Five Objects Of Appreciation Associated With Krishna’s Music

“My dear gopis, what auspicious activities must the flute have performed to enjoy the nectar of Krishna's lips independently and leave only a taste for the gopis for whom that nectar is actually meant. The forefathers of the flute, the bamboo trees, shed tears of pleasure. His mother, the river, on whose bank the bamboo was born, feels jubilation, and therefore her blooming lotus flowers are standing like hair on her body.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 10.21.9)

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गोप्यः किम् आचरद् अयं कुशलं स्म वेणुर्
दामोदराधर-सुधाम् अपि गोपिकानाम्
भुङ्क्ते स्वयं यद् अवशिष्ट-रसं ह्रदिन्यो
हृष्यत्-त्वचो ’श्रु मुमुचुस् तरवो यथार्यः

gopyaḥ kim ācarad ayaṁ kuśalaṁ sma veṇur
dāmodarādhara-sudhām api gopikānām
bhuṅkte svayaṁ yad avaśiṣṭa-rasaṁ hradinyo
hṛṣyat-tvaco ’śru mumucus taravo yathāryaḥ

It is an extended vision. A wise person can see well beyond what is in front of them. Take the pencil, for instance. Place it in front of a student of child-age and they will likely only consider it a device for composition and art. There is the eraser in the back for correcting errors. There is the sharpener nearby if the point should dull or break off.

The adult with a little education in economics can see well beyond. They understand the many different components that went into the pencil’s construction. People perhaps separated by thousands of miles combined together for the output, most likely unknowingly. Then there are the trucks that drove to deliver the raw materials. The business establishment stocking their inventory along with other related items. The shoppers patronizing the store, perhaps armed with discounts in hand.

An equivalent on the spiritual side is the humble sage who views with an equal vision. They see different species, understanding that they are nothing more than different collections of the material elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. The sage sees beyond the gross, going deep inside.

From the operating table a doctor can extract different parts of the body. With modern technology, they only need a special image generated to do the same; leaving the parts intact. They can show the kidneys, the lungs, the stomach, and the heart. Ask them to show the vital force, the animating spark, the one energy whose presence determines life and death, and you are out of luck.

विद्या-विनय-सम्पन्ने
ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
शुनि चैव श्व-पाके च
पण्डिताः सम-दर्शिनः

vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ

“The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste] .” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 5.18)

The brahmana realized in the truth, tattva, can see this force. They don’t require special technology or advanced degrees. They understand that the human being, the elephant, the dog, and the cow are equal on the inside, because it is the spirit soul that is powering them.

Going beyond the recognition of the spiritual force at the local level and into the realm of the source of everything in His personal form, we have the amazing vision of the gopis. Just from hearing the music Krishna produces in the transcendental land of Vrindavana, their appreciation extends to other areas.

1. The flute

This is Krishna’s instrument of choice. Though in the vision of a youth, the darling child of mother Yashoda is already an expert. The sound travels far and wide. He lives in the home of caretakers to cows, and so if on a given day the calves in His custody should wander astray, Krishna simply ascends His favorite piece of land, Govardhana Hill. From that perch the sound from His flute captivates everyone in His care, as they quickly return to Him.

2. The bamboo used in its construction

The gopis appreciate the wood used to make the flute. They are not silly enough to think that such an important object appeared randomly. They understand that some work had to be applied. The raw material is everything. Make a flute of a different source and the sound might not be the same. Moreover, Krishna seems to be pleased with the flute that He has.

3. The tree from which the wood came

The gopis appreciate the tree that produced the wood that produced the flute that Krishna used to play His amazing music. The tree is also a living entity, classified as nonmoving, or acharam. It is the best symbol of tolerance, as it accepts whatever weather conditions and stays in its place. The tree made a tremendous sacrifice, but its output was used for the highest purpose: pleasing the Supreme Lord.

4. The grass and surrounding flowers

The tree did not grow in a greenhouse. It was not produced in a vacuum. There was a surrounding environment, and so the gopis had appreciation for the plant life, as well. The grass and flowers also benefitted because of the connection at the end to the Supreme Lord in the full feature, Bhagavan.

