Five Examples of Advanced Vision

“The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 5.18)

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विद्या-विनय-सम्पन्ने
ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
शुनि चैव श्व-पाके च
पण्डिताः सम-दर्शिनः

vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ

1. Devastated dreams

“It occurred to me as I was driving around town, while others immediately noticed the drastic change in density of people. These streets used to be bustling. There were large crowds moving about, from home to work, from work to lunch, returning home, on the way to the theater, ready for a night out on the town, and so forth.

“Now it is totally empty. People forced into lockdown by their government. When I see these boarded up stores, I see broken dreams. Devastation in terms of financial expectation. People took such a risk in starting their own business. It is not easy, by any stretch.

“Now they are facing ruin. They may never open up again. I feel so much sorrow at their pain. They shouldn’t have to go through this. It is completely unfair. The damage from the communist-style rule is worse than anything this supposedly deadly virus could ever bring.”

2. Violence against animals

“You see a sumptuous meal on the dinner plate. You are ready to dig in, but I can’t help but see blood and guts. I can actually smell the horror from the place of origin. The slaughterhouse where the needless killing took place.

“If you really think there is no difference between meat-eating and an all-vegetable diet, try showing a video to children of how the food was made. On one side you have the farm, with its land, sunlight, water, and people tilling the field.

“On the other side….well, it is too graphic to show to children. You wouldn’t want them scarred for life knowing what goes into producing the cooked animal flesh that is now ready for consumption. Don’t tell me I am making too big a deal of this, either. I would rather not be in ignorance. I think my advanced vision in this case is a sign of intelligence.”

3. Difficult labor on the farm

“You see a bag of rice, which may or may not be too heavy to carry into the house alone. A cart offers assistance, or maybe someone else arrives to lend a helping hand. You may also see the future, wherein the rice gets cooked and mixed with other food to produce a palatable dish.

“I, on the other hand, see the difficult labor that went into the production. The planting of the crops, the careful attention to the field and atmospheric conditions. The time of harvest, piling up and packaging so that everything can be sold on the open market. Thank goodness there are people willing to make the sacrifice in order that the world can eat.”

4. A miracle of nature

“This newborn child requires constant attention. Feeding every few hours. Countless diaper changes. Proper diligence so that they avoid danger. The parents sacrifice so much for their children.

“I see a miracle of nature. From where did this amazing person come? How did they know to immediately latch on to the breast of the mother? How is it that after a few weeks they know to smile whenever they see their father? How do they learn to crawl, walk and talk? There must be someone else in the background responsible.”

5. The many years of education

“That newborn has the potential to become an adult. When they do, they can act independently. Travel to work. Perform tasks at an office. Earn enough money to pay for basic necessities at home. Spend time with friends and family.

“I see the many years of education. They had to sit in a classroom for twelve years growing up. They had to complete assignments, handle pressure from peers, and eventually prepare for entry into the real world. They didn’t become adults overnight, without any training.”

…

These are just some examples of many where a person can see beyond the initial impression. Things are way deeper and more complex than what they show on the surface. This same type of vision can be extended to detect the influence of the Almighty.

There is confirmation in Bhagavad-gita. Shri Krishna explains that the humble sage sees the same spirit soul in a variety of species. As we know that there is no difference between the child and the adult in terms of qualification as human being, there is no difference between different forms of life, also. There is the same soul inside.

Extending out even further, we can take each instance of life as evidence of God’s existence. In this way, we can see Him everywhere. We need not fear the challenge from the nonbelievers, who are always insisting on visual evidence of the Divine. There is ample proof, provided one has the proper vision to notice.

In Closing:

Not on impression depending,
Through knowledge extending.

Like from rice the initial planting,
Hard work the stockpile granting.

Child not magically to appear,
Adult education hurdle to clear.

The same soul everywhere to detect,
Spiritual vision from Gita to expect.

