Four Times The Shastra Police Would Have Ruined Everything

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, therefore advised the cowherd men to stop the Indra-yajna and begin the Govardhana Puja in order to chastise Indra who was very much puffed up at being the supreme controller of the heavenly planets.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 24)

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It is a fine line to walk. Shastra [scripture] puts forth rules and regulations for a reason. Scripture is something like the instruction manual for living, for providing lasting happiness, both material and spiritual.

The rules are not the result of trial and error or years of research work. The knowledge descends, from on high. The original person, the adi-purusha, passes down genuine wisdom, Veda. This frees up valuable time in the limited timelines of existence, as it relates to a specific form.

In other words, I don’t have to spend years contemplating the meaning of life, such as why I am placed on this earth, where I was before, or what will happen to me after I die. The heavy lifting, so to speak, has already been done.

At the same time, this is a land of duality. What is good for one person may not be so for another. This means that the rules have to be violated every now and then. If the shastra police, as we may call them, were to have raised a violation in certain moments in history, they would have ruined everything.

1. Valmiki Muni

What was Narada Muni doing giving instruction to a papi? The highway robber was the greatest of sinners. No good qualities in a person who steals the fruits of the labor of others. If everyone operated with the same mentality, nothing would ever get accomplished. No one would have impetus to work.

It so happened that this robber ran into Narada Muni, who is the travelling preacher excelling in distributing the transcendental glories, gunas, of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A moment’s association with Narada is enough to purify even the worst person.

Here Narada did not go into a lengthy discourse. He asked some basic questions. The robber’s excuse for stealing was to support his family, but did his family know that they were implicated in the crimes? Were they ready to suffer the consequences, which will surely manifest at the appropriate time?

Those questions were enough to start the wheels of change. The robber was ready to hear more. Narada advised the chanting of the holy name of Rama. This is one name for the Almighty, and it refers to how God is full of transcendental pleasure. That property is shared with those who connect with Him, and that connection is as easy as repeating the holy name.

There was a big problem. The robber could not pronounce the name of Rama. The accumulated sins were too much. Narada then devised a trick. Repeat the name of death, “mara,” instead. This is not recommended anywhere in shastra. Narada used his intelligence to find a way to deliver the disciple.

The result was the full transformation from sinner to saint. The sound of “mara” repeated over and over actually created the sound of Rama, but unintentionally. Hearing that name for so long the person in meditation became worthy to be initiated with the name Valmiki. He would go on to record the pastimes of Shri Rama in person, through the Sanskrit work known as the Ramayana.

2. Dealing with Tataka

This event is nicely described in the Ramayana. Shri Rama is in the younger years within the timeline of His lila on earth. He voluntarily accepts the guidance of Vishvamitra Muni. The Supreme Lord embodies full kindness. He is the original teacher of this world, but to show the proper etiquette He accepts instruction from His devotees, as if He were a normal student.

Tataka was a female demon causing havoc in the forests. The victims were the renounced ascetics. They should have been left alone, but that is not the way of those against dharma. They cannot be content with their atheism; they must interfere with the spiritual progress of others.

Rama is the most expert bow-warrior, and so Vishvamitra asks him to deal with Tataka. The problem is that the code of conduct prohibits striking a female. Rama raises the doubts and subtly tries to only half deal with the problem at first, as a way to avoid violating dharma.

If the shastra police were on the scene, they would condemn Rama, not knowing that God’s behavior is always within dharma. Tataka would have continued to win in her terror, and the world would have been a less safe place.

3. Gatekeeper of Lanka

Another episode from the Ramayana, this time Rama’s servant has to cross the line of decency. Shri Hanuman has just reached the island of Lanka, but he needs to enter the city in order to continue in the mission of finding Sita Devi, the missing wife of Shri Rama.

Lanka’s gatekeeper is a female, and she will not allow Hanuman to proceed. The intelligent servant decided to force his way in. He violated the rules in favor of pursuing the highest cause of pleasing the Supreme Lord.

4. Govardhana Puja

This is an annual tradition today, but it first started as a rebellious act. The same Rama was in the rural community of Vrindavana as the adorable child of Nanda and Yashoda. Known as Shri Krishna, He was able to get His way through kind persuasion and unmatched charm.

The people were preparing for the Indra-yajna, which was something like a tradition. Pay homage to the king of the heavenly realm in order that he may be pleased to provide sufficient rainfall in return.

