Credible On Either Side

“The king went and received blessings and then paid so much honor and respect after that. When he saw Rama, he experienced a happiness one hundred times that of Brahman realization.” (Janaki Mangala, Chand 5.2)

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Friend1: This is a basic contradiction.

Friend2: What is?

Friend1: What I’m about to bring up.

Friend2: Okay. What do you mean by basic?

Friend1: That it’s easy to understand. It’s ideal for the example, to study, explain, what have you. You don’t need to go to something more complicated.

Friend2: I’m assuming this has some relevance to spiritual life.

Friend1: Of course. I’m not going to bring up a contradiction for no reason.

Friend2: Great.

Friend1: So I get the idea of dispassion.

Friend2: Vairagya.

Friend1: Be renounced. It doesn’t have to be some type of formal renunciation, where you put on a specific outfit and leave home.

Friend2: The sannyasa-ashrama.

Friend1: Just be detached from the outcomes to action. Understand that you are not the doer.

“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)

Friend2: That is a difficult thing to do. It’s not easy to let go of the idea of full control over one’s destiny.

Friend1: Well, maybe the issue I have is similar. I get that it’s better to let things fall into place, whichever way the higher authorities decide. At the same time, why would I want to work unless I have some interest?

Friend2: What do you mean?

Friend1: Take any job. Even if you’re working for a non-profit organization, there is a desire to have the effort pay off. Otherwise no one would ever show up to the office. Artha is one of the rewards of life.

Friend2: Yes. Sometimes that is translated as “economic development,” but it just means “interest.” That’s why there are terms like svartha and paramartha.

Friend1: Rewards in this life and those that come in the afterlife. But see, there is interest there, also. People follow religion so that they can avoid hell in the afterlife. Some atheists choose their way of life because they want enjoyment right now. I’m talking about real renunciation.

Friend2: What exactly about it? As in who possesses it?

Friend1: Not who, but how? How can you be fully renounced on the inside and still do any work? Wouldn’t every person be living in a cave in some remote area?

Friend2: You want examples, I assume?

Friend1: I know there is Arjuna. He received the Bhagavad-gita directly from Shri Krishna. There was attachment to the Supreme Lord, and that automatically means renunciation. We only know Arjuna’s work for a brief period, though. How do you go through an entire lifetime with that spirit?

Friend2: Well, Krishna gives an example. There is King Janaka of Mithila. He was well-known for his expertise in yoga.

Friend1: Like mysticism?

Friend2: He was the king of Videha, which is a word that means “bodiless.” Janaka had a body, obviously, but there was no attachment to it. At the same time, he carried out his duties as king. That is some pretty important work, where you would think interest has to be a factor.

Friend1: But he did it without attachment?

Friend2: Credibility on both sides. You can look to him as the ideal ruler and also the ideal yogi. It is interesting to note that renunciation in spirit does not mean lack of emotion.

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: When Janaka found a baby girl one day while ploughing a field, he immediately developed affection for her, taking the baby in as his daughter, whom he named Sita. He felt pleasure well-beyond brahma-sukha when he met the brothers Rama and Lakshmana. This means that there was devotion, as well, the same kind found in Arjuna. Contradictions there are many in this world, but know that everything gets resolved when the primary interest is the pleasure of the Supreme Lord.

In Closing:

Contradictions many to be found,

Solved when to lotus feet bound.

Like Janaka over Videha the king,

Whose glories in Gita to sing.

That as renounced yogi ideal,

But still emotional attachment to feel.

Like when child coming from ground,

And meeting brothers happiness abound.

Limited Eating And Sleeping

“To Sita, who was speaking thus, who was emaciated by grief on account of Rama, and whose eyes were filled with tears, the monkey Hanuman spoke the following words.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.17)

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iti samjalpamānām tām rāma arthe śoka karśitām |
aśru sampūrṇa vadanām uvāca hanumān kapiḥ ||

From the acharyas in the Vedic tradition of bhakti, we learn that the grief suffered by Sita in the Ashoka grove is not ordinary. The outward symptoms may appear to be so. There was lamentation. There was concern over the uncertain future. As a result, there was no eating. The Ramayana says that her body was emaciated by grief. She would not accept any food offered by the Rakshasas in Lanka.

They were man-eaters, after all. The food they prepared was contaminated with their sinful ways, which started from the top. The leaders in that place were known for attacking innocent people, right at the time of worship of the Divine, killing them and then eating the resulting flesh.