But Can You Control The Elements

“As the director of different kinds of clouds, Indra called for the samvartaka. This cloud is invited when there is a need to devastate the whole cosmic manifestation. The samvartaka was ordered by Indra to go over Vrindavana and inundate the whole area with an extensive flood. Demonically, Indra thought himself to be the all-powerful supreme personality.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 25)

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“What is the actual role of science within the Vedic culture? I am speaking in terms of advancement in the discipline that is based on observation and experiment. The accompanying therapeutic treatments. Injections administered to prevent disease. Surgery to keep vital organs functioning properly.

“As you might be aware, for centuries there has been a struggle between the two: religion and science. At least outside of the Vedic culture, they were seen as incompatible forces. Religion places all the trust in the Almighty. Science gives man the ability to configure life in such a way as to alleviate discomforts.

“One of the more egregious examples of the silliness in the dispute is the aftermath of the invention of the lightning rod. Invented by one of the great minds in the area known as America, in Europe some did not take too kindly to the idea. They thought that it was trying to subvert the will of God. If the heavens ordained that a certain building get struck with lightning, who is man to intervene in the process?

“I know that rationally thinking adults don’t go to such extremes, but what about some appreciation, at least? Being thankful for the advancements in science and medicine. Is there room for that?”

There certainly can be appreciation in the discoveries. They show the amazing intelligence of the human species. Lifting a massive object and suspending it in outer space for several hours is no small feat. To power an entire city in an otherwise dark night is valuable in so many ways.

Where there is controversy is in the direction of appreciation. The discoveries are one thing, but someone had to first place the objects of nature upon which the discoveries are based. We are grateful to Newton for discovering gravity, but what about the origin? Who is responsible for the law of nature that was around long before anyone thought of studying it?

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada puts it a better way. The scientist may be proud of what they have determined about nature. They receive awards. They have the credibility and stature to lecture others. They may use their discoveries to facilitate some kind of enhanced enjoyment within the human experience.

But do they actually control nature? Shouldn’t that be the real source of pride? Wouldn’t that be amazing, then? Wouldn’t that really impress the doubters on the other side, who do indeed appreciate the higher authorities within this world? Wouldn’t you then be justified in commanding ultimate authority?

An example worth studying is Indra, the king of heaven. As described in Vedic texts, he is truly in charge of the elements. He can control the elements to the extent that if he wants to inundate an area with rain, he can do so at a moment’s notice. Instead of merely theorizing on changes already taking place and then laying the blame on man and their way of living, Indra can actually change the climate.

While Indra would be considered superior to the scientist, even with control over nature you are not the top person within the universe. We have the example of the first Govardhana Puja. Feeling slighted by the residents of Vrindavana, Indra was ready to retaliate. He chose the strongest cloud in his arsenal, the samvartaka.

Wash away the residents and their sacred cows. Teach them a lesson, to never put trust in a small child, no matter how adorable He may appear. Understand that the demigods have significant power, that they can wield it whenever they feel necessary.

Sadly, Indra was defeated. Though he controls the rain, though he directed more water and wind than anyone can think of towards Govardhana, that little child found a way to rescue everyone. Shri Krishna, the darling of Vrindavana, the son of Nanda and Yashoda, lifted up the massive hill and used it as an umbrella. That feat confirmed the non-difference; Govardhana is as good as Krishna. It is considered sacred to this day, with the occasion of the puja observed annually.

Any person can rise to the heights of a demigod, as the positions are neither limited nor fixed for eternity. It is something like winning heaven, but through pious activities rather than forced entry, in trying to scale the strong border walls. Becoming a demigod and then having authority similar to Indra’s.

Yet that is not a worthwhile endeavor, as even then a person can meet defeat. The better option is to appreciate the source of the material and spiritual worlds. Become a devotee of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and then understand both religion and science and how they can properly work together to advance the condition of the individual soul.

In Closing:

Working together to advance,
The human experience to enhance.

Religion and science merging so,
For highest destination to go.

