Bhagavat Dham

You ask , Gurudev Answers (Quest -Part3 )

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Q:I think 'doing good to others' is the best religion; isn't it so?

Gurudev:They say 'doctor heal thyself'.Unless you feel good yourself,how can you do good to others? First of all,you should know the correct definition of 'goodness',because one man's food is another man's poison.This is not to suggest any 'New-Age' theory, nor is it intended
to entice you with some antiquated and bizarre techniques.Only refer to the timeless philosophy of our great heritage amply explained in the Gita.everyone in this world is influenced and governed by material nature or Maya.As long as one remains infected by Mayik influence,he or she cannot really understand perfectly as to what is really good.Anything considered good in this world is of a temporary nature and of relative value.We should know what is ultimate good or absolute good.

Lord Krishna is the ultimate source of all goodness.Therefore,first of all you fully surrender to Lord Krishna and then make others Krishna Conscious.This is the actual good that you can do to others.This is the universal religion and not sectarian.

Q. Why do we become envious or jealous?.

Gurudev:It is a burning desire to become famous.'Ahankara-prathistha asha-hinsa', i.e. 'conceitedness-desiring unrivaled social reputation-envy' these are inter-related.A person having expertise in a particular discipline yearns for name and fame without challenge.When someone else becomes more popular,he or she becomes envious of that person.Such an envious seeker of false prestige does not think twice to eliminate the competitor,even by killing if necessary.There is constant competition for enjoyment which makes one envious of others.Basically , we are envious of God,Krishna,because instead of serving the Lord,we want to enjoy ourselves like him.This envy is what keeps us bound up here.

Q. Can one become fearless? How?

Gurudev:Yes.As long as one's aim of all activites is to enjoy one's physical senses.he or she will be haunted by fear at every step.If one surrenders
fully to Lord Krishna and acts only for the sake of Lord Krishna's satisfaction,he/she immediately becomes fearless.Fundamental fear is the fear of death,the loss of physical body,From this fear ,originate all the other emotions like anxiety,insecurity,obsession,attachment etc.This is what lurks behind all activities including amassing wealth,increasing properties,collecting friends and fostering relationships.If you understand the anatomy of fear,you will realise that it is due to the bodily conception of life or material consciousness.This is perishable
Therefore,Krishna consciousness is the only solution.It is eternal.

Q. Why do Hindu Swamijis always speak about the 'other world'? What is wrong in the enjoyment of this world that is also God's
creation?

Gurudev:It is because this world is full of miseries.There is no real happiness.If anyone feels happy,that is only imaginary.Fleeting and imaginary pleasures
are nothing but some relief between two periods of distresses.Hence,where is the enjoyment here? How can a sick man say, "I am enjoying myself?'' He only suffers because of illness and there is no question of enjoyment.

As long as one remains in this material world,he is subjected to four disadvantages: birth,old age,disease and death.Can anyone escape these? We are forced to take birth maybe in a healthy condition or with polio or as a deaf or dumb entity or with any such handicap.
Children are born in palatial mansions or in a slum.We don't have the option to pick up and choose.No one wants to grow old but is compelled to grow old.None can stay young forever.Becoming diseased is one thing ut who can avoid it? Even the best physicians will suffer from various diseases.Finally , have you ever heard of anyone effectively counteracting death?No,die one has to.There is nothing
as sure as death.This is stated in the Bhagvad Gita,the essence of all Hindu scriptures " Jatasya hi dhruvo mrityu" (2/27) - One who has
taken birth is sure to die."

Hence it is not merely Hindus,any intelligent person will try to ascertain the possibilty of existence of a realm superior to this atmosphere which is free from these four defects.This is impossible and inconceivable to human intelligence.But,such a realm factually exists.Hindu spiritualists call this supra-mundane atmosphere,vaikuntha.This transcendental realm is eternal,unike this material universe.
This spiritual realm is not merely meant for Hindus.One must note that this eternal world is the kingdom of God for all living beings who become
liberated from this world.

You ask , Gurudev Answers (Quest-Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Q.How do you explain the immoral behavior of the Gopis of Vrindavan?
Gurudev:On the surface, the behaviour of the Gopis may appear inappropriate or immoral.The principle for assessing the decorum of
their actions falls outside the purview of mundane parameters of social norms and moral codes.This is because they always went beyond
the very material existence.It was not just physical love that they demonstrated but a deep spiritual and divine love is what they exhibited.
Their words may have sometimes betrayed erotic intent, but there is always a deeper and hidden meaning of a spiritual content.Their physical relationship had transcended or gone beyond material bodily intimacy.This is the real relationship of a devotee with the Supreme Lord Krishna.Their actions should not be misunderstood for behavioral misconduct based based on the standards of our physical love in this world.Only liberated persons can understand how exalted the Gopis were.While Lord Krishna loves his devotees as His very self.He loves the Gopis(His ardent devotees) more than His own self.

Q:Why are Sanyasis always respected in India?
Gurudev:Sanyasis have given up their material comforts, friends and relatives to start their search for their true selves.They have gone beyond their worldly desires to seek salvation and God realization.Anyone who has the courage to take these steps is really praiseworthy.Hence the Sanyasis or those who have renounced,always command respect in India and even when they go abroad.

Q:Is it necessary to give up the worldly life to seek God?
Gurudev:No,not necessary .in fact Lord Krishna advises Arjuna "You constantly think of me and be engaged in battle"This is because
artificial renunciation without purification of the mind is dangerous.One may externally , by force restrain one's senses from enjoyment but the mind will nevertheless continue to contemplate on the very same objects which on has outwardly rejected.Therefore gradual elevation to the platform of renunciation through carrying worldly obligation situated in Krishna Consciousness is what is recommended for most people.

This means that we can think of Lord Krishna while being involved in our normal duties.The easiest way to think of Krishna while carrying out various day-to-day activities is to regularly chant the all auspicious Mahamantra-Hare Krishna.In this way,we can continue with this world while remembering the holy name that is our way to salvation.

Q:Why are there so many religions?
Gurudev:If one studies all religions closely,it will be clear that the framework of the Vedas covers all of them.Different and diverse religions and faiths are inevitable because people have inherited different temperaments.Moreover,they have have a varying degree of capacity to perceive and understand the world and the cosmos around them. This has resulted in identifying a certain portion of the Vedic explanation in isolation instead of recognizing it as a holistic ,spiritual path
for the ultimate goal of God realization.Different people prefer and identify different portions and practice them because it suits them.Later it turns into a faith for a group of people or society that adopts it as its religion.Thus there are so many different religions.

To be continued...

You ask , Gurudev Answers (Quest) - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Q. Can you get peace in today's "make money fast" world?
Gurudev:One surely can,provided he or she controls the senses.In today's godless society,everybody is basically lustful.Lust stimulates sense enjoying propensity.This in turn,makes a person greedy and an avaricious person is prepared to commit any sin.How can a
sinful person experience peace?We are slaves to our slaves and impulses-the cause of all hysterical activities that result in depression.All our sense organs are like venomous serpents and difficult to control.If one can control one's tongue by taking Krishna Prasadam and chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra,he or she can control the other senses and live peacefully.

Q Do you believe in reincarnation?
Gurudev:Reincarnation is a core principal of the Vedas.It highlights the importance of human birth and its opportunity for gaining freedom from bondage.The spirit soul is the actual active principal in our body and during its stopovers on this earth,it takes form in various bodies.
When a pious man suffers harsh difficulties,it may appear out of place during his current life but if the person has spiritual vision,one can understand the deeper meanings of their problems.One can understand it from a broader perspective of the unending cycle of birth and of many bodies in past births when sins were probably committed.
Then one can draw conclusions that justify the tremendous hardship and pain suffered by the person in the present life.This clear understanding can
help one to bear all reverses in life with a sense of acceptance.This is how some enlightened and mature people in India react to trying
situations in their lives and keep their balance.

Q:In the past why did the sages retire to the forest?
Gurudev:A mind free from distraction and temptation is essential for any spiritual practice.So the sages opted for secluded forests that
were free disruptive influences and conducive to spiritual practices in peace without any disturbance.