The thought was that any food accepted from them would cause a change in consciousness. Even with so much apparent grief, why take the chance to diverge thoughts away from Shri Rama, who is all-attractive? This was Sita’s husband, for whom she dedicated body, mind and soul. They were meant to be together in dharma, or righteousness. Ravana, the one committed to adharma, had separated them, and so Sita only thought about reuniting.

This kind of lamentation in separation is one of the signs of pure devotion, practiced at the highest level. Not that there was any intentional practice. This wasn’t some kind of spiritual life implemented under the guidance of a teacher. The love was pure and spontaneous. That is to say no one had to tell the daughter of King Janaka to be dedicated to her husband, the prince of Ayodhya.

With such pure devotion, there is naturally less interest in satisfying the senses. Eating and sleeping are limited without extra effort. Indeed, in the Bhagavad-gita there is the teaching that the yogi has control over both.

“There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much, or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.16)

The idea is to eat just enough to maintain the body. No reason to go overboard. Weight gain and the associated health problems are most commonly related to eating too much. Exercise helps to burn the calories but an easier way is to simply limit the intake on a daily basis.

The same applies to sleep. Get as much as necessary. Too much and other issues arise, like depression. A simple test, try spending the entire day in bed, lying down and doing nothing. At the end assess the mood and nature. Compare to a day when there is busy, meaningful engagement throughout. In most cases the active person has a better outlook on life, as compared to the sedentary one. They are less likely to feel depressed.

Eating and sleeping are limited because of a higher taste. That is one of the results of true yoga, connection with the Divine. Even with tears filling Sita’s eyes, speaking to Hanuman was so enjoyable, since he carried news of Rama. In a similar manner, the spiritual master spreading the word of God, sent from the imperishable realm, brings delight in an otherwise bleak existence, riddled with problems due to repeated birth and death. Something as simple as the holy names they reveal help to change the situation quickly: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Less eating and sleeping found,

In person of health and wellness sound.

Requirements in yoga some,

Otherwise distractions to come.

For Sita emaciated by grief,

Yoga always, from Hanuman relief.

Since closer to husband Rama bringing,

Same with guru holy names singing.

Three Potential Pitfalls To Temple Worship

“Every religion has a tirtha. The Muslims have Mecca and Medina, and the Christians have Golgotha. Similarly, the Hindus also think they must travel very far to find a tirtha. But actually, tirtha-kurvanti tirthani: a tirtha is a place where there are saintly persons. That is a tirtha. Not that one goes ten thousand miles and simply takes a dip in the water and then comes back.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Journey Of Self-Discovery, Ch 6.4)

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You need association. The proper term is sadhu-sanga. Just as business professionals meet in clubs, groups and networking gatherings, so the people interested in advancement of the consciousness should congregate. Anyone sincerely interested in spiritual life, in following the rules and regulations, is either already a sadhu or on their way towards becoming one.

One translation for sadhu is saint. Meet with other saintly people. The good qualities will make an impact. The easiest way is to visit a place of pilgrimage, tirtha. Having some direct connection with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, these areas have many saints living there. The benefit is immediate; meet such a person and bring your questions. Lives can change in a moment.

The second best option is to go to the temple. This is where an authorized replica form of the Supreme Lord has been installed and is worshiped according to standard on a regular basis. God is Adhokshaja. This means that His features cannot be measured by blunt instruments. That is to say He does not have a fixed height or weight.

He is still kind enough to appear in the archa-vigraha, the transcendental body of the deity, to give some understanding of what His features are. Seeing the deity in the proper setting can have the same impact as meeting a saint. Therefore a person should try to visit such a place as often as they can.

The person hearing such advice might have reservations. They are interested in spiritual life, but they know of potential pitfalls to visiting these houses of worship.

1. Always in need of money

The temples are likely set up as non-profit organizations. This is to help raise money. Accepting donations from the general public, the donors can typically deduct the contributions from their taxable income. This is a huge benefit, as it encourages charity.

The issue is that the people running the establishment might step over the line in trying to raise money. For instance, they are always walking with their hand out. They harass every visitor until some donation is made. Not that the people benefitting from the temple visit should be stingy, but too much solicitation can pollute the atmosphere.

2. Run by thieves

Ideally, sadhus live in such a place. This way they can dedicate the entire day to devotional efforts. In the morning they arise early and chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Then they sing various prayers, read from sacred texts, eat sanctified food, and go about with other work that needs to be done. The temple life is so organized that the entire day can be spent occupied in loving service to the Lord.

