Three Threats That Fall Under The Umbrella Of Krishna’s Protection

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.66)

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Shri Krishna makes the promise at the conclusion of the Bhagavad-gita, the famous talk with Arjuna, the bow-warrior. Surrender unto Him and be delivered from all sinful reaction. Basically, whatever you are afraid of doing wrong, where you skip this type of religion or that, know that being fully conscious of Krishna, who is Bhagavan, will give the greatest protection.

There are many dharmas, and connected are corresponding reactions to not following. The neglect is what defines sin, and the objective is what defines the specific dharma. Even a thief can have right and wrong. For them, respecting the property of others is sinful. The reaction for such behavior is a missed opportunity to take what doesn’t belong to them.

Krishna consciousness is the topmost dharma because it meets the needs of the individual completely. That individual is spirit soul, and from the protection other threats are covered.

1. Eternal damnation

You better make the list. Something like Christmas with Santa Claus, but more important, this is the final word on who gets salvation and who doesn’t. You better believe in the savior. Belief here is determined by attendance at a regular gathering at a specific institution. If you’re not on the list, you’re out of luck. You will forever be condemned. No turning back; no second chances.

These sorts of threats may help to increase the number of followers, but they are not based in logic and reasoning. If there is a God, why should He be feared? Even so many leaders around the world don’t condemn people for criticizing the government. There is freedom to follow or to neglect.

Moreover, what happens to those who never reach the point of conscious thought? What if a child passes on before they can make the choice to accept the designated savior? Are they condemned? Do they not get another chance? And what exactly is salvation? How will the person live? Is there a future?

Shri Krishna protects against such threats because for the devotee He always remains close by. Whether the devotee goes to heaven or hell is of no concern, because they are guaranteed to be able to practice devotion. For that reason they can be liberated even before quitting the body. Such souls are known as jivan-mukta.

2. Punishment for skipping a ritual

“Okay, bhakti-yoga is a kind of dharma. Bhagavata-dharma to be precise. Still, there are rituals and traditions in the Vedas. People should follow them. Otherwise, watch out. Bad things could happen.”

The perfect example is the one time the residents of Vrindavana skipped the annual Indra-yajna. The change was at Krishna’s insistence. The nearby Govardhana Hill was worshiped instead. Everyone was pleased, and so was the hill, who spoke to the residents through the potency of Shri Krishna.

The immediate result was devastating rain. This was the punishment. The threat became real. Indra, the king of heaven, was not happy about being neglected. The umbrella of protection from Krishna took on a literal meaning, as the just worshiped hill was lifted into the air and then proceeded to serve as protection from the rain for seven straight days.

3. Aggressive friends and family

The fall from the spiritual world took place so long ago that it is difficult to turn the mentality. The envy of God is the core of material life. Without it, everyone would be liberated. That envy is found even in close associates, like friends and family.

Prahlada Maharaja faced a severe threat from the father, King Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada practiced bhakti-yoga peacefully. He wasn’t bothering anyone. The real crime was not hiding his sentiments. Prahlada told the father exactly what he valued in life, that becoming materially opulent was not important to him.

The death sentence was the result. First there was the threat, but that didn’t change Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu then resorted to lethal punishment. Strangely, it didn’t work. Just as Govardhana protected the people of Vrindavana, the seemingly invisible, but inconceivably powerful protecting hand of the Supreme Lord was there to ensure that Prahlada’s devotion continued to flourish. In the end it was Hiranyakashipu who perished, through the lethal weapons that were the fingernails of Narasimhadeva.

In Closing:

Enjoying in position as king of terror,

But with peaceful son a fatal error.

Narasimha Bhagavan, for Prahlada arriving,

Whose bhakti against opposition even thriving.

For Vrindavana from king of heaven a threat,

Thwarted by Govardhana umbrella on finger set.

Even eternal damnation not to fear,

Since Krishna always remaining near.

Can We Learn From Those Who Have Risen

“O son of Kuru, when there is an increase in the mode of ignorance madness, illusion, inertia and darkness are manifested.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 14.13)

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Friend1: You notice that so many of these famous people struggle with life?