Generally ,Brahma Jnanis or impersonalists and Mystic Yogis or Ashtanga Yogis go to the forests in spiritual pursuit.Since solitude in forests can lead
one to both spiritual exaltation and moral debilatation, we come across many instances of the steep fall of jnanis and yogis from their spiritual practices.
Hence practice of Bhakti Yoga or devotion to Sri Krishna or Sri Visnu is a sure success whether in cities or forests, it does not matter.However,Gaudiya Vaishnavas prefer to stay in the forest of Vrinda or Vrindavana because it is a place of transcendental pastimes of Lord Krishna.Vaishnavas , especially Gaudiya Vaishnavas believe in congregational or group practices of chanting the holy names of the Lord for quick advancement.

To be continued...

You Ask , Gurudev Answers (The Great Jagannatha -Part 5 Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:31:00 +0000

However the king stood daily near the closed doors ,being satisfied with the progress of work by hearing the sounds of tools inside.At the end of the second week,when the king , one day,heard no such sounds he became anxious and impatient.So he forced open the doors,
despite his minister's protests, only to find that the old sculptor had vanished.Looking closely the king saw that the "Daru Brahma"
had been transformed into three deities but incomplete without feet and palms.Standing near,his minister opined that Ananta Maharana was none other than the Lord Jagannatha Himself.

Knowing that he had broken the promise and made a grave offence,the king lay down on a mat of kusha to fast unto death.But the Lord Jagannatha appeared in his dream and said "I am eternally situated in Purushottama in this form only in Nilachala.On this planet earth, I have descended along with my abodes in twenty four Archa incarnations.Although apparently without palms and feet , I still accept all offerings from my devotees and I move about for the welfare of the world.Basically my appearance in this form is only to substantiate the claims in the Upanishads,"Apani apado javano grahita".(The Lord accepts everything although He has no hands and moves speedily though bereft of legs.)Your breaking of the promise only nourishes my pleasurable pastime.My loving devotees will always see this form of Mine as
a flute wielding Syama Sundara.If you however choose to render opulent services,you may then decorate Me sometimes with hands and
legs made of silver and gold.In any case , know for certain that My transcendental limbs are ornaments of all ornaments."

On hearing the astounding truth directly from the Lord,the king prayed that the subsequent generations of Ananta Maharana be blessed in the task of
constructing a chariot millennium after millennium to which the Lord kindly agreed saying "The descendants of Vishwasu will become known "dayitas"
and will render Me service millennium after millennium.Similarly the descendants appearing in the Vidyapati family lineage through his Brahmin wife will perform daily worship ceremony while those appearing through his Shabara wife will cook My "bhoga",offerings.They will become known as "svars" or "soupakars".

Seeking a blessing for himself from Lord Jagannatha,King Indradyumna said "O my Lord I desire that the temple doors may remain closed only for three hours a day so that a maximum number of people can have darshan.I also desire that "bhoga" be offered to you throughout the day and your hands never get dry.As for me , My Lord,let me have no progeny and my dynastic succession be terminated with my detah so that never in the future can anyone stake a claim on Your Templeto be his or her own property.The gracious Lord granted this boon to His great devotee Indradyumna..Down the centuries ,the holy traditions have been followed in the service of the Lord of the Universe and the world has been blessed with a
spectacle that is unequalled in splendour and devotion

You ask , Gurudev Answers(The Great Jagannatha-Part 4 Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Desiring to get the temple inaugurated by Lord Brahma,the king reached Brahmaloka ,the topmost planetary system of this system and awaited his audience.During long period of time,the temple was fully covered by sand.Meanwhile the kingdom too,came under the rule of
many kings .including Sura Dev and Gal Madhava.During his reign Gal Madhava retrieved the temple structure buried in sand and renovated it.After his return from BrahmaLoka ,King Indradyumna staked his legitimate claim but King Gal Madhava asserted his ownership.A crow called Bhushandi, a devotee of Lord Ramachandra, who had witnessed all the incidents that happened down millions of years was present
on the scene.The King Gal Madhava did not accept the crow's statement of truth supporting Indradyumna.So according to Brahma's instructions,Indradyumna lived near a pond close to the temple.Later when Indradyumna requested Brahma to inaugurate the temple,he politely turned down the proposal saying that the holy abode was manifested by the Lord Jagannath's spiritual potency.Both the Lord and the abode are eternally present and he was not qualified to entertain the king's request.However,Brahmaji offered to host a flag on top of the temple tower.Anyone who prays to this flag on top of the temple,even from a distance,will immediately be liberated.

Disappointed in his aim of not seeing a vision of Nila Madhava,King Indrayumna lay on a bed of Kusha grass and started a determined fast unto death.The Supreme Lord appeared in his dream and informed the king that he would be able to see the Lord in His 'Daru Brahma" ( Spiritual wooden) form when he came floating in the sea near a place called 'Bankimuban', in the form of a log.On reaching the seashore at the place indicated,the king noticed the spiritual log form of the Lord with the emblems of a conch,a disc , a club and lotus.Despite using strong men and powerful elephants ,the 'Daru Brahma' could not be lifted out of the water.Then the Lord commanded the King to seek the assistance of His servant Vishwavasu and also arrange for
a golden chariot.This was carried out an once and the Lord was lifted out of the water by His dear servants Vishwavasu and Vidyapati.The Lord was then
mounted on the golden chariot and taken to a place specified by the Lord Himself.A Vedic sacrifice was held by Brahmaji in the presence of Sri Narasimhadeva
at this place.This place is said to be the one where the temple now exists.The same original Narasimhadeva is present in a diety form on the Western side next to
"Mukti Mandapa'.The concerted efforts of Indrayumna to carve a diety out of 'Daru Brahma' with the help of expert sculptors failed as their tools and implements broke
into pieces when they attempted this task.Later,the Lord himself, in the guise of an aged sculptor named 'Ananta Maharana', assured the king that he would
carve deities as desired within twenty one days.He also suggested that other sculptors be given the task of constructing three chariots.He then entered a huge
chamber in the temple with the 'Daru Brahma' after getting a commitment from the king that he would not disturb or interfere while Anant Maharana
carried out the job till completion behind closed doors.

To be Continued...

You Ask , Gururdev Answers(The Great Jagannatha-Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:54:00 +0000

On enquiry ,his wife Lalita told him about her father's daily nocturnal visit to the temple of Sri Nila Madhava for serving the deity.Vidyapati was overjoyed with the vital information.Although it was supposed to be kept secret ,Lalita violated the rule for her husband's sake by disclosing this confidential information to him.Vidyapati became increasingly restless to find the actual location of the temple
and one day , yielding to his request , Vishwavasu took him to the temple blindfolded so that its location still remained a secret.With the
cooperation of his wife,Vidyapati went dropping mustard seeds all along the path that led to the temple without the knowledge of the accompanying Vishwasu.On reaching the temple ,Vishwasu removed the blindfold of his son-in-law.The next morning while Vishwavasu went around collecting various objects required for worship.Vidyapati saw a crow falling into the waters of the neighbouring temple pond and emerging from there with a beautiful four-handed human form ,proceeding to the spiritual world,Sri Vaikuntha.Seeing this astounding scene, he wanted to follow suit and while attempting to climb a tree for diving into the pond,Vidyapati heard a disembodied voice addressing him,'First you go and inform Kind Indradyumna of your success in locating the Lord Nila Madhava'.

When Vishwasu returned and began worshiping with the ingredients he had acquired.Lord Nila Madhava spoke to him."Upto now, I relished your offerings of forest-grown roots and fruits but now I have a desire to receive services from King Indradyumna."When he heard this,he became sad owing to the possibility of being deprived of the Lord's service and on his return ,kept Vidyapati under captivity.Later, he released him on the request of his daughter. On getting a detailed message from Vidyapati,the jubliant King Indradyumna,accompanied by a few minister, immediately reached the Nila Madhava Temple.He was guided by the sprouts of the mustard seeds that were sown by the blindfolded Vidyapati during his first trip.On not finding the diety there , the suspicious king beseiged the entire locality of Vishwavasu with his army.When he also took Vishwavasu into custody, a disembodied voice from the sky addressed the king."Free the Shabara from incarceration.You cannot get
the darshan of Nila Madhava.You must build a temple on the peak of Nilachala.You may see Me there as 'Daru Brahma';the spiritual wooden manifestation."
Humbly obeying the command,the king constructed a road from a place called 'Baul Mala' to Nilachala to transport special stones for building the temple.At 'shankha nabhi mandala' ,the middle part of the land of 'Shankha Kshetra' ,the king raised a huge and beautiful temple and developed a village named 'Ramakrishnapur' around it.He placed a golden 'Kalash' (jar) and 'Chakra'(disc) atop the temple tower.The entire structure was gold plated.

