Couldn’t The Name Yashoda-nandana Invoke Jealousy

“While churning the butter, mother Yashoda was singing about the childhood activities of Krishna. It was formerly a custom that if one wanted to remember something constantly, he would transform it into poetry or have this done by a professional poet. It appears that mother Yashoda did not want to forget Krishna’s activities at any time.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 10.9.1-2 Purport)

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Friend1: I like how in the Vedas the Supreme Lord is known by many names.

Friend2: Well, that is how to describe the Divine. It is the actual position, if you think about it.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: Think of the different angles of vision a person applies to this world.

Friend1: Not sure.

Friend2: For example, someone is studying nature. They notice that fire, heat, light, and electricity have similar properties.

Friend1: They are a kind of energy. A natural one at that; no need to have someone generate.

Friend2: Though you can try through rubbing sticks together, creating a power plant, and the like. Anyway, someone appreciates this energy that seems to power the universe. That is their angle of vision.

Friend1: Alright.

Friend2: They take that viewpoint to the understanding of the Supreme Lord. To them, He is the original power. He is the source of that amazing energy.

Friend1: Oh, sure. I believe there are similar references in the Bhagavad-gita, such as the spiritual world not requiring electricity due to the self-effulgence on the transcendental body of Krishna:

न तद् भासयते सूर्यो
न शशाङ्को न पावकः
यद् गत्वा न निवर्तन्ते
तद् धाम परमं मम

na tad bhāsayate sūryo
na śaśāṅko na pāvakaḥ
yad gatvā na nivartante
tad dhāma paramaṁ mama

“That abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by electricity. One who reaches it never returns to this material world.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 15.6)

Friend2: You are correct, but Vedic literature does not have to be referenced. Someone can already have that appreciation without ever having heard of Krishna. Do you see what I mean?

Friend1: I think so. The Vedas are basically describing God in ways that people already try to understand Him.

Friend2: The scriptural works are providing helpful hints, and perhaps some organization. Like someone who has been using the principles of engineering for years but never actually read a book on it. The book becomes helpful in the sense that it presents a systematic way to explain and understand something already known to some level.

Friend1: One area where Krishna receives many names is relationships. As an example, since He was raised in a specific home in the town of Gokula, He has the name Yashoda-nandana.

Friend2: The one who gives pleasure to mother Yashoda, the wife of Nanda Maharaja. Such an endearing name. If you are an exalted devotee, you will be eternally associated with the Supreme Lord.

Friend1: There is the wonderful portrait of baby Krishna held in the lap of the loving mother. Here is my question. Would not someone become envious upon hearing that name?

Friend2: Why?

Friend1: Because there is no name for God that references our relationship to Him. Yashoda receives that benefit. People are envious of everything and everyone in the material world. It is only natural. If something good happens to my friend, I should be happy. At the same time, I view it as a threat. Why are they getting good fortune and not me?

Friend2: You are asking if someone might be jealous of seeing Krishna sitting in Yashoda’s lap? That He is her son and not anyone else’s?

Friend1: Yes.

Friend2: Well, think of the other gopis in Vrindavana. These are the elderly cowherd women, the ones who have children of their own.

Friend1: What about them?

Friend2: They were not jealous. They did not try to bring Yashoda down. On the contrary, they viewed Krishna as their own. They were so happy for Yashoda. That is the way community works, at least in the spiritual world. Maybe there is rivalry on some occasions, but no one tries to bring anyone else down. Rather, the feelings are used as impetus for increasing devotional efforts.

Friend1: Thinking that I need to step up my game?

Friend2: The attitude is something like this:

“I am so happy for Nanda and Yashoda. They truly deserved this blessing. Krishna and Balarama are adorable. They are the jewels of Vrindavana. If I were such a loving person then maybe Lord Vishnu would bless me similarly. Regardless, at least we have the favor of watching Yashoda’s son grow up. We get to witness these pastimes for only so long, so we will appreciate every moment.”

In Closing:

Blessed that to Gokula has come,

And to Yashoda a fortunate one.

Though not exactly son of ours,

Enchanting heart for hours.

That His lila daily to see,

So happy that mother is she.

In our vision may He always stay,

And with love His name to say.