There is a potential for cheating, however. A cleverly nefarious character realizes rather quickly that he can exploit the situation to his advantage. Put on religious garb, move into the temple, work your way to the leadership position, and relax after that. The place is run by donations, so no work needs to be done. If there is any mismanagement later on that leads to problems, simply sell the temple. Take the money from the proceeds of the sale and move to some other place to retire. Though that money doesn’t belong to them, that person feels entitled since they are puffed up with the power of being in the leadership post.

3. The tendency to socialize

I am genuinely interested in spiritual life. I want to meet with saintly people. I want to hear from the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. I want to only eat prasadam. Therefore I make it a routine to visit the temple.

One problem I run into is socializing. If I missed attending a specific week, everyone asks where I was. They want to know how my job is going. How is family life? Did you hear what happened to that person? Did you vote in the election? What do you think of the leader of the country?

I try to be as polite as possible, but the talk is distracting. It is about nonsense, as well. I would love it if I could just get in and get out without issue. Worship, think of Bhagavan, honor the devotees, and repeat the process the next time around.

Indeed, in this age of Kali cheaters are prevalent even in institutions supposedly focused on spirituality. The temple atmosphere can be polluted rather quickly, and so what is a person left to do?

Fortunately, bhakti-yoga is meant to be unmotivated and uninterrupted. Even with the distractions, impediments and downward spirals in character, there is still every chance for success in this life. The holy names themselves have the power to liberate. The aim is consciousness, after all, and that can be purified in any situation.

Though progress typically occurs more rapidly in association with saintly people, if the physical association isn’t possible or is not ideally presented, there is still access to recorded instructions. Books, audio and video can help to create the temple atmosphere anywhere. There is a reason saints like His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada are considered travelling tirthas.

In Closing:

Travelling great distance to go,

To place feet in tirtha so.

But real benefit to enhance,

Meeting with saint the chance.

The temple for similar purpose created,

But soiled by crooked manager instated.

Bhakti power not on any condition relying,

Rewarded those who sincerely trying.

Two Things That Real Religion Should Be

“The Bhagavatam says: dharmam hi sakshad-bhagavat-pranitam—the path of religion is directly enunciated by the Lord. Therefore, mental speculation or dry arguments cannot help one progress in spiritual life. One has to approach a bona fide spiritual master to receive the knowledge.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 4.34 Purport)

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Is it faith? Do we argue with others on this basis? My religion is better than yours. My religion says this. Your religion says that. How to reconcile amongst the different holy books? What is the correct term for the Divinity? In whom to place all trust? Why are we here? Where will we go after death? Is it all just a way to cope with those things that can’t be explained?

The two words in the Sanskrit term that describes genuine religion help to clear up the confusion. Both are necessary. That is to say the objects referenced by the words must exist in some form; otherwise the religion followed is flawed to some degree.

1. A way of life

Dharma. Not just faith. Not just some belief that can’t be explained. Dharma is the essence of something. It is the characteristic which makes the object. That characteristic does not necessarily have to be seen. For instance, I recognize a song by a particular band based on the sound. The compact disc can have whatever label printed on it, but it is the music which makes the distinction.

With the living being, it is not the outside that determines their existence. There is something on the inside animating. The quality of that living spark is the same in all beings. Large or small, young or old, moving or nonmoving, the spirit soul is what defines life.

That soul has a dharma. The Vedas, the oldest scriptural tradition in the world, originally passed down in aural form and henceforth preserved in the written word of the Sanskrit language, reveal that the soul’s dharma is service. That is to say no matter where you go, which kind of living being you find, there is some kind of service.

In the nonmoving species the ability to exercise that service is hindered to a larger degree than say in the animal species. This is the reason the human birth is considered most auspicious. There is the chance to live real religion. That is also dharma. More than righteousness, piety, the proper way to do things - dharma is a way of life.

It encompasses all aspects of living. From how to deal with heat and cold, the changing of seasons, gain and loss, association and separation, and most importantly, birth and death - dharma is applicable from start to finish. The circumstances are of no issue. Dharma is the same for every person, regardless of the language they speak or the tradition of spirituality passed down from the ancestors.

2. Eternal

The Sanskrit word is sanatana. This means without a beginning. There is also no end. Taking the two words together, sanatana-dharma means the eternal way of living. The time aspect is important to understand since it incorporates the different changes that have occurred in the past, are occurring at present, and will occur in the future.

