Three Aspects Of The Body Impacted By Anger

“Material desires, when unsatiated, generate anger, and thus the mind, eyes and chest become agitated. Therefore, one must practice to control them before one gives up this material body. One who can do this is understood to be self-realized and is thus happy in the state of self-realization.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 5.23 Purport)

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There is something called “anger management”. It is a form of therapy. A trained professional working with the affected individual. At the root of the treatment is intelligence. Knowledge; in this case, “knowing better.”

As is often the case, the person with uncontrolled anger later regrets their actions. That tennis player shouldn’t have fired the ball into the stands. That batter shouldn’t have cursed at the umpire and kicked dirt over their feet. That motorist shouldn’t have intentionally driven so close to the vehicle in front of them.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada provides further details into the influence of anger. He also reveals the root cause. The discussion is within the context of becoming a yogi. A corresponding term is svami, which refers to a person who has control. A gosvami controls their senses, and this is the key to happiness.

1. The mind

The cause of anger is uncontrolled material desires. The Sanskrit word is “kama.” This can also be translated as “lust.” Something that I want. A goal towards which I strive. An objective to hopefully be met in the future. Desiring that someone behaves a certain way towards me.

These are examples of kama. Since we are not God, since we do not have full control over outcomes, it is inevitable to see failure in satisfying kama. The immediate result is frustration. Unmet desires can lead to krodha, which is wrath.

Anger impacts the mind. The emotion begins there. The mind is the knowledge-gathering instrument. It also guides the individual in certain directions, but might be overruled by the intelligence. For example, the mind says to drink that cup of coffee offered complimentary by the business. The intelligence realizes that there will be negative side effects later on, making the initial choice regrettable.

2. The eyes

There is the saying, “eyes red with anger.” The mind is the starting place for the anger, but the mind has no way of communicating. The eyes are a window into the individual, to indicate how they are thinking. Enraged, I look at someone a certain way. I want them to know just how upset I am. Sometimes all it takes is a look. The children know to not mess with the father when he displays the angry eyes.

3. The chest

They say anger is not good for the health. A corresponding spike in blood pressure. This affects the chest area, where the heart is. The angry person breathes deeply, in and out, ready to burst and act in ways previously unknown to them.

…

Controlling material desire is key. The objective is to make the reversal prior to the time of quitting the body. Control of desires is self-realization, and happiness results. This is different from ordinary happiness, which arrives and departs in waves, like the way the leaves change color in the fall and become green again in the spring.

Controlling desire is easier said than done. There are sense objects everywhere. I could be living peacefully, without any issues, until I come across a sporting event on television. I don’t know the participants, but after watching for a few minutes I develop an interest.

Later on, my preferred team loses. Now I am upset. This is in illusion, but the sentiment is real. I could have avoided the entire episode by not engaging the senses in that direction, but there is vulnerability no matter where you turn.

The superior method is to engage desire in a different way. Work towards pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The kama then turns into bhakti. There may be anger exhibited every now and then, but the negative reactions are absent. Realizing the personal nature of the Supreme is realizing the self, as well, and sense control is a welcome addition to the process.

In Closing:

Chest in and out heaving,
Enraged difficult now breathing.

Eyes glaring red,
Those in path to dread.

Anger harmful but hard to control,
Like higher force gaining a hold.

Kama at the root directed,
In bhakti by Krishna protected.

Springing From A Spark Of His Splendor

“Know that all beautiful, glorious, and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendor.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 10.41)

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यद् यद् विभूतिमत् सत्त्वं
श्रीमद् ऊर्जितम् एव वा
तत् तद् एवावगच्छ त्वं
मम तेजो-ऽंश-सम्भवम्

yad yad vibhūtimat sattvaṁ
śrīmad ūrjitam eva vā
tat tad evāvagaccha tvaṁ
mama tejo-'ṁśa-sambhavam

Take the person praised for their work at the office. Previously employed at a small firm, they had to do everything IT-related by themselves.

No project manager to coordinate things. No support staff to review the code. No extended period for testing, within an isolated environment. Whenever the business asked for something, this single person on the other side had to handle everything themselves.

They had to create a timeline. They had to test the changes in their own way; as the business lacked resources for building separate server environments. The developer was in charge of deploying the changes to production, to make sure that the currently functioning process did not suffer as a result of introducing changes.

When this same person later shifted to a larger company, the colleagues became amazed at their output:

“How are you able to handle so many projects simultaneously? That thing you just completed – previously there was a team of three. They took twice as long as you took to complete tasks, and they needed to be on hand afterwards to deal with any issues.

”Moreover, you don’t seem to be stressed by any of it. You crank out code like it is produced on an assembly line in a factory. You handle phone calls with politeness and it seems that you are never flustered. Pretty remarkable.”

The person on the receiving end feels good to be complimented, but this entire time they were thinking that not enough was being done, that the projects were completed too slowly. In fact, they know that they are capable of more since they have delivered under greater pressure and weight of tasks at the previous job.

You can walk around this entire world and similarly marvel at the amazing complexity and how everything comes together. Who would have thought you could get so many people at the train station at one time? How does nature make sure that people have enough food to eat? The sun provides us everything, and we can rely upon it. No one can make it rain on a particular day, but it eventually arrives when needed.

Shri Krishna says that this entire universe represents but a spark of His capabilities. Bhagavan tells the truth in the Bhagavad-gita. This whole world is nothing compared to Him. He accomplishes the work very easily. There is both symbolism and truth to the image of Narayana lying down and breathing. This form of the Supreme Lord, showing the personal side with transcendental features, creates universes through something typically considered involuntary.

The exhaling breath creates the universes and upon inhaling everything returns into Him. No sweat off His back. No difficulty and no reason to be angry at how the population within those universes behaves. They are free to do as they wish, but when they turn back towards Vishnu’s direction they get the best reward.

The turn can start with appreciation. This is known as shanta-rasa. Worship in neutrality, but at least worship. It is superior to foolishly thinking that everything came together randomly or that some high commission can institute rules that will magically change the climate or the living conditions on earth.

Appreciate the amazing splendor of Shri Krishna and stay connected with Him in consciousness. Honor, pray and promise to serve. Make this appeal through regularly repeating a mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Humbly to pray,
That always to stay.

And not away to drift,
Towards argument and rift.

That randomness thinking,
And into ignorance sinking.

Whole world but just a spark,
Appreciation of Krishna the start.

Four Reasons Prahlada Could Have Been Angry With God

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Prahlada, O most pure, O great saintly person, your father has been purified, along with twenty-one forefathers in your family. Because you were born in this family, the entire dynasty has been purified.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.10.18)

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श्री-भगवान् उवाच
त्रिः-सप्तभिः पिता पूतः
पितृभिः सह ते ’नघ
यत् साधो ’स्य कुले जातो
भवान् वै कुल-पावनः

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
triḥ-saptabhiḥ pitā pūtaḥ
pitṛbhiḥ saha te ’nagha
yat sādho ’sya kule jāto
bhavān vai kula-pāvanaḥ

It is not difficult to find reasons. Any grievance, any issue, any dislike, any discomfort – lay the blame at the feet of the one who is lotus-like in many features. His hands are soft and delicate. They enjoy dipping into the butter carefully churned by a loving mother Yashoda.

The eyes are like lotus-petals, presenting a wonderful image for the residents of Vrindavana to behold. The navel is also lotus-like, leading to the name Padmanabha. That navel is something like the cause of creation, as the stem of a lotus-flower which grows from it gives birth to the four-faced Lord Brahma, who is tasked with creating the world and populating it.

The feet are also lotus-like, and they are worshiped in the physical form in the temple and also through meditation within the mind of the yogi. Those feet are the servants of the Supreme Lord, and to become the servant of the servant is a great blessing.

But in this world of illusion it is easy to forget the person of those lotus-like features. A plethora of complaints, ranging from family issues to insufficient pay at work. The weather has been foul for a week and the traffic on the roads is unbearable. The pizza we ordered last night was not up to standard.

Prahlada Maharaja is an interesting case. He had significant justification for being upset with the Almighty, but in every situation his appreciation and gratefulness only increased.