Krishna had other ideas. Forgo the Indra-yajna entirely and worship the nearby Govardhana Hill instead. This was totally against shastra, as there was nothing concrete dictating the worship of a specific hill in a certain place of the world.

Krishna essentially made up His own worship, but there was a method to the supposed madness. Indra retaliated at the perceived insult, but Krishna’s devotees remained safe. Their worship of Govardhana proved bona fide, and thereafter it turned into an annual tradition.

It falls into the category of bhakti-yoga, which is a more specific way to define the same eternal dharma that every living being should follow. The contradictions may be difficult to reconcile, but with the guidance of the guru and focus on the foremost goal of pleasing the Supreme Lord, the right course becomes clear.

In Closing:

Proper course becoming clear,
When guru’s instructions to hear.

Like with Govardhana people to save,
From Krishna how to behave.

Narada word of death giving,
So that Valmiki as poet living.

And Hanuman a female to strike,
And Rama against Tataka alike.

Five Common Occupations And Their Faults

"Every endeavor is covered by some sort of fault, just as fire is covered by smoke. Therefore one should not give up the work which is born of his nature, O son of Kunti, even if such work is full of fault." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.48)

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सह-जं कर्म कौन्तेय
स-दोषम् अपि न त्यजेत्
सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण
धूमेनाग्निर् इवावृताः

saha-jaṁ karma kaunteya
sa-doṣam api na tyajet
sarvārambhā hi doṣeṇa
dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛtāḥ

Be someone else for a day. Trade places. Out of the current setting and into something new. It can’t be as bad as it is right now. The grass is greener on the other side; at least that is the hope. Once I finally move on, I can tell off the people I am leaving behind. I will never have to see them again.

But not so fast. The new setting could bring similar problems. Unfamiliar faces in the beginning, but mortal enemies soon thereafter. All smiles and laughs on day one, and avoiding like the plague after a year or so.

1. Computer programmer

“Accept the assignment and get to work. Little time wasted in boring meetings. I am not expected to have strong communications skills. I am not much one for chit-chat. Let me do my work and leave me alone. Then everyone will be happy.

“Of course, there are unforeseen issues. I am staring at a computer monitor the entire day. Pretty soon I get diagnosed with something called ,‘dry eye.’ Who ever heard of that before? The immediate impact is that I have to wear glasses; no more contact lenses.

“The other negative is that I am not outside. What is the difference between my life and being sentenced to prison? At least you don’t have the pressure to meet deadlines while incarcerated. Fixing a bug with a production application is no picnic, let me tell you. Few people could withstand that kind of pressure.”

2. Military personnel

“I will defend my country. No worrying about the bottom line of running a business. No advanced degree required. Utilize my natural skill. I tend to be fearless, especially in emergency situations. I think I am cut out for this, better than some.

“There is the glaring negative, though. I might have to kill people. End another person’s life. Military conflict is a risky business. Nothing is guaranteed. Lengthy deployments, which translate to significant time away from friends and family.“

3. Coal Miner

“The industry is getting a bad reputation lately. It is a good and steady paying job in the area. So many people here are involved in it. Generations within the same family, proud of what they do. A primary energy source for many parts of the world. People are quick to use the apps on their technology to denounce this and that, but they forget the trying effort that went into the discovery process. They ignore what was needed to support the societies which brought about those innovations.

“Yes, there is the major downside. You are spending the entire day underneath the ground. Forget sunlight, you are lucky to get any light at all. The slightest misstep and your life can be in danger. It is something like being condemned to the hellish region, but prior to death.”

4. School teacher

“I would like to instruct others. I still think back to the lessons taught by some of the best teachers I had while growing up. They may not remember me, but I can never forget them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a similar influence on someone else? Especially with regards to important knowledge, instruction that serves as foundational building blocks towards a better future, I would like to pass that on.

“There are a few downsides. The pay isn’t great, but I am not really in it for the money. You could be stuck with a class that simply does not pay attention; unruly. Students from uncultured families, where basic values aren’t taught. Then your school day focuses on survival rather than progress.”

5. Retiree

“This isn’t really an occupation, though it is a designation in terms of job category. This is hopefully the end of working. No more stressing out to make the morning commuter train. No more having to listen to the irrational chastisement from the higher ups. No more worrying about losing your job.

