Five Reasons Nothing Can Shatter My Faith In Bhakti

“The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.59)

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Religion without philosophy is sentiment. Philosophy without religion is mental speculation. Combine the two and you have a real way of living, something that not only keeps the individual on the right path, but a way to confidently move forward, progressing towards the ultimate goal.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Shri Krishna describes what can be translated as “the science of self-realization.” Know who the individual is. There are scientific properties and laws which govern a material existence. Learn through both acquired knowledge and practical application.

At the same time, there is some faith involved. Faith is already extended in so many other places. For realizing the self we are trusting what someone else tells us in the beginning. To gain confidence in the path, there is the collective experience of those who have succeeded in realizing the self. They went beyond and also realized the source of all energies, the person to whom they are still lovingly serving to this day.

1. I’ve tried material life

I’m opening up the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam because I want something more. I’ve tried material life. It hasn’t done much for me. Even the gains, the victories, the successes, seemed to bring more trouble than what was previously there. If going forward I’m supposed to set new goals, work for bigger achievements, I’m pretty sure I’ll be left with the same empty feeling afterwards.

2. Hearing alone brings so much pleasure

Bhakti-yoga includes the process of realizing the self. While I may not be conscious of the distinction between matter and spirit on a constant basis, I’ve gotten a taste of transcendental pleasure already.

That has come simply through hearing. First there is the sacred sound vibration known as the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Then there are the pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I will never get tired of hearing how Krishna went into the homes of the neighbors in Gokula and stole their butter. The all-attractive one can be all things. He is the smartest person, the wise teacher, the loyal friend, the reliable disciple, and the adorable child. This hearing has brought a higher taste, something which I now constantly crave.

3. What Krishna teaches is true

The reality of reincarnation is not exclusive to the Hindu faith. In the Bhagavad-gita there is no mention of this religion or that when discussing the important topics of the material nature and the spiritual energy. The foundational teaching of the difference between matter and spirit, where the individual continues to live on through the changes of the external body, is undeniably true.

I’ve confirmed so many other principles to be fact. It stands to reason that the teacher would be right about the most important truth, which comes at the conclusion of the discussion with Arjuna. Abandoning all varieties of religion [dharma] and surrendering unto Him will bring full protection. There is no reason to fear since Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

4. Krishna is all-attractive

The skeptic will ask, “How can you be sure?” They want to know where the confidence comes from. What if, after investing so much time and energy, the whole thing turns out to be false? What if the culture is yet another manifestation of man’s attempt to deal with the fear of impending death?

Confidence comes from Krishna’s all-attractiveness. In His original, two-handed form He gives the most stunning vision. It is the ideal object for meditation, starting with the lotus feet and gradually moving up. The lotus feet are enough, in fact. His words of wisdom are attractive, and so are His deeds, which so many people have described.

5. Look at the people who support Krishna

The people who are engaged in devotional service, the most dear associates who never deviate from the bhakti path, are also attractive. They are of the highest quality of character. They are ideal role models, though their amazing deeds can never be imitated. More than anything else, examples like Shri Hanuman, Prahlada Maharaja, Arjuna, Vyasadeva, Goswami Tulsidas, and His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada are the most solid source from which to take confidence that bhakti is the best way to live, lifetime after lifetime.

In Closing:

How so confident of path to be,

Not the potential for falsity to see?

That perhaps God there is not,

Only coping mechanism we’ve got.

Truths of Gita one way clear,

So much joy from simply to hear.

Highest taste, most attractive is He,

From Hanuman and others to see.

Dussehra 2017

“Ravana was killed by Lord Ramachandra and was destined for hellish life, but by Lord Ramachandra's advice, Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, performed all the duties prescribed in relation to the dead. Thus Lord Ramachandra was kind to Ravana even after Ravana's death.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 9.10.29 Purport)

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The ten-headed one had a rather lengthy rap sheet. As leader of a kingdom, he would host visitors every now and then. Operating in that capacity he one time indeed “shot the messenger,” devouring the flesh afterwards. He was a Rakshasa, which is a kind of man-eater. Ravana would send his men to kill innocent sages living in the forest, attacking right at the time of yajna [sacrifice]. To take over Lanka he scared away his non-threatening brother Kuvera.

