Five Places Requiring The Presence Of An Operator

“The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.61)

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ईश्वरः सर्व-भूतानां
हृद्-देशे ऽर्जुन तिष्ठति
भ्रामयन् सर्व-भूतानि
यन्त्रारूढानि मायया

īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
hṛd-deśe ‘rjuna tiṣṭhati
bhrāmayan sarva-bhūtāni
yantrārūḍhāni māyayā

 

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says that this entire world is operating on account of the combination of matter and spirit. You cannot create life in a laboratory. Some aspect of existing life is necessary. Even the experiment requires intelligence represented by the scientists.

But is the claim true? Is there anything that operates on its own, without a director? Is autonomous existence possible?

1. The car on the road

There are so many. A variety of models, as well. Sometimes it is just too much and you are stuck in a jam. Based on the typical hours for the average worker, certain windows of time in each day are known to have more cars on the road [rush hour].

Zooming in for a closer view, we see that each car is impressive. A collection of parts integrated to facilitate travel from one place to another, in much shorter a journey than if attempted by foot or by cycle. The modern cars are equipped with several amenities of luxury, such as heating and cooling systems and sound entertainment.

However impressive the vehicle, there is always a driver. This is a human being, and hopefully one who is sober and conscious. A brief distraction in attention can lead to disastrous results. The car is travelling at high speeds, which then requires alertness from the operator.

2. The driverless car

A person may argue that the technology is advancing so rapidly that soon the driver requirement will be eliminated. The driverless car can already be found in several places. It was the automobile that first eliminated the need for the horse. For a while the innovation was known as the horseless carriage.

Even with the driverless car, there is still an operator in the background. If it eventually functions more like an autonomous robot, it is not like everything came together randomly. There was no big bang explosion that led to the invention.

3. The plane in the sky

Similar to the automobile, the plane in the sky does not move by itself. There has to be a pilot to get it off the ground, monitor the situation in the air, and then safely land when approaching the destination. There is an autopilot feature, but that is not meant to be a permanent replacement for human operation.

4. The production plant

Mass production. The ability to harness the power of machines to produce at a much greater rate than if relying on human effort alone. Yet there is an illusion to the mechanism, as human intervention is certainly necessary. A human being has to start the production, monitor the process for any issues that should arise, and then properly shut down when the work is complete.

5. The scholarly institution

Based on recent world events, it is now established that physical proximity is not a requirement for learning. The teacher can be thousands of miles away and I can be sitting in my bedroom. Yet the interaction qualifies as formal education, as there is a transfer of information.

Even in the case where I only learn from published works and recorded video lessons, there is still a human being on the other side. It is not two rocks interacting with one another, transferring information as if it were water emerging from the top of a mountain and eventually descending to form a river.

…

These are just a few examples chosen out of the vastly complex material nature. The truth of the necessary connection between matter and spirit first descends from the authority figures. We can then prove through our own experience. Even if we haven’t witnessed everything there is in the world, based on the negation of the principle we see that there is yet to be any proof. That is to say, no one has come across an instance where life emerged from matter alone or where a vital function of nature takes place without the presence of spirit.

At the local level there is the driver of the car known as the body. That driver is the individual; the car does not identify them. From Bhagavad-gita we get further clarity. It is the Supersoul who really makes things happen. We are seated on something like a machine. We press the start button, but unless Supersoul agrees the desired outcome will not manifest.

The wise take advantage of this philosophical information to make a practical difference in life. The takeaway is that spirit is more important than matter, and as a mature human being I have the opportunity to inquire into the spiritual nature. I do not have to stay with the dull and lifeless matter, hoping to find an exception, where spirit loses its significance.

The Supersoul is but a feature, a way to understand and visualize, the origin of both the material and spiritual energies. We often refer to that entity as God, but the Vedic tradition provides much more descriptive and meaningful names. If we make an honest effort to understand that origin, we have made the most of the human birth.

In Closing:

With car a driver needed,
Else without direction proceeded.

The plane not empty to fly,
Always on operator to rely.

Same at individual level there,
Combined matter and spirit where.

Acharya of these truths making aware,
So that on needs of soul to care.

