What To Say To Someone Who Says They Have No Need For Religion

“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 ||

Friend1: Someone is going through life just fine. Steady income. Spouse and children. Friends and family living close by. Excitement over the new season of the favorite sports franchise. Visiting exotic destinations for vacation.

Friend2: Okay.

Friend1: Why would they want to take up religion? They may raise the following objection:

“Thanks, but I think I am fine right now. Religion sort of turns me off, anyway. I don’t like the whole institutional aspect to it. ‘Surrender now or be forever damned.’ Show blind allegiance. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Friend2: I would agree with them. We’re not talking about joining a cult, here.

Friend1: Okay, but they will have no interest at all. They are fine with life as it is.

Friend2: Well, everyone is interested in protecting their assets. That is one of the four animalistic tendencies.

Friend1: Eating, sleeping, mating and defending.

Friend2: The insurance industry exists for this reason. You work hard for something and you don’t want to see it squandered. Save your money, but also allow it to grow through an investment account. Purchase and build the home of your dreams; then insure it. The same applies to the expensive car used for transportation.

Friend1: What does this have to do with religion, though?

Friend2: Well, you know that those other assets can never be fully indemnified.

Friend1: I don’t know about that. If my car gets totaled in an accident, the insurance company will fully reimburse me. The house catching fire is not a total loss, either.

Friend2: You are forgetting the influence of time. There will be a total loss. That is the guaranteed end. After birth, death is certain. Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita and Shri Rama presents a variation of the same truth in the Ramayana.

यथा फलानां पक्वानां नान्यत्र पतनाद्भयम्।
एवं नरस्य जातस्य नान्यत्र मरणाद्भयम्।।

yathā phalānāṃ pakvānāṃ nānyatra patanādbhayam।
evaṃ narasya jātasya nānyatra maraṇādbhayam।।

“As a ripe fruit has no other fear than to fall, so a man who is born has no other fear than death.” (Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 105.17)

Friend1: Okay, but that applies to everyone. We already know that.

Friend2: But do you? Are you acting with that knowledge? If you know something won’t last forever, that you can’t protect it indefinitely into the future, wouldn’t your behavior be different? Wouldn’t you start to question the meaning of your existence? Wouldn’t you ask why you were put into this situation to begin with? Wouldn’t you be inquiring into the meaning of it all?

Friend1: Hmm. Those are good questions.

Friend2: And they have nothing to do with religion. Every person is interested in this subject matter; whether they openly acknowledge or not. That is the sell for Vedanta study. You are not merely following another faith out of the many available to choose from. You are not just joining a group to feel like you belong to something. You are tackling life’s most challenging questions. You are working to secure the best future. Both svartha and paramartha are accounted for.

Friend1: Explain what those mean.

Friend2: Svartha is personal interest, applied for the short-term. Paramartha is the long-term, like the afterlife. We generally consider the two to be opposed to one another; contradictory. Prahlada Maharaja says otherwise. Svartha-gatim hi vishnu. The best way to meet the self-interest is to go towards Vishnu, which is one name for the Almighty. This short-term interest meets the long-term, as well. Protect your greatest asset, the ability to serve in full cognizance of the different energies of this world. Act as a jnani but in the bhakti path; i.e. worship in devotion with knowledge. Then you will meet the objective of life and experience a happiness never thought possible.

In Closing:

Svartha for short-term implied,
Paramartha to afterlife applied.

Contradictory to each other,
But also understanding another.

That self-interest with Vishnu to marry,
Where into future also to carry.

Thus accounted for even today,
Bhakti not just hope and pray.

Five Things I Could Unexpectedly Find To Brighten My Day

“While he was tilling a field with a plow in his hand, it is said that I, the daughter of that king, arose from underneath the earth’s surface.” (Sita Devi speaking to Anasuya, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 118.28)

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तस्य लाङ्गलहस्तन्य कर्षतः क्षेत्रमण्डलम्।
अहं किलोत्थिता भित्वा जगतीं नृपतेस्सुता।।

tasya lāṅgalahastanya karṣataḥ kṣetramaṇḍalam।
ahaṃ kilotthitā bhitvā jagatīṃ nṛpatessutā।।

Samyoga. Kizmit. Serendipity. Whatever the preferred term to use, sometimes things go our way without much effort. Shri Krishna sheds light in the Bhagavad-gita, where He explains the arrival of happiness and sadness.

