How Do You Explain Walking Around The Tree To Someone New

“Even a leaf, a flower, a bit of fruit, or a little water, which are all available in every part of the world, can be offered by any person, regardless of social position, and will be accepted if offered with love. There are many instances in history. Simply by tasting the tulasi leaves offered to the lotus feet of the Lord, great sages like Sanatkumara became great devotees. Therefore the devotional process is very nice, and it can be executed in a happy mood. God accepts only the love with which things are offered to Him.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 9.2 Purport)

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Friend1: You know I love to bring in the perspective of the outsider.

Friend2: Outsider to what?

Friend1: Bhakti-yoga.

Friend2: The concept, the theory, or devotional practices themselves?

Friend1: The lifestyle. Try to see from the angle of vision of the person who has never set foot inside a Vishnu-related temple before.

Friend2: Do they know anything about Vedic culture?

Friend1: From the periphery, and what they understand falls into the category of Hinduism. I must say, even to children growing up in such a culture a lot of the imagery doesn’t make sense.

Friend2: It’s beautiful, but a lot to take in. Speculation won’t do much for you.

Friend1: And so it is easy to lose this perspective once you become immersed in the bhakti way of life.

Friend2: It’s sort of like trying to remember what life was like before you could read.

Friend1: Or talk, even. Anyway, so one thing I’m sure newcomers might find a little strange is the walking around the tree.

Friend2: There is a tree implanted inside the temple? That is news to me. If that is the case, you should inform the media. On the nightly telecast they can show how devotees of Vishnu have managed to subvert nature and keep a large tree indoors.

Friend1: You know what I am referring to. Tulasi Devi.

Friend2: Oh, and the worship involving circumambulation? She is more a plant in that sense, which people are known to keep inside of homes.

Friend1: Whatever the label, we do see people place a few drops of water, walk around in a circle and sing songs. How to explain what is going on?

Friend2: You think people would find this more strange than say gazing upon an opulently adorned statue at the front of the room?

Friend1: Yes, because statues are everywhere. They make life-size ones of basketball players. There is a humongous one of a former president sitting down. That kind of idolatry is not out of the ordinary. And yes, I understand that the deity in the temple is not an idol. It is the archa-vigraha, the worshipable form of the Almighty. Yet another sign of His causeless mercy by appearing in supposedly material elements.

Friend2: In order to help us understand Him. We don’t know what nirguna really means, so God shows us something that is apparently saguna, or with distinguishable qualities.

Friend1: I know Tulasi Devi is the goddess of devotion. You worship her, who appears in the form of the plant, and you receive blessings in your bhakti endeavors.

Friend2: This is very important to understand. The spiritual abode of the original Personality of Godhead, the highest planet in even the imperishable universe, is known as Vrindavana. The root meaning is “a forest area where the goddess of devotion is found in abundance.” Vrinda Devi is another form of Tulasi. Shri Krishna lives in a place where devotion and the goddess representing her are everywhere.

Friend1: Okay, but what is worshiping a tree going to do? You understand what I am saying? Isn’t there an element of faith involved?

Friend2: Of course. No doubt about it. Doesn’t make sense to hold the cow in such high esteem, either, but just see what results when she is protected. She provides so much value to human society. A single animal doing so much, both while living and after. The same is true of Tulasi Devi. There are stories of people becoming great saints just by tasting tulasi leaves previously offered at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. The celebrated saint who composed the Ramacharitamanasa earned the favor of the goddess and received a name that marked his devotion to her.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: You can attempt to give the extended explanation, delving deep into the philosophy, but the mercy of God is such that any person can make advancement without extraordinary effort. Worshiping Tulasi Devi is one way.

In Closing:

When circumambulating way,

What about tulasi for others to say?

That so much coming from tree,

Devotion’s goddess is she.

Faith not required some,

That so easily benefits to come?

Not necessary in-depth reflective,

Processes of bhakti always effective.