1. You put me in a family of Daityas

Prahlada could have complained as follows:

“Bhagavan, why did you put me in this family? Our ancestry is nothing to boast about. The word Daitya refers to the woman named Diti. It is from her womb that the demon race sprung. Not demon just in the way the body looks. We’re talking about character here. Attracted to adharma, or the wrong way of doing things. This is the worst kind of birth a person can imagine.”

2. You forced me to be taught by cheaters

“I get it that children typically don’t prefer to go to school. They would rather play during the day. In the modern age, watch television. Eyes glued to video games. Run around the backyard. Not only am I forced to go to school, but I’m being taught by bad people. They are interested only in material life. I have no concern for the temporary. I have to sit here and endure this inaccurate or incomplete information. Since I am a child, I have no way of fighting back.”

3. Narada was around only before I was born

“Yes, thank you for that blessing, at least. Narada Muni, your wonderful servant, instructed the imperishable science of transcendental living to my mother while she was pregnant with me. Somehow I retained that information upon taking birth. That explains my inclination towards bhakti-yoga.

“Don’t think I will let you off the hook so easily. Where is Narada now? Where are the sadhus to give me sanga, association? Everyone left me. I am the lone devotee of Vishnu in this community. Not fair.”

4. You gave me the father from hell

“I think I would easily win this contest. Not someone who drinks all the time and ignores the family. Not someone who is constantly travelling. Not someone who is just mean and shouts obsenities on a regular basis.

“Nope. I literally have the father from hell. He is upset at my choice in favor of bhagavata-dharma. He does not like to hear Vishnu praised. He is so upset at basic words I am speaking that he tries to kill me. I have survived by meditating on you, but how many times does this have to happen? Why did you give me the worst father a human being could imagine?”

…

Instead of complaining, Prahlada saw everything as a blessing. This was not a contrived or illusory view. It was the actual truth of the situation. There was the opportunity to remember. Queen Kunti prays to have the many calamities previously faced repeat again, for they trigger reliance on Shri Krishna.

विपदः सन्तु ताः शश्वत्
तत्र तत्र जगद्-गुरो
भवतो दर्शनं यत् स्याद्
अपुनर् भव-दर्शनम्

vipadaḥ santu tāḥ śaśvat
tatra tatra jagad-guro
bhavato darśanaṁ yat syād
apunar bhava-darśanam

“I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.” (Queen Kunti speaking to Lord Krishna, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.25)

Prahlada remained calm and steady. His unalloyed devotion was rewarded with darshana. He saw the Supreme Lord face to face, though he was previously connected just the same. Hiranyakashipu received the proper punishment, and the material miseries ceased for Prahlada, though he had tolerated them without issue.

In Closing:

When audience of God to gain,
Forward with many words to complain.

Like Prahlada with demon birth,
Father from hell the worst.

In atheist school compelled,
So long lethal attack repelled.

But actually as blessing received,
Of Vishnu’s protection believed.

Three Things Working Against The Vanaras In Kishkindha

“It is My vow that if one only once seriously surrenders unto Me saying, ‘My dear Lord, from this day I am Yours,’ and prays to Me for courage, I shall immediately award courage to that person, and he will always remain safe from that time on.” (Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kand, 18.33)

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सकृद् एव प्रपन्नो यस्
तवास्मीति च याचते
अभयं सर्वदा तस्मै
ददाम्य् एतद् व्रतं मम

sakṛd eva prapanno yas
tavāsmīti ca yācate
abhayaṁ sarvadā tasmai
dadāmy etad vrataṁ mama

A quick look at their home, their location in the world, and especially the form of body inhabited, the thought of receiving the Divine mercy, offered to them through personal interaction, would be laughed at:

“Are you kidding me? Them? I don’t believe it. It must be your imagination running wild. Mythology. Understand the symbolism. No way they would be on an equal footing with Him.”

1. Low-birth

The Vanaras of Kishkindha, as described in the original Ramayana, are of low-birth. Gradations in this respect are based on the potential for understanding the spirit soul, atma. We know that a person who attends school during the childhood years has a better chance of being able to read, write, and get a job in the professional workforce during adulthood. The same could be accomplished by someone staying at home, but success is more difficult due to the environment.

Correspondingly, a high birth carries with it a better opportunity for conducting a sober analysis on the manifest world, i.e. that which I see before me. Unless taught, I will not know the difference between spirit and body, and especially the contrasting natures.

If I do happen to come across someone who can teach me, as a human being there is the potential to understand; hence the high birth. The Vanaras described in Sanskrit literature so ancient that there isn’t an accurate date of composition are something like monkeys with human-like traits. The literal translation of the word is “forest dwellers.” Vanaras are of the “vanas”, the forests.

This group is typically uncivilized. They do not organize formal governments, schools, hospitals, and the like. They do not have ashramas assigned to divide the time spent in life. There is no dharma or adharma. They are animals, after all. It is a type of body which is a stop on the train of transmigration, reincarnation.

2. Comparison to false renunciation

Monkeys are used to describe the false kind of renunciation. One way the human being gets help in their quest to understand the Absolute Truth is vairagya. The lack of attachment, maintain control over eating, speaking and sleeping.

कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य
य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्
इन्द्रियार्थान् विमूढात्मा
मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते

karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya
ya āste manasā smaran
indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā
mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate

“One who restrains the senses and organs of action, but whose mind dwells on sense objects, certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.6)

The full life of renunciation may involve taking up residence in the forest. The issue is that a person may be a bhogi, a sense enjoyer, in spirit. Despite living in renounced settings, they have not made a shift in attitude. They can be compared to monkeys, who also live in the forest but are anything but renounced.

3. Known for stealing

Always engaged in unclean behavior, monkeys are also known for stealing. They do not respect private property. The Vanaras of Kishkindha one time ravaged a grove. This was in celebration of success in a difficult task. The owner of the grove was quite upset, but the behavior was tolerated since it follows the nature of monkeys.

Such beings were eligible for receiving the Divine mercy to the point that they were placed on equal footing in the end. The future king of Ayodhya, the most important person in the world, made friends with the Vanaras. Through their chief minister, Shri Hanuman, and their exiled king, Sugriva, the Vanaras came into the good graces of the one who notices everything.

Shri Rama is already antaryami. He is the all-pervading witness through the feature of Supersoul. This means that instead of trying to see God, I can act in ways that He will notice me. He will appreciate my behavior, even if I am not directly in His company.

He will not hold my physical shortcomings against me. I could be born into inauspicious circumstances, but I am equally as eligible for constantly thinking of Him and putting a smile on His face with my service. Rama triumphantly returned home to Ayodhya with His wife Sita and His younger brother Lakshmana. Some of the Vanaras arrived with Him, and they were treated like royalty. Only in God’s kingdom.

In Closing:

On equal footing placed,
Idea of low-birth erased.

Since after victory chased,
Engaged in battle with feverish pace.

Where Hanuman eventually found,
Sita again to her husband bound.

What to speak then of me,
Rama only devotion to see.

Three Inadequacies Shri Rama Will Overlook

“It is My vow that if one only once seriously surrenders unto Me saying, ‘My dear Lord, from this day I am Yours,’ and prays to Me for courage, I shall immediately award courage to that person, and he will always remain safe from that time on.” (Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kand, 18.33)

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सकृद् एव प्रपन्नो यस्
तवास्मीति च याचते
अभयं सर्वदा तस्मै
ददाम्य् एतद् व्रतं मम

sakṛd eva prapanno yas
tavāsmīti ca yācate
abhayaṁ sarvadā tasmai
dadāmy etad vrataṁ mama

The key is to be in the devotional mindset. Bhakti-yoga. Above bhoga and tyaga; the pendulum of acceptance and rejection. One day I am really into something; it consumes my mind. The next day I am swearing off it. A friend who hasn’t seen me in years still remembers my previous interest. They are surprised to find that I have given that interest up. After some time has passed, I return to the previous interest; forgetting my past experience. The cycle then repeats.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan, notices everything. He is the all-pervading witness, antaryami, through the plenary expansion known as Supersoul. God is always with a form, but a transcendental kind. Even the supposedly unmanifest and invisible, alakha, residing within the heart can be visualized. He has four hands and is opulently adorned. He is the same Narayana, the source of men, who eternally resides in the Vaikuntha planetary system.