5. The nearby body of water

The flowers around the tree were near a body of water, which also received a benefit. The tree thrived because of the surroundings, and that vibrancy led to suitable wood to be used for making the flute.

As the gopis appreciate in this way, the Supreme Lord does the same. This is further justification for accepting the bhakti path. It brings benefits to so many people connected in the chain, whether they are aware or not. The sukriti builds, and the people to whom those meritorious credits belong become better situated to find the path to transcendence one day in the future.

In Closing:

Wise person vision extending,

All parts in chain commending.

Like gopis with flute sound hearing,

Enchanting music from Krishna endearing.

Understanding that wood necessary so,

Coming from tree in which to grow.

Also water and flowers surrounding,

Contributing to bhakti bliss abounding.

Four Valuable Life Lessons To Learn From Children

“Nonsensical habits like smoking, drinking, and meat-eating have entered society simply due to the urges of the tongue. Actually, there is no need for these things. A person does not die simply because he cannot smoke, eat meat, or drink liquor. Rather, without these indulgences he can elevate himself to the highest platform. It is therefore said that one who can control the tongue can control the urges of the other senses also.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Beyond Illusion & Doubt, Ch 12)

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What is an age of a person, really? A measurement in time arbitrarily assigned significance due to the expected presence of attributes and characteristics, the end can actually arrive at any moment. As an example, nine months after the time of birth is no guarantee of specific skills. One infant can already walk after this time has elapsed. Play a basic game of peekaboo and quickly thereafter they start playing it back. They hide behind the sofa and come out later for a surprise attack. The resulting laughter and smile are oceanic.

Yet another child of the same age might be more docile. They don’t even know how to crawl. They remain still and content. They are not active. The parents know that the potential is always there, however. Once a person reaches adulthood, the age at which they started walking is no longer relevant.

Another factor associated with age is instruction. Those older are supposed to teach those younger. This is nature’s way. Life experiences passed on in a descending process, hopefully preventing danger and wasted time.

Due to their innocence and associated behavioral patterns, an interesting reversal can occur, where much is learned by the adults. Studying their children can open eyes about certain unwanted aspects of life, anarthas, and their value to living in this world.

1. Not addicted to intoxication

The children have no concept of it. They are dependents, after all. Whatever the parents feed them is what they will eat. They can urgently request certain items like breast milk, but it is always up to a higher authority to provide. Perhaps they get a taste of intoxication with certain over the counter medications, but again, the interaction is usually limited.

How do they survive? How do the children manage the day without the pick-me-up of coffee in the morning? How do they unwind in the nighttime without an adult beverage? They don’t have to quit smoking because they’ve never touched a cigarette.

The same can be very difficult for an adult. The obvious lesson is that such intoxicants are not necessary for living. In fact, a person can be very happy without them. Sobriety is the natural way of life, and children show that the addictions result from artificial needs created through bad association.

2. Understand something inherently wrong with animal killing

Take a child to a slaughterhouse and they won’t like what they see. The heart is pure at such a young age. Cruelty is not appreciated. There is no joy from watching another life suffer needlessly. The child can survive on milk just fine. The same milk is produced by the cow due to love; mother to child.

Yet in adulthood the same person can become anesthetized to the violence. They accept the excuses of the elders, such as that slaughterhouses are necessary for feeding a population. Meanwhile, a child can survive the first few years simply off milk. All the required nutrients arrive through this miracle food of nature, which does not rely on violence.

The child has a basic understanding of fairness and equality. If they want their own life protected, why not that of another? This truth becomes more difficult to see in adulthood, due again to the unwanted association, which may in fact be handed down through family tradition.

3. Have natural affinity for God

Play a bhajana glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and a child might dance along. They get a big smile on their face hearing someone describe the gunas, or transcendental qualities, belonging to the most fortunate one, Bhagavan.

In an amazing case, a baby barely nine months old shows that their favorite internet video is of a Vaishnava describing the chatuh-shloki of the Shrimad Bhagavatam. Not talking animals. Not song and dance of nursery rhymes. A lecture on the four verses which summarize the ripened fruit of Vedic literature, accurately describing God’s position with respect to this world and its population.