“The downside, however, is the increased potential for idleness. In other words, I will need something to do. If I am sitting in front of the television all day, I could end up with depression. Thus the lack of work I so desperately craved ends up hurting me significantly.”

…

Shri Krishna makes the comparison to fire. It is always covered by some degree of smoke. The relation is to occupation. No matter which one we choose, there is always some kind of blemish. Better to not jump from this and that. Stay with the one that you are best suited for.

The context of that discussion was the military man named Arjuna wanting to accept the occupation of an advanced brahmana, who in that time period gives up the working world and retreats to the forest for meditation and contemplation.

What overly stressed person hasn’t entertained this idea at least once in their lives? Official vacation time is for recharging the system, for temporarily escaping the stresses of daily life, to hopefully return a new person, with a different outlook.

Krishna’s presentation is geared towards an equivalence between the different occupations. This is with respect to spiritual life. The type of work does not matter so much. Arjuna could be firing arrows on the battlefield and be just as much in yoga as the person sitting on the floor in the mountain-cave.

This is especially beneficial in the present age of Kali-yuga. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada strongly recommends the chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In most cases this gets a higher priority than lecturing or philosophical discourse, because hardly anyone has the time. Who is fortunate enough to question the reason for their existence or to examine the faults in their daily habits? Chant the holy names, be rescued by a mantra, and find yoga, even if you weren’t explicitly looking for it.

In Closing:

Even if not officially to look,
Sacred sound a secret hook.

That in genuine yoga to be,
And from distresses be free.

Like fire from smoke emerging,
Better not from occupation diverging.

With yoga mind proceed,
Holy names on each bead.

Three Things I Think I Might Need In Serving Krishna

“In the human society, whether one is a laborer, merchant, warrior, administrator, or farmer, or even if one belongs to the highest class and is a literary man, a scientist or a theologian, he has to work in order to maintain his existence. The Lord therefore tells Arjuna that he need not give up his occupation, but while he is engaged in his occupation he should remember Krishna.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

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He is the all-attractive one. He has done so much for me. No matter how hectic life gets, I can always count on Him to calm me down. Baby screaming in the background? Spouse complaining about the brand of juice I picked up from the supermarket? Boss upset that I am behind in that major project at the office?

Everything gets forgotten with a single look at the deity, worshiped in the proper way in the house established for such a purpose. There is the goddess of fortune to His left. She brings so much happiness to Him. They have both been very kind to me. I could never repay the favoritism shown to me in this life, in the experiences that I can remember.

In following bhakti-yoga life, by taking seriously the recommendation of the acharyas that the human birth is meant for the purpose of finishing the cycle of reincarnation, I may feel the need to endeavor beyond my capacity to work.

1. Acquire the energy of an elephant

“That one person I know spends the entire daylight hours in sankirtana on the streets. They chant the holy names in front of people they have never met: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“Another member of the same team distributes literature. They pass on the sacred wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita. Every person is in need of that knowledge. Even if they already acknowledge faith in God, in an Almighty figure, it can never hurt to learn more about Him. Bhagavad-gita is something like the science behind religion, the detail to the abstract, the clarity to the issues previously unresolved.

“In contrast, what am I doing? I am so lazy. I could at least work as hard as these people. If I am not skilled in chanting, singing or explaining, I might try manual labor. Following the way of the elephant; work to the point of exhaustion. At least then I won’t feel like a slacker.”

2. Become very learned

“The guru published so many works of importance. Translations and commentaries on sacred texts in the Sanskrit language and those derived from it, like Bengali and Hindi. I grew up learning only English. Perhaps I should study Sanskrit, as well. I know that it requires years to master, but if I become very learned in the discipline, I will be able to do my own translations.

“Then I could speak extemporaneously on the science of self-realization. I could inspire others to accept the bhakti-path, to worship God the person, in the original form of Shri Krishna, who is always accompanied by Shrimati Radharani.”

3. Utilize the full potential of intelligence

“Becoming a scholar is one thing, but I could also utilize intelligence to the full. Be smart in all areas; not just one. I see people are expert in their particular field, but I want to know everything. Cooking, cleaning, running a business, singing songs, dealing with important leaders in society, organizing festivals – nothing should be out of my reach. If someone asks me to do something, I should never be compelled to decline due to lack of ability.”