Friend2: Before or after success?

Friend1: Mostly during and after. I’m specifically referring to drug addiction. There were two notable baseball players from the 1980s. They were so good it was ridiculous. One was a pitcher, the other a hitter.

Friend2: They played for the Mets, right?

Friend1: Yup. Today everyone looks back and wonders what happened. They were on track to becoming the greatest ever.

Friend2: Drugs and alcohol; will take any person down.

Friend1: There was still some good to come from it. I notice that those who survive such amazing falls try to help others avoid the same mistakes. They speak publicly. They go to troubled areas and give warnings.

Friend2: It’s only natural. Good parents behave this way with their children. If I’ve made a mistake that cost me dearly, it’s likely too late to correct it now. The only solace is hopefully preventing others from making the same mistake.

Friend1: And you would call this the descending process of knowledge?

Friend2: Very good. Absolutely. Great segue into spiritual life. That is the whole point of descending knowledge. Take information from others who have experienced and known themselves. Save so much time. Live peacefully as a result. Be a little afraid of the dark side of life. Don’t think that you’ll be the exception and somehow get a different result. Shri Krishna describes it as the mode of darkness. It’s a way of living and one of the symptoms is darkness, i.e. ignorance.

Friend1: Here is a question. It’s pretty common to get instruction from those who have fallen. Their struggles were visible. They were in the public eye. What about those who have risen? Can we learn from them?

Friend2: Umm, you seriously have to ask that? I’m sure you’ve seen the many books authored by the successful. They give tips on how to make it big in business and investing.

Friend1: Okay, but that’s only materially. I’m talking about elevation in terms of consciousness.

Friend2: That’s what Vedic literature is for; that is the entire focus. It’s the realizations and instructions from the most elevated people. It starts with Shri Krishna Himself, who is Achyuta. He never falls down. He is so kind that He provides a roadmap for every kind of person to succeed.

Friend1: What do you mean by “kind”? The instruction is not the same for everyone?

Friend2: How can it be? Do you teach calculus to a first grade math student? People have different gunas, or material qualities. Not everyone is ready for advancing to the last stage immediately. That is why the Vedas are compared to a tree that has many branches. Each represents a different department of knowledge.

Friend1: Is that why we have the four regulative principles? The saints of the past indulged in these activities and realized how harmful they are?

Friend2: Perhaps, but not necessarily. Maybe they didn’t need to experience firsthand. The information was passed on through the ages. You can tell from observing, as well. I’ve never jumped off a bridge, but I can tell you that it’s not a good idea.

Friend1: Because others have done it.

Friend2: Precisely. The saints have risen to the top, and some of them are so kind that they come back down to earth a little.

Friend1: What do you mean? And how is that an act of kindness?

Friend2: In the topmost position a person sees only devotees everywhere. There is no reason to teach, correct, chastise, praise, or what have you. It’s the topmost vision; noticing the spiritual equality of all beings.

Friend1: Okay, and why isn’t that a good thing?

Friend2: It’s great at the personal level, but how is anyone going to learn? You see me as an equal; fine, but I require instruction. Tell me what I’m doing wrong. Tell me what I need to correct.

Friend1: And by coming down to earth, as you say, the saint can provide that instruction.

Friend2: Right. They make distinctions again. They distinguish between devotee and non-devotee. The experience from having risen to the top is still there, however. That doesn’t go away. So we are able to learn just as much.

Friend1: What do these saints say?

Friend2: Avoid meat eating, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex; the four regulative principles that you mentioned previously.

Friend1: And chant the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Friend2: There you go. If you need some more convincing, read books like the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam. These works will help you convince others, too.

Friend1: Convince isn’t the best word here, because it’s not like bringing people into a cult.

Friend2: Persuade. Correct. Basically, the same thing the people who have fallen teach, but with a much wider range of applicability, aiming for a higher goal.

In Closing:

Not required to fall down,
Since wisdom accepting sound.