मात्रा-स्पर्शास् तु कौन्तेय
शीतोष्ण-सुख-दुःख-दाः
आगमापायिनो ऽनित्यास्
तांस् तितिक्षस्व भारत

mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya
śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino ‘nityās
tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata

“O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.14)

The joy is greater because of the lack of expectation. There isn’t as much pressure during these events; sometimes the hope was previously cast aside due to failure.

1. The remote control

“I just don’t understand. How do you lose something like this? With my parents it is a regular occurrence. Fortunately, with this streaming device there is the backup option of the smartphone. I have the same controls available through an app. Still, the physical remote control is superior.

“This one had been missing for weeks. I lost all hope. I figured we would never find it. Then today while I was vacuuming the living room, it appeared from underneath one of the sofas. I was sure that I had previously swept that area in my surveillance, but I guess not. Needless to say, I am relieved.”

2. My old passport

“My former country must really dislike people who leave it for greener pastures. This wasn’t even my intention. I was barely two years old when my parents decided to emigrate. Nevertheless, it had never been a problem returning to the motherland. Getting a visa the last time around was as simple as visiting a website and filling out a form.

“But certainly not anymore. They want a copy of the certificate I received when becoming a citizen of the new country. The problem is that no one holds onto such documents. It is never needed for anything, because as soon as a person receives a new passport, it serves as verification of their new citizenship status.

“The old country also wants my former passport; the one I used prior to changing citizenship. If I can’t produce these documents, I won’t get a visa. I just don’t understand. I am not trying to cheat anyone. Why is the process so much more difficult now? I have avoided going on a visit since I can’t find any of this stuff.

“Then today, while searching for something else in one of my drawers, the old passport appeared. I haven’t seen this in years. The picture is from my childhood. This is an amazing find, since now I will be able to apply for the visa to make a visit to see extended family members.”

3. Cash

Many people can relate to this occurrence. You put money inside the pocket of a pair of pants and then forgot about it. Maybe some coins fell in between the cushions inside of the sofa. When you make the find you are thrilled. It is like getting a bonus from work; an unexpected financial inheritance.

4. An old shirt

“This was my favorite shirt in the whole world. It is just so comfortable. I wore it all the time. It has been out of my vision for at least a year, now. To have found it again is a miracle; a gift from up above. Okay, perhaps I am exaggerating, but you have no idea how happy I am.”

5. A baby girl

This occurred in real life one time with the king named Janaka. Ruling over Mithila, he was engaged in preparing a field for a yajna. This is a religious sacrifice, intended for satisfying the enjoyer of sacrifice, Yajneshvara. This is another name for God the person, and so the incident illustrates the pious nature in that king.

Unexpectedly, he found a baby girl in the ground. She was still alive. The one who was previously known for his dispassion, for his commitment to yogic principles, was overwhelmed with joy upon lifting the baby and holding her in his arms.

As if the forces above understood his heart, a voice from the sky appeared and confirmed that this was Janaka’s daughter in all righteousness, dharma. This was the greatest find since the girl was the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi Devi. Janaka named her Sita and raised her as his own daughter.

That affection and care was not in maya, or illusion. The emotions were directed to the rightful wife of the Supreme Lord, who would later arrive in Janakpur to reunite with Sita. Through one amazing find, Janaka earned Shri Rama as a son-in-law.

In Closing:

If pious route going,
Maybe one day showing.

Goddess of fortune in the ground,
Who as baby girl found.

Like with Janaka for yajna preparing,
Voice from sky his daughter declaring.

Reward from bhakti’s devotion,
Dispassion overcome by emotion.

How Can I Understand That God Is Within Everything

“Prahlada Maharaja's class friends, who were born of Daitya families, thought that realizing the Absolute was extremely difficult. Indeed, we have experience that many, many people say this very thing. Actually, however, this is not so. The Absolute, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is most intimately related to all living entities. Therefore if one understands the Vaishnava philosophy, which explains how He is present everywhere and how He acts everywhere, to worship the Supreme Lord or to realize Him is not at all difficult.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.6.20-23 Purport)

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Friend1: Prahlada Maharaja teaches that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is within every living being. He gives the range from the nonmoving to the creator, Lord Brahma.

Friend2: That is an important distinction to make, since we often overlook the plants and the trees when discussing reincarnation. It is always about being born as a dog or an insect, but there is the possibility of remaining naked for a long time, as well.