Narayana’s avatara of Rama proves through behavior that inadequacies are quickly forgotten by God. Provided there is the devotional spirit, the desire to serve and meet the interests of the one who is every person’s best well-wisher, the shortcomings make no difference in terms of future destination.

1. Difficulty in renunciation

“I see people who are able to fast for an entire day. No food or water. I know it is difficult, but they don’t act like it bothers them. They do it as a sacrifice for the Supreme Lord. Following authority and the recommendations on specific holy days, through less reliance on the demands of the senses, the consciousness is clearer in its meditation on the all-attractive one.

“For me, I can’t even give up something basic like caffeine. If I were to try the complete fast, a headache would ensue a few hours into the day. When I go to the office each morning, my first thought is on what to eat for lunch. It is like my reward; the impetus for working hard.

“If I can’t follow vairagya, how will I ever please Shri Rama? How will someone take me seriously in my drive for liberation, the end to the cycle of birth and death? Won’t I get birth in an animal species in the next life?”

2. Not very eloquent

“I see these speakers on bhagavata topics. They can lecture for hours. They use some of the same lines from venue to venue. Like a stand-up comic running through a routine. But still; just see what they are memorizing. They can describe Krishna lila from start to finish. There is proper presentation and modulated speaking; timed intonations, the perfect delivery to enthrall the audience.

“Meanwhile, if someone asks me why I enjoy reading books such as Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam, I’m not sure I could explain it to them. I know how those works make me feel inside, but trying to put it into words is not easy. I know that one of Bhagavan’s names is Uttamashloka. He is described by the best poetry, but obviously I will never be an author in that category.”

3. No claim to distinguished ancestors

“Good parentage. Birth in a respectable family. Generations of high-souled people; mahatmas. Garnering respect at the mere sound of the last name.

“This is not the case with me. My family would have to be considered ordinary. No special certificates or noteworthy accomplishments in the past. That I found bhakti-yoga is a miracle. No one can explain. Maybe I will have to wait until the next life for perfection.”

…

From the Ramayana we see that Shri Rama made friends with Vanaras. These were monkey-like creatures living in the forest. Though they were actually demigods descending from the heavenly region to assist the Supreme Lord, in the present situation they did not have high births.

They were not civilized, even, and yet they were so dear to the Supreme Lord. They lacked renunciation and good behavior. They were not known for following dharma or giving an ideal example of spiritual life to others.

Yet they sacrificed everything to meet Rama’s interest. The chief minister in the group, Shri Hanuman, carried out the most amazing work. He did so without assistance. No internet search engine to research tactics. No GPS device to provide turn-by-turn directions. No sacred text carried along for referencing important verses.

Hanuman and the Vanaras succeeded in pleasing Rama to the point that He insisted they board the plane for the return trip home to Ayodhya. Their inadequacies were overlooked, confirming the promise made to Vibhishana prior. Anyone who surrenders fully gets protection, no matter what features they may possess or lack. For this reason the chanting of the holy names can have the greatest impact for any person: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Once to Rama surrendering,
Moot the inadequacies rendering.

Since only of devotion to care,
Not of which qualities there.

Or from whose parents taking birth,
Or aural presentation of great worth.

See Vanaras basic civility lacking,
Blessed since Supreme Lord backing.

Three Sanskrit Terms To Describe The Eternal Religion

“A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all circumstances, be a yogi.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.46)

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तपस्विभ्यो ऽधिको योगी
ज्ञानिभ्यो ऽपि मतो ऽधिकः
कर्मिभ्यश् चाधिको योगी
तस्माद् योगी भवार्जुन

tapasvibhyo 'dhiko yogī
jñānibhyo 'pi mato 'dhikaḥ
karmibhyaś cādhiko yogī
tasmād yogī bhavārjuna

Go beyond religion. More than something you accept and reject based on personal preference. Far more involved than taking a seat at a designated establishment once a week. Really finding what it is that corresponds to the active propensity within you.

The animating spark is described as soul, which corresponds to the word atma in Sanskrit. Whatever the preferred term, it is the defining aspect for a living being. In other words, its presence is what constitutes life. Take away the soul and you take away life, at least in the affected region.

To help in understanding the broader scope of what life should be like for the soul, there are Sanskrit terms which essentially share the same meaning. They often get translated as “religion” in general conversation, but there is much more to the concepts.

1. Sanatana-dharma

Dharma in this sense is an occupation. Something to do. The individual is active and must therefore find a way to act. Even inaction is a kind of choice, a means of exercising freewill. I choose to sleep in on a particular Sunday. I choose to remain silent when others are having a conversation about politics. I do not eat for a certain number of hours in order to further a specific purpose.

Sanatana refers to infinity, both forwards and backwards. Without beginning and without end. Genuine religion is a timeless occupation. Go back a thousand years and the dharma is the same. It is not part of a larger progression, bent and shaped based on the times and discoveries made in research.

This makes sense because the soul itself is unchanging. The individual does not evolve from one species to another; rather the soul travels through different body types. It is an evolution of movement, with the human birth hopefully the final stop.

Here the individual can learn about sanatana-dharma. They can discover it, but they can never create it. It is always there for the taking, to be accepted and followed, but not until I have the necessary intelligence can I realize the need for it.

मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु
कश्चिद् यतति सिद्धये
यतताम् अपि सिद्धानां
कश्चिन् मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः

manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu
kaścid yatati siddhaye
yatatām api siddhānāṁ
kaścin māṁ vetti tattvataḥ

“Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.3)

Of the many who endeavor for perfection, hardly one will attain it. The masters degrees still exist, despite the difficulty in earning them. There are still doctors in this world, even though it takes many years of training to become one.

2. Bhagavata-dharma

Sanatana refers to the timeless nature of the occupation, and bhagavata refers to the object of service. There is work to be done. The actor is not the sole beneficiary. Neither is another conditioned living being, though everyone is automatically best served through the exercise of the eternal dharma, in the same way that watering the roots provides the necessary nourishment to the entire tree.

Bhagavata refers to both the Supreme Lord and those serving Him. Bhagavata-dharma can thus have two meanings, but they are essentially the same. One person is engaged in serving God the person in some capacity. If I help that person in their service, I am also helping Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

3. Bhakti-yoga

This term describes how the eternal dharma dedicated to Bhagavan manifests in terms of action. In other words, what does bhagavata-dharma look like? What are the symptoms? What are the immediate results? How can we gauge progress?

Bhakti-yoga is more specific, though its exercise is not limited to one particular area. I could be eating, sleeping, driving, working in the office, worshiping in the temple, or chanting the holy names. The qualification is based on the mood. Yoga is the connection, the linking between atma and Paramatma. The individual soul finding the Supreme Soul.

Shri Krishna advises to become a yogi. Stay connected to Him. Don’t forget Him. The link will stay forever, should we desire it. This link was the way towards transcendental happiness in the past. It is the only way today, and it will remain so in the future.

In Closing:

Bhagavata-dharma to hear,
To sanatana-dharma near.

Bhakti-yoga the actual exercise,
Passed down and not to surmise.

Terms describing eternal living,
Man’s way out of ignorance giving.

Applicable to any period’s time,
So even now Bhagavan can find.

Five Complaints Against God And Their Contrary Viewpoints

“I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.” (Queen Kunti speaking to Lord Krishna, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.25)

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विपदः सन्तु ताः शश्वत्
तत्र तत्र जगद्-गुरो
भवतो दर्शनं यत् स्याद्
अपुनर् भव-दर्शनम्

vipadaḥ santu tāḥ śaśvat
tatra tatra jagad-guro
bhavato darśanaṁ yat syād
apunar bhava-darśanam

It is not a fake kind of optimism. It is not thinking positively simply as a survival technique. It is not burying your head in the sand to avoid witnessing the negative. It is not a way to annoy people who are voicing their concerns.

The person aligned with the Divine consciousness views every circumstance, situation, conundrum, difficulty, moment of doubt, or what have you as a blessing from above. These are opportunities to continue in remembrance of the one whose every aspect is beautiful.

Otherwise, the list of complaints is too long. We can take situations encountered in everyday life to see how quickly a person can turn to the heavens while raising an angry fist.