Four Reasons Hanuman Is Known As Lakshmivan

“The fortunate Hanuman, the son of the wind, upon hearing those words of Sita, a new insult to him, thought:” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.31)

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सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा हनुमान्मारुतात्मजः।
चिन्तयामास लक्ष्मीवान्नवं परिभवं कृतम्।।

sītāyā vacanam śrutvā hanūmān māruta ātmajaḥ |
cintayāmāsa lakṣmīvān navam paribhavam kṛtam ||

Found in a shloka of the Ramayana, Shri Hanuman is described to be lakshmivan. The description is in the positive, a compliment, stated when there is simultaneously an insult, paribhavam. The negative words relate to one of his ideas, but even that was positively-rooted.

Shri Hanuman wanted to return Sita Devi to her beloved husband, Shri Rama. The idea was to carry her on his back, traveling via the same aerial route that had brought him to Lanka in the first place. The initial response from Sita was not praise. Instead, it was a reference to the monkey-nature in the devoted servant of the Supreme Lord.

The lakshmivan description is nonetheless accurate, as the different definitions of the word each apply to the person sent by Rama to look for His missing wife, who was suffering greatly at the hands of Ravana, the king of Lanka.

1. Physical appearance

A monkey was conspicuous in Lanka. Not that the people were pious and pure themselves. They had association with animals, but mostly through consumption. One of the hallmark traits of the asura is lack of control over the senses. One of the more difficult senses to control is taste, and so the asura in quality has little discrimination in eating. The Rakshasas in Lanka were known as man-eaters, and their leader Ravana had a voracious appetite, which suited his ten mouths very well.

On the outside Hanuman looked like a monkey. More than what is typically encountered today, this species could talk. Though Sanskrit terms like kapi and hari that translate to “monkey” are used, Vanara is the most accurate description. This word means “forest dweller.” The race to which Hanuman belonged were monkey-like human beings.

Despite appearing in that form, Hanuman still had tremendous beauty. He is worshiped in so many temples and homes around the world today. Those physical forms are not lacking beauty. The source is devotion, bhakti. The inner qualities lead to exemplary and praiseworthy behavior, which makes Hanuman’s form one the eyes can gaze upon for lifetime upon lifetime.

2. The flight across the ocean

As stated previously, the beautiful Hanuman took a flight across the ocean. This was in an enlarged form that leaped off a mountaintop. The scene was so beautiful that the devas were watching from above. The demigods, who are beautiful themselves, marveled at the ability and dedication of the servant of Shri Rama.

3. Continuous fame

Another meaning to lakshmivan is “illustrious.” Hanuman’s fame has continued into the present day. He has suffered no diminution through the passage of time. He has the special blessing to remain in his body for as long as Rama’s glories continue to be told. He had the chance to elevate to the spiritual heaven, to leave this planet of birth and death for good, but he chose to show that liberation can occur while staying right where you are.

4. The blessings of the goddess of fortune

Lakshmi also refers to the goddess of fortune, who is the eternal consort of the Supreme Lord. Hanuman is indeed lakshmivan, despite hearing the first insult from Sita Devi. She is an incarnation of Lakshmi, as Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu, the personal side of God.

Though his idea was rejected and an insult offered, neither side took that part of the conversation seriously. That is to say neither was the rejection nor the insult remembered for very long. In fact, Sita Devi would show so much appreciation to Hanuman for his efforts. That fearless messenger has all of his needs taken care of by Rama’s wife, so that he is not required to leave his bhajana for a moment. Such is the grace and kindness of the person most dear to the prince of Ayodhya.

In Closing:

Hanuman as Lakshmivan known,

Through different attributes shown.

Like beauty in physical appearance,

Famous leap over ocean clearance.

Continuing fame to this day,

Fortunate those his name to say.

Lakshmi Devi’s favor receiving,

Blessed those in him believing.

Why Is Someone Attached To Krishna So Praiseworthy

“In the paramahamsa stage one conquers the desire for sleep, food and sense gratification. One remains a humble, meek mendicant engaged in the service of the Lord day and night. Madhavendra Puri had attained this paramahamsa stage.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 4.123 Purport)

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Friend1: If we think about the saints of the Vedic tradition, they seem to be praised for one thing.

Friend2: Really? If you read about their lives I’m sure you would find many aspects that are worthy of study, honor, plaudits and emulation.