Not where prone to defeat,
Like Indra against Govardhana to meet.

But rather with the unconquerable one,
Through whom liberation is won.

Does Bhagavad-gita Downplay Unlawful Killing

“O Partha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, unborn, eternal and immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.21)

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वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं
य एनम् अजम् अव्ययम्
कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ
कं घातयति हन्ति कम्

vedāvināśinaṁ nityaṁ
ya enam ajam avyayam
kathaṁ sa puruṣaḥ pārtha
kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam

“It is certainly a great contradiction. That probably contributes to the popularity of the work. Mankind tends to find contrast appealing. For instance, the rags to riches story. Someone started with nothing. They grew up in poverty. The family barely had enough money for food and clothing.

“Somehow the person persevered. They struggled while growing up, but they found a way to succeed. In spite of the obstacles, the odds stacked against them, the many excuses to give up, they pressed forward and rose to the pinnacle of achievement in their respective field.

“In this light the teachings to Arjuna from Shri Krishna make for a compelling story, as the setting is a battlefield. Before the greatest hostilities ever known to this world were to commence, the leading warrior for one of the sides received a lecture on the very nature of life.

“Krishna, the teacher, who is also the adi-guru, does not waste time. He gets to the heart of the matter straight from the beginning. The individual is spirit soul; not the body. The soul is never born and never dies. It is truly sanatana.

“There is one particular verse where Krishna rhetorically questions how any person could be considered a killer based on these truths. The worst person in the world may think they have eliminated their opposition, but the soul will simply move on to another place.

“Do you feel this might give killers an excuse? That we are letting sinful behavior slide, since nothing is actually done to the individual? Is there not some residual danger to hearing this teaching?”

That is certainly not the intention, nor can anyone gleam that lesson after taking away the entirety of the Bhagavad-gita presentation. The premise for the conversation is Arjuna’s reluctance to proceed forward. There is a good chance that his side will emerge victorious. He and his four brothers are the superior fighting force, and they are also subtly supported by Krishna.

Arjuna has concerns over the future of the rival family. The Kauravas had behaved horribly for so long. They certainly did not care about Arjuna and his brothers, who were known as the Pandavas. They had no problem taking to sinful life, papa, in order to take away enjoyment from Arjuna and family.

The guru is explaining to the disciple that no one really kills. Arjuna would take part in the war, likely succeed, but the other side wouldn’t be eliminated entirely. They were individual soul, after all. They would simply move on to another destination.

Arjuna would be following duty, dharma. He would be upholding justice within society, which is necessary. When a strong protective force is lacking, we see that the criminal element thrives. They destroy property. They set fire to buildings. They steal from stores. They terrorize anyone who might object to their behavior.

Arjuna was in the kshatriya order. It was the family business to protect the innocent from injury. If he didn’t step up to the plate, the Kauravas, headed by Duryodhana, would continue to harass the innocent. They would get away with living on adharma.

The greater lesson to take away is that the placement of the soul can be influenced. A relevant Sanskrit term is sarva-ga. This means that the soul can be found everywhere. Within the ground. Inside of the water. On the branches of a tree. In the air. Within the heavenly region, or outer space. It is not that the human beings on earth are the sole representation of individual soul, atma.

As the individual soul will always be somewhere, why not at the side of Shri Krishna? While Arjuna was close by on that chariot, fighting against the enemy, the association did not end with victory in the Bharata War. Though Krishna eventually returned to the spiritual land of Vaikuntha and apparently separated from His well-wishers, we learn that Arjuna is an eternal associate. He always accompanies Krishna in some way.

We have the same opportunity. We can always be with Him, birth after birth, life after life. We can influence in the positive direction through a change in consciousness, which begins with assimilation of the Bhagavad-gita teachings through the via medium of the spiritual master.

The guru teaches me how to purify my consciousness. This change has the greatest benefit, for it allows me to survive and thrive in any situation. In times of turmoil, murkiness, tumult, chaos, destruction, or even great abundance, I will always be right by Krishna’s side, through chanting His holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Living entities everywhere found,
In air, water, and even the ground.

