Three Reasons Demons Are Afraid Of The Universal Form

“When Arjuna saw the universal form of the Lord, the demigods took pleasure in it, but others, who were demons and atheists, could not stand it when the Lord was praised. Out of their natural fear of the devastating form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they fled. Krishna’s treatment of the devotees and the atheists is praised by Arjuna.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 11.36 Purport)

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A friend and charioteer turned spiritual guide. The well-wisher to Arjuna and his family of brothers and their mother, Shri Krishna accepted the responsibility for the bow warrior’s welfare right when he desperately needed help.

That Krishna is a perfect guru is not surprising. He is the adi-purusha, after all. This means the original person. The parampara, or disciplic succession, begins with Him. Krishna chooses worthy disciples to receive the highest wisdom, trusting that they will pass it on to future generations, applying the same discretion.

Taking the role of guru was one thing, but Krishna went one step further. On that famous day on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna saw his teacher transform into the virata-rupa. One English translation is “universal form.”

In yoga there is the potential to earn a siddhi, or perfection, that allows the changing of rupa, or form. This is known as the kama-rupa siddhi. The virata-rupa is something different. The vision can only be displayed by the person who is that form and more. It cannot be mimicked.

Though the vision was specifically for Arjuna’s benefit, since it was so vast and expansive, others could see it as well. The demigods, who are on the side of God, took great pleasure, while the demons were in great fear. The Sanskrit word asura is a negation of the word that describes the demigods, so the inverted nature of the reaction is not surprising.

1. They know they are not on the righteous path

Two children are sitting in a classroom in school. It’s the early morning and the teacher has yet to arrive. One child is calm and at peace, while the other is a nervous wreck. There is a homework assignment due. The first child has completed it, while the second has not.

A similar situation is where the police arrive at a particular area. In conditions where law enforcement is honest and trustworthy, the law-abiding citizens have no reason to fear. The arrival of the police is cause for alarm for those who constantly break the law.

The asuras can be thought of in the same way. They are atheists by definition since they go against God. They see the influence and existence of the Divine everywhere, but intentionally ignore it. When they see something amazing like the virata-rupa, they understand the raw power in Shri Krishna and how that can be used to punish those who have infringed upon the life and property of others.

2. They know that punishment will come eventually

There is the saying, “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” Even the most obstinate person deep down understands there is a higher power. If something unpleasant happens to them in the future, they may reflect as follows:

“Well, I had it coming. I could only get away with stuff for so long. I was playing with fire. I didn’t get caught, so I thought I could keep going. Justice was able to catch up with me eventually.”

The virata-rupa is the visible manifestation of that justice. Asuras are found everywhere in a material existence. They may even rule the planet, as when Hiranyakashipu and Ravana rose to power. Duryodhana wasn’t exactly a direct descendant of the species of asuras, but he had the same mentality. He was ruling the kingdom of predominating force in the world when the virata-rupa became visible on the battlefield.

3. They are against God

This is the fundamental cause. The word asura is translated as “demon” for a reason. The worst people are against God. Not that they are innocent and only lack clarity on the issue. They have made their decision. Without a controlling authority at the highest level, man is left to live by the law of the jungle. Kill or be killed. Win or else let someone else dominate.

From Arjuna’s reaction we see that there is no reason to fear. Shri Krishna is all-merciful. Even His punishment of the antagonistic atheists is for everyone’s benefit. The demons see God in the ferocious form of all-devouring time, and for the devotees the path to practice devotion is cleared. In essence, everybody wins.

In Closing:

To devotees a vision most dear,

For asuras a reason to fear.

Since punishments soon coming,

Sinful consequences manifest becoming.

Against God down at the core,

Can’t tolerate prayers to adore.

Arjuna saw and was glad at heart,

Others quickly in terror to depart.

Five Excuses I Make To Avoid Bhakti

“A human being should be inquisitive to know who he is, what the universe is, what God is, and what the relationship is between himself, God and the material world. Such questions cannot be asked by cats and dogs, but they must arise in the heart of a real human being.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 7.146 Purport)

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The Vedas say it. It’s the first instruction, really. The beginning point, the entryway, the point from which to proceed further. If there is any hope of success, however it is defined at the individual level, this must come first.

