of
all pray Sri Krsna Caitanya that "Give us strength to receive Hare Krsna."
Therefore we chant sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda… Just like you
offer your respect to the spiritual master first. That does not mean that
spiritual master is greater than Krsna. But the spiritual master is mercy
manifestation of Krsna; therefore sastra says that you should offer him the
same respect as to Krsna. But by that way, a spiritual master does not think
that "I have become greater than Krsna." Then he is a Mayavadi.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 2.46-62 — Los Angeles, December 16, 1968
March 5, 2012
"Chanting Hare Krishna"
The following is from a letter from Vidvan Gauranga Prabhu to myself:
…there is a fine book "Chanting Hare Krishna" co-published by
the BBT and Torchlight Publishing. The book, consisting of quotes from
Srila Prabhupada's books, lectures, letters and conversations, is sheer
nectar. I have already donated copies to two devotees and if I had more
money I would donate more and more copies of this book. Of course,
"Namamrta" has been around since decades, but it has only quotes from the
books; this book has quotes from other sources, and is brief (a little more
than 200 pages), yet comprehensive. "Chanting Hare Krishna" covers all
salient aspects of chanting including avoidance of offenses, and is
suitable to newcomers, seasoned chanters and advanced Vaishnavas. I am very
very glad that such a great book has been published. I think Krishna always
provides help to those who want to factually and tangibly progress in
Krishna consciousness and help others to similarly progress.
…there is a fine book "Chanting Hare Krishna" co-published by
the BBT and Torchlight Publishing. The book, consisting of quotes from
Srila Prabhupada's books, lectures, letters and conversations, is sheer
nectar. I have already donated copies to two devotees and if I had more
money I would donate more and more copies of this book. Of course,
"Namamrta" has been around since decades, but it has only quotes from the
books; this book has quotes from other sources, and is brief (a little more
than 200 pages), yet comprehensive. "Chanting Hare Krishna" covers all
salient aspects of chanting including avoidance of offenses, and is
suitable to newcomers, seasoned chanters and advanced Vaishnavas. I am very
very glad that such a great book has been published. I think Krishna always
provides help to those who want to factually and tangibly progress in
Krishna consciousness and help others to similarly progress.
may Gaura-lila flow on my tongue
O my merciful Lord Caitanya, may the nectarean Ganges waters of Your
transcendental activities flow on the surface of my desertlike tongue.
Beautifying these waters are the lotus flowers of singing, dancing and loud
chanting of Krsna's holy name, which are the pleasure abodes of unalloyed
devotees. These devotees are compared to swans, ducks and bees. The river's
flowing produces a melodious sound that gladdens their ears.
Cc Adi 2.2 text
transcendental activities flow on the surface of my desertlike tongue.
Beautifying these waters are the lotus flowers of singing, dancing and loud
chanting of Krsna's holy name, which are the pleasure abodes of unalloyed
devotees. These devotees are compared to swans, ducks and bees. The river's
flowing produces a melodious sound that gladdens their ears.
Cc Adi 2.2 text
March 4, 2012
Caitanya Mahaprabhu's advice: Why waste one's valuable time?
Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised His disciples never to eat palatable food, never
to talk about village topics and never to read ordinary novels, poems and
newspapers. One may ask, "How is it that in the modern age these Europeans
and Americans of the Krsna consciousness movement do not take interest in
newspapers?" Newspapers are very popular in the West. Each day the papers
are published in three or four editions, and they are all selling. However,
these American boys and girls who have come to Krsna consciousness have
stopped reading newspapers. They do not know what is happening from day to
day, and it does not matter. All of this is a waste of time. It is better
that they read literatures like Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Why
waste one's valuable time?