He had a reign of terror. Ravana’s kingdom was filled with gold, beautiful women, wine, and animal flesh. It looked like things were going well. That is until he committed a crime for which he would surely get punished. Justice would be served with the ultimate force possible, and it would attach to everything from the past for which Ravana was responsible. The occasion of Dussehra commemorates the delivery of that justice.

It arrived via the aerial route. The implementation was through arrows released from a bow. The bow hung on the shoulder of the all-attractive, ever dedicated to dharma prince of Ayodhya. Since He was like a moon to give light to dissipate the darkness, He was known as Ramachandra. He was the protector of Koshala, which had a long history of pious rulers.

Ramachandra is a direct incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Essentially, Ramachandra is God Himself. Ravana was a special case, since ordinarily the fruits of karma, either good or bad, arrive at the appropriate time. It is something like waiting for the spring season to see flowers and plant life.

“Just as a tree starts to blossom during the proper season, so the doer of sinful deeds inevitably reaps the horrible fruit of their actions at the appropriate time.” (Lord Rama speaking to Khara, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 29.8)

Kala, or time, destroys everything and everyone eventually. The complete clearing of the slate is known as death, though that applies only to the present body. There can still be residual effects that have to manifest at a later time. The individual within is imperishable. The soul is never born, nor does it ever die, but the individual that is the soul travels from body to body, life after life.

Ravana was killed after a long struggle. It looked like the leader of the Rakshasas was getting away with his greatest crime, that of stealing the princess of Videha, Sita Devi. She also happened to be Ramachandra’s wife. Ravana did not fight for her fairly. He did not win her in a struggle. Instead, he took her away in a cowardly manner, sneaking around and hiding his true form.

Ravana certainly deserved the punishment he later received, but there was no lasting enmity from the Supreme Lord’s side. This was evident in the direction given to Vibhishana immediately after Ravana’s death. Vibhishana was Ravana’s brother who happened to turn sides. Vibhishana went to Ramachandra’s camp after failing to set Ravana straight. The leader of Lanka would not listen to sound advice, even if it came from his well-wishing brother.

After Ramachandra won the battle against Ravana, He directed Vibhishana to perform the funeral rites. This would help Ravana in the afterlife, as he had a long list of sinful deeds. The idea is that a person’s next destination is not guaranteed. Family members perform the funeral rites to prevent ghostly life as the next destination for the departed.

“My husband Rama is famous throughout the world. He is pure, truthful, and very gentle. He is mighty-armed, has wide eyes, and is always busy working for the welfare of all living beings [sarva-bhuta-hite-ratah].” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 47.11)

None of this was necessary, since Ravana died directly at the hands of God. Liberation, release from the cycle of birth and death, was guaranteed. Still, Rama directed Vibhishana as such for setting the proper example. The Supreme Lord does not hold a grudge. He does not maintain enmity, even with the worst people in the world. That is one way to define good. It is benevolence extended to the entire population of creatures. Kind or mean, tall or small, rich or poor, Shri Ramachandra is eternally a well-wisher.

In Closing:

Over Lanka carrying hold strong,

Ravana with rap-sheet long.

Since so many sins committed,

Even stealing a wife himself permitted.

That last to break the trend,

Ramachandra fiery arrows to send.

Enmity gone with brother’s deeds shown,

Pious Vibhishana next to take the throne.

Five Things To Know About Krishna’s Janma And Karma

“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.9)

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No more birth. The honor comes at an otherwise inauspicious moment: death. Upon giving up, tyaktva, the body there is release from the cycle, which is like a spinning wheel of misery, samsara-chakra.

We know when the honor is received, but what merits its arrival? Is it through pious deeds? Be a good person and you won’t have to take birth again. Is it through renunciation? Give up things and prove that you don’t have attachments to the material world.