The Sanskrit aphorism is athato brahma-jijnasa. This means, “Now is the time for inquiring about Brahman.” Brahman is the Absolute Truth. The study of Brahman, both theoretically and through practical application involving austerity, work, and adherence to principles, is known as spiritual life.

The “now” refers to the human birth. The time wasn’t right before. There was a before, and there will be an after. This is true based on the properties of the individual, who is spirit soul. That soul is part of Brahman, which is the aggregate of all spiritual fragments.

For some reason, however, even when made aware of this call to action there is procrastination. There are different excuses made at the different stops along the journey of life.

1. Too young

What is the child doing studying the Shrimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana? Those are works reserved for advanced scholars. Children are meant to play. It typically takes twelve years to finish primary education, and that is just for preparing to go out into the real world, acting like an adult. There is no reason to spoil the time for enjoyment by imposing restrictions to reach a destination that the person won’t even understand the need for.

2. Too much in love

In adulthood they have found the person of their dreams. Yeah, yeah, they know that it won’t last forever. Isn’t that justification enough for enjoying at the present? Just because everyone dies does it mean that no one should love? Why should spiritual life get in the way?

3. Too busy

They tell me that they feel like they’re trying to outrun an oncoming train. That’s how much pressure they are under. There is so much to do at the office. The pay is good, but the hours are not. The work has to get done.

Then at home there is pressure for finding a good place to live, upgrading the car, having more kids, taking care of ill family members, and meeting other responsibilities. Let things calm down a little first. Then spiritual life can start.

4. Too old

They put it off too long. Now old age has set in. The memory isn’t what it used to be. It’s more difficult to study. The concentration required simply isn’t there. Plus, the entire life has been spent working, meeting this responsibility and that. It’s time for relaxation. Doctors advise against austerity in eating. It’s difficult to get out of the house and make the trek to the place of worship on a regular basis, to associate with like-minded people, sadhu-sanga.

5. Too late

Indeed, eventually the dwindling window of opportunity finally closes. Procrastinate long enough and the deadline passes. Thus the valuable human birth goes to waste, with no guarantee of where the next birth will be. It might not even be in the human species, as the consciousness was shaped over the entire lifetime.

“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.6)

While the quest to realize Brahman may require maturity in thought and work, for knowing the Supreme Brahman there are no restrictions. Even a child can become enlightened. The glowing example is Prahlada Maharaja, who heard the science of self-realization while within the womb.

“Narada Muni delivered his instructions both to me, who was within the womb, and to my mother, who was engaged in rendering him service. Because he is naturally extremely kind to the fallen souls, being in a transcendental position, he gave instructions on religion and transcendental knowledge. These instructions were free from all material contamination.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.7.15)

Upon emerging from the womb Prahlada was able to recall those valuable instructions received from the guru Narada. Despite every force working against him, including the powerful father, who also happened to be the king, Prahlada did not waste a single moment. He urged his classmates to follow the same path, for material existence is like chewing the chewed. As Goswami Tulsidas says in the Dohavali, all the mistakes from the past can be corrected right now, today, in a second, just by having attachment to the holy name of the Lord and renouncing bad association.

In Closing:

To start reading scripture too young,

That phase for enjoyment and fun.

By amorous feelings later consumed,

To try again afterwards presumed.

But then too busy with work’s heavy load,

Diminishing capability in age approaching old.

Opportunity for understanding God not to waste,

Child like Prahlada even bhakti to taste.

Five Reasons The Wealthy From Today Can’t Hold A Candle To Ravana

“Ravana was very advanced materially, so much so that he turned his kingdom, Lanka, into pure gold, or full material wealth. But because he did not recognize the supremacy of Lord Ramachandra and defied Him by stealing His wife, Sita, Ravana was killed, and all his opulence and power were destroyed.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 2.7.23 Purport)

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The Forbes 100 List. The athletes with the highest net worth. The massive contract signed by that free agent in baseball. The new per episode deal for cast members of the hit television show. The stock options offered to the outgoing CEO, who was also the founder of the company.

It is only natural for the general public to take an interest in the wealthy. It’s a form of competition, as well, to see if a preferred celebrity is earning more than those not preferred. There is additional interest in seeing what people do with so much money. In the 1980s the television show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous satisfied such intrigue.

Despite what is seen today with the wealthiest of people, they don’t hold a candle to one notable figure from history. His story is described in Vedic literature, particularly the Ramayana, where he is the main antagonist to the hero Shri Rama, who is an incarnation of the Supreme Lord.

