What Is Wrong With Wanting To Have Dinner With God

“Once the Lord desired to go early in the morning with all His cowherd boy friends to the forest, where they were to assemble together and take lunch. As soon as He got up from bed, He blew a buffalo horn and called all His friends together. Keeping the calves before them, they started for the forest.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 12)

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Friend1: Sometimes you play this game at a party.

Friend2: Twenty questions?

Friend1: More of a philosophical one. Not so much a game where you keep score, but a way to get people to open up. Learn something about the participants. See how they think, what they value in life, who they admire, and so forth.

Friend2: What is the game?

Friend1: If you could have dinner with one person, either living today or from past history, who would it be?

Friend2: Does it have to be a real person or is a fictional character okay?

Friend1: Whatever you like. Choosing a fictional character would make everyone else even more eager to listen, I would presume.

Friend2: What are some common answers?

Friend1: Could be a relative who has passed on. Another chance to meet with them, to hear their voice and the like.

Friend2: Oh, that’s a good one. Only so much appreciation you can show in separation.

Friend1: Another one is a president of a country from the past. Someone who knows a lot of secrets but hasn’t yet revealed them. Or maybe even a paramour.

Friend2: Right. Like if you prefer being with your wife, why not make the dinner something that already takes place on a regular basis?

Friend1: Exactly. Anyway, I was thinking of the spiritual side of things. Someone in the bhakti-yoga tradition would not necessarily ask to have dinner with God.

Friend2: Why not? What is the basis for your claim?

Friend1: As His Divine Grace Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says, the goal should be to make God notice you. Followers of the bhakti tradition generally aren’t eager for personal darshana.

Friend2: A direct viewing, so to speak.

Friend1: Where I see God. I already believe in Him. I already know that He is everywhere. Seeing Him face to face would be cool, but it is not everything.

Friend2: Yes, because there is always something after. I like to reference Shri Hanuman in this regard. He had the meeting, the darshana, with Shri Rama and His younger brother Lakshmana. That was certainly not the end. Rather, it was the beginning of a great relationship in dedicated service that continues to this day.

Friend1: Okay, so is that the reason? Devotees want to serve instead of just sit and talk?

Friend2: What is to be gained by such a short meeting? I want to feel like He is always with me; not just for a set period of time.

Friend1: I am glad you mentioned this, because I have a counterargument. In the Shrimad Bhagavatam we have the vivid description of Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, leaving home to go play in the fields with His friends. They plan on having lunch together.

Friend2: Yes, there are many beautiful paintings depicting the incident.

Friend1: Do you not see the contradiction? If I don’t want the dinner meeting with God, why do these people enjoy the same thing?

Friend2: It is not a fleeting achievement, nor is it a hypothetical. The lunch in the forest is one aspect to the eternal way of living in the spiritual land of Vrindavana. These boys are always His associates. They do much more than sit and eat together. This is proof that devotional service, bhakti-yoga, is the way to go. You won’t need to rely on a single meeting. Every day you will get to offer the best food dishes and feel as if the all-attractive one is by your side, never to leave.

In Closing:

When in spiritual world to reside,
Shri Krishna by your side.

So lunch a daily meeting,
Not a chance fleeting.

Where having only minutes now,
And wondering when again how.

Devotion’s path this chance giving,
Where in His company eternally living.

Three Choices For Arjuna At The Conclusion Of Bhagavad-gita

“Thus I have explained to you the most confidential of all knowledge. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.63)

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इति ते ज्ञानम् आख्यातं
गुह्याद् गुह्यतरं मया
विमृश्यैतद् अशेषेण
यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु

iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ
guhyād guhyataraṁ mayā
vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa
yathecchasi tathā kuru

Shri Krishna gave the proper explanation. Though brief in comparison to the much larger work serving as the container, the Mahabharata, Bhagavad-gita is still significant in length. The many verses cannot be memorized today so easily, but they are beautiful nonetheless, in the spotless Sanskrit language.

Question and answer, back and forth, doubt and resolution, argument and rebuttal – this was not merely an authority figure asserting their dominance. That is entirely possible in other instances, as Shri Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan. He could have deemed the entire line of questioning inappropriate. He could have compelled Arjuna to behave a certain way.