Sanatana-dharma is thus not limited to the present lifetime. The eternal religion will be applicable in the future, when there is a different body. That is the true meaning to death. The soul inside simply travels to a different place, where a different covering takes over. Prior to life in the womb of the mother, this same soul had a different body.

The eternal religion involving service can only be properly applied to someone else who is eternal. That is to say the imperishable spirit soul is constitutionally situated to serve the Supreme Soul, who has similar properties. The difference with that superior being is that there is never a distinction between body and spirit. God never becomes subject to reincarnation, karma, the laws of nature and so forth.

Sanatana-dharma is the only way to truly love, as there are no expectations. That love cannot be extinguished, only forgotten from time to time. That forgetfulness is what causes birth in the material world, and remembrance is what will bring the soul back to its original position, eternally situated in service at the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

In Closing:

In air, on land or in water faring,

Common trait all species sharing.

This as dharma is known,

Propensity to service shown.

That property lasting forever,

To be removed from spirit never.

Sanatana-dharma thus religion real,

More than just faith appeal.

What About Music As An Expression Of Consciousness

“O son of Kunti [Arjuna], I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable om in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in man.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.8)

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Friend1: Let’s talk about the different ways to realize God.

Friend2: Well, first define who is God.

Friend1: The Almighty. The Supreme Being. The one watching over us. The concept that explains the unexplainable. The origin.

Friend2: Don’t forget Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Friend1: Right, but let’s not get too technical here. The starting point is a person trying to connect with the spiritual. They want to realize the Divine.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: And so there isn’t just one path. Different people realize in different ways.

Friend2: Well, that is true based on understanding alone.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: You don’t have to get to the realization part, yet. Different people understand God in different ways. That’s why there are so many names. That’s why there are many descriptions. In one sense there are too many definitions, which is why to so many people the sound of the word God raises hostility.

Friend1: I get that the names are different, but how about the understandings?

Friend2: From the Vedas we get Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan. The impersonal spiritual energy, which is one but seemingly divided. The plenary expansion residing in the heart with every individual; hence the param prefix added to the word that means “soul.” And the Supreme Person Himself, in His complete feature.

Friend1: Okay, but I don’t think people around the world understand God in those three features.

Friend2: Some attributes here, others there. To some He is the overpowering force. He gives the final judgment. To some He is benevolent, kind-hearted and ever-forgiving.

Friend1: I see. Those are different ways to understand some of the features that belong to the person who is beyond the scope of understanding; as it pertains to the human mind.

Friend2: That’s why there is the Sanskrit word Adhokshaja. Bhagavan’s features cannot be measured by blunt instruments.

Friend1: Let’s transition to realization.

Friend2: Okay, so there are different ways to realize Bhagavan, if you are going for the complete feature. Reading, seeing, smelling, tasting. The senses are there for a reason.

Friend1: Okay, what about through music? I’ve heard it said that music is an expression of consciousness.

Friend2: But consciousness of what?

Friend1: That’s the thing. The Divine is consciousness. Is it not? I’m trying to portray the viewpoint accurately.

Friend2: What are you trying to say?

Friend1: Can you be spiritual through music? Can songs be an expression of the Divine? Isn’t His the Supreme Consciousness?

Friend2: Well, here’s the thing. The very existence of life is an expression of consciousness. That is what it means to be living. This factor is what gives variation to the different species.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: In the trees, for example, consciousness isn’t very developed. A little more so in the animals, but the human beings have the full potential. That is why the human birth is considered auspicious.

Friend1: You’re saying that even the trees are an expression of consciousness.

Friend2: Yes. The very fact that they exist indicates that consciousness is there. That’s what it means to be spiritual. Matter is dull and lifeless. Spirit is the opposite.

Friend1: So there isn’t anything special to music? What about people who feel something different inside them when hearing a great song? What about being transported to a different dimension and the like, through the emotions elicited from hearing?

Friend2: From the Bhagavad-gita we learn that Shri Krishna is the ability in man. When we see exceptional ability in the composition and performance of music, we should know that God has a hand. He is the ability in the background, the foundation, so to speak. If He weren’t a factor, then every person would have equal ability in every area of exercise.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: As far as expressing consciousness, in most cases songs are describing human emotions related to dealing with a material existence. A person identifies with a particular song because they have similar struggles. If you take to bhakti life, then the same ability to express changes in nature.