This villain has ten heads, an ogre-like body, and is not very nice. He embodies the materialistic mindset to the highest degree. He had real wealth and opulence, enough to put everyone else to shame.

1. A city of gold

A wealthy CEO may fit gold to their private jet, and they may own jewelry made of gold, but what about an entire city? That’s what Ravana had. The floors and walls had crystals in them. Rama’s most trusted servant, Shri Hanuman, witnessed the opulence firsthand. He was in Lanka searching for Sita, Rama’s missing wife. Hanuman was taken aback by the great wealth, which wasn’t reserved to a single palace or dwelling.

2. No governing authority

Rags to riches. One day a person is poor, and later they rise to the top in terms of wealth. In modern times the opposite can occur, also. From the penthouse to the penitentiary. There have been famous swindlers, who earned a lot of money but through illegal means. They were eventually caught, losing everything.

The idea is that there is a governing authority which has control over even the wealthy. A corrupt person can rise to the top in government, and unless the wealthy are friendly with them everything can be taken away. Ravana had gold everywhere, and he was in charge of his city. In fact, he was feared throughout the world, as he had great ability in fighting.

3. Many beautiful wives

Ravana had so many wives, and they were the most beautiful women in the world. Many came to him after victory over rival kings. The vanquished leaders had their own queens, and it wasn’t that they were left stranded afterwards. They came under the protection of the victor, who was Ravana.

4. Benedictions from demigods

Upon first glance the character of Ravana may be mistakenly considered fictitious. After all, who do we know who has ten heads? Who can change their shape at will and exhibit such great ability in fighting? The Vedas provide the proper understanding. In a material existence practically anything is available. You can become king of the world. It’s not likely. It’s not easily achieved, but the potential is still there.

Ravana rose to the top through benedictions from higher beings. These are devas [gods] but not identical to the Supreme Lord. The main distinction is birth and death. Even the devas go through the cycle of reincarnation, so this means they can’t grant immortality to their worshipers.

Up to the point of immortality; that was the limit for Ravana. In modern times there is hardly any authorized worship of devas or other figures conducted. Neither is the required austerity practiced in order to earn their favor to the degree that Ravana did.

5. Many mouths for enjoying eating and drinking

Ravana had loads of animal flesh and wine available for consumption in his kingdom. His ten mouths were there to accommodate in enjoyment. With only one mouth the amount of eating is limited. The same goes for drinking. Ravana did not have such limitations.

Despite reaching such heights of material wealth, was Ravana happy? Did he have peace of mind? He became so infatuated with a particular woman that it led to his downfall. He didn’t think there was a governing authority above him, but time has hold over every person. Time is the foggy picture of God known to the atheists.

For Ravana time arrived in the personal form of Shri Rama. Since Ravana committed the grave sin of stealing Sita Devi, Rama punished him in a commensurate way. Sita is the goddess of fortune, and she is the rightful property of God. Those who have the attitude of Ravana try to steal fortune and end up losing everything. The devotees, on the other hand, are blessed by Sita with sufficient opulence required for their devotional practices, which continue even after death; meaning that they never lose the possession having most value.

In Closing:

Net worth of richest we are told,

With homes and opulence untold.

But to Ravana not holding a candle,

With food only ten mouths could handle.

Entire city of gold was made,

Obeisance to no authority paid.

Still not forever with him to stay,

Paid dearly for taking Sita away.

Four People Who Prove That God Is Worthy Of The Name Uttamashloka

“I thought that in the name of a Govardhana sacrifice, You were taking my share of profit, and therefore I mistook Your position. Now by Your grace I can understand that You are the Supreme Lord, Personality of Godhead, and that You are transcendental to all the material qualities.” (Indra praying to Krishna, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 27)

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Tamo-guna is the mode of darkness or ignorance. Behavior in that mode does no good; something like shooting yourself in the foot. If you are frustrated from your play on a certain day of tennis, throwing the racket isn’t worthwhile. Breaking it as such is the result of loss of intelligence, triggered by anger. The root cause in that case is desire, which is in the mode of passion.

“From anger, delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.63)

As darkness pervades the material existence, that which is above darkness is considered very auspicious; it is transcendental. That is the origin of the Sanskrit word uttama. That which is above darkness can also be considered the best.