That is not in the nature of higher dealings. This was a special case. A higher purpose would be served by Arjuna choosing the proper course of action, after a sober and rational review of the many options.

1. Leave for the forest

He was initially leaning in this direction. Arjuna had dropped his weapons. The visual at the battlefield of Kurukshetra was breathtaking. Arjuna got a panoramic view after Krishna placed the chariot directly at the center.

Both sides featured some of the best fighters in the world. Respected personalities could not settle their differences peacefully. War was the only option. Like the Supersoul in the heart, Krishna remained neutral. He did not choose sides, but when one individual sincerely asked for direction, Bhagavan was there to provide it.

After hearing Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna could have retreated for the forest:

“Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t want to be part of this ghastly war. Let time, the great devourer, take care of what needs to be done. I will accept the stigma associated with fleeing the battlefield. Let others deride me as a coward. I do not mind.”

2. Ask more questions

The discussion carried on for as long as it did because Arjuna was an active participant. He did not simply sit there like a stone and listen to someone else lecture. He did not ask to be shown glowing images with associated sound, such as when sitting in a cinema hall.

As there was symbolic reference to the Supersoul with Krishna driving the chariot, participating in the war but not taking sides, when the role changed to spiritual guide there was just as much symbolism to the ancient tradition of guru-disciple interaction.

तद् विद्धि प्रणिपातेन
परिप्रश्नेन सेवया
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं
ज्ञानिनस् तत्त्व-दर्शिनः

tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.34)

The recommendation is to approach a tattva-darshi. Someone who has seen the truth. They can describe that truth to others. The necessary qualification is humility. Do not ask in a challenging way. Do not approach as an enemy, as someone looking to do harm. If you are genuinely interested and willing to offer some service, the guru will remain with you for as long as necessary.

Thus Arjuna had the option to continue to ask questions. In this special instance the teacher is the controller of time. The war could have waited. Previously, Krishna had attempted to avoid hostilities altogether by acting as emissary. The Divine will was set, but Arjuna could have asked as many questions as were necessary to remove doubt.

3. Follow devotional service

This was Krishna’s recommendation. Proceed in the war, which was in line with dharma. Consider neither victory nor defeat. Worry not over the outcome. Participate in the will of the Divine, acting as but an instrument.

Nevertheless, it is important to see that Krishna asks Arjuna to deliberate. We receive the same choice. Devotional service is the constitutional engagement, something every person should follow in order to reach true bliss, happiness and contentment.

Yet that service has to be voluntarily accepted. Compulsory love violates the requisite conditions. When the choice is made after a proper analysis of the different options, then the likelihood of remaining on that path in the future greatly increases, reducing the chances of ever associating with the illusory energy known as maya again.

In Closing:

Choice to him came,
That run away in shame,

Where the battlefield fleeing,
Or more time for doubts freeing.

The recommended option the best,
That on devotional path blessed.

So with the war proceeding,
With Krishna’s will succeeding.

Four Reasons Narayana Is Known As Nara-Sakha

“Narayana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the well-wisher and friend of all living entities, formerly explained this transcendental knowledge to the great saint Narada. Such knowledge is extremely difficult to understand without the mercy of a saintly person like Narada, but everyone who has taken shelter of Narada's disciplic succession can understand this confidential knowledge.” (Prahlada Maharaja, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.6.27)

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ज्ञानं तद् एतद् अमलं दुरवापम् आह
नारायणो नर-सखः किल नारदाय
एकान्तिनां भगवतस् तद् अकिञ्चनानां
पादारविन्द-रजसाप्लुत-देहिनां स्यात्

jñānaṁ tad etad amalaṁ duravāpam āha
nārāyaṇo nara-sakhaḥ kila nāradāya
ekāntināṁ bhagavatas tad akiñcanānāṁ
pādāravinda-rajasāpluta-dehināṁ syāt

Prahlada Maharaja used the two Sanskrit words when speaking to the children of the Daityas. He specifically wanted them to know the nature of Narayana, who was considered an enemy to the state by the very leader, Hiranyakashipu.

That conception was false, and even the close relationship to the leader as father was not going to prevent Prahlada from speaking the truth. The source of men, Narayana, is indeed the friend of man, nara-sakha.