So death certainly not the end,
Living to future births can extend.

Better influence in decision making,
And right course of action taking.

So that in whichever space to find,
Shri Krishna always in mind.

Isn't There Too Much Imagery In The Vedic Tradition

“While Vasudeva was carrying his son Krishna in the falling rain, Lord Shesha in the shape of a serpent spread His hood over the head of Vasudeva so that he would not be hampered by the rainfall. Vasudeva came onto the bank of the Yamuna and saw that the water of the Yamuna was roaring with waves and that the whole span was full of foam. Still, in that furious feature, the river gave passage to Vasudeva to cross, just as the great Indian Ocean gave a path to Lord Rama when He was bridging over the gulf.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 3)

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“Is there too much imagery in the Vedic tradition? I know that sanatana-dharma focuses on the individual, who is soul, and breaking away from the illusion that is the material nature. However, in the associated formal houses of worship there is one image after another.

“The principal resident in such establishments is the deity, which rests on the altar. This is the saguna form of the Divine. With qualities. Identifiable features. Associated characteristics and activities, charitra.

“Does not this limit the understanding of the Almighty? Shouldn’t the highest consciousness within spiritual life be free of dualities such as large and small, strong and weak, and man and woman?”

The idea is that man itself has limitations in terms of mental capacity. We know that there is diminishing capability with the onset of old age, but even within the ideal situation there are the inconceivable factors of infinite time and infinite space.

There is always a beginning to a beginning and an end to an end. Travel as far back as you can think, and know that there is something prior. Keep moving ahead in terms of days, weeks, months, and years, but understand that nothing will ever be completely annihilated. The individual will always be somewhere.

वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं
य एनम् अजम् अव्ययम्
कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ
कं घातयति हन्ति कम्

vedāvināśinaṁ nityaṁ
ya enam ajam avyayam
kathaṁ sa puruṣaḥ pārtha
kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam

“O Partha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, unborn, eternal and immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.21)

The images help us to relate. We see Shri Krishna on the altar, with Shrimati Radharani standing next to Him. This means that there is both a masculine and a feminine side to God. One is the energetic and the other the energy. Always one, though manifesting as two.

That person standing tall, holding a flute in His hands, with a peacock feather in His hair, has accompanying activities. They are too many to count. They are inconceivable, at the same time, but He arrives within this manifest world and others to give an idea of what is capable in someone who has no distinction between body and spirit.

He does not limit His appearances to one specific identity. The same Krishna is also Vishnu, who effortlessly creates the universes through His breathing, which we typically understand to be involuntary. As if by accident the worlds come together, which are like giant bubbles floating in the ether.

The many images also match the tendency within us to look for them. If not within the Vedic culture, then somewhere else. This explains why streaming video services are so popular. One person can sit down and consume visual programming for hours in a given day, and then repeat the same in the future.

If we are going to appreciate images and what they represent, why not get a lasting benefit from the association? Why not lift up the consciousness, increase intelligence, and decrease hopelessness and despair in the process?

The many images are based on the authority of the sacred sound passed down for many generations. We can still access the original language, Sanskrit. People witnessed the amazing activities of Vishnu, His avataras, and His devotees. They then put those recollections into Sanskrit poetry.

When the need arose, empowered individuals put what they held in memory onto paper. Something like the data held within RAM on a computer being written to a physical disk. Those papers move forward, collected together as sacred texts. They provide vivid imagery and a clear idea of God, without having to personally visit Him.

We are inspired to see Vasudeva carrying Shri Krishna across the Yamuna. In the falling rain, in the dead of night, facing the impending punishment of King Kamsa and his men, not knowing what the future holds, the dedicated father to the newborn succeeded in a most difficult mission.

From a single image we can stay with the Almighty, day after day, and even life after life. Everyone follows Him in all respects, and those who are devoted in the desire to maintain personal association have their wishes come true.