Friend1: I acknowledge that, but everything centers around a specific feature.

Friend2: Are you trying to create your own version of the verse from the Bhagavad-gita, where Krishna talks about pearls on a string?

“O conqueror of wealth [Arjuna], there is no Truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.7)

Friend1: I wasn’t, but that is a good comparison.

Friend2: What is that feature?

Friend1: These saints were completely attached to the Supreme Lord. You can start with Narada Muni.

Friend2: The traveler of the three worlds.

Friend1: He is known for repeating the holy name of Narayana, carrying his vina, and helping others to enter into the same occupation.

Friend2: Sometimes that unsolicited advice is not appreciated. The recipients always benefit, but the relatives might not be so happy.

Friend1: As in the case of Daksha, when Narada liberated his sons.

Friend2: Yes.

Friend1: You start with Narada, but go down the list and the same attribute is found. One person left their wife and family after having so much attachment to them. They realized the folly of their ways, that devotion to God the person was being suppressed. Another person worshiped the deity in the temple so much that God began talking to them through that supposedly material form.

Friend2: Appearing to them in a dream, even, like with Madhavendra Puri.

Friend1: Another example of a renounced person, completely attached to Krishna.

Friend2: Proving that the archa-vigraha, the worshipable form, is not material. In fact, there are so many such encounters both documented in literature and passed on in aural tradition.

Friend1: Sakshi-gopala is one of the more famous interactions.

Friend2: Shri Krishna as the witness. The deity walking behind the brahmana who was cheated by others.

Friend1: You have saints who lived in caves. Some slept under trees. They barely ate anything. They just did bhajana all the time. Worship in the outward manner. More than just internal meditation, they lived bhakti in a way that others could see and benefit.

Friend2: Okay, so what is the point? Are you threatened by their behavior? Are you upset that these people are considered saints?

Friend1: I’m considering the perspective of the outsider. Would they not take the attachment to be the same?

Friend2: What do you mean?

Friend1: In essence, what is so special about being attached to Krishna? One person is attached to their dog. Another to their children. This person to their spouse. We don’t have books written about that. There is nothing extraordinary about feeling strong attachment to someone.

Friend2: You know the answer to this.

Friend1: Living the renounced way of life, barely eating and sleeping, only to chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Why should that earn you any distinction over others who have similar attachments?

Friend2: The key word is “similar.” Those attachments bear resemblance, but are of a different nature. You are raising an issue, but in fact you are indirectly offering further praise to the bhakti practice. Indeed, so many aspects appear similar. Yet the results are completely different. Peace of mind. Equanimity. Lack of discrimination in treatment. The spiritual vision, applying to all living beings. Lack of fear over the future. The inherent understanding of the way the world works, with the guaranteed changes to occur. You don’t get any such benefits from attachment to the material.

Friend1: Then there is no similarity.

Friend2: There is the appearance of similarity, but studying further provides a proper understanding. As Krishna indeed says in the Bhagavad-gita, everything rests on Him. This means that if you are attached to Him, you acquire every quality necessary for meeting the ultimate objective of life.

In Closing:

Not many possessions to keep,

At night barely to sleep.

Only when offered to eat,

Otherwise in meditation’s seat.

Worshiping Krishna to whom attached,

To material and senses detached.

Though to others similar appearing,

Exclusively liberation’s path clearing.

The Only Child Entering The Real World

“The fortunate Hanuman, the son of the wind, upon hearing those words of Sita, a new insult to him, thought:” (Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.31)

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सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा हनुमान्मारुतात्मजः।
चिन्तयामास लक्ष्मीवान्नवं परिभवं कृतम्।।

sītāyā vacanam śrutvā hanūmān māruta ātmajaḥ |
cintayāmāsa lakṣmīvān navam paribhavam kṛtam ||

It is said that one of the dangers of having only one child is that they will grow up to be spoiled. It only makes sense. The parents are so taken by their little one that it is difficult to let go. From childhood into adulthood they are treated as the baby in the family, as there is no other reference point; no comparison.