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: You begin to express the emotions felt in union with the Divine, yoga. The music expresses the spiritual consciousness. There is a dramatic difference. The influence is also not the same. Just from hearing such works of art a person can have their consciousness purified. That is the bhakti effect; devotion to God is connecting to Him and connecting all aspects of life to Him, including music.

In Closing:

Not just from music to see,

Consciousness even in tree.

Very definition of living,

Proof all corners giving.

When connected to God the same,

Different potency from holy name.

Nature changing just from sound,

Towards Divine stronger bound.

Five Aspects To Assimilating Bhakti Life

“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)

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It’s not a competition. One team against another. The supporters defending their side, arguing against others they view as opponents. “My religion says this. My religion says that. Your religion is different.”

Genuine spiritual life should go beyond faith. Rather than a hope and a prayer that something is true, put every faculty gifted to the human being to use. In Sanskrit this way of life is known as sanatana-dharma, which has synonymous terms like bhagavata-dharma and bhakti-yoga.

1. Logic

Two plus two equals four. This is logical. The truth comes down first through the descending process of knowledge transfer. That is to say someone teaches it to me. While sitting in the classroom, I can put the principle to memory, ready to invoke when necessary.

Another option is to make a test for it myself. If I take two apples from one table and join them with two more from another table, how many apples do I now have? The answer is always four. No matter how many tests I do, the result is the same. Practical realization, vijnana, supports the theoretical knowledge, jnana.

In bhakti life so many aspects are understood logically, starting with the foundation of the difference between matter and spirit. The individual is spirit soul, covered by gross and subtle material elements. Combined together, those elements form what is known as the deha, or body. The deha is always changing, starting from birth through to the time of death.

This truth is as logical as the two plus two equation. The principle applies to every living thing. The body types may vary, the external appearance is not always the same, there are various capabilities and levels of intelligence, but the basic distinction, the dividing line between proper identity and improper, is always the same.

2. Reason

If I put the furniture together the wrong way, it stands to reason that something will go wrong in the future. The negative consequence may not manifest right away. It might be many years after the fact. A husband sits down on the sofa that I put together the wrong way. The sofa breaks upon contact, and the wife starts yelling at him for either being too heavy or not knowing how to sit properly.

In fact, it was my error that caused the breakage. The cause was a sin, in effect. In the same way, all behavior has some consequence. This is known as karma in Sanskrit. Action and reaction. The results are unseen and indefinite in duration, but there is always an action as the root cause.

“Unseen and indefinite are the good and bad reactions of fruitive work. And without taking action, the desired fruits of such work cannot manifest.” (Lakshmana speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 66.17)

A reasonable person understands these truths and more presented in bhakti life. Faith is not required. If there is doubt, make a test through studying the behavior of others. If you decide to stay in bed tomorrow, will there be no consequences? If you do good deeds, are there not some rewards? Does bad behavior not catch up to someone eventually?

3. Understanding

Take the principles learned and see how they apply to other people. The two plus two equation works for more than just apples. The changing of the bodies is not only for people of a specific faith. Heaven and hell, two relative conditions that already show themselves to a certain degree on earth, apply to every person. It is not that only people who go to a specific house of worship will get to travel to heaven, and that everyone else is forever condemned, with no chance of redemption.

4. Insightful inquiries

Accept the teachings of bhakti on faith at first. This is how formal knowledge gathering works already. The majority of people watching the weather forecast on television know nothing about meteorology. They trust the information given to them, since many times in the past predictions have been later verified.

“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)

There is no reason to be prohibited by faith, however. Make insightful inquiries. Do so in a humble and submissive way, so that the spiritual teacher will be comfortable sharing information that is so important to them. Bring every doubt to the table. Ask every question that comes to mind, so as to have confidence in the path going forward.

5. Contemplation over the entire picture

Bhakti life is not only about ascending to heaven in the afterlife. Sure, there is the promise of no more rebirth, of no longer having to spin on the wheel of suffering known as reincarnation. There is the promise made by the Supreme Personality of Godhead that those who think of Him at the time of death attain His nature.

“And whoever, at the time of death, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.5)

The teachings are so comprehensive that the entire picture becomes clearer. That is to say a student of bhakti-yoga learns about both the material and the spiritual. They know enough about material life to continue on, to use the changing situations to their advantage. They know that in spiritual life the dividing line between body and spirit goes away. There is such a thing as the spiritual body, known as the svarupa.

In the liberated state the devotee can survive anywhere and everywhere. They maintain their connection to God in what is known as yoga. Heaven, hell, earth, pious and impious are no longer of concern, as in the pure state of existence there is only the interest of Shri Krishna on the consciousness.