Five Takeaways From The Image Of Chaitanya’s Birth

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the full-moon evening in the month of Phalguna, an auspicious time full of auspicious symptoms, when Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu advented Himself with the chanting of the holy name, Hare Krishna.” (Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 13.19)

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सर्व-सद्-गुण-पूर्णां तां
वन्दे फाल्गुन-पूर्णिमाम्
यस्यां श्री-कृष्ण-चैतन्यो
ऽवतीर्णः कृष्ण-नामभिः

sarva-sad-guṇa-pūrṇāṁ tāṁ
vande phālguna-pūrṇimām
yasyāṁ śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanyo
'vatīrṇaḥ kṛṣṇa-nāmabhiḥ

1. A community feel

The medieval time period, if going by modern analysis. The East, if accounting for geography. The full moon in the month of Phalguna, if considering astrology. To a brahmana family, if interested in ancestry.

The appearance took place in a home. The janma is considered Divine, since the identity of the person entering the world is actually not of this world. They are the origin of everything, and out of their kindness and compassion for the souls who have fallen they present a visual manifestation from time to time.

जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यम्
एवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः
त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर् जन्म
नैति माम् एति सो ऽर्जुन

janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so 'rjuna

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

There was a strong sense of community in Mayapura when Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emerged from the womb of mother Shachi. Her husband Jagannatha Mishra and others were delighted. The neighbors arrived bearing gifts. There weren’t hospitals with expensive machinery. This birth was as natural as could be.

2. Symptoms of Divinity

At the same time, there was the unnatural. The baby was of a bright golden complexion. Gaura was the perfect name. Since He appeared under a specific kind of tree, He received the name Nimai. When it came time for those trained in the art to analyze the bodily features, they noticed the unique property of nyagrodha-parimandala.

नारायणेर चिह्न-युक्त श्री-हस्त चरण
एइ शिशु सर्व लोके करिबे तारण

nārāyaṇera cihna-yukta śrī-hasta caraṇa
ei śiśu sarva loke karibe tāraṇa

“This baby has all the symptoms of Lord Narayana on His palms and soles. He will be able to deliver all the three worlds.” (Nilambara Chakravarti remarking on baby Chaitanya’s features, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 14.16)

The measurements were similar to that of a banyan tree. The arms were just as long as the legs. This indicated that Nimai was different. He bore similarities to the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. Mother Shachi was truly blessed.

3. Appreciation for God

In such a pious home the wonderful occasion was cause for tremendous appreciation of God. They knew that individuals don’t appear in this world from out of nowhere. The soul is infinite in its existence. It is like the greatest acrobat, jumping from one body type to another.

Here was a soul in a brand new situation. This was the mercy of the Divine, who had gifted the community with such a beautiful child. He would induce them to chant the holy names through His influence. They would not be able to help themselves in constantly repeating: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

4. The beginning of something great

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is now well-known amongst followers of the bhakti tradition. He is one of the primary teachers of devotion to God emanating from India during the medieval period. Mahaprabhu’s distinction is that His teachings went all the way up to madhurya-rasa, which is relishing the mellow of sweetness in the relationship with Vishnu.

The sankirtana movement, the congregational chanting of the holy names to rescue those mired in the ocean of suffering, was in its infancy in that moment at Jagannatha Mishra’s home. Mahaprabhu’s appearance on what is now celebrated as Gaura Purnima was the beginning of something truly significant.

5. Great power in a small form

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not limited by the size of the transcendental body He displays. As a supposedly helpless infant Mahaprabhu was able to accomplish much. He influenced without the support of explicit instruction. That would come later, but in that joyous moment others automatically came to the side of devotion and basked in the shelter of the Divine.

In Closing:

An order awaiting tall,

Delivered by person small.

That others to chant inducing,

Holy names from them producing.

So that in bhakti love to immerse,

And Kali’s influence to reverse.

Sankirtana movement coming a wave,

And countless souls ready to save.

Five Takeaways From The Image Of Draupadi Being Saved

“My dear Krishna, Your Lordship has protected us from a poisoned cake, from a great fire, from cannibals, from the vicious assembly, from sufferings during our exile in the forest and from the battle where great generals fought. And now You have saved us from the weapon of Ashvatthama.” (Queen Kunti, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.24)

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विषान् महाग्नेः पुरुषाद-दर्शनाद्
असत्-सभाया वन-वास-कृच्छ्रतः
मृधे मृधे ऽनेक-महारथास्त्रतो
द्रौण्य्-अस्त्रतश् चास्म हरे ऽभिरक्षिताः

viṣān mahāgneḥ puruṣāda-darśanād
asat-sabhāyā vana-vāsa-kṛcchrataḥ
mṛdhe mṛdhe 'neka-mahārathāstrato
drauṇy-astrataś cāsma hare 'bhirakṣitāḥ