1. Stays with them as Supersoul

Individual is jiva. The full term is jivatma. Conditioned, meaning a vulnerability to illusion. Like dropping a handful of mustards seeds on the edge of a knife. Some seeds will fall one way, and some will end up on the other side.

Another analogy is to the beach. Close to the water, sometimes the waves wash over and sometimes there is no contact. It is as if the condition is determined by chance. Not much can be done, either way.

Except in the human birth the jiva has the best opportunity for returning to eternal, spiritual life. No more falling on the sword. No more succumbing to illusion. One who reaches the supreme destination never has to return.

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)

Narayana is a sakha to the naras because He stays with them. He is Supersoul. Also an atma, but parama, or supreme. Whereas jivatma is susceptible to illusion, Paramatma is always in a superior position. Though this expansion of the Divine is not visible to the eyes, it is as much potent as Narayana Himself, who is known to be opulently adorned and show four arms.

2. Of the same quality

Narayana is my friend because He is of a similar quality. I am completely spiritual, though I do not realize it. I mistakenly identify with the temporary matter and fail to notice how I existed prior to this birth. I will continue on after this lifetime finishes, wherein the body that is like a coat gets taken off and replaced with another.

Narayana is never under the dichotomy of body and spirit. He is my friend because He shows me what returning to the complete spiritual consciousness can be like. In other words, I can become as blissful as He is, though I will never be completely equal to Him.

3. He is available to everyone

The audience for this discussion is significant. Prahlada was speaking to sons of Daityas, which are demons. In other words, based on the body type these children did not have a very good chance of thinking beyond material life. In order to properly understand spirit, you eventually have to accept and realize the presence of Narayana.

Since He is the friend to all human beings, Narayana can be understood even by Daityas. This can only be true if they are spiritual beings, as well. Prahlada could see past the distinctions. He was the son of the greatest Daitya. Prahlada’s father was the most influential atheist, but that did not prevent the boy from understanding Narayana.

4. He sends His representatives

The reason was the contact with Narada Muni. Receiving instruction from the travelling preacher was as good as meeting Narayana face-to-face. The teacher in this regard does not discriminate. He does not choose only those of the priestly community to receive instruction.

Spreading the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the most blissful engagement, and it also does the most good for everyone involved. Prahlada took joy in speaking of Narayana, and the Daitya children were most benefitted by that association.

In Closing:

For that association recommended,
In impromptu class attended.

By Prahlada Maharaja the speaker,
Giving advice to every seeker.

To happiness and meaning real,
For bhakti life the strong appeal.

Since Narayana a friend to all,
Even a Daitya to Him can call.

Why Not Go For The Four Rewards

“Prahlada Maharaja said, agunena ca kankshitena: if one is engaged in the transcendental loving service of the lotus feet of the Lord, he does not need anything in terms of dharma, artha, kama or moksha.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.6.25 Purport)

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Friend1: One of the repeating patterns in Vedic literature is the reference to the four rewards.

Friend2: Please explain what those are.

Friend1: Dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

Friend2: Those are the Sanskrit. What is the English equivalent?

Friend1: Dharma is religiosity. Adherence to some higher principles. Guardrails. The root is belief in a higher authority. Artha is interest or profit. Work that will yield a benefit. Behavior that aids in reaching a positive outcome.

Friend2: What about kama and moksha?

Friend1: Kama is material desire or sense gratification. It is nature’s way. Right from the start we are after kama. The animal community knows only kama. Moksha is release. The end to the cycle of birth and death.

Friend2: There is a cycle?

Friend1: Yes. The soul lives on.

Friend2: What is the soul?

Friend1: My identity.

Friend2: Just yours?

Friend1: Yes; for the individual soul, jivatma. The soul is also your identity, but your soul is not the same as mine. Therefore, we are distinct individuals.

Friend2: Are souls limited to the human population?

Friend1: No. From the highest to the lowest. As far up as Lord Brahma, the demigod-creator, and to the lowest depths of the organisms which survive nuclear war.

Friend2: There is soul inside?

Friend1: There has to be. Soul is what provides the animating spark. The four rewards are exclusive to the human birth. There is no such thing as dharma for the animals or plants.

Friend2: Are you sure about that?