In Closing:

Faith and belief beyond,

Something to dwell upon.

On which the consciousness to fix,

No more after illusion’s trick.

Logic like math equations testing,

Reason in consequences manifesting.

To the table bringing every doubt,

For eternal bliss to bring about.

Like Going To The Office

“The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.61)

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Friend1: You ever meet people who are against the idea of going to the temple?

Friend2: Because they don’t believe in God or that within the realm of religion they are not fond of that particular practice?

Friend1: The latter. They believe in God., but others broadcasting that information is like an affront to their sensibilities.

Friend2: You mean if I were to say I visit such and such place of worship every week, you would take offense. “Who are you to think that you are more religious than me?”

Friend1: That’s exactly it. The intention on your side is not to compare. You are engaging in basic conversation. It’s the answer to the question of what you do on the weekends. However, they become defensive and start to make excuses. Sometimes if the argument goes deep enough, they’ll condemn the practice altogether.

Friend2: On what grounds?

Friend1: That it is unnecessary. You can worship in the home. Set up an altar. Offer incense, flowers, fruit and the like.

Friend2: Well, that is certainly authorized. You can take the direct quote from the Bhagavad-gita:

“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.26)

Friend1: Another argument is that God is within everyone. Meditate on the Almighty residing within the heart.

Friend2: Well, another quote from the Bhagavad-gita supports that. Krishna is resting within everyone’s heart. This includes the non-human species. He is the superior director. The individual is really seated on a machine that they think they have full control over.

Friend1: What are you saying here? Visiting the temple is not worth it? These people are correct?

Friend2: No single practice in the bhakti culture is a nonnegotiable requirement. That is why Prahlada Maharaja mentions nine different processes when answering his Daitya father. You can bet there was no temple worship in that kingdom. Prahlada had no place to go. He meditated internally, and yet he didn’t condemn other outlets of devotion. Just hearing is enough. You put enough time and attention into hearing about Hari, the personal side of the Divine, and your life will become perfect.

Friend1: I think I know the answers here, but from hearing this discussion a person might ask what is the purpose of the temple to begin with. If I can achieve perfection through hearing or meditating, why set up some place that is always in need of funds, that might be run by cheaters and thieves, and which today involves socializing and other such distracting behavior?

Friend2: Consciousness is the key. Whatever way to get it to change from material to spiritual.

Friend1: The nature itself or what the focus is on?

Friend2: Mind, intelligence and ego are material. They are subtle elements. Consciousness is what accompanies the individual from body to body. Sometimes that consciousness cannot develop fully, like with the non-human species. It is there to some degree, because that is the definition of living. The nature of the individual doesn’t change, since they are always spiritual, part of the marginal Divine energy. The focus of the consciousness is what determines the nature of living, known as bhava.

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

Friend1: The temple is about consciousness, then?

Friend2: Think of it this way. If you want to educate your child, there are options, correct?

Friend1: As in what school to go to.

Friend2: Go beyond that. There are different schools, but homeschooling is an option, also. Why doesn’t every person do that?

Friend1: Oh, there are many reasons. The parents want the kids to socialize. They don’t have the time to spend with the children. They don’t feel up to the task of educating someone else on topics they learned many years before.

Friend2: Those are valid reasons. Another is that the environment of school is more conducive to learning. The same education can be achieved while sitting at the kitchen table. It can be accomplished while lying down in bed, even. But when active participation is a requirement, sitting up on a solid chair is a better position, in most cases. Having other students around should help, as well.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: Another example is going to the office for work. In the modern day, so many people telecommute; i.e. they work from home. It’s helpful for a lot of reasons, but there are negatives. It is easier to procrastinate when your bedroom is only feet away. There are more distractions at home. Going to the office might be the only way a person can get any work done.

Friend1: And so the temple is like a place that is more conducive to practicing spiritual life, though ostensibly the same can be accomplished anywhere.

Friend2: Yes, there are other people interested in the same thing. It’s like going to a club meeting. If you make a habit of it, from just seeing the deity, offering obeisances, and smelling the flowers offered you will make advancement. Throw in chanting the holy names and you are on your way back home, back to Godhead.

In Closing:

Just from routine to pray,

To Godhead on your way.

Benefit from temple deity seeing,

From material consciousness freeing.

Like having an office routine renew,

The distractions limited and few.

Conducive for progress making,

So advantage of temple taking.