To be Continued...

You ask Gurudev Answers(The Great Jagannath-Part2)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Since it is shaped like a conch,this land is also known as 'Shankha Kshetra' .It is the Pur or residence of the Supreme Lord of the Universe.Hence it has acquired the name Puri . Enumerating the virtues of the sacred land,the ancient saint Jaimini describes that the beauty
that of this place is accentuated by the presence of a centrally located blue hill. Hence most people call it 'Nilachala' or 'Niladri'.For maintaining
this universe,the Supreme Lord Visnu,in His different Avatars,appears in this sanctimonious land and proceeds to various other places on the earth to carry out His tasks.Then the Lord returns and remains here eternally.Hence some devotees recognise this as 'Dashavatara
Kshetra'.Finally ,it is also renowned as 'Bhauma Vaikuntha',a spiritual abode within the material manifestation. Folklore and Vedic scriptures provide information about the divine manifestation of The Supreme Lord Sri Jagannatha,Sri Baladeva
and Sri Subhadra.A popular songbook in Oriya language ,'Devul Toal' or the "temple construction",gives a historical account of this manifestation.It is summarized as follows.

In the beginning of the first half of the life of Brahma,the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna appeared as 'Nila madhava' in the holy land of Puri,to uplift the fallen souls.During the later half of Satya Yuga,the first yuga of the cycle of four yugas or 'eras' ,there lived a king called Indradyumna.He belonged to the Surya Vamsha,the Sun dynasty and ruled over the kingdom of Malwa with the city 'Avanti' as the the capital.He always longed for the vision of the Lord.

One day , a devotee,inspired by the Lord,presented himself in the king's public assembly and informed him of the divine presence of Lord Nila Madhava.In an enthusiastic response,the king sent out many Brahmins in various directions to obtain more detaIls about the location of the Lord Nila Madhava.Most returned disappointed but one royal Brahmin priest called Vidyapati,while looking for clues
in his sojourn ,one day arrived in a tribal area of Shabara people.Here he took shelter in the residence of Vishwavasu.Vishwavasu deputed his unmarried daughter Lalita in the service of Vidyapati.Later at the request of the host,Vidyapati accepted Lalita as his wife and continued to stay there,he observed that Vishwavasu left home every night and returned the next afternoon,his body having a fragrance of sandalwood,
camphor and musk.

To be continued....

You ask ,Gurudev Answers(The Great Jagannatha)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Purushottama Dhama
The earth shakes.The atmosphere is full of devotion in chanting and dancing.Three mammoth chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees and over a million pilgrims are blessed by the deities atop the golden chariots decorated with flowers of all colors.Topped with huge
canopies of shimmering silks and satins,the chariots carry three deities :Jagannatha,the Lord of the Universe , Baladeva,His elder
brother and Subhadra , His sister.
Held every year in mid-summer in Puri,Orissa, this Chariot Procession or Rath Yatra is perhaps the most awesome religious spectacle in the world.From the Jagannatha Temple in Puri,Orissa, the chariots of these dieties proceed in three gigantic temple -like chariots to another temple called the Gundicha Mandir,Lord Jagannatha's garden palace in the country side and after a sojourn , return seven days later.
Jagannatha's chariot Nandighosha is yellow in color,45 feet high and has 16 wheels, each one seven feet in diameter,About 4,200 devotees draw the chariot.Balabhadra's chariot is called Taladhvaja, is blue in color and 14 wheels.Subhadra's chariot is the smallest with 12 wheels and is called Deviratha.

Over a million piligrims and tourists from India and abroad attend the annual event.Following this grand tradition,similar rath Yatras are held in many cities in India and abroad.Rooted in ancient Vedic scriptures, steeped in legend and folklore,here is the story of the origin of the Rath Yatra...

The holy earth situated on the Bay of Bengal where the Lord of the Universe Sri Jagannatha , Sri Baladeva and Sri(meaning "Glorious") Subhadra are spreading divinity is known by many names such as Sri Kshetra,Puri,Purushottama,Nilachal among others.The eternal consort of Lord Visnu is Sridevi,who embodies spiritual potency.Imbued with Her energy ,this ground is glorified as Sri Kshetra.As the source of all forms of the Universal mother Laxmi,Sri basically denotes the female energy, Sri Radh Rani.For the devotees who follow the Raga Marga principles of spontaneous affection to the Supreme Lord,the terrain is eternally permeated by the transcendental
sweetness by Srimati Radha Rani.So it has become famous as Sri Kshetra.Since the 'Lila Purushottama' ,Sri Krishna is manifest here in deity form,'Archa Avatara,this ground become popular as 'Prushottama Dhama'.It is the crown jewel of all piligrimage places.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers -Part 6 (Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:02:00 +0000

Gurudev:Some people take to Sanyasa or order of renunciation because they are aware of the fact that only by categorical rejection of both gross and subtle body material enjoyment, can one make rapid spiritual advancement.When one becomes completely renounced and becomes trancendentally situated,he achieves according to Gita,what is called Brahma Bhoota stage.At this juncture,due to his developing spontaneous love for God,Krishna,he is overwhelmed with a desire only to serve God.That is the actual purpose of taking Sanyasa..Enjoying mentality and renouncing temperament,both are bad.It is the serving attitude that is the hall mark of of Sanyasa.Real Sanyasa means to give up the illusory identifications with the matter in both gross and subtle forms and becoming situated in the transcendental loving service of God Govinda.Generally,we understand a Sanyasi by saffron color garment that he wears.Actually a true
Sanyasi is he who has changed the color of his consciousness from material affinity to transcendental loving service of God and not by simply changing the color of cloth that he wears from white to saffron.

Q:What is the idea behind Varnashrama system?
Gurudev:Attaining human birth is the highest benediction ,for this enables one to understand Santana Dharma,the eternal; religion as well as to achieve spiritual perfection.It is a door for liberation.Varnashrama dharma is a stepping stone to Santana Dharma.Vedas prescribe modalities (jn terms of Varnashrama) for the solution to today's problems of the human society as well as ultimate spiritual emancipation.The Vedic System of Varna is based on one's occupational intentions and Ashrama is determined according to spiritual propensity.This
system instituted is so perfect and scientific that it affords a conditioned soul to pursue and accomplish his material objectives and at the same time proceed gradually in the path of spiritual realization that finally elevates one to Krishna consciousness.This is the only ideal process for the entire humanity to retrieve the conditioned soul s from the illusory identification with their bodies.

Varnashrama chara- vata Purushena parah puman
Vishnu aradhyate Pantha nanyat
tat-tosha-karanam
-Vishnu Puranam

The Supreme Personality of Godhead,Lord Vishnu is worshipped with the proper execution of prescribed duties in the system of Varna and Ashrama.
There is no other way to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead.One must be situated in the institution of the four Varnas and four Ashramas.Regulated sense enjoyment in the Vedic Scriptures under Varna ashrama principles is actually aimed at permitting the conditioned souls some scope for satisfaction of their senses and at the same time enable them steady elevation to higher stage of perfection in life.

Yoy Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 6

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Q:What is the difference between Love and Lust?
Gurudev:Lust is selfish whereas love is selfless.Lust is seen when relationships are made based on bodily relationships.Love,however
becomes manifest in relationships developed on spiritual understanding . Our real existence is spiritual.We are fragmented portions of Krishna Who is the Supreme Spirit Soul.Therefore, when our senses are engaged in the service of Krishna it is love and if they are
engaged in the service of Krishna it is love and if they are active for our personal enjoyment,then it is lust.Hence when we are situated in Krishna's service we are perfect and when the senses are directed towards satisfying our own selves and of other bodily connections, then we are imperfect.Today , the whole world is engaged in satisfying his family,his community, or country based on bodily conception of life.
Therefore,lust and selfishness are observed in all the transactions and not love.Both man and woman marry each other for one another 's sense satisfaction.Then where is the question of love?Hence even a slight shortcoming in their marital dealings which impedes their gratifactory attempts results in instant divorce.When one is impelled to act by the dictation of his senses he is a slave to his senses and
when the senses act under his directions , he is the master of his senses , a 'Goswami'.One can be called a Goswami only when one becomes fully Krishna conscious because Krishna is the ultimate master and controller of senses , glorified as HRISHIKESHA , hrishikanam ishah.Therefore reciprocation of loving exchanges is only possible between one devotee and another or between a devotee and GOD.
Bodily relationships only exhibit different degrees of lust.