The promise is made by Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The qualifications are rather straightforward. Just know the nature of Krishna’s janma and karma, birth and activities.

1. Birth in Mathura

Krishna’s place of birth is Mathura, and more specifically inside of a prison cell. The king at the time, Kamsa, was previously told that his sister’s eighth child would be his end. It was a fortunate occurrence. Not everyone gets prior warning of death. Time waits for no one, and in its most gruesome form it has yet to meet defeat.

Kamsa tried his best to deny destiny. He imprisoned his sister and her husband. Every time she gave birth he had the child killed immediately. Krishna’s janma is further proof that God is time itself. In special circumstances, like with King Hiranyakashipu prior, Krishna personally assumes the role of time and delivers what is due the sinful person.

2. Prayers of the demigods

Prior to His janma, there were prayers from the devas. These are demigods; something like the Supreme Lord, but not quite. They are His constant associates. When the Almighty descends from the spiritual world, the residents of the heavenly realm watch with attention, amazement and joy. The asura class works to stop worship of the heavenly figures. In one sense this is the definition of the proliferation of adharma, or irreligion.

“Our dear Lord, You are appearing as the best of the Yadu dynasty, and we are offering our respectful humble obeisances unto Your lotus feet. Before this appearance, You also appeared as the fish incarnation, the horse incarnation, the tortoise incarnation, the swan incarnation, as King Ramachandra, as Parashurama, and as many other incarnations.” (Demigods praying to Krishna in the womb of Devaki, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 2)

Part of the work Krishna accomplishes through His descents to the material world is the reestablishing of religious principles, dharma. The demigods are very pleased by this. In the case of Krishna appearing in the personal form, they knew that Devaki was the chosen birth mother. Therefore even while she was pregnant they offered her nice prayers.

3. Life in Gokula and Vrindavana

The janma took place in Mathura, but the first karma was reserved for the nearby communities of Gokula and Vrindavana. The infant child, showing His four-handed form of Narayana, asked to be taken to Gokula. The loving father Vasudeva obliged, and so Krishna’s early years were spent under the care of foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.

The karma included both delightful pastimes and protection of the innocent. Krishna delighted by acting like the most adorable child. In addition to showing His all-attractive body, He would sometimes steal butter from the homes of the neighbors. He would go out to the fields and play with His friends, taking care of many calves at the same time.

The same innocent child would thwart the attacks of powerful Rakshasas sent to the community by Kamsa, who was angry that the eighth child had eluded his grasp. Krishna took down a villainous witch, a deceptive whirlwind, and several other such wicked characters. In Vrindavana, He lifted the massive Govardhana Hill to save the residents from the jealous wrath of the king of heaven, Indra.

4. Life in Dvaraka

The karma continued into adulthood, as Krishna moved from Vrindavana first to Mathura and then later Dvaraka. In Mathura He killed Kamsa with a swift punch, bringing great delight to the devas. In Dvaraka He served as king, with His principal queen of Rukmini Devi. There were more asura-like characters to defeat, as evil has been trying to take down good since the beginning of time.

5. The Bhagavad-gita

The promise of release from the cycle of birth and death through knowing His janma and karma comes from the Bhagavad-gita, which is a conversation between Krishna and the bow-warrior Arjuna. It took place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, prior to a great war.

The key word in the verse is divyam. This means “divine.” Krishna’s janma is not ordinary. Neither is His work. The word karma is used simply for our understanding. Karma means work that has a future consequence pertaining to the material body.

Krishna is Divine, so there is no distinction between spirit and matter for Him. The flute in His hands is just as spiritual as His lotus feet. His janma is actually an appearance. Birth is the time of accepting a new type of covering consisting of material elements, both gross and subtle, but Krishna has no such association with matter.

Those who simply know that only His janma and karma are divine do not take birth again. Knowing means being conscious of, and the easiest way to stay Krishna conscious is to always chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Promise in Bhagavad-gita made,

That no more in suffering ocean to wade.