Whatever that child wants, they get. Lavish praise and attention from other family members. No concept of sharing within the household. No example to set for younger ones. No getting blamed for something you didn’t do just because you are the oldest. No friendship with someone of a closer age within the same home.

Of course not every situation follows the same pattern, but the concern is there. How will a person who has experienced nothing but unconditional love, always in the positive direction, handle the difficult and harsh real world? People will not be so nice. There will be insults hurled. There will be emphasis on sharing. The only child will not always get their way.

A similar situation Shri Hanuman faced, with regards to outside treatment. He had already braved a world full of hostility and danger. Travelling to Lanka via the aerial route was not easy. The devas, the demigods living in the heavenly region, intentionally placed obstacles along his path. This was to test the devoted messenger’s ability, to see just how capable he was in delivering for the Supreme Lord, Shri Rama.

“I offer my obeisances unto you, O daughter of Daksha. Indeed, I have entered your mouth, and the truth of the boon granted to you has been maintained. I shall now go to where Vaidehi is.” (Hanuman speaking to Surasa, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 1.169)

Hanuman dealt with bad characters who had enhanced abilities due to previous curses and benedictions. One person could catch someone from seeing their shadow. Another insisted that the only way to continue forward was to first enter her mouth. Hanuman found a way around both issues. Then he dealt with the gatekeeper in Lanka, the place in which he needed to search.

Hanuman overcame so many obstacles until he finally met success. He received the direct meeting with Sita Devi, the goddess of fortune. She was the intended recipient of the message. A long way to go for a postman-like mission, but Hanuman would do anything for Rama.

In fact, he was known to go to any length to please and protect his friends. For this reason he received nothing but praise from those around him. Sugriva, the chief minister of the Vanaras in Kishkindha, looked at Hanuman as the most trusted advisor. Shri Rama noticed the value upon the first meeting.

“O sinless one, certainly, how can any king accomplish his objectives if he doesn't have such a messenger working for him?” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha-kanda, 3.34)

Prior to embarking on the mission to find Sita, it was Hanuman who received Rama’s ring to give to her. The one who is antaryami, the all-pervading witness, the Supersoul residing within every living being’s heart, understood that of all the people working under Sugriva it would most likely be Hanuman to succeed.

For these reasons and more Hanuman is known as Lakshmivan. He is in full possession of lakshmi, which has several meanings. Beauty, wealth, splendor, fame – every one applies to Hanuman. Those who knew him only had good things to say about him.

How, then, to deal with an insult, which is described above as nava? This means “new,” which implies that Hanuman was not accustomed to hearing such words. Enemies behave this way, but not someone who is respected in every way like Sita Devi.

It is interesting that Sita is herself Lakshmi. The Sanskrit word also references the personification of those attributes. A goddess who resides in the spiritual world, Lakshmi Devi is the eternal consort of the Supreme Lord Narayana, who incarnated on earth as Shri Rama. Lakshmi simultaneously appeared as Sita Devi.

The one who is lakshmivan took the words in stride. This was just another moment of adversity to handle. Keeping the mission of pleasing Shri Rama in mind, the son of the wind, who swiftly coursed over the ocean, was able to proceed forward in a positive manner, giving inspiration to present and future generations of devotees.

In Closing:

That servant glorified in many ways,

Previously accustomed only to praise.

Like after Shri Rama first to meet,

Praising Lord with verses sweet.

Obstacles in ocean leap overcame,

But then from Sita first insult came.

Accepted since properly situated in mind,

Soon most blessings from her to find.

Alpa Sharira

“O best of the monkeys, how do you desire to take me from here to the presence of my husband, the king of human beings, with such a small body?” (Sita Devi, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 37.30)

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कथं वाल्पशरीरस्त्वं मामितो नेतुमिच्छसि।
सकाशं मानवेन्द्रस्य भर्तुर्मे प्लवगर्षभ।।

kathaṃ vālpaśarīrastvaṃ māmito netumicchasi।
sakāśaṃ mānavendrasya bharturme plavagarṣabha।।
katham vā alpa śarīraḥ tvam mām ito netum icchasi |
sakāśam mānava indrasya bhartuḥ me plavaga ṛṣabha ||

You have been given a task. Create a large covered area in the backyard, which right now is a grass field. This is for a wedding at a home, done particularly for convenience and cost. By not booking a traditional hall, the newlyweds intend to use the savings for future expenses.

