Is Offering Prasadam The Same As Saying Grace

“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

“You can put this into the category of correlation. Comparison in order to relate. A way to explain to others a practice of a culture that may be unfamiliar to them. I am trying to reach out to the open-minded. Not the ones who cling to a book out of blind faith, who consider anyone outside of their tradition to be heathens.

“Yes, I know some look at your practices as satanic. They will deride with accusations of ‘false gods’ and ‘idol worship.’ This dogmatic insistence is quite foolish, since any person can follow the same. After all, your sacred texts are much older. The Sanskrit language is the original of this universe, respected even within the Ramayana, as noted by Shri Hanuman.

“I am trying to get through to the inquisitive. Those who grew up in another faith but are sincerely interested in learning about the Vedic culture, particularly the bhakti division. I know that it is not a sect, that devotion to the real God is the true essence of our existence, but in terms of classification and esoteric study the bhakti school is considered distinct, different.

“The followers of the personal God prepare and offer food to Him. Not just any kind; that resulting in the least harm to the advanced living entities. No meat, fish or eggs. No onions and garlic. Matching the mode of goodness, sattva-guna.

“The formality of the offering is typically in front of a statue or picture, depicting the transcendental features of the Almighty, who is never limited to a single manifestation. For someone new to the culture, is it fair to compare the practice to saying grace? You know, where people seated at a dining table make a formal prayer prior to eating, thanking God for everything.”

Every person should be thankful for the higher authorities. Under the spell of illusion we think we have so much control over events, but it is actually not so. Shri Krishna explains that the living entity is not the doer. Material nature must first comply. An intelligent person realizes this, after basic study of the world around them.

प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि
गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः
अहङ्कार-विमूढात्मा
कर्ताहम् इति मन्यते

prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni
guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā
kartāham iti manyate

“The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities, which are in actuality carried out by nature.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.27)

My very ability to witness what others do is dependent on external factors, which are beyond my control. I take for granted waking up in the morning, since it has occurred so many times in the past. No one is truly safe in this world, as there is danger at every step.

Thus for a family to pray to the man upstairs, to thank Him for the food on their table, is a sign of intelligence. The acknowledgment also indicates gratefulness. The individual should not be a miser, since nothing really belongs to them. Our possessions are merely on loan from a creator who himself must be empowered prior to conducting the work of the world.

Preparing food and offering in a mood of love to the Supreme Lord is bhakti. This is distinct from karma, which carries consequences to the material body, either good or bad. Favorable or unfavorable, but both relative. What I might think to be good for me, ends up hurting me in the long run. That sudden tragedy might end up benefitting me greatly in the future.

Bhakti will always be auspicious. Punya, and these meritorious credits don’t go to waste. The offered food becomes known as prasadam. This is God’s mercy. The entire practice is more than acknowledging or thanking. It is dedicated effort for the pleasure of someone else. It is accepting what is already provided, namely food, and directing it for someone else’s pleasure.

Prasadam has enough potency to liberate a person and those around them. I may take from God, give Him thanks, and then forget Him the next day. With prasadam, I am not expecting anything. Shri Krishna may accept and consume everything, leaving nothing for me. Whatever He likes, He can do, but that will have no impact on my future outlook. I will continue to stay with Him. Even if I am poor and destitute, with nothing to offer, I will sacrifice to Him my words, through prayers such as the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Comparing to traditions other,
Is one different from another?

Like prasadam offering to place,
Is that same as saying grace?

Whereas in thanking to proceed,
Because of God providing need.

Bhakti without expectation giving,
Wanting only Krishna’s pleasure living.