In Closing:

The images everything to me,
After so long finally can see.

That God and His mercy real,
From painting directly to feel.

And in illusion no more,
Boundless opportunity in store.

So future bright and exciting,
For hours in single image delighting.

I'm Going In To Sin City

“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।

Friend1: If you happen to work in the IT field, there is a particular city in the United States known for its conferences.

Friend2: You mean like a meeting of professionals? Where they present new ideas and an outline for the future?

Friend1: Yes, and it also serves as a place for vendors and potential customers to gather. The conferences take place all over the world, but this city seems to be the most popular destination. I guess it is because they can more easily attract attendees.

Friend2: I see. What is the reason?

Friend1: If we are talking in terms of dharma, the answer is simple and straightforward. Sinful life. Papa. If you wanted to quote a famous song the commands would be, “Spin that wheel. Cut that pack. Roll those loaded dice.”

Friend2: Gambling and drinking?

Friend1: You got it. Plenty of it. Casinos on every corner. Open whenever you want to enter. They offer free drinks and buffet food to accommodate your visit, hoping that you will stay and continue to wager away your hard-earned money.

Friend2: Cities like that are amazing because they never have to worry about an off-season. People are always there; barring government intervention. Recording artists take up “residency” there. They do a series of concerts over a specific period of time. They don’t have to worry about filling up the seats.

Friend1: Because people come and go. It’s a good business, for sure. It is just amazing to me that people are proud of the lifestyle. There are so many jokes made around it. “What happens in that city stays in that city.”

Friend2: Oh yeah, you don’t want indiscretions to leak. It is called “Sin City” for a reason.

Friend1: And everyone is proud to sin. They feel no shame. They are not embarrassed in the least.

Friend2: Why would they be? It is considered cool to go to a place like that for a vacation. It is not like they live there permanently.

Friend1: I guess. But wouldn’t the saintly person be embarrassed?

Friend2: Why are you bringing them into the discussion? Who is actually interested in being saintly? Is there even a class of human beings that you can turn to for help in these areas? I’ve seen where the houses of worship host viewing parties for sporting events that make their money on wagers.

Friend1: That’s true. Okay, maybe the better question is, “Wouldn’t a genuinely pious person be embarrassed to be in such a situation?”

Friend2: A person on the path of transcendence is always assessing their progress. In the Ramayana, we see the encounter between Shri Rama and Shabari, the female ascetic. She is hospitable in the forest, welcoming Rama and His younger brother Lakshmana.

Friend1: Doesn’t she offer them berries to eat?

Friend2: Which Rama happily accepts. He is polite in return. He asks her a series of questions relating to her asceticism. Is the faith in her guru growing? Is she less interested in eating? Basically, is she making progress?

Friend1: That is interesting.

Friend2: It is a way to tell if you are on the right track. Then you have someone like Shri Hanuman, who is extraordinary. He had to travel into the real Sin City, Lanka. This would put any modern equivalent to shame.

Friend1: Why is that?

Friend2: The level of sinful activity. More wine than anyone could consume. Enough meat to fulfill the appetites of the largest ogres you have ever seen. One king with innumerable beautiful queens, who are ready and willing to serve him. An abundance of gold. It is everywhere; even in the construction of the buildings.

Friend1: Wow.

Friend2: Hanuman was searching for Rama’s missing wife, Sita Devi. Inevitably, he had to enter quarters where women were enjoying intimately. This is the worst thing for a saintly person to see, but Hanuman realized that his mind was unaffected.

Friend1: Because his devotion to Rama is so pure.

Friend2: It is something we can admire, but not imitate. Just shows you the strength of Hanuman’s will. He can withstand attacks against his assigned service. He can help us in our struggle. Through his association, he can make our time spent in an otherwise sinful city pious and full of spiritual bliss. After all, he is always chanting Rama’s holy name, so we can do the same.