Five Ways I Am Tormented By Kali-Yuga

“Shri Rama’s holy name is like Narasimhadeva to the Hiranyakashipu-like Kali Yuga. For those who chant the holy name, the Lord offers them all protections and crushes their tormentors, just as He did for Prahlada Maharaja.“ (Dohavali, 26)

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राम नाम नर केसरी कनककसिपु कलिकाल |
जापक जन प्रहलाद जिमि पालिहि दलि सुरसाल ||

rāma nāma nara kesarī kanakakasipu kalikāla |
jāpaka jana prahalāda jimi pālihi dali surasāla ||

 

1. Not allowed to breathe

“Seriously, I never thought things would get this bad. I understand that there is natural diversity due to individuality. Not every person thinks the same way. We are unique; we have our own experiences and develop strategies, ideas, focus, and direction based on the processing of information we receive.

“But I thought there were standard truths upon which we could agree. One of them is breathing. We need to breathe. It is vital to good health. If you can’t breathe, you don’t have any health; you will be dead.

“Certainly, no one should keep a bacteria collector right next to their intake valve. Yet the entire world is now following this nonsense. They think they are being safe and respectful. I know that they are not. They are endangering lives, including those of children. How can the society as a whole be so fallen as to not realize the importance of breathing freely?”

2. Hypocrisy from experts

“Whenever you share information with someone who hasn’t heard it from their reliable sources, they tend to attack your credibility. They mock you for following conspiracy theory websites. They say that you sound just like the people who watch a certain news channel.

“The puzzling thing is that I am not watching any news sources. I am accepting the information firsthand. I watch a noted scientist say something during a news conference. A week later, he says just the opposite. And yet everyone just goes along; they don’t question the hypocrisy.

“Has everyone gone mad? If you tell me that a certain behavior is bad for your health and then a week later say just the opposite, why would I ever trust you on anything ever again? You would be the last person I consult for medical advice, and yet no one else seems to be questioning what they hear. It’s like they have buried their heads in the sand.”

3. Useless arguments

“Everyone tells me that television programming is not what it used to be. I rarely watch, but sometimes I can’t help it. For some reason, I naively hope for a different experience, but sadly I am left disappointed every time.

“On the news stations you are lucky to find arguments or disagreements about anything. It is entirely one-sided, but in the odd case of genuine journalism, the issues discussed are basically meaningless. I know that both sides are just speaking that way to rise to power. They are equally as culpable in the general decline of the country, but they set up this kind of performance to debate issues.

“Then on the sports channels the panelists are discussing the latest statement from a famous athlete. Does it really matter what they say? How is that affecting anyone? To quote a line from a past world leader, no personal attack ever fed a hungry child. We get meaningless banter for viewing content, and it’s disappointing.”

4. Worn out from responsibilities

“How does anyone find time for spiritual life? It is a serious question. I completely understand why someone would visit their house of worship on a Sunday and beg for relief. It is a major struggle out there. You are never certain about anything, and whatever you have you desperately try to maintain.

“I just want to sit down in a quiet place, for several hours at a time, with no one bothering me and no pressing responsibilities. I have a feeling I would be so happy, as a result. Sadly, I don’t think that will ever happen. They say that we live in advanced times, but I think people in the past had it much better.”

5. Pretenders as spiritual leaders

“I have developed a new theory. It is slowly evolving, so I am not entirely certain about the conclusion, but hear me out. I think the more a person craves being on television, in front of some sort of camera, the more flaws they have to their character.

“I am basing this on personal experience and observation. You see it with spiritual leaders. The more famous they are, the more videos they have published online, the more degraded they seem to be. After all, how can you be humble if you seek so much personal attention?

“It would be so nice to find a genuine spiritual leader, to guide us through these difficult times. Sadly, the only qualified ones I find are hesitant to rise in prominence. They lead by example, for sure, and I am thankful to have their association, but I am worried for those who are led astray by the cheaters.”

…

Shastra describes the present time period to be one of increased quarrel and hypocrisy. It is known as Kali Yuga, the dark age. If compared to a table, dharma stands on only one leg; the other three have been knocked aside.

Goswami Tulsidas compares Kali Yuga to Hiranyakashipu, the noted asura villain described in texts like Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana. Hiranyakashipu tormented the saintly class, so much so that they ran away in fear. They would rather not be seen or known for their allegiance to the Divine principles.