One of the names used for the Supreme Personality of Godhead contains this word. Uttamashloka means that God is described by the best verses, or shlokas. Due to newspapers, newscasts and radio shows so much is written and said on a daily basis. The best poetry or eloquence is not found everywhere, but know that God has people of the highest ability in art and poetry glorifying Him. The name Uttamashloka is well-deserved.

1. Brahma

Darkness can overcome even a person of great discrimination. Who would be better situated for understanding the material nature than the creator himself? Lord Brahma, also known as Vidhata, is the painter using the three main colors of goodness, passion and ignorance to create the many species. Whatever we see, good or bad, is due to the work of Brahma.

One time He was fooled by the all-attractiveness of Shri Krishna, an avatara of God appearing on earth. Brahma and other heavenly figures had themselves petitioned Lord Vishnu to fix the inauspicious conditions on earth at the time. More than anyone else Brahma should have known Krishna’s divine nature.

Succumbing to the darkness of ignorance for a brief period of time Brahma stole cows and cowherd boys away from Krishna. He wanted to see what would happen next. As God is the greatest mystic, more powerful than any of the demigods, Krishna had no problem adjusting to the situation.

A full year later Brahma realized his mistake and felt remorseful. After returning the cows and cowherd boys he offered very nice prayers in contrition directly to Shri Krishna. Brahma is also the author of a wonderful set of prayers known as the Brahma-samhita, which describe Govinda to be the adi-purusha, or original person. Govinda is another name for Krishna.

2. Indra

Here is another instance of someone close to God messing up. Indra also should have known better. Moreover, he shouldn’t have been angry at people who were loyal to him for so many years. Such are the ways of material existence; forgetfulness is the name of the game. You can be good to someone for so long, but if you slip up just once they remember the transgression more than the past loyalty.

Indra tried to kill the innocent residents of Vrindavana, including men, women, children, and animals, by sending a devastating rainstorm. This was in a fit of revenge. The same Govinda was there to save the day. This time He lifted the just worshiped Govardhana Hill and held it up as an umbrella for seven straight days.

Like Brahma, Indra finally came to his senses, feeling regret. He also approached Krishna and offered very nice prayers. From these situations we see that the initial cause is of no concern. If you are defeated by God after unnecessarily acting as an adversary, He erases the demerit if you have learned from the mistake. He instantly forgives.

3. Dhruva

This time there was anger at the stepmother. Family infighting. What was a young child to do? He couldn’t really force his way to getting respect from his father, the king. Upon the advice of his mother, Dhruva went to the forest to meditate. He heard that was where people went to find God.

Sure enough, he got the meeting he desired. A funny thing happened, though. The vision of Vishnu was so beautiful that Dhruva forgot about his anger. He didn’t ask for the revenge that initially sparked his search. Instead, he wanted to glorify.

Being so young Dhruva didn’t know what to say. Vishnu took His conchshell and gently touched the head of Dhruva with it. The boy was then divinely inspired, able to glorify God in a wonderful way. Again we see proof of there being no impediments in bhakti-yoga, devotional service. Whatever ability exists is sufficient for pleasing God, provided the desire is sincere.

4. Goswami Tulsidas

The Vishnu incarnation of Rama is sufficiently glorified in the Sanskrit language through the lengthy poem known as the Ramayana, which is authored by Maharishi Valmiki. Additionally, many of the Puranas, including the Mahabharata, cover Rama’s life and pastimes in varying levels of detail.

Tulsidas also has a sincere desire to glorify Rama. This was not to overshadow any of the past effort. The task is both purifying and the source of tremendous internal joy. As with Dhruva, God did not disappoint. He offered help from within and also from without, through the guru and the representative Shri Hanuman. Tulsidas went on to glorify Rama in the language of his people at the time, Avadhi. The result was the wonderful song known as the Ramacharitamanasa.

In Closing:

Not like millions of words the rest,

God described by verses the best.

Thus as Uttamashloka known,

Worthy by past incidents shown.

Like after Brahma the cows stealing,

And Indra for forgiveness appealing.

Dhruva though little boy wonderfully praying,

Tulsidas Rama’s deeds portraying.