…

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada advises that a person should not necessarily have to learn anything new when taking up bhakti-yoga. It is surely wonderful if a skill gets acquired that can be utilized in pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but any genuine and sincere effort is appreciated.

If one person is operating with the energy of an elephant and another person gets tired more quickly, as long as there is devotion in the authorized work Krishna is pleased. He does not make distinctions on the level of expertise, but rather on the level of devotion.

The gopis of Vrindavana are the topmost devotees, according to the opinion of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They are ordinary village girls; not highly learned brahmanas or expert warriors on the battlefield. The qualification is based on the pure devotion, and the followers of bhakti follow in their footsteps as both a way of paying honor and also pleasing Krishna and guru.

In Closing:

Maybe like elephant can be,
Where tremendous energy to free.

Or highly learned books explaining,
A respected position attaining.

But then for the gopis proclaimed,
As best by Mahaprabhu explained.

Since Krishna the bhakti to assess,
Both low and high to success.

Rama Navami 2020

“Just as a tree starts to blossom during the proper season, so the doer of sinful deeds inevitably reaps the horrible fruit of their actions at the appropriate time.” (Lord Rama speaking to Khara, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 29.8)

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अवश्यं लभते जन्तुः फलं पापस्य कर्मणः।
घोरं पर्यागते काले द्रुमाः पुष्पमिवार्तवम्।।

avaśyaṃ labhate jantuḥ phalaṃ pāpasya karmaṇaḥ।
ghoraṃ paryāgate kāle drumāḥ puṣpamivārtavam।।

It is only understandable to turn to prayer in times of great difficulty. Where the reality of the fragile nature of the body-life combination hits home. Where the event known to be inevitable gives a reminder of its closely approaching arrival.

Nature’s law must still operate. It is only fair, after all. Prayers will not do much, if not directed towards a higher purpose. These are the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who follows in a line of self-realized leaders originating with the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.

On the occasion of Rama Navami, we celebrate the rare, but special instances of God the person delivering the appropriate consequences to action. As His words are eternally beautiful, so are the lessons He imparts through His lila.

The setting for one of those lessons was the Dandaka forest. As a brief background, a group of man-eating ogres had been invading the area on a regular basis. They were looking for humans to eat. They waited until nighttime, so as to not be seen. They chose an opportune moment for them, when their future prey would be otherwise distracted.

Notably, those victims were the most innocent in society. Vedic teachings give the formula for both material and spiritual happiness. If a society desires peace, prosperity and an absence of distress, there are certain entities which must be protected.

The brahmanas are foremost among them. This is the priestly class, determined specifically by guna and karma. The material qualities must be there, along with corresponding work. The brahmanas are very dear to the Supreme Lord, as they generally do not look for an income, material comforts, or personal advancement. In response to that sacrifice, they are protected by those in charge of preventing injury [kshatriya].

In the Dandaka forest the brahmanas did not expect any trouble. The area was away from civilized society. I am not bothering anyone by taking up residence in a remote place. There I am better able to fix my consciousness on the lotus feet of the Divine.

Those plans were ruined by the Rakshasas coming from Lanka. They would attack during the time of yajna. This was the moment of fruition for the brahmanas in their religious efforts. The Rakshasas knew that as more yajnas were successfully conducted, the stronger the forces of good would be, which were concentrated in the heavenly region.

The Rakshasas would attack in a most cowardly way. Taking false forms and then eating their victims, they assumed everything went unnoticed. After all, there were no immediate consequences. It would be as if the criminals were let out of jail and the government did nothing to stop it.

As mentioned previously, the laws of nature are not deficient. They respond at the appropriate time and with the proper punishment. The avatara of Rama spoke this lesson to one of the greatest sinners, Khara. He was soon to meet the fate of the many brahmanas he had previously killed.

This moment is glorious because it is another instance of the victory of dharma over adharma. It proves that the ever-watchful eye does not blink. Antaryami witnesses everything. This is one of Rama’s features. While He typically remains neutral and allows His material nature to handle punishment and reward, in special cases He personally intervenes.

On the negative side the intervention is with the Rakshasas of Lanka, and on the positive it is with the devotees who are always thinking of Him. Rama boosts their devotional efforts to a level empowering a guaranteed return trip to the spiritual world after the completion of this life, where the harsh material nature no longer applies.