Q:Why do some people take to Sanyasa?
Gurudev:It is only natural for people to be wanting to be happy in their essential material situation because of being unaware of the fact that their engagement in the very material existence causes unhappiness and their assiduous mundane endeavors destroy the very purpose of human life.The impotent intelligence of modern materialistic men remains absorbed in various categories of worldly
accomplishments.They passionately pursue the path of material advancement.Due to being infected by lust and greed,they keep on inventing new techniques and methods of sense enjoyment which is forever insatiable.When such efforts are impaired they glorify their failures as stepping stones to success.Mis-identification of oneself as a product of material nature and the consequent tendency to exploit material resources oblige such materially engrossed persons to transmigrate from one body to another after death endlessly.This they never realize.Although the material sense enjoying propensity is inherited due to good and bad habits of our past lives in various species,in human form of life,one should gradually develop a sense of detachment by accepting certain rudimentary practices of spiritual life.Human life offers the conditioned soul sufficient intelligence to inquire about the ultimate truth whereas animals and birds do not have such intelligence.This awards one an opportunity to understand one's eternal relationship with God.Hence we should learn to restrain
our senses from unwanted indulgence and fulfill the real purpose of life.In other words ,one should strive for perfection in re-establishing his eternal relationship with God, Krishna, through devotional service or Bhakti.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers (Vedic View)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:42:00 +0000

(Continued...)
Even Vedas do not suggest artificial suppression ,rather they advocate regulated enjoyment with voluntary restriction that does not hamper one's spiritual advancement.What is intended ,in householder life, is a discrete sense of restraint and not outright deprivation.

A sincere seeker of salvation should not unnecessarily hobnob with gross materialistic persons who are always interested in the upkeep of body and gross physical pleasures.A responsible house-holder having spiritual aspirations should carry out his domestic duties to the extent they are required and not be too attached to wife , children and other relations and friends.In one's dealings , in material relationships affection is good but attachment is bad.Association is acceptable but entanglement is detrimental.Generally it is observed that people possessing high academic qualifications or elevated mundane education are infected by atheistic mentality.The God-less temperament forms the basis for affinity for bodily relationships.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers (Vedic View)
The root cause of impending disaster is due to fad or idiosyncratic taste for mechanization of every possible human activity which ruins all scope for natural growth and functioning.The scriptures ascertain that the current age of KALI is an Age of Iron and steel which means factories and workshops with giant machines and huge steel plants . Mindless advancement in material civilization is the root cause for all the ills of the world including Global Warming.In the name of modernity , sophistication , scientific advancement and technological progress the architects of our current civilization throughout the world gradually destroyed forests and started creating 'concrete jungles' by constructing multi-storeyed skyscrapers.This type of advancement means exploitation of material resources with disastrous consequences in terms of polluted environments and vitiated atmosphere.

Having done sufficient damages to the highest detrimental degree exposing the foolishness in meaningless pursuit of material scientists,the above article now suggests "This could be done by switching to emission-free-green technologies and removing carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere by planting forests that absorb the gas for instance."

We sincerely hope that the people should now wake up and adopt the age-old formula of 'simple living and high thinking' by giving up the habit of foolishly and artificially increasing the necessities of life in the name of advancement,losing the actual goal of human life ie.God realization.

It is high time that modern scientists realized the material progress devoid of God consciousness is advancement in ignorance leading towards disaster.The real panacea is to take to Krishna consciousness in all earnestness as assured by the Supreme Lord Himself as follows

ananyashchintayanto maam
ye janah paryupasate
tesham nityabhiyuktaanaam
yoga-kshemam vahamy aham

Translation:But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion meditating on My transcendental form, to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.

You Ask, Gurudev Answers -Part 5 (Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:06:00 +0000

In an etymological sense ,'Brahman' means the greatest and that which makes great anyone who comes in contact with it.'brihatvat,brihmanatvat iti'In any case ,although both of them differ in their targets,they concur with regard to the futility of material pursuit.Both of them
seek eternal blissful life

ye va mayishe krita sauhridartha
janeshu dehambhara -vartikeshu
griheshu jayatmaja-ratimatsu
na pritiyukta yavadarthah cha loke

Translation:
Those who are resolute in developing a spontaneous loving relationship with Me,the Lord Vasudeva,are apathetic to un-necessary wordly gossips including even matters pertaining to their bodily maintenance.They merely perform duty towards their wives,children and wealthy relatives with a complete sense of detachment.

Explanation:
Further,Lord Rishabhadeva highlights that one need not become a 'Sanyasi' in order to prosecute spiritual life.A householder can also lead a successful spiritual life by systematically subduing his desire for sense gratificationand ultimately completely eliminating it by strictly following rules and regulations of religious life as recommended in devotional literature like Srimad Bhagavatam and Narada
Pancharatra.

The whole idea is that the human life is primarily meant for cultivating the dormant loving sentiments that we have for God Krishna.It does not matter whether one is a bachelor or a householder.In Sanskrit 'Ashrama' indicates a place where spiritual practices are conducted. Therefore ,even householder life is denoted as 'Grihastha Ashrama'.One who shows preponderance to the loving devotional service of Lakshmi Narayana,Sita Rama or Radha Krishna over household affairs is called Grihastha'.But if preponderance is given to sex-life ,then such scoundrels as known as 'Griha Medhi','Grihaih daraih medhante,sanghachchante ,iti Griha Medhi'.In other words,our love for family or personal body to the exclusion of spiritual practices means ignorance whereas Love for Krishna ,the Supreme God without diversion to mundane relationship means complete enlightenment.Excessive attention to mundane responsibilities encompassing family,society community and nation are impediments to the path of spiritual progress.

There is nothing wrong in leading a household life,but one should know how to live a perfectly balanced life.One should bring the mind under subjugation.Both severe Austerities and excessive Indulgence cause mental disturbance.Moderation and gradual restraining of senses are conducive to bring the mind under control

(To be Continued.....)

You Ask , Gurudev Answers -Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:45:00 +0000

They are non-envious (Srimad Bhagavatam -Canto No 5. Chapter no 3.Text no 2&3)

mahat-sevam dvaaram ahuh vimukteh tamo-dvaram yoshitam sangi-sangam mahantaste sama-chittah prashanta vimanyavah suhridah sadhavo ye.

Translation:
It is said that rendering non-hypocritical service to saintly personalities opens the door for liberation whereas desiring company of 'play-boys' who always relish association with women of promiscuous character leads the path of hell.The true saints are equally disposed to everyone.They are very peaceful,devoid of anger and are well-wishers of all beings because they are non-envious.

Explanation:
Luxurious material life and an opulent environment bring to hear upon an average person a kind of irresistible pressure that makes him a victim of Maya and he is consequently obliged to enter into various bodily relationships for sense-gratification.The conditioned souls engrossed in the vain pursuit of sense-gratification cannot understand the spiritual process of devotional service because their minds are impure and are always troubled by endless material dualities.Lord Rishabhadeva says that spiritual awakening can be brought about by association with highly enlightened souls.Liberated souls are called 'Mahats' or 'Mahatmas'.There are two possibilities in human life,one is path of Liberation or 'Nivritti Marg' and
the other , the path of sense enjoyment or 'pravritti marga' .The path of sense enjoyment opens 'tamo dwaram' ,the door to dark hellish conditions of life.How is this brought about?By association with lusty women and with those who are always attached and addicted to women - 'yoshitam sangi sangam'.All the western countries substantiate this.The gateway to liberation or 'mukti' is opened by association with 'Mahat' personalities.Those who have completely renounced material lives are known as 'mahats'.This always does not mean that anyone donning ochre robes is a Mahat,
no.Lord Rishabhadeva , who himself is about to enter into the order of renunciation ,explains the characterisitics of 'sadhus'.They should be equally disposed to all living beings , always at peace with themselves,who are never angry because they are true well wishers of all living beings by virtue of their correct understanding of all the imports of revealed scriptures.There are two kinds of Mahatmas, impersonalists and personalists.The impersonalists claim that one attains happiness of 'Brahma saukhyam' when one merges into Brahman,the Absolute attributeless Supreme Truth.The personlists or devotees do not accept this conclusion which is illogical.The moment you merge and become one with Brahman , you become extinct.Then where is the question of experiencing bliss and who is there to experience rahmananda?This simple thing the impersonalists cannot understand.Devotees, on the contrary ,assert 'Brahman' means Sri Vishnu or Sri Krishna , Why?