The Five Miserable Conditions Of Material Existence

“Another name for salvation is apavarga. Apavarga is the opposite of pavarga, or the various miserable conditions of material existence. The word Pavarga consists of the combinations of five letters: pa, pha, ba, bha and ma.” (The Nectar Of Devotion, Ch 59)

The Vedas are the original scriptural tradition, having no known date of inception. Also going by the term shrutis, they were first passed on in an aural tradition. Sound is so powerful that it can by itself relieve the consciousness from so many distresses. It is this consciousness which is the determining factor for the nature of living, both at present and moving forward.

“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.6)

The Supreme, the Almighty, God - whatever the preferred term for the higher being, the Vedas describe Him in so many ways. In Sanskrit the short “a” sound as a prefix usually negates a word. As the Supreme Lord is the opposite of so many things, He is often described in terms of these negations.

Through His favor the consciousness changes, which ideally brings a change of residence, from inauspicious to auspicious. The boon He grants is known as liberation, and it is the opposite of material existence. The material existence is miserable, with its different unwanted aspects included in the word pavarga.

1. Defeat

This year in the finals of professional basketball there is a rematch of each of the previous two years. It was a split, with each team winning once, but this time there is something notably different. The team that lost last season added a new player. This player is one of the best in the game. The critics say that this team doesn’t need this new player. Now they are too good. They are described as a “super team.”

Nevertheless, success is not always guaranteed. Eventually time takes its toll. There were great athletes from the past who are no longer playing. Their abilities diminished. This is one side of the defeat that plagues everyone. It is impossible to always get what you want. As this represents a frustration in desire, defeat is an unwanted aspect of material existence.

2. Exhaustion

Every person has their preferred way to pass time. It may not be identical throughout the different phases of life, but there are preferred activities nonetheless. Notice that it is not possible to remain in those activities indefinitely.

For instance, one person likes to consume adult beverages. It helps them temporarily escape from the pressures of life. Problems arise when sobriety is required later on. When the buzz from intoxication wears off, there are many negative effects.

The person who enjoys playing videogames cannot do so indefinitely. At the very least sleep is required. This is forced upon the person in the material existence. Exhaustion is something that has to be accepted, whether wanted or not.

3. Bondage

Sleep is evidence of this factor. The living entity is actually spirit soul, which is amazing. The soul can’t be killed. It can’t be created. It can’t be destroyed in any way. The same kind of soul that animates the body of the tiny ant animates the body of the genius scientist.

“Some look on the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.29)

The body is different. It becomes something like a holding cell for the spirit soul. The different body types, which are commonly referred to as species, bring different degrees of bondage. For instance, in the tree body the soul is greatly inhibited. Consciousness is barely evident. In the human body there is the most freedom, but even then the material elements are unforgiving in the influence they assert.

4. Fearfulness

The kshatriya class of men are known to be fearless. They risk life in order to protect others from injury. Others will never fully comprehend since they lack the mentality. Nevertheless, even with the most courageous fighter there is some fear. There is some concern over the future, which is unknown. In this way fear is an unwanted aspect of material existence that every person has to contend with to some degree.

5. Death

This is the guaranteed end for everything that takes birth. It is the face of God seen by the atheists, who refuse to accept the existence of a higher power. Despite their obstinacy, submit they must. Every person has the same fate, regardless of how high they climb or how low they fall.

Apavarga is the reverse of these conditions; hence it is synonymous with liberation. The Supreme Lord is the giver of apavarga. He brings a different kind of existence for those who surrender to Him. This surrender is marked by a change in attitude, from wanting to gain victory over the miserable aspects of a material existence to wanting only to put a smile on the face of the Supreme Lord, who is all-attractive and thus known as Krishna.

Apavarga is a glimpse into the amazing potency of God. Despite the formidable nature of the material elements and the influence they wield over the spirit soul, prakriti is always an inferior energy. The spirit souls are part of the superior energy, and they can return to the dominating position only through the help of the person who grants apavarga.

In Closing:

Krishna, giver of apavarga is He,

In reverse only miseries to see.

Despite this year in winner’s seat,

Eventually all to suffer defeat.

Body creating situations binding,

Like compelled to sleep finding.

Death eventually following fear,

Only through Divine hurdles to clear.

The Two Sides Of Material Nature

“Material nature and the living entities should be understood to be beginningless. Their transformations and the modes of matter are products of material nature.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 13.20)

“More rain today. The sun hasn’t come out in a week. It’s June, for crying out loud. When will this misery end? What kind of place do we live in? This weather is terrible. I haven’t been able to go outside. I am stuck in the house watching television. I’ve had enough of the rain.”