When taken into a house of worship the child seems to have an inherent understanding of the nature of the area. They see an altar where God in a transcendental form, archa-vigraha, gets worshiped and they immediately have some respect. When they just learn how to talk and verbalize their visual identifications, they tell others, “This is Bhagavan-ji. We should pay respect.”

No one has to teach them. The intelligence is already there. From the Bhagavad-gita, we know that the Supersoul is the invisible factor. He is in the background, providing both memory and forgetfulness.

सर्वस्य चाहं हृदि सन्निविष्टो
मत्तः स्मृतिर् ज्ञानम् अपोहनं च
वेदैश् च सर्वैर् अहम् एव वेद्यो
वेदान्त-कृद् वेद-विद् एव चाहम्

sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo
mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca
vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedānta-kṛd veda-vid eva cāham

“I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas am I to be known; indeed I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.15)

4. Unconditional love

The child shows unconditional love. They are not afraid to share their preferences. They cry for their mother as if they wouldn’t survive without the association. They insist that their best friend sit next to them while eating. They greet the father with a beaming smile in the morning. They don’t require much; just that the loved ones stay nearby.

In adulthood the same heart becomes hardened. Placed on guard due to bad experiences, the same sentiment lies deep within, though. This is due to the link to the Supreme Lord. The dharma of the individual, who is spirit soul, is to serve in love. This is the only way to true bliss, ananda, which is the reason for living.

In adulthood the way to unlock the enthusiasm and hope of the early years is through the association of the spiritual master. The guru shows the way towards eternal life in bliss. He reveals that the soul is meant to love God. This trait can never be acquired and neither can it be removed. It is as eternal as the living being.

Bhagavan is the ideal recipient of that love, and through steady practice in bhakti-yoga the spontaneous attachment gets revived. Something as basic as chanting the holy names can remove the unwanted habits and sentiments acquired during the difficult journey through life: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

My child most amazing to see,

That actually teaching me.

When Bhagavatam verses to hear,

Towards television going near.

As if knowing all along,

Dancing to devotional song.

Of unwanted habits no need,

Way for every soul to proceed.

Does Repeated Reading Of Vedic Literature Bring New Meanings

"This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.2)

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राज-विद्या राज-गुह्यं
पवित्रम् इदम् उत्तमम्
प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं
सु-सुखं कर्तुम् अव्ययम्

rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ
pavitram idam uttamam
pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ
su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam

Friend1: Shri Krishna is nava-yauvanam.

Friend2: Ever fresh and new. He never gets old. Not even on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where at least one hundred years had passed since He emerged from the womb of Devaki in the prison cell in Mathura.

Friend1: I have never seen a picture where He is depicted as an old man.

Friend2: Because jara, old age, is a defect of the material living condition. It is an unwanted aspect of life following birth. Its effects are unseen but certainly verifiable. As an example, I can’t eat in my forties the way I did in my twenties.

Friend1: Sugary drinks. Late night snacking on pizza.

Friend2: In other words, whatever you want; without discrimination. Stomach problems, skin issues, cholesterol, blood pressure and the like are genuine issues of concern as the body ages.

Friend1: As Krishna is ever fresh and new, so are the books glorifying Him.

Friend2: No doubt about it. The Bhagavad-gita, Shrimad Bhagavatam, Ramayana and Puranas bring you closer to Him. It’s like reading someone’s diary from thousands of years ago. You can travel straight back in time. And as you read repeatedly, the closeness increases. You will feel like Arjuna and the Pandavas are your friends. Shri Rama and family are looking out for you, and Narada Muni is the coolest person ever.

Friend1: I’ve heard it said that reading the same works repeatedly brings new benefits.

Friend2: Yes. Of course. The amazing thing is that those works can be read again and again. You can’t really do the same with anything else. Take a biography of a famous personality or a work describing a historical incident. You can read those maybe a few times, but spread out over many years.

Friend1: Even that is a stretch. Most of the time we read a book and then put it aside. It becomes part of the library, something for others to consult if they so choose.

Friend2: Yeah, and researchers may take an interest if they are writing a book on the same subject matter.

Friend1: If I read Bhagavad-gita again and again, I will get new meanings? That seems pretty cool.

Friend2: We have to make a distinction here.

Friend1: What is that?

Friend2: Between “new” and “additional.”