>>> Ref. VedaBase => TLK Vs 12
to talk about village topics and never to read ordinary novels, poems and
newspapers. One may ask, "How is it that in the modern age these Europeans
and Americans of the Krsna consciousness movement do not take interest in
newspapers?" Newspapers are very popular in the West. Each day the papers
are published in three or four editions, and they are all selling. However,
these American boys and girls who have come to Krsna consciousness have
stopped reading newspapers. They do not know what is happening from day to
day, and it does not matter. All of this is a waste of time. It is better
that they read literatures like Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Why
waste one's valuable time?
>>> Ref. VedaBase => TLK Vs 12
March 3, 2012
Harinama Hi Parama Dharma Hai
[B]Where:[/B] Amona, Goa, India[BR]
[B]When:[/B] 23 Jan 12[BR]
[B]Language:[/B] Hindi[BR]
[VIDEO: http://blip.tv/play/h%2BBmgumkXwA.html, http://blip.tv/file/get/BVKSMedia-Har...]
[CUT]
Download Harinama Hi Parama Dharma Hai
[B]When:[/B] 23 Jan 12[BR]
[B]Language:[/B] Hindi[BR]
[VIDEO: http://blip.tv/play/h%2BBmgumkXwA.html, http://blip.tv/file/get/BVKSMedia-Har...]
[CUT]
Download Harinama Hi Parama Dharma Hai
Hindu-bindu Hodgepodge Religion
Question:
After procrastinating for several months, with the encouragement of Susan, I finally got myself out the door to visit our local Hindu Mandir, in London , Ontario. I looked at the Vaisnava calendar, and was reminded that it was the day for GIta Jayanti. I thought "How auspicious. What a wonderful opportunity to bring a box of Gitas with me to share with the local Hindus. A most wonderful way to begin my associating with the local pious people!"
I thought perhaps I might be able to speak something about the glories of the Bhagavad Gita at the Mandir, so I Googled Gita Jayanti, and heard part of an inspiring class by HH Prahladanandana Swami where he explained,
"There are 7 billion verses in the Vedas, and the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of all of them, and of all of them , the middle 6 chapters of the Gita are the most important, and of all those chapters, the 9th is the most important , and of all the verses , Bg. 9.34 is the most important,… man mana bhava mad bhakto, "Engage your mind in always thinking of Me, worship Me offer your obeisances unto Me. Thus you will surely come to Me, because you are My very dear friend." It is such an important verse , that it is repeated in the 18th chapter as well."
When I arrived at the Hindu Mandir, I saw the central deities were Laxmi-Narayana, with Sita Rama Hanuman Laxman, Radha Krishna, Siva lingam, Siva Parvati Ganesh Durga deities as well. When Susan and I arrived, they were having a havan, with a South Indian pandit chanting many mantras, which we participated in. Several people thanked me for the way I chanted Sanskrit with the Pandit. After this, I met the temple president, Mr. AV Singh, and when I asked him if I could say a few words about Gita Jayanti, he told me that there is no way of confirming the actual date that the Bhagavad Gita was spoken and that there is no need to promote the Bhagavad Gita, because every Hindu knows about it. He told me that their center was "diversified", and they don't promote any one book, and that if they let me promote the Gita , then everyone would want to promote their own religious views.
I stood there listening to him with my mouth open, in a state of disbelief. I purposefully kept my mouth open so he could see how
shocked I was at his response. He asked me if I understood. I told him that I understood his point of view, but because the Bhagavad Gita is a universal , non-sectarian teaching, I had difficulty accepting his resistance toward promoting it. He told me that the temple was for people to come and worship, sing a few songs, and go home "happy". I quickly packed up the Gitas and left, not feeling very happy at all.
My gratitude to Srila Prabhupada increased for the ISKCON movement he has given us , representing the true universal message of Sanatana Dharma. I realized even more the necessity of starting our own programs so that people could learn about Lord Caitanya. Hindu Bindu hodge podge religion , with so called "diversity" minimizing the glorification of Bhagavad Gita won't get people very far.
What would have you said to Mr. Singh, regarding his arguments against saying a few words in glorification of the Bhagavad Gita?