In Closing:

On this Rama Navami day,
To Sita’s husband to pray.

That my punishments just,
For proper arrival trust.

Like with demon Khara found,
Once on Dandaka ground.

That watching lotus-eye never closing,
Squashing those dharma opposing.

Two Questions To Ask The “Religious Dogma” Protester

“But ignorant and faithless persons who doubt the revealed scriptures do not attain God consciousness. For the doubting soul there is happiness neither in this world nor in the next.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.40)

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अज्ञश् चाश्रद्दधानश् च
संशयात्मा विनश्यति
नायं लोको ऽस्ति न परो
न सुखं संशयात्मनः

ajñaś cāśraddadhānaś ca
saṁśayātmā vinaśyati
nāyaṁ loko 'sti na paro
na sukhaṁ saṁśayātmanaḥ

The Bhagavad-gita. You hold this work in the highest esteem. Ever since you came across the published edition with the suffix, “As It Is,” you were amazed. On one side finally there was someone speaking your language. The suspicions you had about the futility of material life confirmed. You had an inkling that you lived before and that the existence will continue after death.

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतो ऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे

na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ‘yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre

“For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.20)

Then, of course, Shri Krishna explains things that you never thought of. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. God directly speaking to a disciple, with the conversation intentionally recorded for the benefit of future generations. Not just a representative. Not a purported son to the Divine. The unlimited one Himself, who is one without a second – He is the speaker.

With so much profound wisdom available in a relatively short presentation, you can’t wait to share with the rest of the world. Every person’s suffering, their fears, their disappointments, their frustrations – this book is the answer.

Then you meet someone who simply dismisses the entire thing as religious dogma. They don’t like the “unscientific” nature of the presentation, even though His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada accurately describes the tattva as the “science” of self-realization.

For such a skeptic, the faithful follower of the Bhagavad-gita can ask a few simple questions. They are open to being proven wrong. They are not following blindly. Let the doubters explain with clarity.

1. Just exactly what kind of scientific evidence are you looking for?

The Bhagavad-gita is a philosophical work, but it is also a historical account. There are two people seated on a chariot. The setting is a very famous war, one that occurred some five thousand years ago. The conversation between Arjuna and Krishna took place. The Bhagavad-gita is something like a transcript, and through the sacred sound of the Sanskrit language we are able to travel back in time.

It would be no different if say a scientist gave a lecture on a particular topic today. Their words would then be published in a scientific journal. The passage of time has no impact on the validity of the original presentation. That is to say if someone picks up the same science journal thousands of years into the future, the significant time gap is not a valid basis for discounting the content.

If a skeptic is looking for scientific evidence, just what is it exactly they want? What visual confirmation beyond the universal form, the virata-rupa, shown to Arjuna would suffice?

If they would like to receive such a vision themselves, they can at least conceptualize it. Take the entire collective. All the planets and their components. Both the abstract and the detail. No rational person would deny the existence of everything. I may not be able to fit everything into a single image for analysis purposes, but I concur that there is an existence consisting of such objects.

2. What kind of experiment would remove your doubts?

If the content of the Bhagavad-gita is not enough for you, devise a scientific experiment to prove that there is a God. If the argument is that science has already disproved the notion of a central figure predominating the universe, then at least hypothetically the reverse could be constructed.

That is to say come up with an experiment that would prove there is God. Then show that such an experiment fails. That will give confirmation of your doubts on the matter. The followers of Krishna are ready to provide assistance in this regard.

One experiment would be to have God appear in front of you and show you that He is the Almighty. Immediately, I would ask Him to prove that He never dies. That has to be a component to the Almighty; eternal existence.

The issue is that this experiment is not valid. Not because God cannot prove deathlessness, but I have no way of personally validating. I will not live long enough to know for certain. Even if I witnessed His association for billions of years, that by itself does not equal infinity.

Shri Krishna explains that the doubting soul is not well situated. It is better to listen attentively, ask questions, and try to remove doubts through practice and personal experience. Not to follow blindly, but use every ounce of intelligence for understanding the eternal nature of the spiritual energy and how we living entities belong to that energy.

In Closing:

If His existence to deny,
And on science to rely.

Then valid experiment devise,
Where proof with very own eyes.

Not possible a way,
Since not forever to stay.