When Krishna’s janma and karma knowing,

Like how in youth to Gokula going.

Butter from the neighbors stealing,

And love from the cows feeling.

In Dvaraka with Rukmini as queen,

With Arjuna in greatest war seen.

Five Future Consequences Arjuna Saw

“O Krishna, maintainer of the people, I have heard by disciplic succession that those who destroy family traditions dwell always in hell.” (Arjuna, Bhagavad-gita, 1.43)

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The sacred Bhagavad-gita is known for the profound, eye-opening truths presented by the acknowledged teacher, Shri Krishna. Within the work itself we get the history of the knowledge, as Krishna explains that the sun-god heard first and then passed it on to saintly kings in what is known as a succession of disciples, or parampara.

“This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.2)

It wasn’t Krishna talking alone, however. There was question and answer, the way sessions typically go between guru and disciple. Though mildly admonished for not behaving according to one who knows the progressive values of life, Arjuna’s questions were actually rooted in intelligence.

Part of being smart is seeing into the future. A great war was about to commence, and Arjuna foresaw many consequences. The young child thinks only of preyas, or immediate satisfaction. It takes maturity through instruction and experience to see the bigger picture, shreyas. Arjuna saw the long-term effects and based his questions on them.

1. Victory in battle

This day was a long time coming. Wars don’t break out spontaneously. In a material existence conflict is sure to be there. This is the result of the clashing of kama, or lust. When lust goes unsatisfied, there is wrath, anger, and loss of intelligence.

In this situation kama got the better of a prince named Duryodhana. Dharma, or righteousness, stipulated that Arjuna and his brothers be in charge of the kingdom. But Duryodhana wanted it for himself, and he didn’t care if he had to take it illegally.

Arjuna, his four brothers and their mother – commonly referred to as the Pandavas - tolerated the injustice for a long time. To add insult to injury, Duryodhana tried to have them killed on several occasions. The Pandavas survived through good fortune, which was actually the protecting hand of Shri Krishna, who was their well-wisher from the start.

War was the last resort, but when the decision was made all hands were on deck. Everyone was prepared to fight, as the families were of the kshatriya, or royal, order. Krishna kindly agreed to be Arjuna’s charioteer, and before the war began the leading fighter saw into the future. Arjuna saw victory. The outcomes to action are never assured, but Arjuna knew that winning was very likely, even with the highly capable fighters on the other side.

2. Enjoying the kingdom alone

The ugly truth is that success in a war involves killing people and breaking things. If victory was in the cards, then likely everyone on the other side would die. Winning would bring the kingdom back to the rightful owners, but Arjuna saw that as enjoying alone. There were some good people on the other side. Drona was the family’s teacher. Bhishmadeva cared about everyone. He was just as devoted to Shri Krishna. Arjuna had no desire to enjoy material comforts without them.

3. Varna-sankara

The literal translation to this Sanskrit term is “mixing of the occupations.” It is something like a priest getting married to a servant or a warrior joining with the daughter of a businessman. Varna means “color” or “designation.” In the system of varnashrama-dharma it is an occupation. The four occupations are based on guna and karma, which are material qualities and work.

“According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And, although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.13)

In Vedic culture marriages are based on dharma, and one aspect to that is keeping the occupations together. Varna-sankara equates to unwanted population because the root cause is kama, or sense gratification. Arjuna saw this as a real possibility, since so many from the other side would be destroyed. How would the family lineage continue? How would the women be protected? They would be forced to become victims to illicit sex, which would then lead to the unwanted progeny.

4. The population going to hell

Arjuna continued with the slippery slope argument, seeing the population descending into irreligion. With unwanted children, family traditions die. Without maintaining traditions in dharma, man slowly becomes more like the animal, who has no culture. Without some culture the population quickly descends into madness and chaos. This is what Arjuna saw happening in the future.

5. Sinful reaction for killing family members

It was dharma to uphold righteousness, to protect property and to punish aggressors, but there was killing involved. To some degree that had to be sinful, no? Arjuna saw negative consequences in the future for being involved in violence on such a grand scale.