From guru parampara descending,
So that towards Divine ascending.

Like the successful but wider range,
How to proper behavior to change.

Quickly, so that time not to waste,
In this life experience a higher taste.

Wouldn’t Dussehra Be More Inspiring If Sita Had Released The Arrows

“The mighty Rama, who possessed extraordinary strength, consecrating in accordance with the mantras prescribed in the Vedas, taking that great arrow – which was capable of removing the fears of the entire world and the Ikshvaku dynasty, capable of taking away the glory of His enemies, and conducive to His own happiness – fixed it on His bow.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kand, 108.13-14)

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Friend1: You ever see these reinterpretations of past events?

Friend2: Umm, what? What is there to interpret about an event? Yesterday it was sunny and 65 degrees. You want me to change that to cloudy and 50 degrees? Not possible.

Friend1: Interesting response. Makes you think. Anyway, this stuff definitely happens. Like someone will speculate what the country would be like today if the South had won the Civil War. Or what if England didn’t lose control of the colonies. What would be different today?

Friend2: Oh, I see. So someone is writing fiction, inspired by real-life events.

Friend1: Basically. It could be a movie, too. Anyway, I came across one of these that related to spiritual life.

Friend2: Uh oh.

Friend1: Yeah, you’re not going to like it. I didn’t, either, but it’s out there. I thought it would make for an interesting discussion.

Friend2: Great. Thanks for bringing this nonsense to me.

Friend1: The interpretation is of the conclusion of the Ramayana story.

Friend2: Let me guess. What would have happened if Ravana had emerged victorious? What if the supposed bad guy was really the hero?

Friend1: Not quite. They keep the same outcome, but through different means. The change in the story is that Sita Devi is the one shooting the arrows. She defeats Ravana in battle, not Rama.

Friend2: Ah, so like a feminist angle?

Friend1: Exactly. The argument is that the occasion of Dussehra would be more inspiring to people today. It would show that women are strong and capable, rather than weak and shy.

Friend2: Of course this is from the materialist’s angle of vision. They are so envious of God that they can’t stand that He, as an incarnation named Rama, emerged victorious against such a powerful materialist like Ravana. Their only resort is make-believe, to feel better about what happened.

Friend1: I certainly agree with that. But what is the counterargument? I mean the reality is reality. You’re supposed to take what happened and accept it. Still, we know that God teaches through His lila [pastimes]. Could not a different lesson have been taught?

Friend2: The premise of the argument is completely invalid. Sita Devi is one of the strongest women in history. Dharma was her strength, and in her case it was the purest version, practiced on the biggest stage, under the most trying circumstances. She was not simply a devoted wife. She was tied to Rama, forever, in consciousness. She would never deviate from that way of thinking. It simply wasn’t possible. She endured tremendous torture at the hands of Ravana. She showed the highest level of renunciation, even to where yogis and ascetics wouldn’t be able to reach.

Friend1: That’s true.

Friend2: Moreover, the devotees share in the triumphs of Bhagavan. Rama releasing the arrows and defeating the wicked Ravana brought tremendous delight to Sita and others. She played a significant role in that victory. Without her influence, Ravana may never have been defeated. You could argue that Hanuman should have been the one to kill the king of Lanka. Then that would give strength to devotees.

Friend1: Yeah, I mean Hanuman is awesome.

Friend2: And he certainly had the ability to defeat Ravana. Still, he wanted the glory to go to Rama. That is the definition of pure devotion. Nothing for yourself. And to this day Hanuman’s reputation is spotless. So is Sita’s. Some people say bad things about Bhagavan, but that has been going on since the beginning of time. Sita Devi is already an inspiration for millions, men and women alike. There is no reason to change one thing from the Ramayana history. It is already perfect in every respect.

Friend1: What about the inspiring women angle, though?