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: The meanings don’t change. For instance, when Krishna says that the body continues to shift, from boyhood all the way to old age, there is no way to alter the meaning. If you do, you are a cheater.

Friend1: I see. Then what is so great about reading over and over?

Friend2: You get additional meanings.

Friend1: Oh, sorry. I forgot. Please explain further.

Friend2: As a youth reading that verse, there is a specific significance. As I get older, the same verse, which has the same meaning, now has an additional relation to me. I get an additional meaning out of reading it, versus a new one.

Friend1: Because new could mean change. As in the meaning of the verse has changed since the time it was first written.

Friend2: Exactly. New connotes replacing, like when you trade in the old car for a new one. You don’t want to do that here. It is a form of cheating, and so many people are expert at it. Rather than author their own work based on mental speculation, they use the Bhagavad-gita as a foundation. Then they twist the meanings to suit their purpose. It was for this reason that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada boldly and triumphantly added the “As It Is” suffix to his translation of Bhagavad-gita.

Friend1: It really is a shot in the face to everyone else who published prior. He’s basically saying that your translations and commentaries are not authorized.

Friend2: Everyone else had a chance to use the same title, but none of them would because they lacked the authority to do so.

Friend1: I should read these works again and again because I get additional meanings. Alright, so what do I do with those meanings?

Friend2: You gain confidence in the path. It is something like a person becoming a parent for the first time. They have a whole new perspective on children. They now understand the difficulties in supporting a family while working. Responsibilities increase and there is more respect for other people. In the same way, the more a person relates to Bhagavad-gita and other important works of Vedic literature, the more appreciation that person will have for the vishva in general.

Friend1: The entire creation.

Friend2: From the tiny ant to the creator himself, Lord Brahma. This extended vision of appreciation is known as Brahman realization, and it is an important step in escaping ignorance for good. More importantly, there is increased closeness to Bhagavan in the process. That is the real purpose of initiation with the spiritual master. It is coming closer to a representative of God, who can in turn deliver Krishna’s presence in such a way that He never leaves.

In Closing:

When gift of guru to receive,

Getting Krishna to never leave.

Closer to Him to come,

Because of proper study done.

Applicable through lifetime entire,

For boyhood and when to retire.

Just like Bhagavan ever fresh and new,

Brahman-lens Vedic literature through.

Five Verses To Cover In Bhakti-Yoga 101

“O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.27)

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यत् करोषि यद् अश्नासि
यज् जुहोषि ददासि यत्
यत् तपस्यसि कौन्तेय
तत् कुरुष्व मद्-अर्पणम्

yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam

There are no graduates or degrees. This is because the learning never stops. The subject matter is itself infinite; part of the definition of the person being studied. Naturally, what He produces shares the same properties. Though the basic distinction is between material and spiritual, both energies are eternal. The meaning is they have no known origin and no one can pinpoint when they will be completely annihilated in the future.

Still, there is plenty to study. If a college course were to be generated off of a single book of importance, the Bhagavad-gita, then certain verses would have to be covered. These would provide a sufficient overview of the subject matter, which can be contemplated going forward multiple times over, with additional meanings and appreciations emerging due to shifts in perspective.

1. Dehino ‘smin…

The setting of the collection of verses is a battlefield, of all places. The premise is that the leading fighter for one side is something like a conscientious objector. He is in the military voluntarily; no conscription or draft. He is the most capable, having proven himself many times in the past. The cause is right; he and his family have suffered the effects of adharma from the other side for too long.

Even with such a solid justification, Arjuna is unsure about proceeding forward. He knows the likely outcome: victory. He knows the reward for the win: control over a kingdom. Is that enough, though? Is it worth the cost of lives on the other side, which contains some well-wishers and family members?

Shri Krishna is there to guide, both as the chariot driver and the guru. He is the original spiritual master, in fact; a truth known to Arjuna prior but revealed again during the conversation to settle any doubts. Krishna begins the discussion by describing how the body continues to change.

There is youth, then adolescence, adulthood, and finally old age. This is the typical life cycle of the human being, though there is no guarantee to make it to an elderly state prior to the arrival of death.