1. Not really the age of chivalry

There is the saying that the age of chivalry is dead. The opinion is that in times past men were more honorable, particularly with respect to the treatment of women. As an example of the drastic change that takes place over a few generations, during the period of World War I in the United States, an elderly former president in the United States was ready to enlist. He volunteered to fight for his country, though he was well past the age where his skills would be of service. When one of his sons later enlisted and died in the cause, both parents took the sacrifice as a tremendous honor.

In modern times the attitude certainly shifts. What leaders of the state are actually ready to defend their decisions with weapon in hand? The lack of a belief in an afterlife has gained in popularity, and so giving up one’s life of enjoyment for the defense of another is not seen as worthwhile.

From the incident with Draupadi, we see that several thousands of years ago there was dishonorable behavior to be found, even amongst the ruling class. She was a queen belonging to the Pandava family. Due to an unfortunate series of events, the rival party known as the Kauravas was ready to strip her naked in an assembly of friends, family and dignitaries. The offenders had no reservations; they would have succeeded if higher forces had not intervened.

2. Gambling can get the better of anyone

Draupadi found herself in that predicament due to the gambling of Yudhishthira Maharaja, the eldest of the five Pandava brothers. He was known for his dedication to dharma, which can be described as virtue. He was actually born from the god of justice, Dharmaraja.

Yet even someone who is so discriminating in terms of right and wrong can get swept away by the waves of gambling. Yudhishthira knew better, but he would not stop. The rival party took advantage to the point of winning Draupadi during one of the rounds of dice. The honorable husband did not intervene; he was ready to pay the debt that was owed.

3. Politics is a tricky business

Yudhishthira and his brothers were unwilling to intervene on Draupadi’s behalf. This was due to the wager with agreed upon terms. At the same time, the Kaurava side had some respectable people, such as Bhishmadeva and Dronacharya. They could have stepped up and stopped the nonsense. They knew that Draupadi had done nothing wrong.

In the world of politics the proper decision is not always clear. If they had intervened, then the Kauravas might suspect foul play. Perhaps Bhishmadeva would then get the same treatment as the Pandavas, who had many attempts made against their lives. Due to allegiance to the wrong party, the elders did not act when someone in distress needed help.

4. There is only so much you can do on your own

Draupadi tried her best to save herself. No one was willing to step up. They had their own reasons for sitting quietly. Perhaps if she could hold on to her sari then the fiends would not succeed. The problem was that she lacked the physical strength. There was no comparison between a beautiful and delicate princess and a mighty-armed warrior seasoned in battle.

5. Krishna is there for His devotees

The incident is famous today because of the outcome. The Kauravas did not succeed. They could not show Draupadi naked. They sure were able to pull at the sari. The princess could not hold back. It was a one-sided tug-of-war match.

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, took the form of the sari. He turned material elements that are usually limited in size into something unlimited. He can do this because He is ananta. Krishna is without beginning and without end. He is always there for His devotees, especially when they call out to Him, whether in frustration, desperation, or jubilation.

In Closing:

Whether from effort frustration,

Or helpless in desperation.

For His devotees aware,

Arriving at situation there.

Like with Draupadi in assembly full,

Wicked Kauravas at sari to pull.

Krishna form of that garment taking,

And endless to amazement making.

Four Areas Where The Policy Of Separation Makes Sense

“Prahlada Maharaja maintained an attitude of noncooperation with the philosophy of his father, Hiranyakashipu, yet he was tolerant and humble. Hiranyakashipu, however, being a nondevotee, was so polluted that he was even prepared to kill his own son. He justified this by putting forward the logic of amputation.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.37 Purport)

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Hiranyakashipu tried to use logic and reasoning for justification. Though he was so engrossed in material life, suffering from a kind of fever, he did not act completely in haste. There would be a spotlight shining on him, for it is not an everyday occurrence for a father to intentionally try to kill his son, especially a boy who is only five years of age.

There was the professed allegiance to Vishnu. That did not sit well with the king. The all-pervading personal feature of the Supreme Lord had previously done away with a menace named Hiranyaksha. That was Hiranyakashipu’s brother, and in effect Prahlada was now siding with someone who had killed his uncle.