Friend2: In terms of thinking there should not be bodily designations. That is the first cause of the cycle of birth and death. We are trying to teach people to see the spirit inside. Even if viewed materially, the lesson from Sita and Rama is that the husband and wife share in the achievements. The wife is as much responsible for the victories of the husband as the husband is. Her support means everything. That is the secret to the potency of the marriage system followed in Vedic culture. Sita Devi had the ascetic power to kill Ravana herself, without needing to shoot arrows. She chose to allow Rama to earn the glory, for that increased the fame of the family and showed the world the power of good over evil. From all angles, her example is already an inspiration.

In Closing:

No need for reconsideration,
Sita already an inspiration.

Devoted to husband so much,
Of selfishness without a touch.

The glory of Rama’s victory sharing,
For personal wellbeing not caring.

No need for lila to change at all,
In hearts of devotees already standing tall.

Three Reasons Pious Activities Alone Don’t Guarantee Entry Into The Kingdom Of God

“All of them - as they surrender unto Me - I reward accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pritha.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.11)

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You do everything right. In this regard the definition is based on “by the book.” What others have told you, you’ve done. You didn’t question. You weren’t difficult, though you certainly had doubts. Just keep it simple, you told yourself. Follow this routine. Observe this ritual. Pray at this certain time.

Now someone informs you that entry into the kingdom of God is not guaranteed. The explanation is something like the Hall of Fame eligibility. Players from a certain sport may make a ballot on a particular year, but it is up to others to decide on the final outcome. It doesn’t matter how good they were; entry is not guaranteed.

Coming from the kingdom of the material planets, there is only one requirement. It is a spirit within, a kind of thinking. The term most often used is “consciousness.” When the proper consciousness isn’t there, the gates remain closed, and for good reason.

1. Maybe I don’t want to go

I did everything; that is established. I followed what others told me. But maybe my heart wasn’t in it. I followed renunciation, while contemplating objects of the senses at the same time. The five senses are there, and each one has corresponding objects. For instance, the fragrance of a flower is linked to the sense of smell.

“One who restrains the senses and organs of action, but whose mind dwells on sense objects, certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 3.6)

In the Bhagavad-gita such a person is referred to as a pretender. The renunciation wasn’t complete. If that is the case, why should the gates to the kingdom of God be opened? The attachment implies desire for residence in another realm. The Almighty, who is ultimately a person, does not force anyone to stay with Him.

2. Still envious of Krishna

One name for that supreme person is Krishna. This Sanskrit word has different meanings, with one of them being “all-attractive.” In the topmost planet of the spiritual realm everyone is attracted to Krishna directly.

In one sense, everyone already follows Him; there cannot be complete separation. The degree of surrender determines the nature of existence. In the material world there is at the very least a trace of envy of Krishna. “I can enjoy without Him. I can rise to the top on my own. There is no God.” One would be surprised to learn that such attitudes can persist in the minds of those who are supposedly on the path of spiritual life. There is the external appearance, but meanwhile the envy remains.

3. Lacking the bhakti spirit

As mentioned previously, if the consciousness is not right the entry won’t be guaranteed. That pure consciousness must have bhakti, which is love and devotion. Interestingly, bhakti is so powerful that it alone can cause the gates to open.

Even if every rule of disciplined spiritual life was violated, if little attention was paid to piety and sin, if personal advancement was never considered, there is still eligibility. After all, the bhakti spirit is what flourishes in the spiritual kingdom. There is tremendous variety, but everyone is linked together through their service to Krishna.

At present not only do I lack the bhakti spirit, but I may not even desire to attain it. Still, pious activities like chanting the holy names can help to reawaken the love that is always there, but which sometimes goes dormant. Therefore even if done without attention, faith or love, the holy names carry tremendous potency to the person who repeats them: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

After doing everything right,
Still getting not heaven’s sight.

Doors closed remaining,
Since desires the consciousness staining.

A pretender because on objects dwelled,
Or envy for Supreme Lord held.

Bhakti spirit to take into account,
No need separate endeavor to mount.