1. I hate riding on the underground train

“God, why do you hate me so? This train trip in the morning is the absolute worst. I don’t mind traveling. Don’t get me wrong; I am as much in favor of mass transit as the next guy. But does every passenger have to smell? Do people not follow basic hygiene anymore? Because of this, whenever I reach home from the office, I feel the need to take a shower.”

The positive on the same:

“Thank you so much for this opportunity to see other people on a daily basis. The variety to your creation is endless. Different bodily complexions. Different ways of dressing. You hear different languages, but the emotions are the same. Everyone is connected to you in some manner; whether they realize it or not.”

2. I hate having to go to work

“God, why do you make me work on a daily basis? It is not that I am lazy, but this seems too much. I believe one of your representatives refers to it as ugra-karma. These endeavors seem unnecessary to me. I write code for a living. Every few years the same application needs to be redesigned to utilize the latest technology of the day. It’s a never-ending cycle. People should be content with what they have.

“Instead, I have to sit here and refactor everything. Speaking of sitting, that is the worst part. I feel like I am in a prison. No place to hide. No place to relax for a few minutes. I know that I am not the only person in this predicament. Why do you make life so difficult?”

The positive on the same:

“God, this is the greatest blessing. I am so excited to go to work every day. Without this pressing responsibility, where would I be in life? Probably sleeping the day away. Endlessly scrolling through news stories on the smartphone, getting upset over issues that bear no impact on my daily life.

“Through the office environment I am able to appreciate the efforts of others. Only you could bring so many people together like this. In the drive for artha [profit], people from different backgrounds join for a common purpose. It is a beautiful thing to watch. The nature shows tend to focus on animals in the wild, but the corporate office to me is as much a miracle of nature as the penguins marching in the cold.”

3. I hate having limited options to eat

“Not only do you force me to work, but there is hardly anything good to eat. White flour gets stuck in the stomach. Too much salt raises blood pressure. The oils they use in cooking are the worst for the heart. Shouldn’t you be supplying something better?”

The positive outlook:

“God, thank you so much for making food in my area unhealthy and tasteless. Now I am able to better practice austerity. Tapasya is the way towards understanding you. If the food was like from a royal palace, then I would barely be able to control myself. Because of the better focus, I can remember you more often; which is always paramount.”

4. I hate the scorching heat

“How in the world do people live like this? The heat is unbearable. The reason is the combined factor of humidity. I would rather live anywhere than here. You can’t even go outside because of the mosquitos. Why on earth would you place such wretched beings in this world? This is torture in the truest sense.”

The positive outlook:

“You know, I used to have trouble tolerating the excessive heat. I would run towards any place with air conditioning. But recently the power went out completely where I was staying. I had no choice but to accept the heat. To my amazement, it wasn’t so bad after a while. A little austerity to help remember you – always a winning situation.”

5. I hate the bitter cold

“It is like a freezer outside. Seriously, if you stay out there long enough, you will die. Is that something human beings should endure? Why on earth is it like that for several months out of the year? Is this some kind of sick joke? Why would you make us suffer in this way?”

The positive outlook:

“The cold is tough, for sure, but there is a special kind of mellow enjoyed during that season. Enter the home and start a fire with some wood. The comforting heat brings a feeling that cannot be matched from any other situation. That fire is rooted in the Supreme Lord, who is more splendorous than the sun. His teja is brilliant to the point of blinding to the less intelligent, but during the winter I am able to appreciate to some degree.”

…

The key to turning the outlook around is purification of the consciousness. Try to remember the Supreme Lord, who is a person, on a regular basis. Make a routine of it. Keep shastra like Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam close by. Always chant the holy names and soon be thankful for every second spent in this wonderful engagement: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Sources for complaints easy,
Weather extremes making me uneasy.

Working like dog every single day,
Maneuvering through transit’s way.

Positive outlook also can hold,
Where watching God’s creation unfold.

Bhakti chance to serve Him gave,
And from ignorance to save.

Four People Who Had A Special Kind Of Departure

“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)

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अन्त-काले च माम् एव
स्मरन् मुक्त्वा कलेवरम्
यः प्रयाति स मद्-भावं
याति नास्त्य् अत्र संशयः

anta-kāle ca mām eva
smaran muktvā kalevaram
yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ
yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ

“Consciousness is everything.” That sums up the philosophy so old that no one can accurately point to its inception. The origin is in someone who is without an origin, anadi. He is also without end, ananta. He empowers certain individuals to carry the torch forward inside of each creation, such as with Lord Brahma diving into the water.

What you remember at the time of death is the state you attain in the next birth. Time is continuous. The living being is steady in this line. The meaning is that you can choose an arbitrary point in the timeline of infinity and be assured that the individual existed in some capacity.

The best completion to the lifecycle is to think of the origin while quitting the body. This is much easier said than done, particularly due to the unpredictable nature of death. Kala can strike at any moment, and sometimes it gives no prior warning.

In rare cases the Supreme Lord arranges a special kind of departure. Many purposes are served simultaneously, not the least of which is a concrete example of the proof of the means of liberation.

1. Hiranyakashipu

He was actually a gatekeeper in the highest heaven. This is beyond the planets of birth and death. The spiritual sky. The imperishable realm. The unmanifest place. He had a specific role, which reveals that liberation is not merely a stateless existence free of the pains rooted in duality.

The gatekeeper got cursed to appear in the material world and remain in an inauspicious form. He subsequently played the role of Daitya to perfection. He was such a bad character that only Vishnu could stop him. The Supreme Lord arrived as the half-man/half-lion incarnation and did away with Hiranyakashipu, who had no choice but to be liberated due to the consciousness at the time of death.

2. Jatayu

This devotee in the form of a bird had the misfortune of losing a conflict against the wicked Ravana. It was hardly a fight. How would a bird survive the violent swaying of twenty arms skilled in battle? Jatayu was trying to stop the abduction of Sita Devi, the goddess of fortune.

Mortally wounded, he ended up seeing Sita’s husband just prior to quitting the body. He gazed upon the beautiful, moonlike face of Shri Rama, the person for whom the efforts were dedicated. Jatayu had the greatest victory attached to what would normally be considered a defeat.

3. Ravana

The person on the other side would get liberation, as well. He was one of the gatekeepers in Vaikuntha. Cursed to appear as the ten-headed Ravana for a variety of reasons, only Vishnu as Rama could defeat him. The action upon which the final battle was predicated was Ravana’s stealing of Sita. This was done against dharma and all standards of human decency. Ravana met his match on the battlefield, and the final blow was one of Rama’s amazing arrows.

4. Bhishma

A passing similar to Jatayu’s, Bhishma was lying on the battlefield defeated. His body filled with arrows, he was remembering Narayana. The Supreme Lord was on the scene as Krishna, who played the role of charioteer to the bow-warrior Arjuna. Bhishma was fighting on a different side, and he had previously received the boon of being able to leave this world at his choosing. He chose the best way, remembering Krishna.

These events further substantiate the claim that real religion should be more than just faith. Not something you accept today and reject tomorrow, dharma is tied to the existence itself. As a religious system, it is a way of living for meeting the highest objective, purushartha. Everything gets tested at the end, and someone who has the pure consciousness focused on Krishna in the days leading up is better equipped to maintain that consciousness moving forward: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Maintained while forward moving,
When pure consciousness choosing.

So that to remember at the end,
And into liberation to send.

Where activity infinitely extended,
Like for Jatayu who Sita defended.

Or Bhishma with arrows in body filled,
And even demons by Vishnu killed.

Five Venues For Testing The Practical Application Of Knowledge

“Bhagavad-gita is also known as Gitopanishad. It is the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanishads in Vedic literature.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

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Book smarts versus street smarts. What you learn in theory tested against the practical application. It’s nice to know that two plus two equals four, but even better to realize that if you have two apples in the basket, acquiring two more will place the total at four apples.

There is jnana in a host of subjects in the ever-changing material world, and with every area of interest there is a corresponding field of activity.

1. The hospital

This person claims to be an expert. They have certificates hanging on the wall. They wear the white coat and carry a stethoscope. Everyone addresses them as “doctor,” but what do they really know? Did those many years of training pay off or did the knowledge never sink in?