Friend1: There is dharma in the sense that the essential characteristic will always remain, as soul can never be separated from its properties. Dharma in the sense of voluntary alignment with higher principles is only possible through a rational choice, and that rational thinking ability is exclusive to the humans.

Friend2: I see.

Friend1: The reason I bring this up today is because in a verse of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Prahlada Maharaja mentions how for devotees the four rewards are not that important. Since they are connected in a mood of devotional love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they do not require anything.

Friend2: Neither do they seek those rewards.

Friend1: Okay, but if the four are important enough to receive mention in many places in sacred texts, why does someone exalted like Prahlada downplay them?

Friend2: There is this concept of aguna.

Friend1: Is that a negation of the word guna?

Friend2: Yes. Lacking material qualities. Devotional service has this feature. The four rewards are part of guna life.

Friend1: I.e. material life.

Friend2: They are a kind of enjoyment, though reserved for civilized people. In other words, even striving for those four rewards represents significant advancement. Just consider how rampant atheism has become today.

Friend1: It is rare for people to want to become gentlemen, to treat others fairly and with compassion. The focus is entirely on advancing the personal economic condition and then enjoying the senses.

Friend2: The four rewards are something like restricted enjoyment, for a higher purpose. But they still belong to the material category. Prahlada is saying that in devotional service everything is already available. There is no need to strive for anything material. The Supreme Lord has transcendental qualities, gunas. In staying with those gunas, in glorifying them, the outcome will always be auspicious. There is no need for an extra endeavor in a risky business that is limited by time, intelligence and proper association.

In Closing:

In that game limited by time,
Where proper association to find.

And intelligence needed,
Else failure proceeded.

As human of rewards aware,
But in devotion higher is there.

Since spiritual included already,
When in bhakti steady.

Three Activities That Tire Me Out

“O Dhananjaya, all this work cannot bind Me. I am ever detached, seated as though neutral.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 9.9)

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न च मां तानि कर्माणि
निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय
उदासीन-वद् आसीनम्
असक्तं तेषु कर्मसु

na ca māṁ tāni karmāṇi
nibadhnanti dhanañjaya
udāsīna-vad āsīnam
asaktaṁ teṣu karmasu

Though in the Vedic tradition there is the concept of three principal deities managing the creation, it is ultimately one person responsible. Brahma is known as the creator. He takes the material elements and crafts different body types and playing fields. Vishnu is the maintainer and Lord Shiva is called to the scene when it is time for dissolution.

In the Bhagavad-gita we learn that Shri Krishna is actually responsible for everything. It is His material nature, after all. Like the mighty wind blowing always remains in the ethereal space, so all living entities are always in Krishna. He is the same Narayana, with only a different visual appearance.

All of that work is not difficult for Krishna. He does not get tired. He is seated as if detached from the entire experience. This serves as an ideal juxtaposition, as I tend to become exhausted through work much less complex in nature.

1. Moving

“I did everything right this time. I did not pester my friends. I know how difficult the entire episode is, so I would rather not subject others to it. Shell out the cash and hire professionals to do the job. This way there will be much less stress.

“Let me tell you, at the end of this day it felt like I had moved everything myself. It seemed like the movers took forever. First, there was the packing. Then going up and down the elevator, making sure there was sufficient time remaining on the parking meter.

“Five hours later, we were only halfway there. Then we had to drive to the new apartment. Stuck in rush hour traffic, I could not wait to finally reach. Then the movers unloaded everything and unpacked some of the larger boxes.

“Morning until night. The entire day occupied. I didn’t even do anything, but I feel as if I never want to move again. Let me sleep for the next few days.”

2. Childcare

“I am usually pretty good with children. I know how to make them laugh. I can spend engaging and meaningful time with them. The problem this time was the lack of reinforcements. The mom was not around. It was up to dad to resolve every issue.

“That is fine up until the baby starts crying uncontrollably. That is my worst nightmare. I don’t know why, but if other children are crying it is not that big a deal to me. Probably because I know I am off the hook; that I don’t need to do anything.

“Anyway, after a day of just me, I’m sure both the kid and I appreciate the mom so much more. Maybe dads are not cut out for this. I am truly exhausted.”