The vision of the ghastly future is the pretext for Arjuna’s doubt and his putting the matter before Shri Krishna, who is the adi-guru. The doubt was rooted in intelligence, but the expert teacher also explained the other potential future, i.e. what would happen if Arjuna refused to fight. He would lose his fame and reputation, for quitting is the worst thing a kshatriya can do. The other side would perish anyway, since that is the nature of time. Krishna had arranged everything so that the earth overburdened by a sinful population would get some relief.

“Therefore get up and prepare to fight. After conquering your enemies you will enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasachin, can be but an instrument in the fight.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 11.33)

Whether Arjuna liked it or not, destiny was set. By choosing to go forward in the conflict, staying devoted to Krishna throughout, he would get to act as an instrument of the Divine will. This is valuable information applicable to every person. The individual makes the decision to act, but the results only manifest through the cooperation of the three modes of nature, which are ultimately handled by the Supreme Lord in His role as Supersoul.

The real future over which to be concerned is the individual’s fate when still consumed by kama. When desire turns into devotion, or bhakti, the best future is guaranteed. There will be continued service in devotion, known as bhakti-yoga, which means everything will work out eventually. The highs and lows of a material existence then become an afterthought.

In Closing:

If arrows with skill from bow freeing,

Future consequences Arjuna seeing.

To perish family from long time known,

Left to enjoy fruits of kingdom alone.

Unprotected, to illicit sex taking,

Traditions of family then breaking.

But will of Divine, outcome already set,

Act in devotion, dharma’s credit to get.

Five People Who Are Not Exempt From The Challenges Of Material Life

“For one who worships Me, giving up all his activities unto Me and being devoted to Me without deviation, engaged in devotional service and always meditating upon Me, who has fixed his mind upon Me, O son of Pritha, for him I am the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 12.6-7)

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Compassionate in nature, the mature adult looks to help others. They have been blessed with good fortune. They see the images on television. They read about the horror stories. They desperately want to help, in any way they can.

The truth of the matter is that the challenges of material life do not discriminate. Every kind of person faces them, even those we wouldn’t think to be in a position requiring help.

1. The poor man

The need here is rather obvious. The poor are not as well off materially. They may not have a lot of money. Perhaps they live in substandard housing conditions. They are constantly in need. They may have to take to begging, such as riding the subways and asking passengers for donations.

The destitution might cause great fear. A person can be living extravagantly and still be poor. They may have amassed a large amount of debt, which they will have to pay off eventually. At every moment there is concern for how life will be maintained. Dependents add to the anxiety.

2. The wealthy businessman

The challenge here relates to time. Material life equates to change. Those changes constantly occur, but during some periods the shifts are more easily identified, such as with a major life event. The individual within does not change, however.

“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)

The person successful in business may enjoy great wealth at the moment, but competition is lurking around the corner. Technology causes consumer patterns to change, as well. Just because a business is successful today doesn’t mean it will remain that way going forward. This is a source of great anxiety.

3. The politician

Many centuries ago a famous statesman said to never trust a woman or a politician. In modern times the politician is out to get votes only. This means they will say whatever needs to be said in order to gain favor with the public. Success for a politician is winning. Doing a good job isn’t necessarily rewarded.

A successful politician isn’t guaranteed to remain so. The public might get fed up with the direction of the country. They want change. Someone who has done so much for the constituents can get kicked to the curb in the next election.

4. The celebrity

Famous for one reason or another, they are loved at the moment. They make the news simply by where they decide to eat. The romances are covered by journalists. The products they endorse show strong increases in sales.

Fame can quickly turn to infamy, however. One slipup and everyone sees. There is no privacy. The celebrity can’t just go to the supermarket when they run low on milk and bread. They will get mobbed by the adoring public. Let loose on eating for a bit and everyone will notice. Undergo costly and risky surgery in order to maintain a certain appearance.