One way to test is the hospital. The doctor puts their skills to use. Real patients with injuries ranging from trivial to life-threatening. Called to the scene at any moment of the day or night, the proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Book learning will only take them so far; they have to know how to apply the principles and theories.

2. The laboratory

Similar to the situation with the doctor, a person trained in other disciplines of science requires a dedicated place to practice, to test the theories. Witness firsthand the chemical reaction resulting from mixing two compounds. Come up with new ideas and see if they materialize. You can’t achieve a certification without the lab component; memorizing and passing written examinations are insufficient for recognition from your peers and mentors.

3. The playing field

Any professional sport suffices for the analysis. A person watches videos on the internet to learn how to serve in tennis. The proper grip, the way to toss the ball, the combined motion of the shoulders and wrist – they study to the point of being able to repeat the same instruction to others.

Yet the true difference is made on the court. If they can take what they have seen and replicate in a match environment, then the knowledge they absorbed has made an impact. Along the way there can be adjustments here and there. Trial and error. See what works and what doesn’t.

4. The courtroom

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada often uses the comparison to doctors and lawyers to explain the bogus foundation of the degraded caste system, as practiced today. We wouldn’t consider someone to be a qualified doctor based on ancestry alone. You could be the son of a lawyer, but that does not automatically make you qualified to argue a case in court.

That courtroom is where the principles are tested. You could have passed the bar exam and be ready to represent clients, but you have to know which case law to apply and which points to stress in the opening arguments. The expert lawyer has to react to the case made by the other side, as well.

5. The concert

You can study music to the point of being able to identify notes written on paper. You can describe the different scales and chord progressions. But the real impact will be made during a performance. Can you actually play the instrument? Are you able to sing in time, in the proper melody? Are you able to listen to the beat and adjust accordingly?

…

The above analysis provides a nice juxtaposition to the Vedic tradition. The word Veda means “knowledge.” There are different ways to acquire knowledge, and with respect to the Vedas the knowledge passed on is older than anyone can identify. There is no known date of inception.

The knowledge descends in a variety of ways. There are historical accounts of incidents; the Puranas. There is philosophical understanding; the Upanishads. There are Vedic hymns glorifying the Supreme Lord and His closest associates.

One interesting benefit is that the knowledge acquired can be put to use in any area of life. We can use the Bhagavad-gita as an example. This work is also known as the Gitopanishad; it is the essence of all Vedic teachings. Taking a single verse like the one explaining the travels of the conditioned living entity, we have ample opportunity to test:

देहिनो ऽस्मिन् यथा देहे
कौमारं यौवनं जरा
तथा देहान्तर-प्राप्तिर्
धीरस् तत्र न मुह्यति

dehino ‘smin yathā dehe
kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā
tathā dehāntara-prāptir
dhīras tatra na muhyati

“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)

Birth and death take place everywhere. Living entities are found in every corner of the universe, as well. This is the meaning of sarva-ga. Goswami Tulsidas references this feature in a prayer desiring the proper place of birth.

जल थल नभ गति अमित अति अग जग जीव अनेक |
तुलसी तो से दीन कहँ राम नाम गति एक ||

jala thala nabha gati amita ati aga jaga jīva aneka |
tulasī to se dīna kaham̐ rāma nāma gati eka ||

“There are an infinite number of living beings, both moving and nonmoving, who have many different abodes, with some residing in the earth, some in the sky, and some in the water. But O helpless Tulsi, for you Shri Rama’s holy name is your only home.” (Dohavali, 37)

With every possible circumstance of birth, there is a field of activity, the kshetra. The knower of the field, kshetrajna, can observe and witness. Anyone can apply the teachings to any aspect of life. The entire life experience is like a laboratory setting, and the scrutinizing individual, using the intelligence gifted by nature, can find definitive evidence of both the existence of the soul and the corresponding object of service, Bhagavan.

In Closing:

Knower and also its field,
Tremendous potential to yield.

That every principle to test,
Not forced in darkness to rest.

Like with lawyer and the doctor so,
Ability proven when crisis to throw.

So of God not ignorant remaining,
As scientist in human form training.

Three People We Try To Impress

“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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य इदं परमं गुह्यं
मद्-भक्तेष्व् अभिधास्यति
भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा
माम् एवैष्यत्य् असंशयः

ya idaṁ paramaṁ guhyaṁ
mad-bhakteṣv abhidhāsyati
bhaktiṁ mayi parāṁ kṛtvā
mām evaiṣyaty asaṁśayaḥ

1. Our colleagues

“Just see how many projects I am on. That person sitting across from me is responsible for only one task. The colleague one seat over doesn’t appear to be as busy throughout the day. No one is bothering them. They get to work in peace.

“I, on the other hand, constantly get interrupted. Different departments contact me, looking for assistance. If there is a big task to handle, the managers know that I can complete it the soonest. And the quality of my work doesn’t suffer.

“This is the way I like it. It’s a competitive mindset, but I can’t help it. I would rather be fully engaged than completely aloof and counting the remaining hours until quitting time each day.”

2. Our bosses

“If I do a really good job on this project, I think the boss will take notice. Then maybe I will get preferential treatment. A promotion down the line? Not out of the realm of possibility.

“My coworkers tell me that is the way towards becoming a manager. Become friends with someone who is going somewhere. When that person leaves the job, they recommend you to take over for them. Thus it pays to be friendly with the managers.”

3. Our friends

“I got this great new job. I am able to purchase a much bigger house to live in. Thousands of square feet. A good neighborhood. A walking trail nearby and a beautiful park. Let me invite friends and family over for a party. I wish to celebrate with them. I want them to share in my happiness.”

…

In truth, those we wish to impress might have their own insecurities. By showing them how well we are doing, they may get envious. Instead of appreciating us more, they look for ways to bring us down. Who wants to be made to feel inferior all the time? Who likes having their inadequacies thrown in their face?

Moreover, that person we are trying to impress may not even care. They are worried about looking good in front of us. There is also the issue of forgetfulness. I have done a great job for the boss on many tasks. But on this latest one I slipped up. I made a huge mistake. Now they are upset. It is as if the past successes do not matter.

The saintly representatives of the Vedic tradition appearing in this world know very well the kind nature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan. Defects are absent in Him. He remembers just a single good deed done, even if we should forget Him later on.

He is the person most worth impressing, since His favoritism has the greatest impact. It doesn’t take much to win His favor, either. A little fruit or water offered to Him in a mood of devotion gets accepted. He provides so much more in return, including the ability to rise above ordinary happiness and sadness, high and low, success and failure.

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं
यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति
तद् अहं भक्त्य्-उपहृतम्
अश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः

patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ
yo me bhaktyā prayacchati
tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam
aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

“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)

He understands the nature of ability in each individual. Every person has a unique set of skills, but whatever is used for furthering the cause of devotion and devotional life is appreciated. Especially dear to Bhagavan are those who pass on the sacred instructions for escaping the cycle of birth and death, for finding liberation through the use of intelligence and proper application of discrimination in action. Such saintly people advise to always chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Perhaps later with raise to bless,
So now that boss to impress.

Colleagues my ability to see,
Knowing that can trust in me.

But envy a possibility too,
Feeling inferior compared to you.

Saint advising towards Bhagavan to lead,
Remembering even a single good deed.

How Do I Break Free Of The Desire To Impress Others

“Yashah, fame, should be according to Lord Chaitanya, who said that a man is famous when he is known as a great devotee. That is real fame.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 10.4-5 Purport)

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Friend1: I think starting a new job is one of the more unique experiences of adult life.

Friend2: Probably comparable to changing schools when you are a child.

Friend1: You know, many people don’t get to experience that. They grow up in the same area. Some small towns have a single school for grades K through 12.

Friend2: That is true. Changing schools is very strange. You are thrown into this situation all of a sudden. You don’t know a single person. Your friends are left behind, in another city probably. It takes some time to get adjusted.

Friend1: At the new office environment I feel the same way. I keep asking myself, how did I get here? Will I be able to handle staying in this place for forty hours per week?

Friend2: It’s not easy, even if you are familiar with everything.

Friend1: One of the tendencies I have is to try to impress others.

Friend2: The boss?

Friend1: Of course, but also my colleagues. I feel inspired to do a good job. I’m not sure what it is. I have so much respect for everyone else. It is not that I am trying to put them down. I am confident of their abilities. It’s just that I never want to be seen as a slacker.