(To be Continued.....)

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 4 (Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:13:00 +0000

Q:Nothing can be clearer than this amply elucidation statements of the Lord Himself.I have to certainly admit that.What is really more!I really feel that other spiritualists are thoroughly exposed.A certain notion is prevalent in today's society that all paths ultimately lead to God
as they say "as many opinions so many ways".This appears to be logical since we see that many reach a particular destination in a city although they may reach through different routs.What is your say in the matter?
Gurudev:Absolutely a foolish notion to say the least .If that is the case then a drug Addict, a highway robber, a rapist may claim these are different ways to reach one and the same God.Does this make sense?The researchful attitude of traveling many paths to reach God may be adopted by one who is ignorant of God but not by the one who has definite knowledge.Krishna clarifies through verse number twenty five of Chapter Nine in Gita.You yourself read this verse and translation
yanti deva-vrata devan
Pitrin yanti pitri -vratah
Bhutani yanti bhutejya
Yanti mad-yajino pi'maam
"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among demigods,those who worship the ancestors go to them,those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings and those who worship Me will live with Me".Krishna further reiterates this finally in the eighteenth chapter in a commanding tone , in a very authoritative manner.I read this for you.Just hear me.He says;
Man mana bhav mad-bhakto
mad-yaji maam namaskuru
Maam evaisyasi satyam te
Pratijane priyo 'si me
"Always think of Me, become my devotee,Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me.Thus you will come to me without fail.I promise you this because you are my very dear friend.What more proof do you want?The problem with many is that they dont want to accept Krishna as God.Krishna says He punishes such atheistic scoundrels.Just pay attention to what Krishna says in the nineteenth verse of the sixteenth chapter.
Tan aham dvisatah kruraan
Samsaresu naradhaman
Ksipamy ajasram asubhan
Asurisv eva yonisu
"those who are envious and mischievous , who are the lowest among men.I perpetually cast into the ocean of material existence ,into various demonic species of life

Q:Your point is very clear to us.We feel completely enlightened.Thank you very much
Gurudev:Hare Krishna.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 4 (Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Q:Does this mean we should not worship Lord Shiva , Ganesha,Durga etc?
Gurudev:No.Gita says they should not be worshiped on par with Krishna as independent Gods.They are actually servants of Krishna
and are therefore Vaishnavas.With this understanding one can offer worship to them.

Q:Then what is their position?
Gurudev:According to Gita,they are Devtas or demigods.That is all.Krishna is the creator of millions of universes.These demigods are cosmic administrators.For example Kubera is incharge of Finance,Indra is in charge of Water department,Varuna controls Oceans.Saraswati looks after education department and Vishwakarma manages constructions and civil works.In this way, they,including Durga,Ganesh
and others assist Supreme Lord Vishnu in Material Cosmic Management.

Q:Then why majority don't take to worship of Krishna Only?
Gurudev:Because of ignorance only.

Q:Does that mean only intelligent ones worship Krishna?
Gurudev:Yes , Krishna says "Bahunaam janmanaam ante jnanavaan maam prapadyate".That is after many many births and deaths he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me.

Q:Am I supposed to accept that throughout the length and breadth of our country, people are ignorant enough to worship demigods and not the God?
Gurudev:They are ignorant in the sense they have no spiritual knowledge and therefore they worship demigods because they are interested in material benefits and not spiritual emancipation.

Q:Can you please elaborate on that?
Gurudev:In the Mahabharata it is said "Aahara nidra bhaya maithunam cha Samanam etad pashubhih naraanam"Eating,sleeping,
defending due to fear and mating are four basic bodily functions equal to animals,birds,and the human beings.Now , there is no question of understanding of spiritual nature by animals.Can they understand anything about 'ATMA' or soul?

Q:No they have no intelligence.
Gururdev:But you have.You can understand and if you don't try to understand?

Q:Then I remain ignorant just like animals.
Gurudev:That is it then.Krishna says in 7th Chapter of Bhagavat Gita that those ignorant fools 'Kamaih taih taih hrita jnanah' surrender to demigods other than me,'prapadyante anya devatah'

Q:But Swamiji I have seen in many cases where people have become prosperous by worshipping Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Durga.
Gururdev:This is what Krishna calls "Alpa medhasah"people with very less intelligence because 'antavat tu phalam tesham' , the material worldly riches and opulences are temporary.These will be finished once the owner dies.He cannot take these with him.

Q:Based on Gita one holy person explained that worship of demigods is actually worship of Krishna only.If that is the case why do
you discourage demigod worship?
Gurudev:You are referring to verse number twenty-three of Chapter Nine.Having said this , Krishna says such worship is wrong and not actually sanctioned,'avidhi purvakam'.

Q:But Swamiji, we are told by every spiritualist we have met so far that no matter whom you worship, you will ultimately reach God.
Gurudev:The Spiritualists you have met so far have their own selfish motives to make such statements that are far from truth.You listen to what Lord Krishna says in this matter.In Chapter 7 of Gita, Krishna concludes through verse number twenty three that 'devan deva yajo yanti mad bhaktah yanti maam api' worshipers of demigods(within this material universe) whereas those who worship
Me come to my Supreme Spiritual Planet Vaikuntha(outside the material universe).Where is your problem in accepting this?What more clarity do you require?

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 4 (Continued....)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:48:00 +0000

Q Do you mean to say the millions who worship the trinity are ignorant?
Gurudev:Undoubtedly.Do you want me to understand that because of majority doing something wrong that has to be accepted as right?Is that your logic?

A:Well, not exactly that.There have been many saintly persons appearing in India since long and have been guiding the vast masses for centuries.

Gurudev:What is the use of such guidance?Prahlad Maharaj says "Andah yathandhaih upa neeyamanah" just like blind men leading other blind men.Only a man with functioning eyes can lead the blind on the right path.The vast masses have no scriptural knowledge.Therefore those who guide them should be thoroughly knowledgeable about scriptural conclusions,otherwise it will be a disaster for both the leader and led.
Q:Do you mean to say we should simply depend on Gita and ignore Vedas,Upanishads and Vedanta?

Gurudev:You, belonging to legal profession know well that in India, in the law courts, an accused,if Christian,takes oath on Bible , if Muslim on Quran and if he is a Hindu ,he has to do so on GITA but not on Vedas,Upanishads,Brahma Sutras or not even the famous Tulsi Ramayana?How do you explain this?
A:This is a very valid point.We note this with interest.

Gurudev:This decision was made long back with the consensus of the whole Nation.In the fifteenth chapter of Gita,Krishna points out the real purpose of study of the Vedas and Vedanta saying ,"Vedaischa sarvaih aham eva vedyah"Why? because,"I am the compiler of Vedanta and knower of Vedas.(Shrila Vyasadeva is an incarnation of Krishna)"Where is the problem in accepting this?
A:It is absolutely clear.But Swamiji,my grandfather who died recently was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva.It is also a fact that at the time of death,he chanted OM Namah Shivaiyah.

Gurudev:That is alright,but when you took his body to the cremation ground,what did the people accompanying the dead body,chant in chorus?
A:"Ram Naam Satya hai'

Gurudev:Why is that?
A:Well,we normally do that.

Gurudev:Why not chant "Shiv naam Satya hai?"If the deceased was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva and then he died chanting Lord Shiva's name,then where was the problem in chanting the same name by pall-bearers and accompanying?
A:This never occured to my mind.I suppose this has been the long tradition in the Northern part of India.

Gurudev:Why chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai" has been the tradition for long even when a devotee of Shiva , Ganesha,Durga or Sarswati?
A:Well,as I said it never struck me earlier.But I agree one should seriously ponder over this.

Gurudev:In Bengal too,people generally worship Durga,Kali,Vishwakarma etc.very pompously .Yet,while carrying a dead body to the cremation ground they Chant HARI BOL and not "Durga Bol" or "Kali Bol"
A:This too is strange.

Gurudev:It may be,but this is the fact.We say that you chant the Names of Sri Hari even in your lifetime not simply when your dead body is taken for cremation.This is our philosophy.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:30:00 +0000

THEN I REMAIN IGNORANT JUST LIKE ANIMALS

Excerpts from an interactive session with His Divine Grace SWAMI B.S.TIRTHA MAHARAJ & Lawyers Ms Aruna Fraswani & Mr.Anil Mehta of Mumbai High Court.