Then there was the continuing obstinacy with respect to the teachings from within the royal family. Prahlada was interested only in spiritual life; he considered accepting a material body to be a great embarrassment. At that point a person would be better served retreating to the forest or spiritual place, tirtha, to live a life of renunciation conducive towards advancing the consciousness. This was Prahlada’s presentation, anyway.

Hiranyakashipu could tolerate no more, and he invoked the practice of amputation to justify his decision. Indeed, quick and full separation tends to be a wise choice in many situations.

1. A bad job

Day after day, the stress is killing you. It’s not like there is any respite at home. At night there is difficulty sleeping because of concerns over the next day. The boss swings from one venture to another:

“This will save the company. Just give us some time. We will make it out of this. Don’t you worry.”

You are not buying his assurances. Though you have been with this place for a long time, it is probably better to move on. The initial separation will be difficult, but after time the shift might end up being the best decision you ever made.

2. A toxic relationship

Every single day fighting. You’ve employed so many strategies. Being nice. Being firm. Strict and serious. Kind and gentle. Making phone contact throughout the day. Only talking as much as needed.

Whatever the case, there is always a struggle. At this phase it might be better to simply move on. Sever ties. Be free of the headache. Be at peace. It is difficult, as there is attachment to the other person, but the negatives outweigh the positives.

3. A noisy home

Every single day at the exact same time. There is running around downstairs. It sounds like someone is banging on the front door, but that is actually the adjacent apartment. Then the smell of food seeps into the bathroom. And this is the worst kind of food, something that makes you want to vomit.

Though you like the area, though the cost of living is affordable, at this time it might be appropriate to find a different place. At least the constant issues would subside. There would be new neighbors who hopefully are more considerate of those living around them.

4. A septic body part

This was the comparison made by Hiranyakashipu. If an arm or a leg is in really bad shape, the doctors may have no other choice but to amputate. This is to save the life of the patient. A drummer from a famous rock band lost his arm in a car accident. The medical practitioners attempted to attach the arm back, but then a negative reaction forced them to remove it. There was worry that the other arm would get infected, as well, and require amputation.

The problem with Hiranyakashipu was he didn’t see that Prahlada’s association was for the higher good. If anything needed amputation, it was the king’s association with material life. The brahmanas in the royal family were not doing him any favors. They stayed within the family business due to ancestry only. Actual qualifications in self-control, cleanliness, and knowledge of the Absolute were lacking.

It is interesting to see that Prahlada did not behave similarly. He would have been justified in leaving home and living someplace free of toxic association. He instead chose the path of noncooperation. Let others do as they may, but he will stay in the devotional consciousness. Such a plan is easier to implement in theory, but fortunately a sincere seeker today is boosted in their efforts by the opportunity to maintain the good association of saints like Prahlada Maharaja, whose exploits live in eternity through the recorded sound vibrations of Vedic literature.

In Closing:

Sometimes separation for the best,

Like from noisy home getting rest.

From that old job breaking,

And new opportunity taking.

Hiranyakashipu wrongly thought,

That threat to family Prahlada brought.

Perilous punishment giving,

But that son most forgiving.

Couldn’t You Say Prahlada Was A Bad Kid

“Although Prahlada is only five years old, even at this young age he has given up his affectionate relationship with his father and mother. Therefore, he is certainly untrustworthy. Indeed, it is not at all believable that he will behave well toward Vishnu.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.5.36)

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विष्णोर् वा साध्व् असौ किं नु
करिष्यत्य् असमञ्जसः
सौहृदं दुस्त्यजं पित्रोर्
अहाद् यः पञ्च-हायनः

viṣṇor vā sādhv asau kiṁ nu
kariṣyaty asamañjasaḥ
sauhṛdaṁ dustyajaṁ pitror
ahād yaḥ pañca-hāyanaḥ

Friend1: Let me ask you this. Say that you ask your child a specific question.

Friend2: About what?

Friend1: Anything. Something where the answer is simple and straightforward.

Friend2: Like, “What is your name?” “Who is this?” Or are we talking about an older child, who might be able to answer questions on geography?

Friend1: Someone five years old. They will surely know their name. You can ask something more advanced, like what did you learn in school today.

Friend2: Oh, just like with Prahlada Maharaja.

Friend1: I’m getting there. In this hypothetical situation, you and the child both know the answer. There aren’t any real surprises.