Friend2: I see.

Friend1: If others speak of me, I don’t want to hear anything bad. I realize that is out of my control, but at least if I do a good job I will know that any criticism received will be unwarranted.

Friend2: You can’t impact outside sentiment entirely. Remember, you had Shri Krishna rumored to be a murderer because of a silly jewel in Dvaraka. Sita Devi, the most chaste woman this world has ever seen, could not maintain a clean reputation in Ayodhya. It’s just the way of the world. I would say that only the Supreme Lord’s impression should matter.

Friend1: I was getting there. But first, how do I break free of this tendency? I know that it shouldn’t matter what others think of me, but sometimes I can’t help it. I feel good when someone praises me. It is devastating to hear criticism.

Friend2: Goswami Tulsidas mentions something similar in the Ramacharitamanasa. The idea is that writers love it when someone praises their work, but rare it is to find someone willing to glorify another’s artistry in the same area.

Friend1: Like among rivals.

Friend2: Contemporaries. There doesn’t have to be a rivalry, but sometimes it is inevitable. I guess you are asking about fame itself. This is one of the innate desires of the living entity.

Friend1: Yeah, I guess that is why it is so difficult to shake.

Friend2: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says that if someone wants to be famous, they should endeavor in the area of devotional service. Become well-known as a servant of the Supreme Lord. One who explains sacred instruction like the Bhagavad-gita becomes very dear to Krishna.

Friend1: Okay, but isn’t that impure devotion? You are doing the work with an outside motive.

Friend2: As we all start with many defects, devotional service is generally impure in the beginning stages. The idea is to take whatever impurities you have and direct them towards a higher purpose. The benefit is twofold. You get the connection to the Supreme Lord. You also lose the initial impure motivation.

Friend1: Meaning that if I try to become famous as a devotee, one day I will no longer wish to be famous?

Friend2: If you do everything properly, that is. Look at Shri Hanuman. He has control of the siddhis of yoga. He can become as large as a mountain if he wants. No one has done more in service to the Supreme Lord. No one can compare to Hanuman. Yet his preferred form is the small shape kneeling in worship before Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. That is pure humility; not some fake show in order to attract followers.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: Every kind of impurity, whether a physical attribute or a behavioral tendency, will be corrected through connecting with Bhagavan, which occurs as easily as through repeating a mantra.

Friend1: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

When towards bhakti directed,
Impurities corrected.

Applied with tendency for fame,
Shining bright and making a name.

Better if as devotee known,
Like with Hanuman shown.

Though greatest yogi of all,
Preferred kneeling as small.

The Three Time Periods In Which God Can Be Found

“Not only is the Supreme Personality of Godhead present as the Supersoul of all living entities; at the same time, He pervades everything in the entire creation. He exists in all circumstances and at all times.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.6.20-23 Purport)

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Nostalgia is for the people who experienced the situation from the past. In the moment they did not think they were part of a bygone era. They were not anticipating revisiting the time through pictures and video recordings, wondering why everything looked different.

Something like nostalgia is available for those who weren’t around in that time period. Prior to my birth, what was the situation in the world? How did the cars look? Were the homes decorated differently? How did people consume news?

The questions are many because the situation is always changing. That is the meaning to the material, prakriti, which is an energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna. While mentally travelling back in time we may find certain people and objects missing, with Krishna that is never the case. He can be located not only in every sphere, but every time period.

1. The past

If I travel back a thousand years, I can still find God. It is not that He somehow goes missing. Even if the sacred text that I hold so dear today wasn’t yet produced, the existence is not determined by observation. That is to say someone seeing Krishna or not seeing Him makes no difference on existence itself.

He can be found in any time of the past. One day ago. One hundred years. Millions, in fact. As much as the mind can comprehend with the amazing concept of infinity, the existence persists. This is confirmed to the disciple Arjuna.

श्री-भगवान् उवाच
बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि
जन्मानि तव चार्जुन
तान्य् अहं वेद सर्वाणि
न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
bahūni me vyatītāni
janmāni tava cārjuna
tāny ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi
na tvaṁ vettha parantapa

“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!” (Bhagavad-gita, 4.5)

2. The present

This is the objective of the human birth. Athato brahma-jijnasa. Make the inquiry into spiritual matters. Rather than focus only on what needs to be accomplished at work, think long-term. The seasons come and go, as do the champions and athletes on the playing field, but what is the meaning to it all?

I can actually locate Bhagavan today. Right now. In a second, in fact. Goswami Tulsidas makes the complex understandable. Chant the holy name and renounce bad association. The mistakes of the past get erased, and there are the welcoming arms of sharanagati.

बिगरी जनम अनेक की सुधरै अबहीं आजु |
होहि राम को नाम जपु तुलसी तजि कुसमाजु ||

bigarī janama aneka kī sudharai abahīṃ āju |
hohi rāma ko nāma japu tulasī taji kusamāju ||

“The many past births you spoiled can be rectified right now, today, if you start chanting Shri Rama’s holy name and renounce bad association, says Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 22)

3. The future

Religion as a faith typically carries this promise. Be good today. Follow pious behavior. Voluntarily impose restrictions. Stay within proper boundaries of behavior. The reward will be ascension to heaven. The leaders usually stop there; no further details forthcoming. The followers are left to speculate as to what exactly eternal life is.

The genuine religion, dharma, is sanatana. It has no beginning and no end. You can find Krishna today, for sure. You can do so easily by chanting His holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The process by which you find Him today can be replicated at any time in the future. If there is concern over death, from quitting the body and being thrown into new circumstances upon the subsequent birth, there is the assurance that one with the proper consciousness reaches the appropriate destination.

Thus every time period is covered. There is no need to lament if circumstances are unfavorable today. However bad things may get, there is always the chance to find the one who is above everything. He pervades the entire space, and at the same time He is neither part of it nor affected by it. He accomplishes the work of the world without effort, and He is what the soul has been seeking since time immemorial.

In Closing:

Of existence sure to be,
But where exactly to see?

In the past Bhagavatam before,
How to find Him for sure?

Today stated through chanting,
But same for future granting?

Shri Krishna at any time found,
To manifest world not bound.

Five Possible Activities In Bhakti

“The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.13)

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यज्ञ-शिष्टाशिनः सन्तो
मुच्यन्ते सर्व-किल्बिषैः
भुञ्जते ते त्व् अघं पापा
ये पचन्त्य् आत्म-कारणात्

yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo
mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ
bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā
ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt

The Sanskrit teachings passed on in the Vedic tradition reveal the presence of a subtle element known as ego. Typically identified with the word ahankara, the false version is tied to the temporary body. Essentially, the way I identify is the ego, and starting from birth I get fooled into a mistaken identity.

I am not who I think I am, but a worse mistake is to think that I am nothing. I do have an identity. I am spirit soul, aham brahmasmi. Spirit is of a different quality than matter. Spirit is so amazing that it is finer than the subtle elements of mind, intelligence and ego, but it still gives strength to everything larger. Without the spirit inside, the body would be inoperable; something like the total loss to an automobile in insurance terms.

The false aspect of the ego gets removed when there is a connection to the source of spirit. The proper identification is that I am a spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme Spirit. Ego remains, as there is work that goes on. My identification is what drives me to continue in service, and so there is bound to be some rivalry with others.

Variety in surrender, sharanagati, manifests in different kinds of activities. Genuine spiritual life is not dull and lifeless. It is the complete opposite, in fact. Something like being a kid again, with youthful exuberance and boundless energy. Inexhaustible, since the target never fails to reciprocate.

1. Working

Going to the office. Maintaining a day job. Riding the subway train in the morning, packed with other passengers, some who do not smell very nice. Rushing to make the transfer to the express train so that you arrive on time at your desk. Sifting through a mountain of emails. Hoping to work on that languishing project without constant interruptions.

Then to go home at night and count down the hours until the same has to be repeated the next day. Surprisingly, such activity can fall into the category of bhakti. The distinction is the utilization of the fruits of the work. At the core, what are you working for? What is the purpose of the activity?