Why Doesn't Rama Look For High Qualifications

“Prahlada Maharaja said: My dear King, the source of my strength, of which you are asking, is also the source of yours. Indeed, the original source of all kinds of strength is one. He is not only your strength or mine, but the only strength for everyone. Without Him, no one can get any strength. Whether moving or not moving, superior or inferior, everyone, including Lord Brahma, is controlled by the strength of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 7.8.7)

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श्री-प्रह्राद उवाच
न केवलं मे भवतश् च राजन्
स वै बलं बलिनां चापरेषाम्
परे ’वरे ’मी स्थिर-जङ्गमा ये
ब्रह्मादयो येन वशं प्रणीताः

śrī-prahrāda uvāca
na kevalaṁ me bhavataś ca rājan
sa vai balaṁ balināṁ cāpareṣām
pare ’vare ’mī sthira-jaṅgamā ye
brahmādayo yena vaśaṁ praṇītāḥ

Friend1: I think you mentioned one time about Shri Ramachandra, the avatara famously described in the Ramayana poem of Valmiki and the many Puranas compiled by Shrila Vyasadeva, that He tends to choose the weak over the strong.

Friend2: What is this in reference to? What is the purpose of the choosing, as you describe it?

Friend1: Oh, within the context of enlisting for service.

Friend2: Are we talking a professional sports league draft scenario, here?

Friend1: Hmm, maybe something similar, but there aren’t people passed over, necessarily. Say that Rama has a task to complete. He requires assistance.

Friend2: That is a contradiction. Bhagavan is atmarama. Completely satisfied in the self. He has associates, but He certainly doesn’t need help in accomplishing tasks. Keep in mind that the entire cosmic manifestation comes together effortlessly. The Supreme Lord, as Vishnu, lies down on a serpent bed. The exhaling breath creates; the inhaling destroys. The time in between is quite extensive, according to human calculation, but for Vishnu it could be like a split second.

Friend1: I should clarify that it is the situation which calls for assistance. Rama creates a need through the primary acts in His divine play, lila.

Friend2: Okay, but why would He intentionally choose someone weak?

Friend1: Well, that is the reason for our conversation today. It doesn’t make sense. If I have an important task to complete, I will look for the most qualified candidates. If the work is not as important, maybe I will open an opportunity to an unskilled person, someone with potential. With Rama, we are talking about ruling a kingdom, searching the entire world for a missing person, or offering hospitality in a forest area.

Friend2: Again, why would Rama choose a weak person?

Friend1: You tell me. You are the one who brought it up, originally. Vibhishana was in a position of weakness, having left Lanka after a disagreement with his brother, Ravana. Sugriva was forced into exile on Mount Rishyamukha, afraid for his life against the rival brother named Vali. Guha was from a race considered too uncivilized to live in the city. The Vanaras in Kishkindha were something like a human-monkey combination. They certainly wouldn’t be your first choice to construct a powerful army.

Friend2: The reason Bhagavan doesn’t look for high qualifications is because He can turn the weak into the strong. Prahlada Maharaja confirms this in Shrimad Bhagavatam. He explains that the source of strength is the same in every person.

Friend1: What is the context of that statement? If the source is the same, why do we see some people are weaker and some are stronger?

Friend2: That is an illusion. Prahlada is explaining to his demon father, Hiranyakashipu, that Bhagavan is the source of strength in each of them. Prahlada is a five-year old boy. Hiranyakashipu is the leader of the Daityas, king of the world.

Friend1: It’s not true, then, that some people are weak?

Friend2: They have the same source of strength. In that temporary situation, the ability has not manifested to the level that it has in others, but the potential is identical. This means that Rama can turn an estranged brother into a powerful leader. He can transform a dedicated servant into a powerful warrior, one who can leap across oceans and carry mountains.

Friend1: This means that my insufficient qualifications do not immediately disqualify me from service.

Friend2: That service is the very essence of living, dharma, so how can it be denied? Whatever our stature, wherever we fall within the range of measured ability, the sincerity of purpose determines our standing in the eyes of the one person who sees everything. He also hears every prayer made to Him in earnest, such as with the chanting of the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Not high qualifications to seek,
Since turning strong even the weak.

As king by Shri Rama installed,
After brother his rival called.