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)

While all of these changes are taking place, the spirit soul is unchanged. Death is merely the final change; the individual travelling to a completely new body, which has its own setting, i.e. circumstances of birth. The sober person, dhira, is not bewildered by these changes.

2. Yam yam vapi…

What exactly are those circumstances? Can they be controlled? What will happen to the fighters who perish in the upcoming conflict? The existence is not finished; that we now understand. But to where will they travel? What will the situation be?

यं यं वापि स्मरन् भावं
त्यजत्य् अन्ते कलेवरम्
तं तम् एवैति कौन्तेय
सदा तद्-भाव-भावितः

yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ
tyajaty ante kalevaram
taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya
sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ

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

Krishna explains that the state of being at the time of death is the determining factor. Sort of like the life flashing before the eyes, the consciousness is key. If a person is contemplating their dog and the attachment to it, a similar circumstance will follow in the next life. Perhaps birth in a dog’s body will occur.

3. Yat karosi…

We have birth and death covered, and the changes that take place in between. Try to have the right consciousness while quitting the body, but what about during the period of living itself? What should be the goal of activity? Eating, offering, sacrificing, renouncing, and working take place, irrespective of language spoken or accepted religious tradition.

Shri Krishna recommends to do everything as an offering to Him. The fight ahead for Arjuna, the focus and determination necessary for victory, the acceptance of a kingdom, the fruits of the work – everything should be done with Krishna in mind. That will provide the ultimate benefit.

4. Param dhama…

This is because Krishna is the ultimate repository. He is the Supreme Shelter; surrendering to Him will bring the best result. He is not an arbitrarily assigned object of worship. His supreme status was on visible display to Arjuna, who received a special set of eyes to be able to see.

अर्जुन उवाच
परं ब्रह्म परं धाम
पवित्रं परमं भवान्
पुरुषं शाश्वतं दिव्यम्
आदि-देवम् अजं विभुम्
आहुस् त्वाम् ऋषयः सर्वे
देवर्षिर् नारदस् तथा
असितो देवलो व्यासः
स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे

arjuna uvāca
paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma
pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān
puruṣaṁ śāśvataṁ divyam
ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum
āhus tvām ṛṣayaḥ sarve
devarṣir nāradas tathā
asito devalo vyāsaḥ
svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me

“Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Brahman, the ultimate, the supreme abode and purifier, the Absolute Truth and the eternal divine person. You are the primal God, transcendental and original, and You are the unborn and all-pervading beauty. All the great sages such as Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa proclaim this of You, and now You Yourself are declaring it to me.” (Bhagavad-gita, 10.12-13)

Upon witnessing that amazing form, known as the virata-rupa, the leading fighter for the Pandavas broke out into spontaneous praise. He extolled Krishna’s virtues, and glorified Him as the Supreme Pure. Hence there is also proper justification for offering everything unto Krishna.

5. Sarva dharman…

This verse appears towards the very end of the conversation. If there was any confusion as to the teachings presented, which may appear contradictory in some ways, just know that full surrender will take care of everything. Take every kind of religious system, dharma, and let it go. Just accept Krishna’s shelter and everything will be okay.

सर्व-धर्मान् परित्यज्य
माम् एकं शरणं व्रज
अहं त्वां सर्व-पापेभ्यो
मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः

sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.66)

Saints of the Vedic tradition have expanded on the concept. Tailored specifically to this age is the dharma of chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

जथा भूमि सब बीजमय नखत निवास अकास |
राम नाम सब धरममय जानत तुलसीदास ||

jathā bhūmi saba bījamaya nakhata nivāsa akāsa |
rāma nāma saba dharamamaya jānata tulasīdāsa ||

“Just as within the earth is found every kind of seed and within the sky live all the stars, Tulsidas knows that Shri Rama’s holy name is the reservoir of all dharma.” (Dohavali, 29)

Goswami Tulsidas makes the comparison to the earth and the sky. All the stars can be found in the sky and all seeds necessary for the continuation of plant life can be found in the earth. In the same way, the result of all dharmas can be found in the chanting of the holy name. There is no need to be so concerned over this rule and that regulation. Maintain a connection to Bhagavan and life’s mission will be successful, as it was for Arjuna.

In Closing:

If Bhagavad-gita as course to try,

Then necessary verses five.