Two people enter a kitchen supply store to purchase a knife. One intends to chop vegetables at home to prepare dinner. The other is looking for a weapon to use for hurting others. The purchase of the knife is the same in both instances, but the intent differs greatly. The single action of purchase has a different influence based on the mindset.

2. Cooking

Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita that devotees are absolved of sinful reaction, papa, since they eat the remnants of yajna. This is religious sacrifice; some sort of dedicated effort for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord, done in an authorized way.

Outside of this behavior, the purpose of cooking is to satisfy the senses. The same activity, but of a different nature; similar to the knife example. The beloved of Krishna, Shrimati Radharani, is so expert at cooking that she can prepare endless varieties for the satisfaction of the person she serves with heart and soul. Another person is famous for delighting customers at a restaurant, but the outcome is of a different nature.

3. Painting

Use whatever talents God has given you. If you like to paint, take the factual descriptions and accounts provided in shastra to memorialize significant events. Give others a chance to understand what the saguna aspect to Bhagavan is by appreciating paintings and drawings. Krishna’s glories are endless, which means that many lifetimes can be spent in this blissful activity.

4. Writing

The first step is hearing, shravanam. Sit down and sacrifice some time. Hear from saintly people, sadhu, about the lila [pastimes] of the Supreme Lord. Passive attention is sufficient for qualifying for a benefit. Hear on a regular basis, especially, creating something like a routine.

Soon enough you will be able to explain the same to others. You may not have thought this to be possible prior. But now writing is blissful. You like to keep a record of your thoughts, emotions and realizations. Unlike the daily newspapers, which have an expiration date in terms of relevance, glorification of Krishna is timeless.

5. Chanting

Incapable of entering any of the above mentioned engagements? Then simply chant. Take the maha-mantra and use it as your vehicle to travel to the spiritual world: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Krishna is so kind that He makes no distinction between the different kinds of service. While the cook may be looked down upon at the office full of high-paid executives, in the spiritual world there is equality in terms of status. The sentiment is what counts. The devotion is the most valuable aspect, and it can be exercised in any way preferred, provided the enjoyer is satisfied.

In Closing:

Activities looking the same,
But different reward to gain.

Like man purchasing knife in store,
One for cooking another violence for.

When with bhakti path aligned,
Highest benefit to find.

Through whatever way preferring,
Satisfaction of Krishna occurring.

Three Times The Supreme Lord Took Care Of Everything

“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krishna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.7)

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तस्मात् सर्वेषु कालेषु
माम् अनुस्मर युध्य च
मय्य् अर्पित-मनो-बुद्धिर्
माम् एवैष्यस्य् असंशयः

tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu
mām anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir
mām evaiṣyasy asaṁśayaḥ

After all, He is the greatest. No one is superior to Him. Travel the three worlds and the ten directions. Try outer space and deep inside of the earth. From the tiniest living being up to the creator himself, Lord Brahma. Everywhere features beginning, middle and end. Every living being has the limited range of manifestation, i.e. birth and death.

आ-ब्रह्म-भुवनाल् लोकाः
पुनर् आवर्तिनो ऽर्जुन
माम् उपेत्य तु कौन्तेय
पुनर् जन्म न विद्यते

ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ
punar āvartino ‘rjuna
mām upetya tu kaunteya
punar janma na vidyate

“From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes birth again.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 8.16)

The Supreme Lord, Bhagavan, is different. He cannot be compared to any person, place or thing. He is beyond the range of sense perception. He has the most power. Therefore, if we are in trouble, why not petition Him directly? Have Him take care of everything. There are instances in recorded history where Bhagavan has done just that.

1. Protecting Dandaka-aranya

The saintly people residing in the tapo-vanas [forests conducive for austerity and meditation] appeared to be helpless against attacking night-rangers. On one side you have skinny brahmanas known for their peaceful nature. On the other you have ogres who can change their shapes at will. Also, they like to eat human flesh.

The brahmanas were getting attacked, but they were not completely defenseless. They had the ability to declare curses on the intruders. The problem is that for every curse applied, the source would lose some of their difficult to acquire spiritual merits.

They asked Shri Rama to help. This is the Supreme Lord Himself in the avatara of a kshatriya warrior. The greatest wielder of the bow, in fact, as He had shown in the contest in Janakpur to win the hand of Sita Devi in marriage.

Rama’s wife was even concerned that carrying so many weapons in a forest area would invite violence. The Supreme Lord kindly explained that after being asked for protection by His devotees, He was not going to sit idly by and allow them to be injured.

2. Helping Sugriva

Later on in Rama-lila, there is the alliance with Sugriva. He is the ostracized former leader of the Vanara kingdom in Kishkindha. Sugriva wants to help Rama find Sita, who has gone missing. Rama offers assistance first. Sugriva’s rival is his brother Vali.

Rama helps by shooting Vali in the back. What Sugriva could not accomplish the Supreme Lord takes care of rather quickly. The act went against the standard code of conduct, the dharma-rules established for the kshatriya order. For His friends, Bhagavan is willing to do anything. Since He is above right and wrong, piety and sin, there are no harmful side effects.

3. Entering Talavana

This case wasn’t as serious, in an objective analysis. Cowherd boys in Vrindavana wanted to taste the fruits from a nearby forest called Talavana. The problem was that the asura named Dhenuka was terrorizing the area.

The boys did what was familiar to them: ask Krishna for help. Though displaying the visual of a young child, Krishna was Bhagavan Himself. In any size or shape He retains full potency. To meet the desires of His friends, Krishna entered Talavana and dealt with the problem.

…

There must be sufficient justification to simply sit back and allow Krishna to do everything, but a higher standard of devotion is to act with good faith on His behalf. The outcome is always in Krishna’s hands regardless. Better to put the effort in, because then the reward will taste sweeter. There will be victory of some kind for sure, and it will be tied to the all-attractive one.

This was the route Arjuna chose on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He fought with a devotional spirit. Hanuman showed the same courage in travelling to Lanka and searching for Sita. He did not ask from God; rather he is always willing to give. That selfless attitude is most appreciated on the other side.

In Closing:

All protection can give,
So that with assurance can live.

Like Sugriva reversing Vali takeover,
Responsibility to Rama turning over.

Saints in Dandaka being eaten,
Soon intruders by Rama beaten.

Higher standard when impetus taking,
Like Arjuna best bow-warrior making.

There Are No Atheists In Foxholes

“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)

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प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि
गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः
अहङ्कार-विमूढात्मा
कर्ताहम् इति मन्यते

prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni
guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā
kartāham iti manyate

“You probably hear this argument a lot, but I think it has some merit. I get that the bhakti-yoga people are into religion. You want to worship God and so forth. Thank Him for everything. Be grateful. Avoid the kripana mentality; don’t be a miser.

“But it seems like you are giving up on the world. You are abandoning everything too soon. As if you see no hope at all, you are surrendering in the game. It just seems a little too easy for me. Give up now and be forever saved. Why not at least try?”

There is the saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” The situation is military conflict. Engaging the enemy head-on, there is the rush of conflict. An emergency situation, and thus no time to contemplate life and death. Remain completely aware of your surroundings. No moment for rest.

When in the foxhole, however, things are more out of your control. You have to sit there and hope things go right. You are not sure if a bomb will come and blow up the area. A large attacking force may be on the march. It is for this reason that the helpless turn towards the heavens.

Even if they were the staunchest atheist before, they come to grips with the reality of imminent death. They understand that no one else can save them. The behavior is similar in emergency situations involving medical treatment or rescue from a burning building. Maybe you really want to pass that test, which will then change your life.

The person following bhakti-yoga simply speeds up the process. They retrieve that helpless feeling without requiring the emergency. They are aware that every living being’s destiny is the foxhole-type situation. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita [2.27], where Shri Krishna says that after birth, death is certain.

Why wait for the emergency? Imagine that it has arrived today. It is the truth, in fact, since no one can guarantee waking up in the morning. The situation is always tenuous, but the illusion of repeating daily activities fools us into thinking otherwise, into forgetting.

Bhakti-yoga is remembering. Not only the nature of birth and death, but also the control of the Almighty. He is entirely in charge of outcomes. We think that we are the doers in this world, but the material nature must first comply for any result to manifest.