3. Overeating

“Montezuma’s revenge. The great war down below. I don’t know who is fighting, but I am certainly not winning. This might not be directly attributable to something I ate. It might be a cumulative effect of overeating. So much food stuck in the stomach and nowhere to go.

“It feels like my stomach is about to pop. So much pain, I can’t describe it. I can barely stand up. No opportunity to do work. I just want to sleep, but the illness is preventing that from happening. I swear, I am going to follow healthier eating habits from now on.”

…

As Shri Rama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead can successfully fend off fourteen thousand of the best fighters in the world, attacking Him simultaneously. He can successfully defeat powerful demons who appear and disappear at will. Rama is so skilled that using only sound He can release perfectly targeted arrows that reach the appropriate destination.

Krishna creates the entire universe and then withdraws it into Himself at the appropriate time. Others are appointed deputies helping in the process. As effortless as that work is for Him, the same benefit gets extended to the devotional process.

As evidenced by the hypothetical situations depicted above, the material world is a difficult place in which to live. To overcome the ocean of birth and death, the cycle of repeated suffering and temporary enjoyment, is almost impossible. But someone who has the assistance of Krishna, won through pure devotion, can easily cross beyond it.

In Closing:

With that new apartment choosing,
Difficulty that day in moving.

To child providing care,
But not like mom aware.

Stomach ready to burst,
Pain like from gods cursed.

But Krishna working with ease,
And success for His servants sees.

Can God Have Only One Son

“It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 14.4)

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सर्व-योनिषु कौन्तेय
मूर्तयः सम्भवन्ति याः
तासां ब्रह्म महद् योनिर्
अहं बीज-प्रदः पिता

sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā

Friend1: Not to overtly mention another popular faith, but is it possible for God to have only one son?

Friend2: I think anything is possible with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan. As Narada Muni once explained, Narayana in Vaikuntha was threading the eye of a needle with an elephant. Narayana is the source of men.

Friend1: One way to explain God the person. Vaikuntha is His home. The imperishable realm.

Friend2: Not subject to creation, maintenance and dissolution.

Friend1: But is it possible for there to be only one son? No one else. Just a single person.

Friend2: Well, a son means something. It is a child. A mother and a father joining together. Who is the mother in this case?

Friend1: I am not well-versed in the tradition. You always hear stuff about “giving up His only begotten son.”

Friend2: Granted, spirituality is a science that goes well beyond the limits of this world. The Supreme Lord is both nirguna and saguna. He can be invisible to the eyes and also present right before us. Still, some application of logic is helpful. To the fullest extent of the thinking capacity, try to understand Him without doubts.

Friend1: Are you subtly referencing the fact that it seems illogical for God to have only one son?

Friend2: Think about it. Why only one? What is the relationship of the other children on this earth?

Friend1: You mean us mere mortals?

Friend2: Not only the human beings. The animals. The plants. The trees. The planets. Is not everybody related to Narayana?

Friend1: I would think they are, but this son is special.

Friend2: You said he is the only son.

Friend1: Okay, I admit that I don’t really get it, either.

Friend2: Logically, it doesn’t make sense, and from the descending authority of the Vedic tradition we get definitive evidence to the contrary. There is a verse in the Bhagavad-gita where Shri Krishna explains that He is the seed-giving father.

Friend1: Who is the mother?

Friend2: Material nature. Usually, it is referred to as the mahat-tattva. In that section of the Bhagavad-gita, there is the term mahad-brahma. This is the great Brahman, referring to the total material substance.

Friend1: I see. If Krishna impregnates the mahad-brahma, if He is the seed-giver, then He must be superior to the material nature.

Friend2: He dominates. The material substance does nothing on its own. The combination of mother and father leading to children. Not one, either; innumerable.

Friend1: Too many to count.

Friend2: There is the concept of the avatara. This category has different sub-categories. You have some avataras that are not Narayana directly, but they are specially empowered to carry His message.

Friend1: Are they sons of God?

Friend2: In the same way that you and I are. They are acharyas; representatives who lead by example. They can take us back to Godhead.

Friend1: Physically?

Friend2: Either holding us by the arm or by revealing to us the way to purify the consciousness so that the return takes place even prior to quitting the body: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Either by the hand holding,
Or through practice unfolding.