So Sugriva to mountain clearing,
Vibhishana back to Lanka steering.

All boding very well for situation mine,
That even paltry devotion can shine.

How Are People Able To Go Through With Arranged Marriages

“Poverty will be looked on as dishonorable, while a hypocrite who can put on a show will be thought pious. Marriage will be based on arbitrary agreement, and simply taking a bath will be considered proper cleansing and decoration of the body.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 12.2.5)

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अनाढ्यतैवासाधुत्वे
साधुत्वे दम्भ एव तु
स्वीकार एव चोद्वाहे
स्नानम् एव प्रसाधनम्

anāḍhyataivāsādhutve
sādhutve dambha eva tu
svīkāra eva codvāhe
snānam eva prasādhanam

Friend1: Vedic culture sure knows how to shock people. You start off with the restrictions on meat-eating and intoxication.

Friend2: Hmm, that is a more refined version of the culture. You will find plenty of people living within a tradition rooted in sanatana-dharma who still eat meat and consume adult beverages.

Friend1: Okay, I am referring to the serious followers. Those who are trying to become brahmanas, at the least.

Friend2: Which is the priestly class. The ones to guide everyone else. Non-violence towards the innocent and sobriety of thought are the main objectives of those two restrictions.

Friend1: As if that weren’t enough to accept, you get the arranged marriage system. People are always flabbergasted by that one. They have to sit down and think about it for a moment after you tell them.

Friend2: Really?

Friend1: Yes. The reaction is always a series of questions:

“Wait, you have to marry someone with whom you’ve never had sexual relations before? How do you know that you will enjoy being with them? A total stranger? And you are stuck with them for the rest of your life? People actually go through with this? It’s been the tradition for centuries?”

Friend2: Wow. I guess it is better to cover this subject later on, well after you have established the standard of chanting the maha-mantra on a regular basis: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend1: But what if someone did present those questions to you? How would you answer?

Friend2: I mean, I’m not sure where to even begin. The arranged marriage is certainly not intended to be a random collision, where you just find this person out of nowhere and tell them, “You’re marrying my daughter.”

Friend1: The families are involved, right?

Friend2: In the traditional sense, that is actually who is getting married. Two families coming together. Preferably at a young age for the woman.

Friend1: I mean some of those arranged marriages from the past would be illegal today.

Friend2: Right. The participants would be considered too young. Just ask yourself why puberty begins at the age that it does. Nature, which is controlled by the highest authority, is much smarter than we are.

Friend1: What about the attraction aspect?

Friend2: What about it?

Friend1: People spend so much time looking to buy a house. They want just the right one. They might live there for thirty or more years, so they don’t want to screw up. It seems that marriage would be an even greater risk.

Friend2: You have come upon the main difference. The marriage system of pure Vedic culture is rooted in dharma, whereas the other way is based on kama. With dharma there is fidelity. Kama carries no assurances.

Friend1: Explain the two, dharma and kama.

Friend2: Kama is sense gratification. I want to eat pizza for dinner. This will satisfy my senses. I want to be with that person; I find them attractive. Dharma is the way of living matching the needs of the spirit soul, who is the individual. Dharma is duty; it is something like religion, it is righteousness. Most clearly, dharma is the proper way.

Friend1: A marriage should be based on duty, then.

Friend2: It is an ashrama. Grihastha-ashrama. Think about that for a second. Wedded bliss is actually for advancing the cause of the spirit soul. It is supposed to be no different from sitting in a quiet place and meditating on the Absolute.

Friend1: What about the people who manage to succeed in marriages based on kama?

Friend2: There must be some dedication to duty in the background. A relationship based on kama is guaranteed to change, because my sense demands are never satisfied. The minute the other side goes against me, I want to flee. I become attracted to someone else.

Friend1: That’s true.