The devotee of Krishna is not hopeless about this world. They are quite optimistic, in fact, that the all-attractive one will take care of everything. Even if something inauspicious occurs, it is the Lord’s mercy. He is finding a way to help me to remember Him. He is letting me enjoy His association in bliss instead of fear. He gives me the impetus to surrender now, so that I won’t have to face misery later on. He gives me the renewing bliss of the sankirtana process: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Like immediately to transpire,
That foxhole not required.

Where from war afraid,
And obeisance to heaven paid.

Knowing that helpless already,
So with devotion steady.

That Krishna everything to support,
Always my first resort.

Four Places We Go To Beg

“When your personal and supreme interests can be easily obtained from one place, it is not sensible for you in weakness to beg at the doors of others, O Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 54)

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स्वारथ परमारथ सकल सुलभ एक ही ओर |
द्वार दूसरे दीनता उचित न तुलसी तोर ||

svāratha paramāratha sakala sulabha eka hī ora |
dvāra dūsare dīnatā ucita na tulasī tora ||

Considered a lowly occupation, a condition only arrived at through a tragedy in life or the onset of mental illness, begging is not the preferred way to go. The living entity is a kind of ishvara, after all, so they have control over the body. They are the dominant force over the subordinate energy that is the material nature.

अपरेयम् इतस् त्व् अन्यां
प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम्
जीव-भूतां महा-बाहो
ययेदं धार्यते जगत्

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ
prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām

jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho
yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

“Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is a superior energy of Mine, which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and are sustaining the universe.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.5)

From a verse in the Dohavali, Goswami Tulsidas explains that it is not wise to go begging elsewhere. The truth needs to be stated because everyone is a beggar to some degree, even if they are unaware. Generally seeking short-term interest, svartha, they have to rely on someone else to provide.

1. For a job

The thought process goes something like this:

“I am an independent contractor. I have freedom of movement. I will take my talents elsewhere, as the famous basketball player once said. It is time for others to bid on my services. I will only consider offers north of a certain salary range.”

The reality is that there is some begging involved. The individual usually has to make some sacrifice when looking for a new job. In the interview stage, they may have to wear a suit and try to avoid sounding too eager. They may have to answer difficult technical questions relating to their field of work.

Afterwards, it is the etiquette to send a “thank you” note. Even if you don’t want the job, go along with the dance. See how everything works out. But it is out of your control. The other side must agree.

2. For a customer

Tired of looking for jobs? Sick of begging other people to hire you? Then become your own boss. Start a business. Determine your own hours of operation. Hire employees. Sit on the other side of the table.

While there is a greater sense of proprietorship in this situation, begging still takes place. The new company needs customers. It likely should have many of them, to minimize risk. This means that the CEO of the wealthiest company in the world still has to humble themselves. They have to beg Congress to avoid passing commerce-crippling laws and raising taxes to confiscatory rates. They have to ask customers to continue to show support through future purchases.

The leader must also maintain satisfaction in the customer base. If there are issues with the product after sale, there has to be a mechanism to address. Perhaps open a call center to handle the flood of inquiries. Maintain a level head, even if the customers are irate.

3. To calm an angry spouse

You screwed up. Not exactly sure what you did, but the spouse is upset. You wish they would just tell you already, but they get even angrier if they think you don’t know. You should be aware of your actions. You should have apologized already.

Despite being a grown adult, you have to humble yourself and buy some flowers. Say that you are sorry. Admit that you were wrong. This is for the good of the relationship, for maintaining peace in the home, which is desperately required.

4. For votes

It is often described as “retail politics.” A person running for office should make the rounds. Name recognition is not enough. Purchasing television and radio ads certainly helps, but people want to meet you face to face.

Thus you must shake hands with as many people as possible. Attend that local pancake breakfast, but make sure not to be caught eating on camera. Go knocking door-to-door in the neighborhood, meeting supporters and opponents alike. Listen to what they have to say. In the end, politely ask them for their vote. It goes a long way.

…

Tulsidas says that the immediate and long-term interests can be met in one place. Why go around begging? Especially if there is no guarantee of success, if there is no ability to provide anything meaningful, better to approach the door of the Supreme Lord.

The guardian is a Vanara named Hanuman. He is quite benevolent in this area. He simply asks for devotion. Have some love and affection for Sita and Rama, the goddess of fortune and her husband. Then you can live in their kingdom, and all of your needs will be taken care of.

In the spiritual world there are no distinctions between high and low. That is to say a person is not considered a better servant just because of their ability. The beggar is on an equal footing with the protector. The sweeper is the same as the famous preacher. This is the love and compassion of the Supreme Lord.

In Closing:

Even if on solid financial ground,
From CEO begging found.

Ameliorate the customer base,
Memory of product failure erase.

Maintain profit through selling,
And of positive outlook telling.

Tulsidas advising towards Rama to go,
Beg there and real security know.

Four Ways Krishna Cannot Be Realized

“One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.55)

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भक्त्या माम् अभिजानाति
यावान् यश् चास्मि तत्त्वतः
ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा
विशते तद्-अनन्तरम्

bhaktyā mām abhijānāti
yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ
tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā
viśate tad-anantaram

The intelligent human being at least makes an endeavor. Hopefully with maturity there comes a recognition of the repeating pattern in life. Bhoga and tyaga. Enjoying one day and renouncing the next. I love this person; I hate that one. The viewpoint could shift in regards to the same person or situation. One day I am eating pizza and the next I am swearing off of it.

There has to be more. Maybe religion is the answer. More than just blind faith or allegiance to an institution, let me find that original source. I want to go beyond birth and death, to understand the meaning behind everything.

In this regard there are different avenues that most certainly will not lead to a proper understanding of the Almighty, who is ultimately a person. He is an active, interested observer, who breaks from His position of neutrality on occasion.

1. Mental Speculation

This is something like awaking in a dark room and guessing as to what hangs on the walls. You can likely find the boundaries by surveying the area and feeling with your hands, but there are no lights to show the way. You think that the room has this and that inside, but there is no way to be sure. Moreover, you can only reference objects with which you are familiar. If you have never been exposed to something, you can’t very well guess that it is present within the room.

The Supreme Lord, God the person, who is known as Shri Krishna among many other names, is beyond the range of sense perception. His features cannot be properly measured by blunt instruments. Thus there is no way for me to speculate and reach the proper conclusion as to His nature and activities.

2. Personal endeavor

Win enough championships in the professional sports league and you are a lock to enter the hall of fame upon retirement. Put in enough hours at the office and you will get a positive performance review the next time around. Walk enough steps in a day and you could be well on your way to slimming down the waistline.

There is no equivalent in spiritual life. There are many recommended practices and procedures, for sure. There may even be the promise of promotion to a better destination in the afterlife. Yet this has nothing to do with knowing Krishna. Business-like dealings with empowered figures guarantee only temporary benefits; not a change in consciousness.

3. Education

Perhaps I can know by studying. Jnana. Read every work of the Vedas. Memorize verses. Teach others the same. Repeat what I have learned and hopefully the information will sink in.

The issue is that jnana does not automatically lead to vijnana, which is practical understanding. Indeed, I could be the biggest atheist in the world and know everything from shastra. Recite verses from memory, but I don’t really know anything. Education can certainly help me along the way, but it is not the determining factor in success.

4. Material acquisition

Maybe if I am the wealthiest person in the world. Accumulate more than everyone else. Live up to my potential for achievement. Build up power and strength to get an idea of what it means to be supreme. Show the Almighty my resume while quitting the body; maybe He will be impressed.

…

The truth is that Krishna can only be understood by devotional service, bhakti-yoga. That service can involve any of the aforementioned paths, but it is the underlying attitude which matters. Bhakti is so strong that a person lacking education can still understand Krishna. Even if they are poor or unable to exercise the brain to the proper imaginative length, they are equally as eligible for connecting with the origin of the universe.

The bhakti process starts by hearing. Listen to discourses about the Absolute Truth, Shri Hari. Remain in His association through chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Discover the best matching outlet for service and never abandon that choice.

In Closing:

Not so smart am I,
Though in education to try.

Others at speculation striving,
But not to proper conclusion arriving.

Since only by bhakti is known,
Through underlying sentiment shown.

Help to the sincere giving,
So that always with Him living.