The most practical option is to create a tent. Purchase the materials that already exist, since this is not an uncommon task. People host events outdoors all the time. There is past experience to rely on. As the guest list is quite large, the tent needs to accommodate many seats underneath. There will also be a place to serve food. A dance floor is necessary, as well.

You drive a truck to the parts supplier and then load everything into the back. Reaching the venue, the same parts get unloaded and then assembled. After the event concludes, the process needs to be repeated in the reverse. Take down the tent, disassemble everything that is connected, load into the truck and then unload back to the supplier.

For this task the hands and legs are primarily used. The prior vision is within the mind, but just thinking about the end does not make it occur. There has to be work applied. That work must include use of the hands and legs. Those who are lacking strength, who do not move around very well, or who have no motivation in the area of manual labor will likely not succeed in the task.

Compare this to Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is said that He can accomplish any task with any part of His body. This is one of the reasons the four objects in the four hands of Lord Vishnu, the visual manifestation of the Almighty in opulence, are equally auspicious. Though the club and the disc are traditionally viewed as weapons, the flower and the conch-shell can also accomplish the same. That is to say that although a flower is light and known to crumple with the least amount of pressure applied, if Vishnu wanted He could use one to successfully attack an enemy.

Similar contradictory features exist on Bhagavan’s transcendental body. Though His body is soft to the touch, like the shirisha flower, it can be as hard as adamant, like the time absorbing a blow to the chest from Bhrigu Muni, which was part of a test to see which of the three presiding deities of the creation possesses the mode of goodness in full.

“My dear father, O great sage, I know that your feet are very soft, like a lotus flower, and that My chest is as hard as a thunderbolt. I am therefore afraid that you may have felt some pain by touching My chest with your feet. Let Me therefore touch your feet to relieve the pain you have suffered.” (Lord Vishnu speaking to Bhrigu Muni, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 2, Ch 34)

The dual-sidedness in ability is passed on to a certain degree to the devotees, i.e. those who are serving Bhagavan in thought, word, and deed. Completely pure in intention, Shri Hanuman has no interest in extending his fame, though today he is known throughout the world. He has no interest in showing off, though he has the most over which to boast. He has no interest in achieving mystic perfections, though his abilities rival those of the best yogis.

In the above referenced verse from the Ramayana, Sita Devi refers to Hanuman as having an alpa-sharira. In Sanskrit the alpa prefix has the opposite pairing of su. One means lesser and the other greater. The words can also refer to other pairs of opposites, such as inauspicious and auspicious, small and large, and ugly and beautiful.

In this context the reference is to “small,” stating that Hanuman’s body is not large enough to carry Sita back to her husband, Shri Rama. The distance is quite considerable, across a vast ocean. She is an adult woman, though emaciated by grief due to a long time of forced separation, brought on by the wicked king of Lanka, Ravana.

Despite the smallish body, Hanuman does have the ability. He had crossed over the ocean using a size enhanced by yogic power. This was done in service to Rama, so the Supreme Lord helped. The same Vishnu with the soft and hard chest was there as the prince of Ayodhya to boost His devotees to new heights, overcoming great obstacles in the process.

The visuals are not everything, as even the apparently weak female held prisoner in Lanka was capable of destroying the entire community, should she have chosen to use her powers acquired through dedicated vows to her husband, who is Bhagavan Himself. Connected to the Divine in yoga, a person can defy the laws of nature in ways similar to the Supreme Lord.

In Closing:

Bhagavan not by nature restricted,

With qualities each other contradicted.

Body like flower soft and light,

But hard when against enemy fight.

Ability to devotees descending,

Like Hanuman’s form extending.

To what can be seen more,

Success to Rama’s servants for sure.

Why So Much Emphasis On Preaching

“For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.68)

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Friend1: From reading the books of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, one thing comes across loud and clear.

Friend2: That Mayavadis are bad?