5. The aspiring transcendentalist

This person has turned away from material life. They don’t want money. They are not concerned with fame. They understand that whatever is gained must be lost, as that is the nature of a temporary existence. They want something more. They want to connect with the spiritual energy, which has a source.

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 10.8)

Even here the challenges of material life remain. There are the threefold miseries: from the heavens, from other living entities, and from within. After all, death is guaranteed. The end of life must be effected in some way, and it doesn’t always give notice prior to its arrival.

Fortunately, there is a way to get help. Those who try to connect directly with the source, Bhagavan, get His attention. The challenges are there, regardless, but ignorance contributes to make the problem worse. Bhagavan shines the light of knowledge from within and helps to remove the ignorance.

“Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 10.11)

For those who are devoted to Him, He is the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death. He makes that direct promise in the Bhagavad-gita, which was spoken to a noble warrior who was struggling with a formidable challenge himself.

In Closing:

Suffering everyone from miseries three,

From high to low, not a one is free.

Like poor person money seeking,

Or wealthy competition’s edge keeping.

The famous to store can’t even go,

Politician changing tides to know.

For devotees from Krishna special gift,

With extended hand from trouble to lift.

Your Humble Servant

“Always think of Me and 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.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.65)

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Friend1: Devotional service. We use that term quite often.

Friend2: It’s the preferred English translation for “bhakti-yoga.”

Friend1: Bhakti is love and devotion. Where does this idea of service come in?

Friend2: Yoga is a connection, a link. The individual with the Supreme. It’s a link in devotion.

Friend1: Yeah. So?

Friend2: How else would that link be established and maintained, other than service?

Friend1: You can be devoted to someone and not be their servant.

Friend2: As in?

Friend1: The spouse. That is a partner. A good friend. An equal.

Friend2: I’ve got news for you. Each one of those people is rendering service.

Friend1: True, but they are not designated as “servant.” That has a negative connotation to it. People don’t want to be lower on the organizational chart. If they ever have to assume that role, they count the days until the experience is over. That is the entire objective in what is called “upward mobility.”

Friend2: I’m starting to understand now. It’s not the service aspect that bothers you. It’s the title that seems kind of demeaning.

Friend1: Exactly.

Friend2: For starters, do you know that in recent times high class individuals would refer to themselves as “your humble servant” quite often?

Friend1: I did not. How recent?

Friend2: A few hundred years ago. Go research the correspondence of the founding fathers of the United States of America. Benjamin Franklin used to end his letters with something like, “I beg to always remain, your humble servant.”

Friend1: Interesting.

Friend2: It wasn’t weird. It wasn’t demeaning. It was the etiquette of the gentleman. To be of service to someone is to show affection.

Friend1: Devotees are thus being gentlemen-like?

Friend2: That is one of their characteristics. They are perfect gentlemen. They are well-behaved. They are polite. They are free of the most harmful sinful tendencies like drinking, smoking, and gambling.

Friend1: I understand what you are saying, but try telling this to people who have had bad experiences in established institutions of bhakti-yoga.

Friend2: Well, that’s a different issue. I’m referring to the devotee who is actually in bhakti-yoga; not the pretender.

Friend1: Service in yoga is exalted, then? It’s not demeaning.

Friend2: It’s the most exalted. This is because Bhagavan is not an ordinary object of service. He takes to heart even a single good gesture. He never forgets. Remember that He explained this to Arjuna when giving the history of the Bhagavad-gita.

“The Blessed Lord said: Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.5)

This shouldn’t require a theoretical explanation, either. Just take a look at some of the most famous devotees.

Friend1: Hanuman comes to mind.

Friend2: Do you think he considered the service to be demeaning? He risked his life. He carried Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders. He did both the most amazing things and the most menial in his service. He was never too proud to help Rama, an incarnation of God.

Friend1: I guess that’s the issue. We are conditioned to think of the servant role as low, something from which to advance.

Friend2: Conditioned is the perfect word. Material existence is about competition and constantly increasing sense gratification. Spiritual existence is about remaining in the constitutional position, that of servant of God, who is always connected with us.

In Closing:

Bhakti as service translated,

How yoga to work related?