So no more in this way pretend,
Faith in shastra a little extend,

The Three Step Process Of Advancement For A Community

“One who is not in transcendental consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.66)

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नास्ति बुद्धिर् अयुक्तस्य
न चायुक्तस्य भावना
न चाभावयतः शान्तिर्
अशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्

nāsti buddhir ayuktasya
na cāyuktasya bhāvanā
na cābhāvayataḥ śāntir
aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham

By no means is this list created or supported through a scientific study. Edge cases here and there surely exist. Exceptions to the rule. Instances that break the pattern. But there can be no denying the initial spark, the desire that drives the progression.

A community goes through phases with respect to advancement. From beginning to end, the change could occur gradually, over several decades, in fact. The acharya of the bhakti tradition of spiritual life is waiting at the completion stage. He has already made it to the end. He is awaiting humble inquiries into the next phase. He would rather the entire time leading up have been avoided.

1. Perceived poverty

There could be one acknowledged super-power nation in the world. The envy of everyone else. Other nations either want to emulate or the citizens want to emigrate. A massive movement of people.

There is a perception of poverty. There may be plenty of food to eat in the community. No one is starving to death. The average net worth calculation may not be high in relative comparison, but the basic necessities of life are there.

Still, who wants to finish in second place? Why not be on equal footing with others? If someone else has more, surely I can do something to influence my position. I can move upwardly. In the worst case, I simply emulate what the other community has done. Take the model of the foreign country and implement it in my own.

2. Improvement in material advancement

Elongated stretches of highway, featuring the finest roads and bridges. Easy transport from one metropolis to another using an airport system. Advanced, fiber-optic technology starting from the urban areas and reaching the rural. Everyone connected, with indoor plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and machines to clean the dishes and the clothes.

It is possible to live in such comfort. It is possible to rise to a higher standard of living, where no one has to go begging from door to door. There is insurance to indemnify just about any loss, including employment. People should not have to worry about the basic necessities of life.

3. Spiritual inquiry

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says that when one person or community makes such advancement, the next step is to inquire into spiritual matters. There is the famous saying, “An empty sack cannot stand up straight.” The meaning is that a person is hard-pressed to pay attention to matters of virtue and long-term significance when they are struggling merely to maintain an existence.

If I have all of the money in the world, with no requirement to ever work again, what will I do? Eat rich and sumptuous dishes on a daily basis? Travel here and there? Become addicted to intoxicants? Divorce the spouse and look for a younger, more attractive partner?

It is natural to turn in the direction of spiritual life. Once I have everything, I realize that the chase wasn’t really worth it. I am still lacking the one thing that no amount of money has brought me thus far: happiness.

Shri Krishna explains that there cannot be happiness without peace. And there cannot be real peace without a proper understanding of the temporary nature of material life. Duhkhalayam and ashashvatam. The material world is miserable and temporary. That for which I have worked so hard will not remain so for long.

Better to inquire into the nature of living. Can it be eternal? Where will I go after death? Is the next life the same kind of miserable experience? Will I be fooled into envying other communities and people who are perceived to be superior only on the estimation of material worth?

A person is very fortunate to reach such a stage of inquiry. They should feel blessed to have the spirit of renunciation, which is rarely achieved. And this is real vairagya, since there is so much to abandon. A person who never had any possessions can’t very well explain the experience of disassociation from something to which they were strongly attached.

The acharya is there to guide the people and communities sitting at the final step, he also urges others to not bother enduring the cycle. Better to inquire into spiritual matters right away, as soon as possible. This is the real purpose of the human birth, and through the Vedic culture and works like Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam, the previously elusive peace and happiness become entirely possible.

In Closing:

Lamenting nation’s leader is he,
That perceived poverty to see.

Better another country to emulate,
If not then at least emigrate.

When at enjoyment’s height perching,
Eventually left empty and searching.

To the spiritual side for ties to sever,
To acharya better late than never.

Three Potential Accusations Against Hanuman's Character

“Though all of these unsuspecting wives of Ravana were seen by me, my mind has not been disturbed even a little.” (Hanuman, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 11.40)

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कामं दृष्टा मया सर्वा विश्वस्ता रावणस्त्रियः।।
न हि मे मनसः किञ्चिद्वैकृत्यमुपजायते।

kāmaṃ dṛṣṭā mayā sarvā viśvastā rāvaṇastriyaḥ।।
na hi me manasaḥ kiñcidvaikṛtyamupajāyate।

Hinduism isn’t really a religion. It is a term derived from outsiders to describe the variety in spiritual practices they see as belonging to one collective culture. Indeed, in the sacred texts of reference, there is no hint of such a word, and neither would anyone be classified as belonging to a particular sect.