Friend2: Then why am I asking?

Friend1: Because that’s how interactions go between parents and their children. Anyway, let’s say that the child continues to answer with unrelated content.

Friend2: Unrelated to the question?

Friend1: Better still, not within the realm of expected answers.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: Essentially, they are doing it on purpose. They know that the answer is not what the father is looking for.

Friend2: A wise guy.

Friend1: Wouldn’t you consider the child at fault in that situation?

Friend2: I mean, I guess. They are still only a kid, though. Where are you going with this?

Friend1: Couldn’t you say Prahlada was a bad child for the way he kept replying to Hiranyakashipu, the father? I get it that the answers were about devotional service, bhakti-yoga, and the like. Every person should choose the spiritual path, as that is in their actual self-interest, svartha. Nevertheless, an obedient and respectful child should not try to anger the father in that way.

Friend2: There was no intent to ignite rage; trust me.

Friend1: Okay, but if Prahlada was wise enough to speak on true Vedanta philosophy, he surely had to know that the father, being of the Daitya clan, would not take the words too well. He had to know that devotion to Vishnu would raise the ire of Hiranyakashipu.

Friend2: Let’s assume that Prahlada did know. Then what? You want him punished? You think it was appropriate action that the father then took?

Friend1: No, but I can understand why Hiranyakashipu thought that Prahlada was untrustworthy. It is very difficult for kids to give up hope and allegiance to their parents at such a young age.

Friend2: That’s fine, but supposedly disobedient behavior in that circumstance did not warrant lethal punishment. I can tell you that much. Judging by the father’s reaction, it’s a good thing Prahlada wasn’t timid. Thank goodness he had the courage to stand up and speak the truth. Better to go down fighting than to be afraid and let others walk all over you.

Friend1: Well, wasn’t one of the punishments being trampled by elephants?

Friend2: Yes, and that did not work. Prahlada not only taught the power of devotion, but he showed real-life examples of its validity. The father refused to see. He opposed to the point of having to witness the devastating and awe-inspiring form of Vishnu as Narasimha.

In Closing:

Since with wrong answer to play,

A bad child couldn’t you say?

The ire of father raising,

Through Vishnu bhakti praising.

But still an affectionate one,

To Hiranyakashipu that son.

Who to be appreciated ought,

Timeless wisdom to father brought.

Three Ways To Understand Vipralambha-Seva

“Lord Chaitanya taught people in general the method of vipralambha, which is the method of rendering service unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the feeling of separation.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 46)

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Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is known for inaugurating the sankirtana-movement, which is the congregational chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Hear this transcendental sound vibration and take in the amazing impact. Produce the sound repeatedly, in the humble plea of asking the Supreme Lord and His energy to be allowed to serve them, in what could be an eternal engagement.

Mahaprabhu’s instructions and teachings on Vedanta philosophy are unique in that there is the emphasis on vipralambha-seva. This is serving the Divine in a mood of separation. It seems paradoxical on the surface. Intentionally longing for something, wherein the attached state is actually inferior to the state of desire due to separation. A few situations from everyday life may help to give a better understanding.

1. Talking on the phone with a loved one

You see this person every day. You live with them, in fact. They complete what is known as the family. The children may or may not be in the picture, but the association to this specific person is for life; at least those were the vows during the official ceremony of union.

For the past week, however, you have been separated. The only means of contact has been through voice conversation. For some reason, you have an intense longing for their company. It is almost like the distance has allowed you to better connect with them. A certain kind of bliss arises just from the contemplation on the desired meeting.

2. Moving to a new home

Wow! That was a difficult process. Now you know why you instituted that rule a long time ago. You told your friends that if they really valued your friendship, they would never ask you to help them move. One of your friends specifically violated that rule many times, offering a measly pizza pie as compensation.

You got to witness the intensity and complexity of a full move firsthand. The movers did an amazing job, as they were tasked with packing, as well. One mistake you made, however, was not asking for a service to do the unpacking. There is a mountain of boxes in the new home, and no one is really sure where anything is. Some items are more urgently needed, such as bowls and plates, while others can wait a while before being found.

The new surroundings have left you longing for your previous home. You didn’t have such an attachment before, but now suddenly you romanticize the time spent there. You wish you could go back and have that simple and familiar life back. Hopefully, the outlook on the new place will change with time.