Not of the ordinary kind,

Where demeaning in mind.

Like Hanuman putting on his shoulders two,

Anything for Rama and Lakshmana to do.

Service gentleman-like in this way,

For God in topmost position to stay.

Four Images From Krishna’s Gokula Lila

“Sometimes the naughty babies would crawl up to the cowshed, catch the tail of a calf and stand up. The calves, being disturbed, would immediately begin running here and there, and the children would be dragged over clay and cow dung. To see this fun, Yashoda and Rohini would call all their neighboring friends, the gopis.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality Of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 8)

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Gokula is the sacred land to which the father Vasudeva brought the new child, whose birth and subsequent survival were something of a miracle. The mother Devaki had children previously, but she never saw them grow up. Her wicked brother, Kamsa, was the king of Mathura and he was deathly afraid of any children born to his sister. The focus was on the eighth child, but since death was the cause of fear, Kamsa decided to not take any chances.

In Gokula the young Krishna engaged in many pastimes, or lila. These are dear to the devotees, those of saintly character, since Krishna is Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

1. Riding the tail of a calf

Gokula is a farm community. The people are simple. They are not hankering after this thing or that. In modern day industrialized nations the citizens marvel at the advances made to what is called “standard of living.” Indoor plumbing, machines to wash clothes, air conditioning - these amenities are not available everywhere.

The true indicator of advancement is peace. How much at peace are the people? A person can be living in a royal palace and suffer from one misery after another. In Gokula the citizens relied on God first. They knew that He exists and that He is ultimately a person. They also knew that He sometimes descends to the mortal world, so there might be a chance that this Krishna was something special.

The people lived off farming and cow protection. For safety reasons Vasudeva transferred Krishna to the care of Nanda Maharaja and his wife Yashoda. In that home Krishna did many adorable things, like trying to crawl, speak and walk. One time while playing outside He caught the tail of a calf, who then took Him for a ride through the mud. The mothers took great delight from witnessing this.

2. Hand in the butter pot

It is always interesting to see the tendencies in children begin to show, sometimes as soon as a day or two after birth. Krishna’s preferred food was butter. He would love to place His hand inside of a pot and enjoy. There was plenty of supply, especially in Yashoda’s home. When cows are loved and protected, they produce so much milk, the excess of which is used for other products like butter, yogurt and cheese.

Krishna enjoyed butter so much that He was not against stealing. He would intrude into the homes of the neighbors and take their butter, too. When the neighbors tried to hide the butter, Krishna and His young friends would devise plots to acquire the targets anyway.

3. Mother looking into His mouth

Krishna would play in the fields with His friends. He was the center of attention. One day the neighborhood boys lodged a complaint with mother Yashoda. They said her son had eaten dirt. She decided to look into His mouth to see if it was true.

What she saw was the universal form, the virata-rupa. Only the Supreme Lord can display this vision. This was just another form of proof of the Divine nature of her son. After a few moments the vision vanished and the relationship returned to mother-son.

4. Mother chasing after with a whipping stick

Krishna was adorable. He was the love of everyone’s life. This didn’t mean that Yashoda would unnecessarily spoil Him. She punished Him one time for breaking a pot of yogurt in anger. When caught butter-handed, Krishna decided to run away from the loving mother, who chased after Him with a whipping stick.

She wasn’t going to strike Him, but with children the threat is enough. After finally catching up to Him, she decided to tie Krishna to a mortar. This earned Him the name Damodara, which is incorporated into joyous devotional songs that are sung to this day.

The images are not a product of the imagination. They depict real scenes witnessed by real people. There are five senses, after all, and there is potential for interaction with any of them. Just one look at these images in the proper mood can permanently change consciousness for the better.

In Closing:

The clutches of ignorance to free,

From images of Krishna-lila to see.

How once calf’s tail riding,

Stealing butter though mother providing.

Accused of eating dirt from ground,

And punishment to mortar bound.

Devotion’s path always fresh and alive,

Interaction through senses five.