Friend2: Shrimad Bhagavatam predicts that marriage based in kama is one of the signs of Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy. Simple agreement, svikara; no other science applied. This is a sign of degradation in culture. Nothing you can really do about it now. We are where we are. It is what it is. But know that every recommendation from Vedic culture is for advancing the cause of the purification of the consciousness, for bringing more happiness. Whether married or alone, whether happily living with someone else or hating every moment spent in their association, we should try to remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead and remain devoted to Him.

In Closing:

Marriage from kama just a start,
In ways from dharma to depart.

Of Kali-yuga a sign,
With wrong principles to align.

Proper goal in whichever way,
With Supreme Lord to stay.

So that as ashrama proceeding,
And into eternal life leading.

Three Possible Reactions If The Putana Affair Took Place In The Modern Day

“Thus the nightmare of the Putana witch was over, and she assumed her real feature as a great demon. She opened her fierce mouth and spread her arms and legs all over. She fell exactly as Vritrasura when struck by the thunderbolt of Indra. The long hair on her head was scattered all over her body. Her fallen body extended up to twelve miles and smashed all the trees to pieces, and everyone was struck with wonder upon seeing this gigantic body.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 6)

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1. Considered a hoax

“Let’s be clear. The official statement from the board of leading scientists and medical experts is that it is impossible. What people say took place could not have. There must be some other explanation. Illusion. A figment of the imagination. I understand people have the incident recorded on their smartphones, captured on video, but you can do amazing things these days. Just see what Hollywood produces each year.

“In fact, that is the best comparison. This must be a production for an upcoming film. There is no way for an ordinary woman to transform into the size of a giant building, which then falls to the ground, while a small baby crawls on top of her. This defies the laws of physics. No one can change their shape so dramatically in that short a period of time.

“From where did the extra matter arrive? It is not like Putana had a massive amount of food by her side to consume. I’m telling you, this is like something out of a comic book. It has to be a hoax, and a pretty good one at that. Give the people credit for staging something that got you believing it was true.”

2. Swept under the rug

“Oh, that Putana incident? You think that really happened? You are one of those conspiracy theorists, aren’t you? Sure, there are people talking about it, but not that many. I did not see one story on the evening news covering it. Our politicians never mention anything crazy like that. It has been thoroughly debunked. 

“I believe that you are genuine, but I certainly don’t think anything like that ever occurred. Come on, man, a woman transforming into a witch? Witchcraft is from past centuries. We are moving beyond that. We have vaccines now. We trust science. We know there are no invisible people lurking beyond the clouds. You have to take a seat in the theater of reality, with the rest of us.”

3. Thought to be the second-coming

“God must have been close by. There is no other way to explain. No human being has ever reached that size and weight. It would be like a giant building falling to the ground. Except that building was as small as an adult human being only moments prior.

“People saw it. They are not lying. I believe them. I think the good Lord is on His way. Only He could work such magic. It must be a sign. I am going to start preparing. Let’s find out more about this Putana person. Perhaps her family has some answers.”

…

As simple as the residents of Vrindavana were some five thousand years ago, they were not impressed in the least by Putana’s ability to trick everyone into thinking that she was a beautiful, well-wishing nurse to the newborn Krishna.

The people understood that in a material existence, any person, good or bad, can rise to extreme heights. There is the process of mysticism, known as yoga, which bring siddhis. These are perfections in practice, translating to abilities. One of the perfections is being able to change your shape at will, kama-rupa-siddhi.

Exercise of ability in the material world, in either extreme, large or small, has no bearing on Divinity. That is to say if I saw someone walking on water, knowing it to be true, that does not mean they are God. Surely, the Almighty would be able to accomplish something similar, but He has no need for cheap displays of magic in order to convince a doubting public.

Rather, the people of Vrindavana were astonished that baby Krishna survived the encounter with Putana. They understood that asuras, people against God in this world, are able to deceive and rise to influence in such a way, but they could not believe that an innocent child returned unharmed from the incident.