3. Hearing a familiar song on the radio

You get sick of listening to the same music day after day. That is why radio stations rely on a rotation. They try to mix things up, while maintaining familiarity at the same time. You hear this one song that you haven’t heard in many years. It immediately takes you back. A previous era of your life, where you lived in a different place, were not yet in the workforce, and enjoyed pursuits that you haven’t indulged since.

…

Some sayings relay the same concept. “The chase is better than the catch.” “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” With vipralambha-seva, the attachment and longing is for the most attractive person, Shri Krishna. If He is remembered, then the time has been spent in the best possible way.

Shri Chaitanya and those He inspires present the science to this interaction, which is actually desired by every single living being. It is in the soul’s nature to serve, and in bhakti the individual returns to what they really prefer.

In Closing:

Through maha-mantra song,

For union with Krishna to long.

Actually a feeling superior,

To when in company inferior.

Vipralambha by Chaitanya brought,

Following mood of gopis taught.

In daily life even detected,

Best when with God connected.

Three Reasons Vedanta Is Difficult To Follow

“That knowledge of the field of activities and of the knower of activities is described by various sages in various Vedic writings-especially in the Vedanta-sutra-and is presented with all reasoning as to cause and effect.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 13.5)

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ऋषिभिर् बहुधा गीतं
छन्दोभिर् विविधैः पृथक्
ब्रह्म-सूत्र-पदैश् चैव
हेतुमद्भिर् विनिश्चितैः

ṛṣibhir bahudhā gītaṁ
chandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛthak
brahma-sūtra-padaiś caiva
hetumadbhir viniścitaiḥ

“I appreciate the effort you make. I mean that. The problem is, I find the content a little difficult to follow. I would love to read every single day, to make an attempt to go beyond life the way that pretty much everyone else lives it. But the concepts just seem beyond my reach. What should I do?”

1. Who has ever even heard of it?

Religion in general conversation has the connotation of faith. My religion against yours. My idea of God versus what some other group thinks. The belief in a certain kind of afterlife. The definition of salvation or redemption. Your belief that something else will happen.

Vedanta is a foreign concept since it applies scientific principles to the area of spirituality. The word is a compound of two others. Vedanta is the end of knowledge or the conclusion. Something like taking a massively complex proof in mathematics. The end is when you have nothing left to prove. Every component is effectively laid out and resolved. 

2. Sanskrit words are difficult to understand

Vedanta falls down. It is like someone on a ladder at the top floor of a building. They reach into a window, grab a book, and then slowly pass that valuable object down until it reaches someone at the bottom, who is on the ground level.

With Vedanta the transfer takes place through a chain of teachers. The original remains unchanged. The same sound vibration that was used to enlighten people living millions of years ago is there to be heard by the ears receptive to a higher way of thinking and living.

At the same time, Sanskrit is not spoken in common conversation. It is a difficult language to understand. One word could be a combination of five or six different terms, whose endings take on varied spellings due to the conformity required with the beginning sound of the adjacent words.

3. Too many terms to keep track of

As if Sanskrit didn’t make the system complex enough, there are so many terms thrown around.

Atma, Paramatma. Individual soul and Supreme Soul. Kama and karma; material desire and fruitive activity. The cycle of birth and death. The three modes of nature. The three sources of misery. The three worlds. Theoretical knowledge and practical realization. The original Supreme Lord and His many expansions. The eternal being who lives in the spiritual sky and the same who descends to the manifest world from time to time. The materialized world and that which is beyond the range of sense perception. The knower of activity and the field of activity.

It is no wonder that a newcomer would feel overwhelmed. The good news is that such a thorough understanding is not required. A person can simply chant the holy names and work their way towards enlightenment: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

The gopis of Vrindavana received direct praise from Bhagavan about their amazing connection to Him in yoga, and yet they were not interested. Their only concern was being with God and serving Him in a mood of love.

Shri Krishna is the end goal of Vedanta study. The educational discipline is not the end by itself. A person enlightened as such is typically better equipped to remain in the transcendental path, since they understand the pitfalls of material life and the association with ignorance. Such a wise person can also better explain to others the need for following a different way, for thinking beyond rigid ideology, sentimental allegiance, and blind faith.

In Closing:

“Looking for teachings to incorporate,

Your writing effort appreciate.

But a little too much to grasp,

To follow properly a difficult task.”

Know that not necessary to go,

With chanting alone even so.

To connect with God the aim,

Gopis to high scholars the same.