Friend1: Such as with the two sons of Kuvera getting cursed by Narada.

Friend2: They appeared as twin yamala-arjuna trees in Vrindavana, awaiting liberation by Shri Damodara, the Supreme Lord tied to a mortar by His loving mother.

Friend1: I think the context of Prahlada’s teaching is the situation of abandoning family life. There is fear, for sure. These are people to whom I have formed an attachment since long ago. If I suddenly leave behind my material way of life, how will I survive? I think that is the primary concern.

Friend2: For sure. There is the illusion of needing to support others and myself. I must do things a certain way or face ridicule and shame. What I fail to realize is that no amount of assistance will make others happy. The wife will always want a bigger, better home. The children never have enough. You could sacrifice to the point of your life in defense of the country, and there will be people who spit on your grave as you return home.

Friend1: That is true. It’s the sad reality. I know that with Shri Krishna the opposite is true. He is pleased with the most basic service, if offered in the proper mood. He keeps the good deeds with Him and forgets the many past transgressions.

Friend2: He would have to, if you think about it. Who among us hasn’t done wrong in the past? If we make it to the destination of liberation, it means that the past mistakes get forgiven.

Friend1: Here is something that puzzles me. The idea is that realizing God should not be difficult. He is everywhere. If I am on my own, I should have no problem seeing Him. He is within the plant and also the demigod. He is within the atoms, so the skies, hills, roads, and other aspects of nature should remind me of Him.

Friend2: Absolutely. That is known as the transcendental vision.

Friend1: Okay, but those things have been around me before. I have always been in the same association. Previously, I was in maya. How are things supposed to change overnight?

Friend2: I am not sure what you are asking.

Friend1: I am not supposed to be worried because God is everywhere. Yet in the previous state, one of family attachment and the like, God was in the same places. I was worried all the time. I was in illusion. His state is not changing. Do you understand what I am saying? How is it supposed to be easy to realize Him?

Friend2: I think the meaning is that you shouldn’t have to go far. It is not like the transformation will take place overnight, but maintaining good association is more important. If your family helps you to see the spiritual equality in all beings, then their association is actually auspicious.

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)

If they keep you in illusion, then it is better to eventually get out. Find better association. That is the meaning. Don’t be too worried about how to maintain yourself, because on the other side you can never have enough money. The retirement investment plan never grows fast enough. The cost of living can never be low enough and you can never be sure about the future of the bank balance. Better to go from the uncertain to the certain, which is the promise of devotional service practiced under the authority of the bona fide representative known as the spiritual master. 

In Closing:

Already living with Him,
But in illusion to spin.

Suddenly to notice how,
When same situation now?

Idea that with lens corrective,
And good association effective.

The presence to see,
That everywhere is He.

Five Places Where Peer Pressure Influences Behavior

“One can understand the science of the Supreme Personality of Godhead simply by the parampara system. In this regard, Shrila Narottama dasa Thakura says, tandera charana sevi bhakta-sane vasa: ‘Let me serve the lotus feet of the devotees of the Lord, and let me live with devotees.’” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.9.42 Purport)

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It is the sincere prayer of Shrila Narottama Dasa Thakura to always live in the association of saintly people. The future is unknown; this is one of the impetuses for taking an interest in religion, or spiritual life. If you are inquisitive or already with some knowledge on the subject and seeking more, you may approach Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

चतुर्-विधा भजन्ते मां
जनाः सुकृतिनो ऽर्जुन
आर्तो जिज्ञासुर् अर्थार्थी
ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ

catur-vidhā bhajante māṁ
janāḥ sukṛtino ‘rjuna
ārto jijñāsur arthārthī
jñānī ca bharatarṣabha

“O best among the Bharatas [Arjuna], four kinds of pious men render devotional service unto Me—the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.16)

Only He can control the future outcome for certain. It is natural to offer prayers to Him. In the vandanam process, we can ask to have the most auspicious birth not only in the next life, but every successive one thereafter, should they occur.

The Vaishnava prefers to live amongst other Vaishnavas. They are well aware of the influence from peer pressure, which can steer behavior in directions otherwise not previously considered.

1. School

The public service announcements related to substance abuse often target people attending school. The message will best resonate with them, as they are more impressionable. What they see others do, they might consider following.