Q: Hinduism is widely known for liberalism whereas your emphasis on accepting only Krishna as Supreme smacks of fanaticism.
Gurudev: What is your faith?
Q: Well ,I am,no doubt.a Hindu.

Gurudev: Do yo accept the authority of the Gita?
Q: Of course ,Yes,we are also worshippers of Krishna.We worship all Gods - Brahma , Shiva and Vishnu.But, your insistence on only Krishna being the Supreme is what i cannot understand.

Gurudev It is not my insistence.It is Krishna's assertion.Your accepting Gita means you should accept what Krishna says in Gita.Isn't it?
Q: Un-doubtedly ,yes.
Gurudev: The Lord tells Arjuna 'mattah parataram na anyad kinchid asti dhanjaya,' there is no one or nothing superior to me.

Q: Then that does not rule out anybody being equal to Krishna.We only say that we should accept Lord Brahma and Shiva also equal to him.
Gurudev: No.This verse also rejects any such possibility.You require intelligence to understand this verse.In the second line,krishna says 'mayi sarvam idam protam sutre mani gana iva,'the entire creation depends on me just like ges strung on a thread.This statement leaves no scope for suggestions of any being equal to Krishna.
Q: I now see your point.

Gurudev: You will find Krishna 's reaffirmation of fifteenth chapter wherein he clarifies that he is 'purushottama'.He further says this conclusion is accepted by 'vede cha loke cha'. Veda means 'Shruti' and 'Loka' (Lokyate anena iti) means 'smriti'.Both these scriptures vouch for this.In Shvetashvatara Upanishad there is a confirmatory statement 'Na tat samah abhyadikascha vartate', there is none superior or equal to him'.So what is the difficulty in accepting Krishna's supremacy?
Q: i still have compunctions in acceding to your views because traditionally Hindus believe that Krishna is only an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Narayana based on scriptural information.What have you to say about that?

Gurudev: What are the scriptures you have studied?
A: well,to be very frank,none systematically .I have been basically inquisitive about things spiritual from childhood.Of course,I have attended many discourses as i grew up.

Gurudev: You must know that the highest spiritual knowledge is the knowledge of the 'Vedanta' or 'Brahma Sutra'.Brahma Sutra is nothing but aphorismic form of the knowledge contained in 'jnana kanda',the end portions of the vedas.Do you know who is the author of all these.
A:,Vyasa deva

Gurudev: Correct.In order to elucidate the actual purports of the Brahma Sutra aphorisms,the same author wrote eighteen Puranas of which 'Shrimad Bhagavatam' is popularly known as 'Maha Purana'.Having been instructed by his spiritual guide and Guru,Shrila Narada Muni,Shila Vyasadeva wrote this purana after he had the vision of Absolute Transcendental Truth Krishna,in his meditation along with his potency.Shrimad Bhagavatam should therefore,be considered as the most authoritative among all Vedic literature that Vyasadeva authored.Hence,conclusions contained in this Maha purana must be considered authentic and final with regard to all spiritual pronuncements. In this Maha Purana,Shrila Suta,the eminent Vaishnava speaker,the disciple of Shrila Shukadeva,clarifies through a verse in the third chapter of the first canto in the assembly of sixty thousand sages after enumerating twenty-two most prominent of god's incarnations that include Shri Krishna and Shri Balarama reciting Ete cha amsha kala pumsah Krishnastu Bhagavan Svayam. Shrila Suta Goswami's articulation with regard to Krishna as 'Bhagavan Svayam' without any scope for ambiguity ,cannot be repudiated.
A: It is now clear to me.But ,it may not be out of place to mention here my own observations with many Vedic Scriptures that they do not accept the statements of Puranas and Itihasas.They say these constitute 'Smriti' shastras,whereas they claim that Hindus should rely on 'Shruti' for higher and perfect spiritual knowledge.why is that?

Gurudev: This claim is absolutely meaningless.Shastras call this "Ardha kukkuti nyaya', half chicken logic.
Q: What does this half chicken logic mean?

Gurudev: There was a miserly farmer who maintained a hen that was giving a golden egg everyday.He also noticed that the hen's eating habits are becoming expensive.So , one fine morning,he thought, " I can save all my expenses by cutting off the front half of the hen's body which is expensive to maintain and retain the back portion so that i can continue to get my golden eggs and he implemented this idea.Have you come across a greater fool than this one?
Q: (Laughs) I think he is foolish

Gurudev: This is the logic of these so called Vedic Scholars that they will accept Vedas,Upanishads and Vedanta written by Shrila Vyasadeva but not Puranas and Itihasas written by him,especially Shrimad Bhagavatam written by him in his maturity.Then how are they scholars ?
Q: Your logic is irrefutable.

Q: How has this wrong notion of "Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh" worship come to prevail since long among vast majority of Hindu population?
Gurudev: Ignorance

------------To be continued------------

You ask Gurudev Answers(Namashtakam Continued.........)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:45:00 +0000

In support of the holy names of the Lord,Vishnu Dharmottara Purana says :

Rig Vedo yajur vedah sama vedo api atharvanah
Adhitastena yenoktam haririti akshara dvyam

" Whoever chants the two syllables "Hari" ,Rig,Yajur is considered to have studied the four vedas,Rig,Yajur,Sama and Atharva'.

The following two verses,further highlight the unlimited exalted quality of chanting the Holy Names:

Namno hi yavti shaktih papa- nirharane hareh
Tavat kartum na shaknoti patakam pataki narah

"Simply by chanting one Holy name of Hari,a sinful man can counteract ,the reactions to more sins than he is able to commit".(Brihad - Vishnu Purana)

Avashenapi yan - namni kirtite sarva - patakah
Puman vimuchyate sadyah simha - trastair mrigair iva

"If one chants the Holy Names of the Lord,even in a helpless condition or without desiring to do so,all the reactions of his sinful life depart,just as when a lion roars,all the small
animals flee in fear".(Garuda Purana).

Whilst it is an amazing fact that reactions to offenses committed against the Supreme Lord Govinda are eradicated by sincerely taking to chanting His Holy Names,the more
astonishing truth is that even the pernicious effect of namapradha(offenses) can also be eliminated by resorting to constant chanting as borne out by Padma Purana ( Swarga Khanda -64)
as follows:

Namapradha yuktanam namany eva haranty agham
Avishranti prayuktani tany evartha karani cha

"The potency of chanting of Holy Names of Supreme Lord Shri Hari is such that it is able to wipe out offences committed at the Lotus Feet of Nama Prabhu Himself.What is more,
by sustained chanting one can achieve the highest benediction of Krishna Prema,the Supreme- most goal of life".

In order to experience Krishna Prema,one should come to the platform of offense less chanting.This is possible only when one is completely free from bodily conception,which is the
basis of development of propensity for mundane pleasures

Anyabhilashita shunyam jnana karmadi anavritam
anakulyena krishnanushilanam bhaktiruttama

"The pure devotional service is that which is executed for Krishna favorably.This should be free from any desire for sense enjoyment and even a tinge of desire for fruitive activity
or knowledge of impersonal Brahman".

The desire to satisfy one's gross physical body and subtle mind is called anyabhilashita.Performing scripturally recommended duties with view for elevation to heavenly planets for
refined celestial enjoyments is called karma.When one's attempt for these two activities are frustrated,on the rebound,he takes to the path of renunciation and cultivation of
knowledge to liberate himself from material entanglement .and to become one with the abstract Absolute.
Therefore,in order to experience the bliss of Krishna Prema,one has to do away with the above three tendencies (VI)

In this verse,Krishna is addressed as purna vapu,the complete Personality,embodying principles of eternal Being-Intelligence-Bliss.Both Krishna's Personality and his Names are
transcendental .They are Purna,completely perfect.As glorified in Ishopanishad purnamadah purnamidam Krishna is purna and all emanations from Krishna are also purna,
completely perfect Wholes.Actually anyone and anything connected with Krishna must also be purna,completly perfect.All created cosmic worlds and the objects within are
also purna and do not suffer from any deficiency.Shri Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasadeva saw in the meditational trance,the all encompassing Supreme Lord Krishna as described in
Shrimad Bhagavatam (1-7-4),...apashyat purusham purnam. (VII)

Shrila Narada Goswami is a very pure devotee of Krishna and is one of the twelve Mahajanas or the most eminent personalities who are thoroughly conversant with the science of
devotional service.Naturally ,therefore,through the vibrations of his vina,broadcasting the glories of Krishna and his Names is the very life of Narada Muni.Moreover,as revealed by
Narada Rishi himself,the vina charged with transcendental sound was gifted to him by Krishna Himself,devadattam imam vinam svara brahma bibhushitam(SB-1-6-32).