That body changing from new to old,

To offer everything to Krishna told.

The supreme shelter by Arjuna explained,

Full surrender to all dharmas the same.

Consciousness at death’s moment measured,

Best if held Lord’s company treasured.

Who Doesn’t Want To Enjoy

“O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.27)

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यत् करोषि यद् अश्नासि
यज् जुहोषि ददासि यत्
यत् तपस्यसि कौन्तेय
तत् कुरुष्व मद्-अर्पणम्

yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam

Friend1: You would have to admit that renunciation is a tough sell.

Friend2: Vairagya?

Friend1: Tapasya. Austerity. Limitation.

Friend2: In what field of endeavor, though? Weight loss involves dieting and some sort of exercise. Those aren’t difficult to sell at all. In fact, there is a huge market. It seems that every week a new system comes out.

Friend1: Or a new gadget. Just use this simple machine for five minutes a day and watch your waistline shrink.

Friend2: Yes, so if you are speaking of spiritual life, then I agree with you. Why put limitations on living, especially in these so-called advanced times? God gave us this birth to enjoy. That is what makes Him happy.

Friend1: Seeing us acting in ways that increase our forgetfulness of Him. I know you are being facetious, but especially with the four regulative principles the initial response is bewilderment.

Friend2: They are sure to object.

“How could you give up meat eating, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex? What else is there left to enjoy?”

Friend1: Those are exactly the questions in response. I mean I’m sure many full-time practicing devotees felt that way in the beginning.

Friend2: I’m pleased that you mentioned them. If they were able to overcome the difficulties, why can’t others?

Friend1: They are the rare exception. You know of the verse from the Bhagavad-gita:

बहूनां जन्मनाम् अन्ते
ज्ञानवान् मां प्रपद्यते
वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति
स महात्मा सु-दुर्लभः

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ

“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.19)

Friend2: Then why are we having a discussion here? What are you worried about if you already admit that only after many births does a person come to understand God the person in truth?

Friend1: Prachara. Popularizing the teachings of shastra. Kripa. Distributing the mercy coming from above. Others sacrificed so much to help me. I want to return the favor.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: Is there a better way? Should we hide the key facets of renunciation from a person just starting out?

Friend2: In the beginning there is no question of renunciation. Simply hear. Krishna-katha, or discourses about the Supreme Lord. Eat prasadam, which is the Lord’s mercy. Food first offered to Him with love and devotion.

Friend1: Of a certain category.

Friend2: Yes. Food in the mode of goodness.

Friend1: No meat, fish or eggs.

Friend2: Onions, garlic and a few other restrictions, also. Chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend1: Dancing, too.

Friend2: There you go. Enjoy to your heart’s content. Don’t you see the amazing aspect?

Friend1: What is that?

Friend2: Renunciation already takes place. Chanting, dancing, feasting. You are already avoiding the four primary sinful activities.

Friend1: Okay, but I know that there is more to go. Most people can’t stay in that environment forever. They have to return home at some point. How do we sell them on renunciation?

Friend2: The purpose of every rule and regulation is enjoyment. Not mere punishment for the sake of taking away fun. Be serious, but also hopeful. Be pessimistic about material life and optimistic about the future in bhakti. Who doesn’t want to enjoy? Understand that following the path of the acharyas is the way to be happy in a host of situations. Married or single, young or old, rich or poor – the conditions in duality won’t matter anymore. Is there any greater gift than this? And all from a little regulation in life coupled with good association. No one else can offer the same. The last consideration is choice. Make the decision and see for yourself.

In Closing:

“Why you’re taking away my fun,

In restriction enjoyment none.

God so kindly this life to me gave,

Not for in fear and pain to behave.”

Truth that with purpose coming,

So that even happier becoming.

Through guru’s guidance receive,

Practice and for yourself believe.

Four Of The Most Amazing Things Narada Muni Has Done

“Narada Muni continued, 'All the animals that you have killed and given unnecessary pain will kill you one after the other in your next life and in life after life.'” (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 24.251)

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कदर्थिया तुमि यत मारिला जीवेरे
तारा तैछे तोमा मारिबे जन्म-जन्मान्तरे

kadarthiyā tumi yata mārilā jīvere
tārā taiche tomā māribe janma-janmāntare

A celebrated saint whose name appears throughout Vedic literature, Narada Muni has many accomplishments to his name. Not that he intentionally tried for notoriety and recognition. He is a pure devotee of the Supreme Lord, chanting the name of Narayana wherever He goes.