Friend1: Okay, two things [smiling].

Friend2: One slight clarification. Though they are his books, nothing is made up. They are based on scriptural texts of importance in the Vedic tradition. The most well-known book is the translation and commentary on Bhagavad-gita, appropriately titled Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

Friend1: Because it doesn’t rely on speculation. Supporting is the authority of parampara, the disciplic succession. The same truths, but with slight variations in presentation accounting for time and circumstance.

Friend2: Remember, the languages are not the same. There was no English spoken during the time Krishna delivered the Song of God to Arjuna. The original sounds are preserved; at least we can rely on that. But people are known to cheat, to use religion to further their material objectives. It is best to consult a translation where the spirit of the commentator is the same as Arjuna’s.

Friend1: Who is a devotee.

Friend2: Someone not opposed to Krishna. A person who recognizes the existence of God and how He can be a person, even a beautiful, two-handed youth acting as a charioteer.

Friend1: The other message that kind of gets thrown in your face, to me anyways, is preaching. It is important to spread Krishna consciousness, to awaken others from the slumber. What you have learned, give to others.

Friend2: Yes, does that not make sense to you?

Friend1: I just don’t know how effective it will be. What is the time and circumstance here? I know that some people will not be receptive. They will make a mockery of the sacred text.

Friend2: And Krishna does conclude His conversation by saying that a person who studies this work worships Him by their intelligence.

Friend1: That people who discuss these teachings amongst the devotees are the most dear to Him.

Friend2: No one can be more dear. Okay, so what is the issue?

Friend1: I feel almost threatened in a way. That if I am not actively preaching, I am somehow a traitor to the Vedas.

Friend2: You feel pressure?

Friend1: That’s probably the best way to put it. Reminds me a little of these pyramid schemes.

Friend2: What do you mean?

Friend1: Where you sign up for this service, and the only way to make money is to sign other people up. It is a kind of preaching, where you tell everyone how great the product is. Meanwhile, the only thing great about it is that you make money by generating referrals.

Friend2: Oh, like those electricity companies that are popping up? People are always trying to get me to sign up for that.

Friend1: You ask for more details and you come to find out that the prices aren’t even lower. There is no benefit except to the person selling.

Friend2: Amusing for sure, but you know that bhakti is different, right? You can’t compare.

Friend1: Why?

Friend2: The preaching is not only for increasing the number of members. Trust me, the travelling saint Narada Muni is not patting his back over how so many famous saints were taught by him. The idea is that if you love someone so much, if you have found this amazing way of life through good fortune and chance encounters, why not share it with others? If we eat at a good restaurant, we will surely tell our friends. If there is a discount deal from an airline, we likely won’t keep the knowledge to ourselves.

Friend1: Yes, but you’re using the same analogy then. It’s selling something!

Friend2: But there is no cost. The only price is sacrifice, yajna. Dedicate some time and energy to chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Read Bhagavad-gita, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and related works. Follow the four regulative principles. It may seem like work in the beginning, but soon everything will change. Your entire outlook on life, how you view the world, will improve.

Friend1: Well, if you put it that way…

Friend2: Plus, there is something else to consider.

Friend1: What is that?

Friend2: Through preaching you will actually gain a better understanding of the principles. Additionally, you will have more appreciation for the guru, the person who instructed you in bhakti-yoga.

Friend1: How is that?

Friend2: You will understand what they go through. As an example, a person becomes a parent for the first time. They always had respect for their own parents; don’t get me wrong. But not until they know what it’s like to be awoken in the middle of the night to feed an infant, to deal with uncontrollable crying, to sacrifice personal desires for someone else, will they fully appreciate what their own parents went through.

Friend1: That is a good point.

Friend2: If you have to explain the concepts of reincarnation, the difference between matter and spirit, the three modes of nature, the difference between false and real egos, the position of God with respect to the innumerable living entities, the deficiencies in other paths of spirituality, the difference between pure and impure devotion, and so forth you will have much more confidence in the path yourself. You will become closer to the person you are worshiping, upasana.

In Closing:

From teachers pressure to feel,

That necessary a sales appeal.

Responsible for corrective track placing.