In Closing:

Even when in sin city to find,
Hanuman not changed of mind.

Immediately to himself detected,
That from images not affected.

Since focused on the one,
How Rama’s work to be done.

A symbol for faith and determination,
To us all an inspiration.

Two Cherished Goals Accomplished By Vaishnava Literature

“By remembering Shri Rama’s holy name, even those who are born into a low caste become worthy of fame, just as the wild trees that line the streets in the heavenly realm are famous throughout the three worlds.” (Dohavali, 16)

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राम नाम सुमिरत सुजस भाजन भए कुजाति |
कुतरूक सुरपुर राजमग लहत भुवन बिख्याति ||

rāma nāma sumirata sujasa bhājana bhae kujāti |
kutarūka surapura rājamaga lahata bhuvana bikhyāti ||

1. Universal religion

“Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could unite? They could keep their traditions. I am not asking everyone to speak the same language here. Just that when you go to visit someone’s home, when you see objects referencing their specific tradition of spirituality, you won’t feel offended. You won’t feel the need to mention your own traditions as a way to level the playing field, to ensure equal representation.

“I guess you could call it universal religion. People believing in God, but not fighting over the differences in level of appreciation or degree of understanding. No more of this ‘My God’ against ‘Your God’ conflict. The threat level brought down. People reaching out and respecting one another.”

2. Cultural harmony

“Belief is the starting point. Let people have their own religion and practice in the proper way. There is still living to account for. Everyday life. Wouldn’t it be great if people got along? The culture kind of melded into one.

“Not that people would abandon their way of life dating back thousands of years. Not that they renounce their ancestors and concoct a better style of living, through trial and error. Let there be differences within the union. Unity within diversity. Respect for a lifestyle different from mine, knowing that each person is on the same path.”

…

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says that these two lofty goals, which would be cherished by those desiring world peace, are already accomplished through Vaishnava literature. These are sacred texts descending in a tradition of succession, starting from before anyone can remember.

The original language is Sanskrit, but the presentation is not restricted to a certain standard of sound. That is to say someone can glorify the Almighty in their preferred manner of speaking and still be perfect in their offering.

The literature is called Vaishnava to signal a specific understanding of the Almighty; namely that He is a person. Vaishnava literature glorifies God the person, but not through dogmatic insistence, blind faith, or warnings of future punishment should one neglect.

Indeed, that punishment is baked into the current living situation. We already enjoy and suffer, as if on schedule. Shri Krishna makes the comparison to the summer and winter seasons.

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

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

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

Worship is not required in order to experience pleasure. I don’t have to do much to welcome pain. Thus God’s involvement is for something higher. His true standing is as our ever well-wisher, our best friend, the one companion that we require under all circumstances.

Vaishnava literature glorifies under this model. While there are many Sanskrit names used, such as Krishna, Rama and Vishnu, there is no exclusivity clause. Any person can worship in the same way. The God that is Vishnu is not a separate identity from the God worshiped in other spiritual traditions.

There is cultural harmony through the universal eligibility of the worship. From high to low, rich to poor, man to woman, king to pauper – anyone can connect with the personal God and be benefitted. This means that they can remain in their current position. A drastic change is not necessary.

Everyone can stay together, worship in their preferred way, but at least understand God and our relationship to Him. Know my standing as individual spirit soul, who is currently suffering through the cycle of birth and death. Learn of the countless features, gunas, in the Supreme Lord, who is attractive in every way. Stay connected through chanting sacred mantras, and remain forever above the illusion otherwise permeating this temporary world: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Even if living as stone,
In one spot all alone.

Chance for God to meet,
And touch His lotus feet.

Opportunity from high to low,
Through Vedas Divine to know.

In variety but everyone God believing,
Cultural harmony this way achieving.