They immediately thought of Vishnu, who is the personal God. They thanked Him for protection and they continued to pray to Him to be in their lives. The people did not realize that baby Krishna was the very same Vishnu, appearing before them with the veil of yogamaya.

This auspicious version of illusion removed any thoughts of awe and reverence. They were next to God, without realizing it. Their mood of interaction was thus pure; genuine love, affection and care for the jewel of Vrindavana, who was more amazing than any of the powerful asuras who would arrive to try to eliminate Him.

In Closing:

One after another arriving then,
But Krishna more powerful than them.

Even a nurse into a witch turning,
Whose large body after fall burning.

Not the people to Divinity to compare,
Since of Vishnu’s presence aware.

That even in asuras ability to see,
But most powerful God is He.

How To Find A Hanuman In Other Spiritual Traditions

“O sinless one, certainly, how can any king accomplish his objectives if he doesn't have such a messenger working for him?” (Shri Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kand, 3.34)

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एवं विधो यस्य दूतो न भवेत्पार्थिवस्य तु।
सिद्ध्यन्ति हि कथं तस्य कार्याणां गतियोऽनघ

evaṃ vidho yasya dūto na bhavetpārthivasya tu।
siddhyanti hi kathaṃ tasya kāryāṇāṃ gatiyo’nagha

“I am absolutely fascinated by the Hindu culture. Yes, I understand that you use the term ‘sanatana-dharma’ instead, that Hinduism is more a misappropriation from an outsider’s perspective. They don’t know exactly how to label that timeless way of living, so they relegate it to the category of faith, as familiar to so many around the world.

“Within that culture, the deity of Shri Hanuman is most interesting to me. I find that he receives universal adoration. That is to say, whichever sect you belong to, whoever your primary object of worship is, there is only a positive opinion of that monkey-god, for lack of a better term.

“Hanuman is considered the greatest servant of Shri Rama, who is an avatara of the Almighty. Hanuman risks everything in his service, and he seeks no remuneration. No fame. No fortune. No lasting name, though he has these things automatically due to association.

“In trying to explain the character and story of Hanuman to people outside of the Hindu realm, there are the obvious cultural barriers. Others may not be willing to believe that a monkey-like figure, expanding his shape at will, speaking in Sanskrit, carrying mountains in his hand, leaping over oceans and the like, could be real.

“Is there an analogous character you can think of from another tradition? Someone to whom Hanuman would be compared, as a way to get the conversation started. Otherwise, if you hear about Hanuman, he would seem too good to believe.”

The truth is there is no one like Hanuman even within the Vedic culture. Spanning the history of the world, the countless people who have spent time here and left a lasting impression, the objects of worship, the revered saints and the like – Hanuman stands tall.

One way to tell is the content of the Ramayana poem. This work is named after the main character, Shri Rama. The author, Valmiki, received the encouragement to compose from the creator, Lord Brahma. There was a previous moment of inspiration for Valmiki while seeing a krauncha bird killed unnecessarily and without compassion by a hunter. Valmiki uttered a verse out of nowhere, and that came to be known as shloka. That was essentially the origin of poetry.

Valmiki then put shloka to the proper use – glorifying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He made the jewel of Sanskrit literature that is the Ramayana even prior to many of the events taking place. He had Divine inspiration.

Though that work focuses on the prince of Ayodhya, Shri Rama, we see that an entire section is dedicated to Hanuman and his travels to Lanka, in search of Sita Devi, Rama’s missing wife. It is known as the book of beauty, Sundara-Kand. Though in a Vanara form, Hanuman is supremely beautiful as a result of his pure devotion.

That dedicated servant chooses to remain on this earth for as long as Rama’s glories are told. This means that he is close by, ready to help in our struggles against the illusory material energy. He could choose to stay in the spiritual kingdom eternally, always next to the Divine couple, basking in their direct association.