Otherwise a traitor, the other way facing.

But not ordinary product like selling,

Personal benefit when to others telling.

Guru and Krishna to appreciate more,

Better understanding of principles core.

Five Paths Arjuna Could Have Chosen Prior To The Bharata War

“I would consider it better for the sons of Dhritarashtra to kill me unarmed and unresisting, rather than fight with them.” (Arjuna, Bhagavad-gita, 1.45)

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Arjuna was worried. There was concern over the future. Perhaps the doubts lived in the back of his mind for a long time, only to manifest in full at this critical moment. On the precipice of a great war, the leading fighter for his side, the one representing dharma, or righteousness, did not want to proceed further.

Taking the matter to his guru and well-wisher, Shri Krishna, there was hope that the proper decision would be reached. No more doubts. No chance of incurring sin, and no regrets after the fact. The teacher happened to also be the charioteer. Thus Arjuna did not require visiting a distant place. The guidebook for living in any time period was there to consult, coming through in the beautiful words emanating from Bhagavan Himself.

1. Join the other side

This was the initial concern, that there were respected members with the opposition. The Kauravas had done wrong; of this there was no doubt. The kingdom of Hastinapura, which essentially controlled the entire world, rightfully belonged to Arjuna and his brothers. Instead, the cousins, headed by the wicked Duryodhana, took control. This was an unjust act, and to make matters worse the Kauravas tried to kill the Pandavas in so many ways, to remove any future opposition, so that the proper payback would never arrive.

In the midst of these crimes, which were fresh in the memory, Arjuna still had a soft spot for the other side. He could have joined them. That would solve the problem, except then new ones would arise. Arjuna would have to fight against his own brothers. He would also be considered the greatest traitor, which he did not want.

2. Retreat to the forest

This was a viable option. Just drop your weapons and go live in a remote area. No one to bother you. No violence to see. No bloodshed in which to be involved. No killing on your conscience. Just retire and meditate. Become a yogi.

In response Shri Krishna explained the different kinds of yoga, as they are understood by the wise. Though the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, Arjuna’s charioteer always cites Vedic authority. This is to show the proper way, the etiquette followed by the genuine spiritual master. There is no making things up. There is no concocting theories that aren’t based in past authority and evidences.

Retreating wasn’t an option for Arjuna because it was ill-rooted. He was trying to avoid responsibility and the supposed accompanying sin, but leaving aside his dependents was actually just as sinful. The mentality was rooted in concern for bodily welfare, as well, which means that the spiritual vision was lacking.

3. Become a travelling preacher

If going to the forest and escaping the situation weren’t viable, how about travelling to different places and spreading the message of Divine love? Become like the person teaching him, a guru, and liberate the whole world. Surely there wouldn’t be sin as a result? Narada Muni is already known to live like this, and he is so dear to the Supreme Lord.

4. Go on a suicide mission

Similar to dropping the weapons, what if Arjuna gave the visual appearance of an active participant but then didn’t actually fight? Show up on the battlefield, but don’t release any arrows. Let the other side kill you. Hopefully no sin in this way.

In truth, by becoming an unwilling combatant Arjuna would invite sin for the opposing side. He was concerned with their welfare, after all, and so by attacking someone who was not fighting, there would be a violation of the code of conduct for warriors. It wouldn’t help Arjuna’s side, either, as they might become dispirited upon witnessing his defeat.

5. Proceed forward, thinking of Krishna the whole time

The best of yogis is the one who is always thinking of Krishna. Meditating in truth, keeping the thoughts fixed on His interest. Arjuna had the luxury of not having to search after God; the Supreme Lord was right there next to Him. The advice offered by Krishna was perfect.

Proceed forward. Prosecute the war, fighting valiantly. Cast aside concern over the outcome. Releasing arrows in a fury would be exactly the same as sitting in a remote cave and repeating the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Before great war to begin,

Arjuna on how to avoid sin.

Option one for forest retreat,

In peace take meditation’s seat.

Another accept opposition’s shelter,

Or without fighting battlefield enter.

To proceed and think of Krishna the best,

Work in devotion, let Him sort out the rest.