In this regard His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada advises to take advantage of the tendency by showing devotional activities. Make that the model to imitate. Leave that impression with the children and they will hopefully be spared much heartache, despair and hopelessness in the future.

At school, if other children are into doing drugs, it is easy to join the pack. If someone offers you a cigarette, even if you don’t want one the path of least resistance paves the way towards addiction. Why make a spectacle? Why be the source of ridicule, when you can just give in for now and be done with it?

2. The office

Everyone is going out after the work day. This is to celebrate the birthday of a colleague. They’ve chosen a night club establishment as the venue. Perusing the menu, you see that there is little for you to eat. You rarely enter such places, also.

The bigger issue is with adult beverages. There is the custom of buying “a round of drinks.” One by one, people take their turn. Not only do you not want to shell out the cash, but you have no interest in consuming such drinks.

But if you don’t go along, people will think you are weird. You will just be sitting there in the corner, all alone. No one to talk to, and everyone thinking that you don’t like to have fun.

3. At home

If you are the youngest in the family, it is natural to imitate the older siblings. If they are into harmful behavior, you will follow. Sometimes the parents are the ones setting the bad example. They smoke or drink on a regular basis. You are intrigued; curious about what it is they do that is prohibited for the children.

4. Among friends

These are people you’ve known for many years. Maybe you went to school with them. Perhaps they lived in the same neighborhood during childhood. Now you meet up on occasion, but they do not like to follow your restrictions on eating and beverage consumption. They are not interested in spiritual life; rather only on temporary enjoyment, which you know as preyas in Sanskrit.

Eventually, the conflict will have to be resolved. Either you join them or go your own way. The common bond that created the friendship in the first place vanishes as you choose the sat way of life. Part of the process is avoiding asat, or that which is temporary.

5. Television

There is subtle pressure applied in this area. You are not directly associating, but the mind is going someplace else all the same. There are different settings, characters with certain behaviors, and an overall scene of what is considered “normal.” If you do not follow the same, you will be the odd one out.

…

From this review we see that the overwhelming pressure in life is to go against God. Turn away from Him. Forget about all the serious stuff like life and death and the fate of the eternal soul. Enjoy now. Then you will be accepted by society.

Thus not only is the prayer to be born amongst Vaishnavas a plea for sufficient protection from the illusory energy of maya, it is a way to ensure that the like-minded will stay together and support each other. Everyone around me chants the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. They study Vaishnava literature, and they are compassionate towards one another. They will help me if I fall down and I likewise the same.

In Closing:

Succumbing to illusion’s ground,
Rejecting principles falling down.

But if other Vaishnavas around,
Then best support group found.

Desired if also in the next birth,
Friendship of the highest worth.

Narottama in this way prays,
That always with devotees stays.

Five Things I Celebrate On The Anniversary Of Krishna’s Janma

“Our dear Lord, You are appearing as the best of the Yadu dynasty, and we are offering our respectful humble obeisances unto Your lotus feet. Before this appearance, You also appeared as the fish incarnation, the horse incarnation, the tortoise incarnation, the swan incarnation, as King Ramachandra, as Parashurama, and as many other incarnations.” (Demigods praying to Krishna in the womb of Devaki, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 2)

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A child approaches their father and wants to know the reason for the celebration. What is taking place? The father immediately thinks back to Shri Krishna posing a similar question to Nanda Maharaja prior to what would be the inaugural Govardhana Puja.

“Why is everyone dressed up? How come we can’t celebrate right now? I am not sure I can stay awake until midnight. This seems like a lot of fun, but can you tell me the reason for the attention? Why does the celebration take place on a different day each year?”

The occasion is Krishna Janmashtami, which is the appearance day anniversary of Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in this world. The name of the festival references the specific day within the lunar cycle that the original event took place.

Devotees celebrate many things on this auspicious occasion, and the attention until the clock striking twelve at night is significant.

1. The courage of mother Devaki

She did not have it easy. Marriage should be a joyous occasion. Even in an arranged-style, there is the potential for wedded bliss. There is a lot to be excited over, in meeting a new partner and ideally remaining together for a long period of time.

Devaki had the pleasure of being escorted to her new family’s home by her brother. The festivities ended abruptly when Kamsa was prepared to kill her. This was for real. Not an idle threat to prove his intentions to others who might think of bypassing the laws of the state. Kamsa was the king of Mathura, so his example set the way.