Instead, he daily reads from the Ramayana, setting the proper example for the human civilization. There is no one like him, nor will there ever be, but he is not the exclusive property of any single group of people. Just as the sun beams its rays across the entire world, so the splendid example of devotion that is Shri Hanuman is ready to assist every person struggling to cross over the ocean of nescience.

In Closing:

For comparative analysis in mind,
Wondering in other traditions to find.

A Hanuman-figure to resemble,
For proper understanding to assemble.

But truth that not even in Vedas to be made,
Who voluntarily in this world stayed.

For as long as Rama’s glories told,
Sacrifice immeasurable and untold.

Four Faces Of Death For The Enemies of Hari

“Being under the influence of illusion, I underestimated Rama and took Him to be a mere child. Thus I ran towards Vishvamitra’s sacrificial altar. With that, Rama released an acute arrow capable of destroying His enemies. Upon hitting me, that arrow forcefully threw me away to an ocean one hundred yojanas [eight hundred miles] away.” (Maricha speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kand, 38.18-19)

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अवजानन्नहं मोहाद्बालोऽयमिति राघवम्।
विश्वामित्रस्य तां वेदिमभ्यधावं कृतत्वरः।।
तेन मुक्तस्ततो बाणः शितश्शत्रुनिबर्हणः।
तेनाहं त्वाहतः क्षिप्तस्समुद्रे शतयोजने।।

avajānannahaṃ mohādbālo’yamiti rāghavam।
viśvāmitrasya tāṃ vedimabhyadhāvaṃ kṛtatvaraḥ।।
tena muktastato bāṇaḥ śitaśśatrunibarhaṇaḥ।
tenāhaṃ tvāhataḥ kṣiptassamudre śatayojane।।

“Say hello to my imaginary friend,” might be a good retort from followers of Hari, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A person who has not deeply considered the issue, who wants to start trouble as a sort of playful game, may claim to not believe in any imaginary friends or invisible figures living beyond the clouds.

They are smarter than that, you see. They trust science, which is merely observation and experiment. Science changes with experience, so to trust the fallible human being in their ability to perceive everything and then make sense of it is not a wise proposal.

From the Vedic science we learn that there really isn’t such a thing as an atheist. The closest Sanskrit equivalent term is asura, which means a person who deviates from the divine qualities of honesty, compassion, cleanliness, austerity and so forth. Yet even the asura is a kind of worshiper; they merely see the Supreme differently. Their vehement denials withstanding, they might get an unexpected darshana, a personal viewing, at the time of death.

1. Nails from a lion

In this case the stance was firm and stubborn; as strong as it could be. For many years, a character trait inseparable from Hiranyakashipu, the leader of the Daityas. It was in his blood, so to speak, as in a past life he held the same contempt from the Supreme Lord.

This time he had the good fortune of receiving a saintly son. Prahlada tried to educate his father as to the source of strength in men. The five-year old boy revealed that Hari is everywhere, that not a corner of this world is lacking His presence.

Hiranyakashipu mocked the idea to the most violent extent, resulting in a personal visit from Hari, living up to one of the meanings of this name. The Supreme Lord showed the vision of a half-man/half-lion. The appropriate name is Narahari, and he proceeded to tear apart the villainous and violent Hiranyakashipu. The denying Daitya king saw the face of all-devouring time, kala, as nails on a lion.

2. Five-headed serpents

Something like a cousin to the Daitya species, the Rakshasas from Lanka were the worst of the worst. Killing innocent people. Attacking at the most damaging time. Choosing the most innocent in society as victims. Those who wish to abolish the police department in their community would turn the situation into something identical to what the sages of Dandaka faced many thousands of years ago.

No one to protect them, but who actually thought a security force would be necessary in a remote forest area? This shows just how vile the Rakshasas were. They would change their shapes at will, attack at the time of yajna, and then eat the flesh of their victims.