Four Sayings To Convey The Difficulty Of An Important Task

“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.19)

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बहूनां जन्मनाम् अन्ते
ज्ञानवान् मां प्रपद्यते
वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति
स महात्मा सु-दुर्लभः

bahūnāṁ janmanām ante
jñānavān māṁ prapadyate
vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti
sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ

“Wouldn’t you agree that sanatana-dharma is a little difficult to follow? It’s surely not as simple as the other popular faiths around the world. I understand that shraddha, faith, is an integral aspect to assimilating the teachings, but there is much more than just accepting a savior and losing worries over the afterlife.

“It is indeed a culture; an all-encompassing one at that. From top to bottom, beginning to end, head to toe, animal to human, birth to death – covering everything. Remarkably, the teachings are so old that no one can accurately date them. Scholars and researchers speculate, but no one actually knows. Even within the stories, found in the Puranas, the time references are relative, as in a long time ago.

“How would you reach out to people who are concerned with the difficulty? They come across terms like the living entity, the material nature, eternal time, transmigration of the soul, the three sources of misery, the variety in heavenly and hellish planets, and so forth. It is overwhelming, too much to process.”

1. Rome wasn’t built in a day

The idea is to use something incredibly complex as the point of reference. A magnificent city. Full of architectural wonders. Beauty embedded everywhere; no detail too small to ignore. In the beginning stages who could have imagined the amazing finished product?

A great city isn’t built in a day. That is certainly saying something. Time and perseverance. Hard work. Dedication. Building using components. Brick by brick. Area by area.

The reference to Rome also conveys significance. It is not building something unimportant. You are creating one of the major cities of the world, to be admired not only by the people of the time, but also future generations.

2. Good things come to those who wait

This is a tag line from an old television commercial selling ketchup. The idea was that if the other brands of ketchup poured too smoothly out of the bottle, it meant that the taste wasn’t as good. With the particular brand in question, you had to wait a little bit before the sauce poured out.

The delivered product is worth the sacrifice in time. The investment pays off. If you want something important, you will likely not receive it so quickly. But your patience will be rewarded; rest assured.

3. Patience is a virtue

Hence patience is considered virtuous. A less-intelligent person is stubborn, insisting that everything be delivered immediately.

“I want it all and I want it now. Don’t make me wait. I refuse to sit around forever.”

If you are patient, things might work out in your favor in the long run. If you otherwise rush into something without properly considering the importance of the possible outcomes, you might be left with something you regret after the fact.

4. There is a light at the end of the tunnel

Just keep digging. One more mile. Don’t focus on the finish line. Stay within yourself. Pacing. Slow and steady wins the race. Be confident that the ordeal will end at some point. You might not even realize that you are complete, if you stay focused enough.

…

The same truths become evident through studying the difficulty in learning new things. Walking, talking, speaking a new language, writing, mastering calculus. Who has actually learned these things in a single day?

The generally accepted impression with the Vedic culture is that there are many lives to reach perfection. Sinful activity, papa, is like going backwards; regressing. Condemned to a lower species in the subsequent birth. Pious activity, punya, is like progressing, moving closer to the finish line.

Shri Krishna confirms the difficulty in Bhagavad-gita. He says that a person surrenders unto Him after many births. It is rare to find such a great soul, mahatma. This is because there are so many barriers towards success. Too many distractions. I can take my interest in countless directions and satisfy the allotted time in this body. For instance, I could sit in front of the television for the rest of my life, if I wanted.

Thus the difficulty in understanding the higher concepts is understandable. The difficulty accompanies the value of the reward. If I want to be free of birth and death, I have to work at it. If I want to remain spiritually aware, the consciousness needs to be in the right place. It must then stay there, without deviating.

All of this is not to say that success must only arrive after a significant amount of time. It could be an instant, one second, that changes my outlook forever. I could make all of the past births successful today, if I wanted, by chanting the holy names and giving up bad association: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Good things to those coming,
Where purified becoming.

When in bhakti life seated,
Not by illusion defeated.

Complex and deep the teachings,
But necessary for impact reaching.

After many births finally found,
Krishna and to eternity bound.