Three Authority Figures We Typically Aren’t Deathly Afraid Of

“Those who are envious and mischievous, who are the lowest among men, are cast by Me into the ocean of material existence, into various demoniac species of life.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 16.19)

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It’s a way to distinguish from the sinners, the carefree who don’t worry about right and wrong, future consequences, or tradition. It’s a way to show respect, to give honor to someone who holds ultimate power. That person can make or break an existence, one to last forever.

A “God-fearing” person is just that, afraid of God. Acknowledgment is implied. Belief in a higher power is there. Those who don’t fear God will have to face stiff punishment later on. That is the hope anyway. Who wants to go through life knowing that criminals will skate forever? What sense do laws and rules make if the people that don’t follow them suffer no consequences?

Vedic teachings indeed acknowledge the existence of God. In the generic sense He is described to be a great controller, Ishvara. At the same time, He is a person, and an all-attractive one at that. Therefore known as Krishna, the relationship with Him is intended to go well beyond fear. In fact, this lack of fear is already there in interactions with readily identifiable authority figures.

1. Parents

The analysis is in the general case. There are always exceptions. Some parents can be quite horrible. They put their children through unspeakable torture. They provide little guidance, minimal protection, and sometimes run away completely.

Usually, the parents are the first authority figures we know. The Sanskrit word guru can refer to them, as well. The television sitcom character Frank Barone notes that if a parent is not hated, they are not properly doing their job. Though intended to be humorous, there is an element of truth to the words. The parents have to set guidelines and boundaries. They have to punish transgressions. Otherwise, what purpose are they serving?

At the same time, the children usually aren’t deathly afraid of the parents. If the children do something wrong, it is not like they expect the worst kind of punishment. In the harshest case, they may have to go without television and internet for a while. There isn’t concern over being disowned forever.

2. Teachers

Guru also refers to teachers, and especially the spiritual guide. Man separates from the animal through intelligence, but in the beginning only the potential is there. Teachers help to make the higher intelligence a reality. In exchange for the wisdom, the students must be willing to learn. Inquiring submissively and rendering service go a long way.

“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)

In school the teachers will punish bad behavior. In times past they might strike the truculent student on the hand with a ruler. Today the bad kids get sent to detention. Maybe they are suspended from school. Still, there usually isn’t fear that the teacher will inflict real and lasting damage. There isn’t concern that the relationship with all teachers will be severed, for all of time.

3. Benevolent public leaders

In countries run by brutal dictators, questioning of authority is not allowed. Say the wrong thing and you could get killed. There has to be one hundred percent obedience to the will of the rulers.

In the case of benevolent leaders, there is surely punishment for violating the law. Jails exist for punishment, for reforming those who have gone the wrong way in life. The punishment also serves as a deterrent for future bad behavior.

Even so, with such leaders there usually isn’t fear that forgetting about them will lead to punishment. Moreover, there is always a chance to reform. The good leader does not get angry or envious. They do not insist on allegiance, especially if the other side is not willing.

In the same way, the idea of being forever condemned for not believing in God does not hold. Moreover, fear of such condemnation prevents taking full advantage of the relationship to be formed with the Almighty.

As Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, the envious are cast into lower species. This is a kind of punishment, because the mode of ignorance takes over. There is little chance to serve God in what is known as bhakti. There is little chance to sharpen the intellect.

Though repeatedly cast into such species, the time factor still exists. This means that there is always a chance to turn back. Material existence is itself a condemnation. It is a place where forgetfulness of Krishna is the default mentality. Turning to Him in a loving mood transforms the nature of the existence. Material nature already provides enough cause for fear; with Krishna there is meant to be full bliss, ananda, to last for as long as the relationship is desired.

In Closing:

In demoniac wombs to go,
Where piety not to know.

Punishment for bad status achieving,
From Krishna directly receiving.

Still, always to reform a chance,
Meeting with saint probability to enhance.

So no need for God only with fear,
Through devotion in heart to stay near.

Why Does It Seem Like Only Hippies And Drug Addicts Find Religion

“Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life, whose sinful actions are completely eradicated and who are freed from the duality of delusion, engage themselves in My service with determination.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.28)

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Friend1: I think we’ve had a similar discussion before.