Liberation finally to see,
And from duality be free.

Acharya out of many one,
Krishna with unlimited a son.

Who responsible for nature entire,
Vedas for that understanding higher.

Is It Possible For A Rich Person To Realize God

“Generally, the wealth of misers never allows them any happiness. In this life it causes their self-torment, and when they die it sends them to hell.” (Lord Krishna, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 11.23.15)

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प्रायेणार्थाः कदर्याणां
न सुखाय कदाचन
इह चात्मोपतापाय
मृतस्य नरकाय च

prāyeṇārthāḥ kadaryāṇāṁ
na sukhāya kadācana
iha cātmopatāpāya
mṛtasya narakāya ca

Friend1: You hear this every now and then. I am not sure if it is a proverb or a direct quotation from a sacred text of a particular faith.

Friend2: What is it in reference to?

Friend1: That it is practically impossible for a wealthy/rich person to reach heaven. Something like it being easier to thread a needle with a large object. I wish I could recall the exact comparison, but I have heard it invoked many times.

Friend2: For what reason? To criticize the wealthy?

Friend1: Along those lines. An excuse for raising taxes.

Friend2: That usually is the result of mismanagement by the government. In the democracy-style system, the easiest thing for the elected official to do is nothing. The path of least resistance. If there is any emergency, increase spending. Act like Santa Claus. This relief package. That stimulus. Spend billions of dollars to make it look like you are helping.

Friend1: That does seem to guarantee re-election.

Friend2: When it comes time to pay the bill, since money doesn’t grow on trees, just raise taxes. That usually doesn’t go over well, so choose a target group that no one will sympathize over.

Friend1: The rich. Tax the rich. Take their stuff. They can afford to pay more.

Friend2: It is not to say that they are innocent, that they are not getting payback from nature for living in excess.

Friend1: Let’s stick to nature, then. Is it difficult for a rich person to realize God? Is it impossible?

Friend2: Now, ascending to heaven and realizing God are two different things.

Friend1: How so?

Friend2: From the Vedic tradition we learn that the “heaven” we commonly speak of is actually part of this material world. You can achieve that destination strictly through deeds. Your net worth is not an issue. Follow enough pious behavior, in a recommended fashion, and you are buying time in the heavenly region after death.

Friend1: What about realizing God?

Friend2: You can do that without ever contemplating heaven. It is everyone’s birthright, their obligation, if you will, to reach that realization. It is open to every single person. Your standing in society does not matter.

Friend1: But isn’t there a corresponding saying that God is always with the poor person? “Blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the earth.” Something like that?

Friend2: Narayana, the source of men, is inside of every person. He is with the thief and the police officer. He is with the cleaning person and the one who owns the home. He is with both the driver and the passenger. This does not mean that He ever becomes poor. There is no such thing as a daridra-narayana. Narayana is always the Supreme Personality of Godhead Narayana, the husband of the goddess of fortune.

Friend1: Right, but doesn’t too much wealth go to your head? Don’t you become distracted by flashy objects and showing off to people? Wouldn’t it be better to remain humble and meek?

Friend2: It depends. Shri Krishna does say that the wealth of misers leads them to hell. They always think about it during this lifetime, and because they don’t follow sacrifice and charity they get demoted in the afterlife.

Friend1: There you go! That is what I was looking for. In addition, you see that the exalted teachers in the chain of disciplic succession, parampara, are not wealthy. They live completely renounced; something like voluntarily homeless, without the intoxication problem.

Friend2: Begging door to door. No day job. Not relying on any single person for mercy. Complete faith reposed in Narayana. Yes, but understanding is at the consciousness level.

Friend1: What do you mean?

Friend2: Realizing God has to do with the consciousness, and consciousness is not tied to any temporary factor like net worth. Sure, it might be more difficult to realize God if you are distracted by expensive cars and a private jet, but at the same time the poor person might have their own distractions. As Narayana is everywhere, He can be realized in any situation. That is why something like chanting the holy names is so powerful: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

For realizing not a barrier,
Liberation reward a carrier.

Through holy name chanting,
Even then to wealthy granting.

Whereas otherwise difficult so,
Since focus elsewhere to go.

Narayana never poor or meek,
Available to anyone to seek.