Devaki survived the incident because her new husband, Vasudeva, interceded and spoke some sense into Kamsa. The king was paranoid because a voice from the sky warned him that Devaki’s eighth child would be the instrument of death, signaling the end. The asura feels deep sadness upon receiving such news, as they do not believe in the afterlife.

Devaki remained strong in spite of so much difficulty. Kamsa did not kill her, but he did imprison the newlyweds. Every new child was delivered to him, and Kamsa abruptly killed it. Still, Devaki remained firm until the eighth child finally did appear. He was none other than Shri Krishna.

2. The vision of the demigods

The actual exit from the womb does not signal the beginning of life. Any honest person acknowledges this, and there is further evidence through advancements in medical imagery. The demigods in heaven knew that Shri Krishna was with Devaki prior to birth. They offered nice prayers, as this is the etiquette when worshiping the Supreme Lord. The saintly class welcomes His appearance, for it purifies the atmosphere. Both sinner and law-abiding alike benefit from Krishna’s direct association.

3. The perseverance of Vasudeva

The moment of birth was joyous. It took place at midnight, while everyone else was asleep. Only the parents witnessed the miracle, and Krishna relieved any doubts as to His nature by revealing the four-handed form of Narayana.

There was little time to celebrate, as the baby asked to be moved to the nearby town of Gokula in the interests of everyone’s safety. Vasudeva dutifully obliged. I do not mind it when my infant daughter repeatedly asks to be lifted up and carried around. I am not concerned over whether they will be spoiled. The bond of affection is such that I will honor most of their requests.

Vasudeva was the same way, but there were obstacles. A strong rainstorm and a flowing river called the Yamuna stood in his way. He persevered, however, holding baby Krishna above his head. The father and son received some assistance from Ananta Deva, who provided an umbrella-like protection over the same Narayana who was now in a child-like form.

4. The good fortune of Nanda and Yashoda

It is not an everyday occurrence to receive the Supreme Lord in your home as a son. The fortunate parents must have completed so many purificatory stages in the past. The same holds true for anyone who chants the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Even if they belong to a low-class family at present, it should be understood that they are the most exalted. They have already connected with God, which means that so many pious credits were amassed from past deeds.

अहो बत श्व-पचो ’तो गरीयान्
यज्-जिह्वाग्रे वर्तते नाम तुभ्यम्
तेपुस् तपस् ते जुहुवुः सस्नुर् आर्या
ब्रह्मानूचुर् नाम गृणन्ति ये ते

aho bata śva-paco ’to garīyān
yaj-jihvāgre vartate nāma tubhyam
tepus tapas te juhuvuḥ sasnur āryā
brahmānūcur nāma gṛṇanti ye te

“Oh, how glorious are they whose tongues are chanting Your holy name! Even if born in the families of dog-eaters, such persons are worshipable. Persons who chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Aryans. To be chanting the holy name of Your Lordship, they must have bathed at holy places of pilgrimage, studied the Vedas and fulfilled everything required.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 3.33.7)

Nanda and Yashoda were blessed with Krishna as their son. Yashoda had the added fortune of being covered by yogamaya, which enabled her to think that Krishna was her son by birth. She loved Him so much that milk would drip from her breasts upon visual contact. She would sing songs about Krishna’s pastimes while working during the day.

5. The kindness of the Supreme Lord for descending

In this world of duality, there is every opportunity to forget God. Actually, many lifetimes can be spent inside of this illusion. Never a scarcity in such enjoyment, but the Supreme Lord is kind enough to grant opportunities for remembering Him. This is the best use of time, but we are so quick to forget or ignore. Through the annual Vedic calendar He reminds us to remember Him, which will bring auspiciousness from beginning to end.

In Closing:

On Janmashtami to celebrate,
The pure devotion to demonstrate.

Of mother and father in jail,
Vasudeva rapid waters to scale.

Yashoda her own son believing,
Blessings from yogamaya receiving.

So kind for our protection descending,
That glories to this day extending.

Five People Who Take Great Pleasure In Hari-Katha

“Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.14)

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सततं कीर्तयन्तो मां
यतन्तश् च दृढ-व्रताः
नमस्यन्तश् च मां भक्त्या
नित्य-युक्ता उपासते

satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ
yatantaś ca dṛḍha-vratāḥ
namasyantaś ca māṁ bhaktyā
nitya-yuktā upāsate

They have other things they could be doing. It is not like they are helpless or lost in this world. They are not hopelessly searching for a direction, a reservoir for the service propensity. In fact, they hold positions of importance. Others approach them for benedictions. They know that these personalities are not ordinary.