As admitted by this saintly devotee as he begins singing the Lord's glories,overwhelmed by blissful emotions,Krishna immediately manifests in his heart as if called
ahuta iva me shighram darshanam yati chetasi (SB-1-6-33)

Krishna reciprocates in this way only with a pure devotee who chants offenselessly.In this connection,Prabhupada Shrila BhaktiSiddhanta Saraswati Thakur states as follows:

Chanting Hari Nama for attainment of mundane profits is called namapradha(offense).Taking up chanting of Lord's Holy Names without any interest in cultivating sambhanda jnana is
nama abhasa (semblance of Name).Nama abhasa can free one from material conception of his life.Pure chanting or suddha nama manifests on the tongues of those who are free
from these two attitudes.

All scriptures finally conclude that chanting of HARI NAMA is supremely beneficial for one and all

Harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam
kalau nastyeva nastyeva nastyeva gatiranyatha

Lastly,the Supreme Lord Chaitanya says that chanting of Hari Nama is the only redeeming factor for this age of Kali.Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.The transcendental vibration of this Mahamantra is so potent that it fully represents Krishna's Names,Forms,Pastimes,Abodes,
Qualities,Devotees and Paraphernalia.This becomes perceptible only to a pure chanter.It is adequate in itself to allow the faithful devotees,the admittance into the realm of God,
SRI GOLOKA VRINDAVANA.

You ask , Gurudev Answers (Namashtakam Continued......)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:58:00 +0000

One who sincerely wants spiritual progress should positively eliminate even traces of all these.Kamini, although means women,actually implies money,wealth or property.These two are gross physical bodily temptations which are difficult to overcome by many.One who overcomes these two is genuinely considered a renunciant or a Sanyasi.Hence the householders, especially in India, bow down to a Sanyasi at the very sight as a mark of respect and admiration for his self control.Although we may occasionally come across such Sanyasis, it will be extremely rare to find one among them who has completely given up hankering for material honor and distinction , which constitutes subtle body sense gratification.Even in the spiritual functions , a renunciant will like himself to be known as a singer , a powerful speaker , an instrumentalist etc.Therefore , such a person although ostensibly renounced , yet he cannot advance spiritually.In other words , one falls short of perfection in renunciation by merely becoming free from senseless addiction of gross body gratification.That is precisely why many have entered the path of devotional service, at some stage become prey to stagnation or retrogression.Scriptures glorify him who has successfully subjugated both physiological and psychological desires for material enjoyment.Such a saintly person , a real Sanyasi , is called a Paramahamsa , a supreme renunciant.Only such absolutely realized souls whose only desire is to serve Krishna exclusively can relish the nectarine effect of chanting of the Holy Names.Transcendental vibrations issuing forth from the mouth of such a great devotee of the Lord can instantly purify the entire polluted atmosphere of the material world.

The Lord's Names are divided into two categories namely Mukhya ie Principal and Gauna-secondary.Names of the Lord such as Krishna , Govinda , Mukunda , Madhususana and Vishnu etc are the Principal Names.The Supreme Lord has invested these names with all potencies and full efficacy of his exhilarating Energy.The Secondary names are Palayita-the maintainer,Srishti karta-the Creator,Niyanta-the Controller,Brahman,Paramatma etc.

---To be continued---

You ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 3 (Namashtakam ..continued)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:01:00 +0000

मुनिवृन्दा means completely liberated pure devotees.Only when such devotees chant the holy names they can relish the nectar that the Names exude.Persons addicted to mundane sense enjoyment are like jaundiced patients.Just like these patients cannot tolerate the taste of sweet candy, those who are engrossed in bodily pleasures are averse to take to chanting of the Lord's Names.These foolish persons do not realize that if one chants the Holy Names of the Lord indirectly(संकेत्यम) , jokingly(परिहास्यम), for musical entertainment(स्तोब्हम), or neglectfully(हेलानम), they will immediately be freed from the reactions of unlimited sins performed in their previous lives.Parama means transcendental, अक्षर आक्रिते means in the form of a word.The Chanting of the Holy names of Krishna , therefore, produces transcendental vibrations.To consider them to be mundane is a grave offense.In this connection there is a quote from Padma Purana.

सक्रिड उच्चारितम येना हरिरित्याक्षारा दयाम
बद्धः परिकरास्तेना मोक्षाय गमनं प्रति

"Those who are free from all offense and who utter, even once, the two syllables "Hari" become determined to attain liberation from material bondage and take to devotional service of the Lord." बद्धः परिकरः means fastening belt which conveys absolute determination to free oneself from the shackles of material bondage.Even if one chants neglectfully , still the Lord's Names are so merciful that all sufferings will be instantly terminated.

Generally darkness of the night makes one fearful and movement within the house becomes difficult in the absence of light.But at dawn, even before the sun fully becomes visible, the very twilight dispels the gloom and one is immediately relieved from fear.Similarly , even dawning or evil influences arising from the forgetfulness of the true nature of the self and of the Supreme Lord.Bhakti pranayineem drisham is important.This means chanting the Holy Names of Lord doesn't merely reveal the spiritual nature of one's self but also enkindles in the chanter a favourable temperament to render devotional service to Krishna by properly manifesting the knowledge of one's eternal relationship with Him.Therefore , only a very pure devotee of Krishna is fully qualified to correctly project the unlimited glory of Krishna's Holy names.

Srila Suta Goswami concludes his narration of Srimad Bhagavatam using Nama Sankirtanam यस्य सर्व पापा प्रनाशनम -congregational chanting of Lord's Holy Names eradicates all types of sinful reactions.As long as one has attraction for women affinity for wealth and attachment for bodily relationships,He cannot develop genuine taste for Chanting of Hari Nama.In other words unless the mundane sense enjoying tendencies are completely curbed no one can advance in devotional service.The main impediments to developing service to Krishna are Women,Gold and desire for mundane prestige and reputation.

---To be continued---

You Ask , Gurudeva Answers - Part 3 (Namashtakam...Continued)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:27:00 +0000

The most glorious aspect of Chanting is that it is an extremely effective method of expressing love of God both for the sadhakas , the neophyte practitioners and the siddhas , the perfect.The statement is corroborated by the following verse from Srimad Bhagavatam.

एतन निर्विद्यामानानाम इछतमअकुतो-भयम

योगिनं नृप-निर्वित्तम हरेर नामानुकिर्तानाम

O King chanting of Holy Names of the Supreme Lord following great authorities is the surest way to success for all which includes those who are free from all material desires , those who seek elevation or salvation and those who are self - satisfied by the dint of transcendental knowledge.

निर्विद्यमननम means those have renounced all material sense enjoying propensities due to direct experience of worldly miseries.It also includes abnegation of desire for liberation मोक्षभिसंधिरापीरहितः This is the opinion of Srila Vishnvanatha Chakravathy Thakura.This term therefore indicates unalloyed pure devotees who are twenty-four hours Krishna conscious.The word इछतम refers to karmis hanker elevation to heavenly planets to superior standard of sensuous pleasures as well as to jnanis who seek liberation from material bondage to bcome one with abstract Absolute. अकुतो भयम generally means no fear from any quarter.In a derivative sense it conveys the idea about the infallible efficacy of Chanting of Names of Shri Hari. Constant chanting which is suitable both in the stage of practice and perfection.Nirnitam means unanimous
acceptance by all philosophical sages and saints due to personal realization.

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 3 (Krishna Nama Ashtakam..Continued)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:15:00 +0000

When we refer to Supreme Lord Krishna , the connotation does not merely confine to Personality of Krishna alone but also includes His names , Qualities , Pastimes , Devotees and Abodes.All of them are transcendental and cannot pass mundane human comprehension कृष्ण नामादी न भवेद गृह्यम इन्द्रियिः.They manifest themselves to the Spiritual Senses of pure devotees of the Lord, the मुक्त कुल .Since the name Krishna is fully transcendental , an aspirant does not require to perform any purificatory ceremony.Neither one requires a spiritual initiation nor any ritualistic performance, as enjoined in scriptures , to take up chanting.Chanting of the Names of Krishna can deliver even in the worst sinners of this world including all low-born human beings as mother of Lord Kapila , Devahuti explains

अहो बता स्व पचो तो गरियां
यज जिथ्वाग्रे वर्तते नम तुभ्यम
तेपुस तापस ते जुहुवुः सस्नुर आर्य
ब्रह्मानुचुर नामा ग्रिनंती ये ते

O How glorious are they whose tongues that chant Your Holy Name.Even if born in the families of Dog eaters such persons are worshipful.Persons who chant the Holy Name of Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire sacrifices and Achieved all good manners of the Aryans.To be chanting The Holy Name of your Lordship ,they must have bathed at holy places of pilgrimage , studied Vedas and fulfilled everything required.