In their foolishness, they thought nothing of the consequences. They were getting away with the crimes; there would be no retribution. No punishment and no rebound of the injury they inflicted upon others. This is the asura-mentality. “If I can’t see it immediately, it must not exist.“

As Hiranyakashipu before them, the staunch deniers received the vision of God at the time of death. They were attacked this time by arrows released from the bow of Shri Rama, who is the same Hari that protected Prahlada.

Based on the testimony of one of the Rakshasas, these arrows chased the enemy wherever they went. In the end, the tips displayed the vision of five-headed serpents. As the night-rangers had previously bitten into the flesh of their innocent victims, these snakes would serve the lethal blow in deliverance of justice.

3. A clenched fist

King Kamsa of Mathura received so many prior notifications. Though he hated God, he at least feared destiny. A voice from the sky had previously informed him that the eighth child of Devaki would be his doom. Though he thought of killing Devaki, his sister, on the spot, in the end he decided on imprisonment. Whenever the husband and wife would deliver a new child, Kamsa would kill it.

Yet Hari is not so weak as to be under the control of manmade institutions. The prison system would not hold Him down. The dark of night and the supposed helplessness of Vasudeva, the birth-father, worked in Hari’s favor. Appearing as the avatara named Krishna, Kamsa’s angel of death managed to escape to Gokula after birth.

Destiny would be fulfilled. Kamsa would see all-devouring death through the vision of Krishna’s fist. The same violence that the wicked ruler had previously inflicted on infants came back to him in an unstoppable force.

4. A spinning wheel

Later in Krishna’s pastimes, there was a rival named Shishupala. This person hated Krishna, especially since the marriage to Rukmini had been foiled. Krishna swooped in on the day of the ceremonies to capture His new bride, stealing her away from Shishupala. This went according to Rukmini’s plan, who as the goddess of fortune can never be the consort of anyone except the Supreme Lord.

Shishupala maintained the rivalry throughout life. One time he kept insulting Krishna in front of others. As the cumulative total of words of derision climbed, the sudarshana-chakra became more of a reality. Krishna finally released it, beheading that great enemy of God. Shishupala saw a spinning wheel at the end, and that vision was most auspicious.

…

Every person follows Hari, whether they know it or not. They are rewarded in a way commensurate with their level of surrender. Even the asuras worship Him, and in special cases they receive a vision that devotees cherish.

In Closing:

Since glorious protector is He,
Even bhaktas cherishing to see.

Though Narasimha violent to be,
Where Hiranya from ignorance to free.

And Rama countless arrows to release,
From the serpents enemies no relief.

Incidents proving that everyone to go,
Following whether or not they know.

Five Things Rama Doesn't Have To Consider When Interviewing Candidates

“O Lakshmana, do you rule this earth with Me. You are like My second self, so this glorious opportunity has been presented to you as well. O Saumitra, do you enjoy all the pleasures you desire and the fruits of the regal life. My life and this kingdom I covet for your sake alone.” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 4.43-44)

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लक्ष्मणेमां मया सार्धं प्रशाधि त्वं वसुन्धराम्।
द्वितीयं मेऽन्तरात्मानं त्वामियं श्रीरुपस्थिता।।
सौमित्रे भुङ्क्ष्व भोगांत्स्वमिष्टान्राज्यफलानि च।
जीवितं च हि राज्यं च त्वदर्थमभिकामये।।

lakṣmaṇemāṃ mayā sārdhaṃ praśādhi tvaṃ vasundharām।
dvitīyaṃ me’ntarātmānaṃ tvāmiyaṃ śrīrupasthitā।।
saumitre bhuṅkṣva bhogāṃtsvamiṣṭānrājyaphalāni ca।
jīvitaṃ ca hi rājyaṃ ca tvadarthamabhikāmaye।।

1. Their work history

This could be a relevant factor in the decision-making process, based on the position being filled. For an intern or junior, as long as they are in college or show some eagerness to learn, there is no reason to delve deeply into the past. There will be plenty of on-the-job training. The responsibilities minimize the risk in potential damage that can be done.