Friend2: About what?

Friend1: The kinds of people that get drawn to bhakti-yoga, spiritual life beyond sentimentalism, what have you.

Friend2: Where you criticized them as being lowlifes and degenerates?

Friend1: Ha, I don’t think I was that harsh. But yeah, something like that.

Friend2: And you want to talk about that some more?

Friend1: A little different angle this time. Just something I noticed with former athletes, greats of the game, whose lives went south due to drugs and alcohol.

Friend2: You could use that to segue into a discussion about the mode of passion, how desires always remain. You think something will make you happy, but it doesn’t really.

“The mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings, O son of Kunti, and because of this one is bound to material fruitive activities.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 14.7)

Friend1: That is a good topic, but let’s save it for another day. I noticed with these athletes, they often find religion. They find their “savior” or what have you. They may even start their own ministry. They speak to people about their experiences, detailing how low they fell. In some cases they were almost dead. Knocking on death’s door, they found their way back.

Friend2: That is a good message, don’t you think? It’s the descending process of knowledge gathering. Rather than experience for yourself, hear what others have to say. Take the lessons from them. Learn the easy way.

Friend1: No, that’s fine. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad these people have straightened up. My question is why does it take falling so low for religion to be found? Doesn’t it seem to you that only drug addicts and hippies are open to bhakti-yoga, chanting the holy names and such?

Friend2: Umm, you realize that in every public opinion survey the theists outnumber the atheists? Are you saying every person that believes in God used to be a drug addict or was involved in the hippie culture?

Friend1: Belief in God is one thing. I’m talking about following it in earnest. Unless you were born into the culture that looks at this life as only one of many, where there are different deities to fulfill different desires, it’s like there is no interest.

Friend2: That only makes sense. Material life is a great illusion. Do this and you’ll be happy. Get rid of this thing and you’ll be free of pain. It never works out that way. You can go back to the descending process of knowledge-gathering. Trying to figure things out for yourself is the ascending process. That will never work with spiritual life. You can never reach the proper conclusion of the spirit soul being the essence of identity through observation and experiment. Neither is there enough time nor enough intelligence, even in the human mind.

Friend1: Okay, but why do people have to fall so low to give something new a chance? Why can’t your average person, who has a job, who has a family, who is not destitute or bewildered, take a sincere interest in chanting the holy names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare?

Friend2: There are these studies that show people over thirty years of age don’t listen to any new music. They are fine with the music they grew up with. That is why advertisers tend to target younger people. The older generation has made up their mind; they are set in their habits. The idea is that it is not easy to try something new. The drug addicts have lost so much, and with that attachments. The hippie mindset is being bewildered at the idea of material advancement, of wanting more and more stuff.

Friend1: I see.

Friend2: I’m not sure what the problem is here. Just be thankful that anyone is willing to try it out. Every one of us needs to be reformed. Taking birth in the material world means that we are not pure. There are different levels of intelligence, progression, and capacity for understanding. There is no doubt about it. At the end of the day, every individual is a spirit soul, part and parcel of God. The sankirtana movement, the congregational chanting of the holy names, is there to awaken the desire to serve the Supreme. The temple is there to allow the lost souls to meet their long lost friend. There are so many statements in shastra referencing the potency of a moment’s association with a saintly person or the deity in the temple. The simplest offering can make such a huge difference.

Friend1: I guess I am being too pessimistic.

Friend2: There is more reason to be optimistic. Be thankful that there are people who are not afraid to speak about their experiences with something higher. Even if it’s blind sentiment or wanting something from the Almighty, at least there is acknowledgment. It matters not from where a person came, but rather to where they are going. The surrendered souls practicing bhakti-yoga are on the path to liberation, even if that destination at present seems in the great distance.

In Closing:

Matters not from where coming,
More important to where going.

Older generation in ways already set,
What benefit from trying new to get?

So those fallen down open to try,
This bhakti-yoga, a transcendental high.

Destination far out in the distance,
Closer with chanting persistence.