“I’ve been so fortunate this season. There has been more rain than normal. The plants in the backyard are growing better than ever. We won’t hear any complaints about a drought, either. I wish the weather were this way more often. Predictability is a good thing.”

From these opinions of an identical factor we get proof of duality in a material existence. One man’s food is another man’s poison. The Vedas say that the human birth is the time to inquire into spiritual matters. For the person just learning the basics, one key distinction to become familiar with and remain aware of is the line that divides matter and spirit.

In the simplest terms, spirit is good and matter is bad, but both energies emanate from the Supreme Spirit. He is the origin of everything, in fact. Since He is eternal, so are His energies. Material nature thus has two sides.

1. Inauspiciously prohibiting

A person may be skeptical when they hear that the material nature is prohibiting, that the energy responsible for the constant shifts to the coverings of bodies has a temporary dominating influence over the otherwise unlimitedly powerful spirit soul.

Proof is as close as a few hours away. The living being is compelled to sleep. Some people require more sleep than others, but rare is it to find someone who can function for days and weeks at a time without any sleep. Why is this restriction there? The same goes for eating. It is a requirement.

The laws are made by the material nature. When it plays the role of inauspiciously prohibiting, matter keeps a person from realizing their true identity as spirit soul. That nature acts with three modes: goodness, passion and ignorance. When under the influence of these modes, the individual thinks they are the sole doer, the cause to the reactions resulting from action.

“The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities, which are in actuality carried out by nature.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.27)

In fact, nature is responsible. Two people decide to get up out of bed in the morning. It is not guaranteed to happen for both. It may be so easy for me, but someone else may be suffering from an ailment that prevents them from doing something so basic. The difference is due to the influence of material nature.

2. Auspiciously aiding

When inauspicious, nature works together with time to create changes that constantly bewilder the spirit soul. Those changes occur from birth to death, and beyond.

“As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The self-realized soul is not bewildered by such a change.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.13)

As the influence of that nature is illusory, one word to describe the collective energy is maya. The full term is mahamaya, or the great illusory energy. As mentioned before, all energies come from God, and so there is the potential for the nature to shift in influence.

There is another energy called yogamaya, which is the auspicious side of matter and time. On the unwanted side, time works to gradually diminish the abilities of the body, up to the point of death. With yogamaya, time helps to create future opportunities for spiritual life.

That life brings joy which is ever increasing; once again going against the typical effect of nature. With mahamaya, there is the law of diminishing returns. I eat pizza every day for lunch since I like it so much, but eventually I get sick of it. Moreover, there is only a certain amount I can eat every day.

“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form - to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.22)

With bhakti-yoga there is no such thing as too much work. The Supreme Lord directly supports the devotion of the devotees. In the material realm He changes the nature of matter from inauspicious to auspicious. Even if death arrives, the travel to the next body brings more beneficial circumstances. The all-attractive origin of everything brings to His servants what they lack and preserves what they hold most dear, their service to Him.

In Closing:

Better circumstances, to Him near,

Preserving thing to them most dear.

Krishna changing nature in this way,

Illusion, but with different sway.

Mahamaya the kind inauspicious,

Yogamaya for bhakti auspicious.

On desire only depending,

How journey through life spending.

Five Sacrifices The Guru Makes For Me

“It is the duty of a mendicant (parivrajakacharya) to experience all varieties of God's creation by traveling alone through all forests, hills, towns, villages, etc., to gain faith in God and strength of mind as well as to enlighten the inhabitants with the message of God. A sannyasi is duty-bound to take all these risks without fear, and the most typical sannyasi of the present age is Lord Chaitanya, who traveled in the same manner through the central Indian jungles, enlightening even the tigers, bears, snakes, deer, elephants and many other jungle animals.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.6.13 Purport)

The Sanskrit word sadhu is typically equated with a spiritual seeker. Someone who wants to know the Absolute Truth for real; a fulltime religious person, not breaking from the way of life. Not just something to do for fifteen minutes a day, but throughout every single day.

Sadhu also means “one who cuts.” It is applicable to the same kind of person, as the advanced spiritual seeker has seen the truth themselves. They approach a qualified teacher, render service, inquire submissively, and hopefully reach the same level at some point.