He is the tri-loka sanchari, which means that his mercy is not limited to the earthly realm. He can travel to other planets and he has an open invitation to meet with Lord Vishnu whenever he likes. Though his work is never complete, here are some of the most amazing things he has done, as far as is known through recorded history.

1. Initiated Valmiki

A person who unfortunately took a wrong turn in life, Ratnakara was a highway robber. The justification was the support of his family. This is the easy way out, to take what others have. Let them work and then confiscate the fruits of their labor. Many governments in the modern-day operate under this philosophy, sometimes described as legal plunder.

When Ratnakara went to steal from Narada Muni passing by, there was a problem. The devotee of Narayana barely has possessions. There is nothing physical of value to give. Instead, there were eye-opening questions. Why was this person stealing? Did the family understand that they were implicated in the sinful deeds? Were they prepared to share in the future consequences?

One thing led to another and Ratnakara surrendered to Narada, who gave the advice to chant the holy name of Rama. The robber was so accustomed to sin that he couldn’t pronounce the name properly. Never mind, as saying the Sanskrit word for “death” would produce the sound of Rama’s name all the same.

The chanting went on for so long that an anthill formed around the disciple, earning him the name of Valmiki. That person initiated by Narada Muni then went on to become a celebrated rishi and poet, composing the sacred Ramayana, which is still read today.

2. Cursed Shri Hari

As mentioned previously, Narada can visit the home of the Supreme Lord whenever he likes. One time he arrived with some pride, thinking that he had fully conquered kama, which is lust. In a playful pastime, Hari decided to teach Narada a valuable lesson.

A majestic city was created at which Narada arrived. Seeing a beautiful princess he immediately wanted her as his wife. There just happened to be a self-choice ceremony, or svayamvara, about to take place. Narada did what was natural to him; he asked Hari for help. The Supreme Lord gave consent, but in a mischievous way. He agreed to give Narada a face similar to His, so that the princess would make the proper choice.

Another meaning for the word Hari is monkey, and so Narada was astonished to later learn that he showed a monkey-face at the contest to the princess, who then rejected him. The winner, in fact, was Vishnu Himself, who had created the situation in the first place.

Narada was not too pleased upon learning the truth. In a fit of anger he cursed Hari to appear on earth and be separated from His beloved. No one can curse God, and yet Narada’s words held true. This was an amazing act since it showed just how close the devotee can be in their dealings with Vishnu. That supposed curse was one cause for the events later described in Valmiki’s Ramayana.

3. Encouraged Vyasadeva

The work does not stop at initiation. To accept the shelter of a bona fide spiritual master is really the beginning of the second life. The initiate becomes known as dvija, which is twice-born. They have to make the second life count through work along the spiritual path.

It is natural for the guru to check on the disciple, to see how they are progressing. One time Narada met Vyasadeva and learned that the great compiler of a wealth of Vedic literature was still unsatisfied. Narada advised him to compose a work focused only on the Supreme Lord and devotion to Him. No karma mixed in. Nothing related to sense gratification. The result was the Bhagavata Purana, which is known as the ripened fruit of Vedic literature.

4. Counseled Mrigari

In his travels Narada Muni meets a host of people, from all kinds of backgrounds. One time he came across a hunter who was half-killing animals. Known as Mrigari, or the enemy of the beasts, this person was just following tradition. They did not know better.

Narada asked that the animals be fully killed or the process itself stopped. Mrigari wondered how he would continue to live without the occupation of hunting. Narada told him not to worry about that, to instead set up camp near a river and chant the holy names in front of a tulasi plant.

From this simple process a complete transformation took place. The ari turned into a mitra to the animal community; from enemy to friend, extending the spiritual vision down to the level of ants.

Narada worked his magic without an extended philosophical discussion. No quoting this verse and that. No time-consuming lecture. The power of the goddess of devotion, who is so dear to Vishnu that she grants such devotion to others who honor her, helped to purify the heart of someone who was previously so cruel.