For a job requiring an established presence in a particular field, the history of work is important. The candidate must demonstrate that they have sufficient experience. This helps to calm the nerves of the employer. The hiring manager will know that the new employee is battle-tested, that the daily issues inside of an office environment will not cause a total meltdown.

2. Their stability

This factor could be a component of the work history. Does the candidate jump ship too often? Do they get bored at a job and then suddenly leave? That might be okay for some places, but if you are looking for an established veteran to settle in for the long haul, the past might be incompatible with what is necessary for the future.

3. Their ability

This seems so obvious that it is hardly worth mentioning. The candidate should be capable at the job they are applying for. They should have sufficient ability to handle the tasks they will receive going forward. Perhaps in some areas they lack experience, but they should demonstrate that they can learn new things quickly, that the overall package of skills they bring to the table will be enough.

4. Their age

Discriminating by age is against the law in most places, but no legislation can suppress human behavior and tendencies. If I have an office full of young people, it might not be a good fit for an established veteran to be placed in the middle. The same goes the other way, as a young person might feel out of place in an office with people old enough to have grandchildren.

As an example, in the United States of America, the President specifically considers age when filling court vacancies. For something like the Supreme Court, the appointment is for life. If you can get a good justice in there who also happens to be young, they will have a longer positive impact than if you were to choose an older person.

5. Their demeanor

Personality. Will this candidate be a good fit in the office? Will they maintain the company’s culture, that has been carefully built and maintained over one hundred years? Do they refrain from making inappropriate jokes in common conversation? Do they respect authority? Do they dress neatly and not emit foul odors?

…

An interesting juxtaposition is to study how the Supreme Personality of Godhead would handle a similar situation. If He were hiring for a job, what qualifications would He seek? What types of resumes would stand out within a pile sitting on His desk? What would He most value in a candidate?

The Vedas offer assistance in this area in many ways. For starters, they explain that God, the Divine Being, is indeed a person. The Sanskrit word is purusha. God happens to be the original person, adi-purusha. He possesses features which are like opulences; hence He can be addressed as Bhagavan.

We know that He has the potential to enlist others to help Him based on His many associates. They are always by His side; when He appears on earth as an avatara, they simultaneously arrive to offer assistance.

The key distinguishing feature is that Bhagavan does not need help from anyone. He is atmarama, or self-satisfied. In the plainest terms, there is nothing you or I could ever do for Him. He is never dependent on us for satisfaction or the completion of tasks.

Yet He is kind enough to maintain associates. When keeping close company, He has no need to study ability, work history, or any of the other attributes mentioned above. This is because someone without any qualifications can still turn out to be the best servant.

Love, affection, sincerity – in general, devotion is the sole qualification. Rama loves someone like Lakshmana so much that when He receives the honor of becoming the next king of Ayodhya, He wants to share it. Rama does not want Lakshmana to feel passed over. Lakshmana is one of three younger brothers to Rama, sons to King Dasharatha.

Lakshmana is full of ability. He could handle the job without issue. He is Rama’s number one protector. Later in the Ramayana story we see Rama form an alliance with the Vanara-king named Sugriva. At the time Sugriva had little to offer; he was homeless and bereft of his kingdom.

The bird named Jatayu died while valiantly trying to protect Rama’s wife, Sita Devi. His efforts failed, but the bravery turned out to be a blessing. The bird was conscious of Bhagavan while quitting the body, which as a reward of living is priceless.

All of this means that despite my lack of qualifications, my poor history of attendance at spiritual functions, my short attention span, my constantly wandering mind, and my inability to properly express what Bhagavan means to me, I still have every opportunity to enlist in bhakti-yoga, to be a member of the transcendental army serving the one who requires no support. If my devotion is pure, my success is assured.

In Closing:

If the devotion is pure,
Success is assured.

Not any ability mandating,
Shri Rama sincerity appreciating.

Since nothing to Him can give,
Because as atmarama to live.

But still associates to keep,
Who at service chance to leap.