The closest equivalent to the concept of religion in that tradition would be sanatana-dharma. This is the Sanskrit for describing the eternal way of living. Without a beginning and without an end. The constitutional position of the living entity and the way towards maintaining it, free of conflicts, inversions, perversions, blemishes, and such.

While in the cultural collective known as Hinduism there is wide variety in terms of objects of worship and daily practices, an area of unification is Shri Hanuman. He is held in high esteem practically everywhere. He is one of the heroes of the Ramayana, though the work is named after Shri Rama, an incarnation of God from many thousands of years ago.

Hanuman is celebrated for his devotion. His motivations are pure. He is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the Supreme Lord. This sort of devotion is supported. It is known as bhakti, and it is a more detailed way to describe the same sanatana-dharma.

One of the justifications for choosing bhakti is that what would otherwise be ignored automatically gets accounted for. I am not missing out on responsibilities through supporting God the person. It is something like watering the roots of the tree.

At the same time, through studying Hanuman’s exploits, we see that there are potential areas of contention. Did he violate dharma? If so, why is he immune from criticism? If bhakti is supposed to bring good behavior in every aspect of life, why are there several glaring exceptions in this exceptional case?

1. Took a false form in meeting Rama and Lakshmana

A devotee is generally honest in their dealings. They are connected to the Absolute Truth, so there is no need for deception. Yet in the first meeting with Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman assumed a false garb. His natural form is that of a Vanara. This is something like a monkey who dwells in the forest, but has human characteristics at the same time.

Hanuman was on assignment. He used this trickery to further the purpose of the boss, Sugriva of Kishkindha. In fact, in the presence of the Supreme Lord and His younger brother, Hanuman could not maintain the false vision of a mendicant for long. He eventually spilled the beans, so to speak. Rama and Lakshmana were so impressed by Hanuman that they immediately trusted him, stepping onto his shoulders to be taken up to the top of Mount Rishyamukha to meet Sugriva.

2. Struck a woman

That first meeting was the catalyst to a series of events. Rama formed an alliance with Sugriva. The end result was a massive reconnaissance mission to search for the whereabouts of Sita. She is the wife of Rama who had gone missing.

Hanuman stepped up to the plate and towards the end he was the lone member of the search party capable of reaching where Sita was. Knowing the location was vital, but that didn’t assure success. Hanuman had to find a way to enter the island city of Lanka without causing alarm that would endanger Sita.

The first obstacle when hitting the shores of Lanka was entry itself. The place was guarded by a gatekeeper. A female, no less, she would not allow Hanuman to enter. What should he have done? If a person strictly follows the codes of dharma, they will never strike a woman. It is against good judgment.

Hanuman saw no other option, so he struck the gatekeeper and proceeded to enter. He was not ready to return back to the base as a failure, refusing to move forward on a technicality. If sin was in the cards, Hanuman was ready to accept the consequences.

3. Illegally entered palaces and spied

This so crossed the line of decency that Hanuman himself felt bad about what was going on. He had to search for a woman, after all. The women were likely inside of the many palaces, as the wealthy ruler of Lanka had many beautiful wives as companions. That was the point to forcibly taking Sita there; to make her the chief queen. Ravana did not understand that the beloved of Vishnu can never be made to turn in another direction, no matter how much force is applied.

In this case Hanuman noted that his mind was not altered. He was not negatively affected by viewing women in an intimate setting. Again, he could have stopped his mission and returned a failure. That was not an option, so he was not going to let the risk of personal consequences affect the chance to please Shri Rama.

…

In the objective assessment, there is not even a hint of blemish for Shri Hanuman. He is the most dedicated servant whose glories increase when learning of the difficulties encountered in staying within the bounds of virtue.

In Closing:

Staying within virtue’s bounds,
When difficulty in Lanka found.

First on entering how,
Female stopping him now.

Then at other women viewing,
Features to Sita Devi reviewing.

For Hanuman with blemish not a hint,
Auspicious that Lanka stint.