Yet they have a specific preference. They do not mind their “day job”, so to speak, but it does not give them the highest satisfaction. Simply sitting down and listening, sometimes leading the discussion, on a specific topic – it is like nectar for the ears.

1. Lord Shiva

He is the great-god, Mahadeva. He has the most beautiful wife in Parvati Devi, the daughter of the mountain king. Though he takes part in two marriage ceremonies, Shiva really has only one wife. The vow is known as eka-patni.

पारबती मन सरिस अचल धनु चालक |
हहिं पुरारि तेउ एक नारि ब्रत पालक ||

pārabatī mana sarisa acala dhanu cālaka |
hahiṃ purāri teu eka nāri brata pālaka ||

“This bow is as fixed as Parvati’s mind. This bow is from Lord Shiva, who observes the vow to accept only one wife.” (Janaki Mangala, 93)

The first wife, Sati, intentionally leaves this world after her father, Daksha, offends her husband. Sati is reborn as Parvati, and as soon as she learns the destiny of being married to Mahadeva, she embarks on a journey to the forest to conduct austerities. She cannot be lured away, even by Shiva’s attendants sent with that purpose. They offer her Vishnu as a husband, but she politely declines; proving her exemplary devotion.

Mahadeva is also Ashutosha. He is easily pleased. Money, wealth, fame, good health - pour some water over his murti and expect results to arrive rather quickly. Perhaps offer a leaf and some nice prayers.

Despite so much going on, Mahadeva prefers to speak and hear Hari-katha. These are discourses on the Supreme Lord in the personal form. Shiva derives so much pleasure in this endeavor that he has disciples who carry forward a tradition.

2. Hanuman

He is the Vanara messenger whose deeds are well-documented in the historical work known as the Ramayana. Hanuman has accomplished more than anyone can imagine. He did so much by himself; without anyone helping him. He sacrificed personal comfort for the benefit of someone he barely knew.

The impetus for service is the connection to the Supreme Lord. Hanuman knows that Rama is someone special, that working for Him is not like any other kind of work. The truest indication is the lack of a personal motive. That is to say, after the work was completed, Hanuman wanted to continue to serve.

Though he is empowered to grant benedictions to others, Hanuman takes the most pleasure in reliving the pastimes of the Supreme Lord in His form of Rama. This is the worshipable deity of choice for Mahadeva, as well. Hanuman volunteers to remain in this world for as long as Rama’s glories continue to be sung.

3. Garuda

One of the people in the chain of disciplic succession started by Shiva, Garuda hears Hari-katha directly from Kakabhushundi, the empowered crow. Garuda actually serves the Supreme Lord in His form of Vishnu. This is direct service; Garuda is the eagle-carrier. He is the enemy of snakes and he is always ready to serve.

In spite of such a high post, there is no false ego. There is great humility in being awed by the deeds, compassion and kindness of the Supreme Lord evident through the sounds of Hari-katha. These discourses are the preferred way to pass the time.

4. Tulsidas

He is a saint within the brahmana occupation. This means that he can help others through the occupation exercised in six different ways. He can read the Vedas, pass on Vedic teachings to others, perform sacrifices, teach others how to sacrifice on a daily basis, accept in charity and also distribute the same to others.

Tulsidas takes advantage of the brahmana position to hear about the Supreme Lord Rama. He not only listens but also expresses his own sentiments through beautiful poetry in the Hindi language. This proves that devotional service is a living, breathing, active engagement. It is full of variety, and there is joy at every moment.

5. Parikshit

This king from a bygone era had everything going for him. He even had the fortune of knowing the moment of departure from this world. He had seven days’ notice, and he declined to simply enjoy the comforts afforded a royal majesty.

He instead gave up eating and sleeping. He remained wide awake while listening to the Bhagavata Purana recited by Shukadeva Gosvami. This was not specifically for achieving the best end of life; though that is the guaranteed result.

Saintly people are attached to Hari-katha precisely because of the joy it brings. It is a selfish endeavor, in a certain way, but it is the ideal example for everyone. Every person has the same potential for a blissful existence, provided they are fortunate enough to come in contact with the sound and recognize the transcendental nature to the association.