Chanting of Krishna's Name is potent enough to dis-entangle the mind from filthy and hellish sink of worldliness.Pure devotion to Krishna starts with the chanting of His Holy Names and this has been irrefutably ascertained as the Supreme religion of the people of the world-पुंसाम धर्मः परः स्मृतः (श्रीमद भागवतम) . Chanting is the most efficacious means of deliverance from all sins and therefore it is the highest good for the entire humankind.A chanter of the Holy name of Supreme Lord Shri Hari need not take recourse to any other purificatory process

You Ask , Gurudev Answers - Part 3 (Krishna Nama Ashtakam)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Purport of Krishna Namashtakam as explained by Gururdev

Upanishads which constitute the Jnana Kanda , the Spiritual Knowledge section of the Vedas, are the real essence of the entire Vedic wisdom.Therefore they are praised in the Namashtakam as निखिल श्रुति मौली .In turn , to whom are these Upanishads offering reverential worship?The object of their worship are the Holy names of Sri Hari.Why is that?That is because the Supreme Lord Sri ari and His Names are non different.This is confirmed by the scriptures as अभिन्नात्वत नामा नामिनोह.Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu glorifies the Names of the Supreme Lord Sri Hari as विद्या वधु , the chief purpose of all transcendental knowledge.

The Holy names are chanted by मुक्त कुल, perfectly liberated souls.Srimad Bhagavatam defines
mukti as हित्व अन्यथ रूपं स्वरूपें व्यवस्तिथिः, giving up all material designations and becoming situated in one's original constitutional position.This is mukti.Those who are properly established in their pure spiritual identity of being an eternal servant of Supreme Lord Hari are recognized as liberated souls.Only such exalted devotees of the Lord can chant the Holy Names perfectly.In order to become completely liberated , one should be free from all material designations and overcome temptations of enjoying mundane pleasure objects not only of this world but also of अब्राहम भुवनत heavenly planets starting from the highest Brahmaloka.

There is a class of sanyasis called mayavadis.The mayavadis become falsely proud of their renunciation, since they take to rigorous austerities and study of Vedanta without proper understanding of the aim of Vedantic study.The Bhagavat Gita clearly defines that the goal of study of Vedas and Vedanta is to surrender to Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.They are so intoxicated with their Sanskrit scholarship that they even disregard the explicit advice of the pioneer of the impersonalist philosophy, Adi Shankara , to serve the Lotus Feet of Krishna , भज गोविन्दम भज गोविन्दम भज गोविन्दम मूढ मते संप्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नही नही रक्षति दुक्रिन्न करणे , "Oh, you fool , take to service of Supreme Lord Govinda, for when death approaches , the study of Sanskrit grammar will not save you from its clutches"

The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna has invested all His potencies in His Names नाम्नां अकरी बहुधा निज सर्व शक्तिः . Therefore, the real nature of Krishna's Name is शुद्ध। completely transcendental, embodiment of divine mellow, and चिंतामणि , it fulfills all desires of the chanter .

You Ask , Gurudev Answers (GVA Acharyas)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:32:00 +0000

In the photographs shown you are seeing the most purifying personalities to have walked this earth in recent times.The photograph on the left is of Srila Jagadguru Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Maharaja and the one to the right is of our beloved Guruji.The Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharyas are the greatest exponents of the highest spiritual principle that which was professed by none other than the Almighty Lord Sri Krishna Himself in His incarnation as the most munificent Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu.Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur also known as Jagadguru Srila Prabhupada , for He was the one who single handedly revived and re-established the Chaitanya philosophy in the modern era.Our Gurudev's Guruji Srila Bhakti Srirupa Bhagavat Goswami Maharaj , who , following exactly in the footsteps of their Spiritual master , has spread the glory of Sri Krishna's holy Names all over the world.By their blessings our Gurudev(above right) His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Swaroopa Tirtha Goswami Maharaj , Founder Acharya of the Gaudiya Vaishnava Association , is unstoppingly carrying forward the torchlight of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism with the same zeal and power.

-The Philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnava Association-

The Vedic Knowledge received through an authoritative line of Spiritual teachers is the perfect transcendental knowledge.
The Supreme Lord Sri Hari is the Supreme Truth.
He possesses innumerable potencies.
He is the nectarine ocean of all rasas or transcendental mellows.
Living entities are His fragmental portions.
Certain entities are captivated by His illusory potency and
Some are eternally free.
All His potencies like Spiritual,Marginal and Material are inconceivably simultaneously one with and different from Sri Hari.
Pure unalloyed Devotion is the only way out.
Unalloyed spontaneous affection for Sri Hari is the ultimate objective to be accomplished in life.

- The Objectives of Gaudiya Vaishnava Association -

To Spread Spiritual awareness all over the world.
To make people realize the futility of mere material advancement devoid of God consciousness.
To impress upon the people's minds, the usefulness of stratification of society according to the Vedic System aimed at ultimate Spiritual perfection.
To assist the ignorant suffering masses to understand the actual goal of human life which is to re-establish the lost relationship with God.
To propagate , preach and promote the only means of deliverance-the chanting of the Holy names of God - Sri Krishna .

You Ask, Gurudev Answers - Part 2 (Continued...)

noreply@blogger.com (Bhagavat Dham) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:37:00 +0000

Karma and Bondage to Karma

परभवस्तावद आबोधा जातो यावन्ना जिज्ञासत आत्मतत्त्वं यावत्क्रियस तावद् इदम् मनो वय कर्मात्मकम येन शरिरह बंदः

As long as one does not attempt to become inquisitive about the truth pertaining to his spiritual situation , he is considered a through failure from the spiritual point of view.As long as one has taste to perform both permissible or prohibited activities, he carries with him a polluted work-oriented mentality, life after life , which precisely is the root cause of embodiment and concomitant miseries.

A person in this world performs actions due to influence of material nature - prakritah kriyamanani.When in the mode of Ignorance he takes to sinful activities and sometimes his passionate nature forces him to indulge his senses in a variety of material enjoyments.Frustration due to non-accomplishments do not curtail his optimism in his repeated endeavors.A person conditioned by the mode of goodness or sattvaguna , however , is able to perceive the futility of sense enjoyment and therefore accepts material comforts to the bare minimum.His proclivity for higher knowledge helps him in cultivating restraint.Despite this , he is also vulnerable and is subject to degradation as he is not completely free from material contamination.

Scripturally sanctioned karma, although has religious status due to its being executed according to the Vedic directions, yet the activity is material and hence results in rebirth due to reactions.Therefore Lord Rishabhadeva points out that whatever actions one might perform pious or impious, they are a total failure because both virtuous and sinful actions are born out of bodily conception ie. abodha jato , victimizing the fruitive performer through a chain of action and reaction perpetuating bondage.As long as one aspires to enjoy the objects of this world through his gross or subtle body, he remains absolutely bound or sharira bandah.Precisely therefore the Brahma Sutra or Vedanta implores "Athato Brahma jigyasa- hence make an inquiry about Brahman".Due to being situated in the material environment, living beings , who are by nature recalcitrant , exhibit a sense of intransigence when their attention is drawn towards spiritual matters.This causes them to rotate within the material realm , accepting bodies amongst 8.4 million species of life.They do not understand that only in human form of life , there is scope and facility in terms of highest intelligence and highly evolved consciousness that enables one to inquire about the Absolute Truth as well as realize one's self.

The conclusion is that as long as the mind has a propensity for material fruitive activities, the person remains in perennial bondage.The ignorance is that he is not aware that as a Spirit Soul , he is a servant of the Supreme Spirit Soul, Sri Govinda.Due to forgetfulness of this relationship and his foolish identification with his body , he engages in the service of his bodily relationships life after life.This is the greatest pity!!