“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.34)

The work doesn’t end there. The sadhu is so kind that they share what they have learned. In speaking with others, they may be very blunt. I may take offense to what they say on occasion, but there should be some understanding. Indeed, for my spiritual benefit the guru, the spiritual master, makes so many sacrifices.

1. Gives up family

This is contradictory to what the guru teaches at the beginning. For bhakti-yoga, which is the pinnacle of religious life, a person doesn’t have to give up their occupation. The work primarily referenced, the Bhagavad-gita, has this situation in the main storyline. The bow-warrior Arjuna wants to quit his position as head of the army right before a great war. He wants to live like a sadhu and roam the forests.

“Sanjaya said: Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief.” (Bhagavad-gita, 1.46)

The guide in that situation is Shri Krishna, who is the adi-guru. The original spiritual master must be God, since no one comes before Him. Krishna advises against Arjuna’s suggestion. Not that spiritual life is abandoned. Bhakti-yoga is practiced all the same, perfectly in fact, but through a channel appropriate for the situation. You can be at war and still be focused on God, as Arjuna would subsequently show.

Yet the guru gives up family for my benefit. This is not a strict requirement, but often the spiritual master takes to the renounced order of life, sannyasa. Even within sannyasa there are stages.

The parivrajaka sannyasi travels from place to place. This is not to satisfy a desire to tour the world, but rather to reach as many people as possible. Any person with material desires is afflicted with a terrible malady of the consciousness, whose only cure is genuine spiritual life taught by a bona fide teacher. The sannyasi guru in this case gives up family life for the benefit of others, since travelling brings fewer restrictions. The ideal example is Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who took sannyasa at a very young age and toured throughout India to bring the holy names to the people.

2. Gives up friends

Long day at the office. Tough week, in fact. Finally, a day of relaxation. Time to hang out with friends. Talk about nothing for hours. Enjoy some leisurely games. Watch something interesting on television.

The travelling guru does not have this luxury. Since they don’t stay in any place for too long, they don’t develop these kinds of friendships. Moreover, since they are in the renounced order, people generally respect them. Others look to them to set an example, which is what great men do.

“Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.21)

Friendship is formed among equals, with a common interest shared. The guru doesn’t have many equals. If they do, then those friends are likely travelers themselves. This means in every situation the guru is the highest authority and can therefore not relish the mood of friendship.

3. Gives up comfort

It is the renounced order, after all. There is no money. There is no income. The guru thus can’t buy a car with the latest features, such as interaction with the mobile device and a backup camera to assist with parking. The guru can’t really complain about the gifts they receive or the accommodations provided by hosts. From their lofty position they should be in yoga, or connection with the Divine. That link is supposed to lessen or completely eliminate material desires, which include comfort.

4. Gives up privacy

The travelling guru does everything in public. All eyes are on them. This type of spiritual master is known as an acharya, or one who leads by example. Philosophy is not enough. To learn philosophy is not difficult; even a parrot can do it. Hear and then repeat.

Setting the example through behavior is more difficult. The acharya is in the public eye, and they don’t mind it. If they do something bad, like indulge in intoxicants, then others will use that as an excuse to diminish the importance of the principles taught. On the positive side, if the acharya is always chanting the holy names, then others will consider it important enough to follow: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

5. Gives up honor

A person who remains secluded, whose daily habits aren’t widely known, who simply gives the face of practicing spiritual life, is much easier to honor. The spiritual master who leads by example takes so many risks, which leaves them vulnerable to criticism. They may take disciples, who then open temples around the world. Those disciples may not be nearly as pure in their habits, so mistakes will be made. Those mistakes cause criticism to travel up the chain of command, to the spiritual master.

In this way there is also dishonor for the guru. One famous example is Narada Muni. The progenitor Daksha was so angry at Narada that he one time proclaimed a curse. Narada hadn’t done anything wrong; he just gave spiritual advice to Daksha’s sons.

These sacrifices are made for the benefit of others, and the spiritual master doesn’t suffer in the process. They accept all difficulties in order to please the Supreme Lord, who always holds such servants dear to the heart.

In Closing:

Going through world alone,

Since renouncing family and home.

No concern for luxury car or house to buy,

Travelling, so no friends on which to rely.

Every risk in preaching effort taking,

Sacrifices for my welfare making.

The spiritual master, most important is he,

Through him only Divine light to see.