In Closing:

Special nature to its association,
On transcendental sound concentration.

Like Parikshit sitting down to hear,
Garuda to guru coming near.

Mahadeva despite duties to attend,
Preferred with Hari-katha to spend.

Example for entire universe set,
On how best enjoyment to get.

Five Endearing Offerings My Child Makes To Me

“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)

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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

It is part of the general pitch. In the beginning there is the foundational teaching of the difference between body and spirit.

“You are not the body. You are spirit soul, part and parcel of the Supreme. Give more focus to the spirit inside instead of the way you’ve been going since time immemorial. Animals do not have the chance to make the inquiry. They cannot discriminate. Only the human being can.”

Then there is the recommended routine. Jnana comes first, but practical realization is more important. Vijnana through following guidelines, recommendations and the like.

“Chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Prepare food in the mode of goodness. Basically, no meat, fish or eggs. No onions and garlic, too. The idea is to make the offering with love. The Supreme Lord will accept. He can eat with His eyes, and He leaves the remnants for you and others to honor.”

The person listening for the first time has some questions. Why would the Supreme Lord require offerings? If the material and spiritual worlds emanate from Him, what good is any of this going to do? It is like taking something that belongs to Him already and then trying to pass it off as some new gift.

1. Crinkled plastic wrap

One way to understand is to study the situation of a father and child. The father provides everything. The child is completely dependent on the parents. They may be able to eat and move on their own as time goes by, but someone must first provide. The child typically does not go shopping online for home supplies and neither do they travel outside to the supermarket to pick up essential items for the kitchen.

One day the young child presents to you, the father, some crinkled plastic wrap. This was previously used to package an item purchased online. Before you have a chance to throw in the dustbin, the child takes an interest.

They repeatedly bring the wrap to you. You take it in your hands, return it to the original shape and then give it back to the child. A few seconds later they return it to you in a ball shape. The game continues for several minutes, and it brings you tremendous delight.

2. Wooden blocks

Again, these were purchased by you. The child did not ask for them. You thought it would be a better way to pass the time; superior to staring at a television screen. Let them learn the alphabet and numbers. There are imprints of objects and also descriptive words on the different sides of the blocks.

Every time the child brings one to you, they place it directly in your hands. Not sure what they are asking, you start stacking them on the floor. This prompts the child to bring more blocks over to you. There is tremendous joy since the child is taking an interest in both the object purchased for them and your association.

3. The remote control

When fatigue finally sets in, and you can run around no more, the last resort is to turn on the television. Find something that you can both watch together. In this situation the child sometimes brings the remote over to you, again placing it in your hands. They cannot speak yet, but it is as if they are sending a message:

“Change the channel! Put on a better video. Then we can watch together.”

Once that is accomplished, the clever child snatches the remote away from you and places it on the table. They are sending the signal that the program should not be changed.

4. A drawing from school

As they get a little older, they learn to paint and draw while in school. In fact, this is one of your earliest memories. You once brought home a charcoal drawing to your father. He was so happy to receive it that your mother decided to take a photograph to commemorate the moment.

Now the situation is reversed. The child brings home a drawing. They offer it to you. It certainly does not represent the best artistic quality, but the mood of the person on the other side is everything. They put so much effort into this piece and they are dedicating it to you.

5. A new car

Now a little older, you don’t really need much. The child is an adult; self-sufficient and with a family of their own. Still, one day they present you with a new car. You can’t believe it. Not necessary, but certainly appreciated.

…

In the same way, there is not much we can offer the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Shri Krishna already has everything. The eternal associates are constant companions in the spiritual land of Vaikuntha. There are the beautiful surroundings populated with living entities in the forms of trees, hills, flowers, and grass. The cowherd friends enjoy with Krishna in the fields, and the gopis are with Him during the quiet, beautiful moonlit nights.

The Supreme Lord is so kind that He still accepts our offerings. He facilitates worship through channels such as the deity and the temple. He understands that the process will purify us. He takes great pleasure in our interest of Him, in our desire to put a smile on His face. He reciprocates in ways that we could never imagine.

In Closing:

Deity His features demonstrating,
Where our offerings reciprocating.

In ways never to believe,
Boundless mercy to receive.

Like child father’s gift taking,
And return offering making.

With so much joy to proceed,
Despite not having a need.