Download Hindu-bindu Hodgepodge Religion
After procrastinating for several months, with the encouragement of Susan, I finally got myself out the door to visit our local Hindu Mandir, in London , Ontario. I looked at the Vaisnava calendar, and was reminded that it was the day for GIta Jayanti. I thought "How auspicious. What a wonderful opportunity to bring a box of Gitas with me to share with the local Hindus. A most wonderful way to begin my associating with the local pious people!"
I thought perhaps I might be able to speak something about the glories of the Bhagavad Gita at the Mandir, so I Googled Gita Jayanti, and heard part of an inspiring class by HH Prahladanandana Swami where he explained,
"There are 7 billion verses in the Vedas, and the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of all of them, and of all of them , the middle 6 chapters of the Gita are the most important, and of all those chapters, the 9th is the most important , and of all the verses , Bg. 9.34 is the most important,… man mana bhava mad bhakto, "Engage your mind in always thinking of Me, worship Me offer your obeisances unto Me. Thus you will surely come to Me, because you are My very dear friend." It is such an important verse , that it is repeated in the 18th chapter as well."
When I arrived at the Hindu Mandir, I saw the central deities were Laxmi-Narayana, with Sita Rama Hanuman Laxman, Radha Krishna, Siva lingam, Siva Parvati Ganesh Durga deities as well. When Susan and I arrived, they were having a havan, with a South Indian pandit chanting many mantras, which we participated in. Several people thanked me for the way I chanted Sanskrit with the Pandit. After this, I met the temple president, Mr. AV Singh, and when I asked him if I could say a few words about Gita Jayanti, he told me that there is no way of confirming the actual date that the Bhagavad Gita was spoken and that there is no need to promote the Bhagavad Gita, because every Hindu knows about it. He told me that their center was "diversified", and they don't promote any one book, and that if they let me promote the Gita , then everyone would want to promote their own religious views.
I stood there listening to him with my mouth open, in a state of disbelief. I purposefully kept my mouth open so he could see how
shocked I was at his response. He asked me if I understood. I told him that I understood his point of view, but because the Bhagavad Gita is a universal , non-sectarian teaching, I had difficulty accepting his resistance toward promoting it. He told me that the temple was for people to come and worship, sing a few songs, and go home "happy". I quickly packed up the Gitas and left, not feeling very happy at all.
My gratitude to Srila Prabhupada increased for the ISKCON movement he has given us , representing the true universal message of Sanatana Dharma. I realized even more the necessity of starting our own programs so that people could learn about Lord Caitanya. Hindu Bindu hodge podge religion , with so called "diversity" minimizing the glorification of Bhagavad Gita won't get people very far.
What would have you said to Mr. Singh, regarding his arguments against saying a few words in glorification of the Bhagavad Gita?
Download Hindu-bindu Hodgepodge Religion
Lord Caitanya's sankirtana: preaching without restriction
TRANSLATION
Not considering who asked for it and who did not, nor who was fit and who
unfit to receive it, Caitanya Mahaprabhu distributed the fruit of devotional
service.
PURPORT
This is the sum and substance of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement. There
is no distinction made between those who are fit and those who are not fit
to hear or take part in the sankirtana movement. It should therefore be
preached without discrimination. The only purpose of the preachers of the
sankirtana movement must be to go on preaching without restriction. That is
the way in which Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced this sankirtana movement
to the world.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 9.30
Not considering who asked for it and who did not, nor who was fit and who
unfit to receive it, Caitanya Mahaprabhu distributed the fruit of devotional
service.
PURPORT
This is the sum and substance of Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement. There
is no distinction made between those who are fit and those who are not fit
to hear or take part in the sankirtana movement. It should therefore be
preached without discrimination. The only purpose of the preachers of the
sankirtana movement must be to go on preaching without restriction. That is
the way in which Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced this sankirtana movement
to the world.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Adi 9.30