In Closing:

Killing in cruel way most,

Hunter of animals a host.

Changed when Narada met,

And insightful questions to get.

Either stop or kill fully,

Disarmed thus skillfully.

After chanting then at tulasi tree,

Amazing transformation to see.

Four Sanskrit Words To Define An Existence

“The Upanishadic verse runs as follows: nityo nityanam chetanash chetananam. The purport is that amongst all the living entities, both conditioned and liberated, there is one supreme living personality, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who maintains them and gives them all the facility of enjoyment according to different work.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 15.17 Purport)

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“How to define an existence? How to explain the concept of living to a small child or someone just entering the world of learning? Anything unique the Vedic perspective has to offer, or is everything the same as what can be reached through mental speculation?”

While the explanation can be as endless as the universe, key Sanskrit terms help to refine the idea; a juxtaposition with concepts that represent negations.

1. Chetana

As an example, take a rock. It is stone. Typically dull in the sense of sharpness, that factor can be changed, but the dullness in terms of lack of animation cannot. It can only move through the application of an external force.

The lack of mobility is not the lone disqualification. Plants cannot move, but we know that they are alive. Certain animal species stay where they are for a long time, yet the comparison cannot be made to the rock in that respect.

Chetana refers to consciousness, vibrancy, and even knowledge - an animating spark within a covering that lacks the living feature. It is the difference between spirit and matter. The living beings are chetana; this is not exclusive to the human species. Anything with a soul inside, a spark responsible for living. That force within whose absence equates to death and whose presence indicates life.

2. Dharma

The living being is chetana, and as they are distinguished from matter, there are accompanying qualities. When we see water, we identify it as distinct from other aspects of nature, such as fire and air. Water has qualities that define its existence. If wetness is lacking then the object is not water. For fire the necessary components are heat and light.

These defining characteristics are known as dharma. The chetana living beings have a dharma, as well. Consciousness itself is a distinguishing feature. Vedic teachings say that chetana brings a tendency towards service. No matter the type of body accepted, some type of service will take place.

For the chetana in the human form, dharma becomes service to a higher being. Actually, dharma is always the same, but in the lower species the opportunity for engaging in that service is missing. Yet this is not full condemnation, since there is a chance to progress.

3. Jivana

This is the concept of a lifetime, a period of living. A chetana spark enters the form of a tree and can stand in one place for thousands of years, accepting everything thrown its way. The brutal heat of the summer, the bitter cold of winter, the squirrels and monkeys climbing up and down, the swirling wind – the tree has no other choice but to endure.

This duration of time is jivana. The living spark does not have to stay in a particular form forever. They move on through the process known as transmigration. The spirit soul can advance or regress. That is to say a living being can move to a higher species in the subsequent jivana. The human birth is ideally the last stop, the place where dharma can shine. For this reason dharma in the human species is often equated with religion, though at the foundation the meaning of dharma is always the same. Real religion matches the intrinsic characteristics of the soul.

4. Nitya

One jivana after another. It could be millions or just one more. Whatever the case, the chetana entity is nitya, or eternal. They continue to live. Never was there a time that it did not exist, nor will it ever cease to be in the future.

न त्व् एवाहं जातु नासं
न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः
न चैव न भविष्यामः
सर्वे वयम् अतः परम्

na tv evāhaṁ jātu nāsaṁ
na tvaṁ neme janādhipāḥ
na caiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ
sarve vayam ataḥ param

“Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.12)

The Upanishads say that the many chetana beings are supported by the chief conscious being. He is just as eternal as they are, except the difference is that His jivana is always tied to the same body type. There is no distinction between matter and spirit for Him, since such dualities only apply to a temporary existence; i.e. the material world.

Once I better understand my properties and specifically my identity as spirit soul, the proper direction in life becomes clearer. I should take advantage of the opportunity of the human jivana and engage in the dharma that is as eternal as my existence. Fortunately, in this age the way towards transcendence is easy. Simply maintain proper association and chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

This jivana hopefully the last,

In this age success coming fast.

Holy names chanting through,

And association of pious too.

As chetana a conscious being,

As nitya real death not seeing.

Dharma the defining feature so,

Way towards transcendence to go.