Tulsidas says that the holy name of Shri Rama is like Narasimhadeva. This wonderful avatara appeared in this world to save the innocent Prahlada Maharaja, who was the five-year sold son of Hiranyakashipu. The father harassed that son for so long. Prahlada had done nothing wrong; he simply wanted to worship Vishnu in peace. He was not given proper facility by the father, who remained envious of the Supreme Lord.

Narasimha appeared on the scene and essentially removed the fangs from the snake of the Kali-yuga-like asura. In the same way, He can rescue anyone living in the dangerous conditions at present. Repeating those names is an integral aspect of bhakti-yoga, which is the savior of the fallen: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

So much craziness around,
Not an honest person found.

Expert lying and cheating,
Exhaustion by energy depleting.

No time for knowledge to read,
For rescue a desperate need.

But like with Narasimha appearing,
Holy names the obstacles clearing.

Five Questions Ravana Probably Wouldn't Like To Be Asked

“Smelling the fragrance of Rama and Lakshmana, like a dog smelling a tiger, certainly you will not be able to stand.” (Sita Devi speaking to Ravana, Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kand, 21.31-32)

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न हि गन्धमुपाघ्राय रामलक्ष्मणयोस्त्वया ||
शक्यं संदर्शने स्थातुं शुना शार्दूलयोरिव |

na hi gandhamupāghrāya rāmalakṣmaṇayostvayā ||
śakyaṃ saṃdarśane sthātuṃ śunā śārdūlayoriva |

There is the saying that truth does not mind being questioned, while a lie does not like to be challenged. The reality manifests in all aspects of life, but particularly in corrupt institutions. The leader might have cheated their way to the top, stealing the latest election out in the open.

If anyone should challenge their legitimacy, that person will be removed from the institution. In corporate circles, their accounts are cancelled. Without any prior notice, without providing a valid reason, those protecting the cheater will do everything possible to chill and silence the dissenters.

The cheaters fill the void left by the absence of valid criticism by constantly boasting about themselves. It is like listening to state-run media; everything is one-sided. Pile on against the opposition, labeling their claims conspiracy theories and saying that every accusation has already been debunked.

“There is no evidence for this or that. The fact-checkers say otherwise. No credible source will back up their claims.”

If you do happen to question the cheater directly, they are not too happy about it. In this light, we can study the historical figure of Ravana. The ten-headed leader of Lanka was indeed proud of himself, but he was not too thrilled when a certain princess called him out on his cowardice, depravity, and lack of moral character. There are certain things Ravana certainly would not like to be reminded of.

1. Didn’t you steal that plane from your brother?

“That sure is a nice airplane that you fly around in. It facilitates travel to different destinations across the three worlds. No wonder people are afraid of you, and that you are known as the one with the terrifying scream. Credit to Mahadeva for giving you that name, as it matches your character.

“But one thing I wanted to ask. Didn’t you get that plane from your brother? Didn’t you basically steal it from him? Why would you do that? If you are this hugely powerful person that everyone is supposed to respect, shouldn’t you be above harassing someone like Kuvera? Couldn’t you have someone build a similar plane and this way the title to the vehicle would be clean?”

2. Didn’t Vali beat you up?

“You are telling Sita Devi how powerful you are, that she should be honored to be courted by such a king. You are the best catch in the whole world. Why, not even Indra, the king of heaven, could compare to you. Your own son got his name from having defeated Indra.

“But hey, didn’t you get taught a huge lesson by Vali, the Vanara from Kishkindha? You even snuck up on him while he was seated in prayer. It should have been easy. Sure, attacking an enemy from behind is against the rules, but since when do you care about that?

“Anyway, I believe he got ahold of you and then dragged you around for a while. Weren’t your heads stuck in his armpit? I’m guessing that didn’t smell too nice. Remind me again how you are the strongest king in the world.”

3. Didn’t you once get aggressive with a woman?

“Couldn’t find someone your own size? You’re so proud of defeating other kings, but I heard that you once forced yourself on a woman. Because of what resulted, you got cursed for the future. If you ever try something like that again, you will die instantly. What kind of person would lay a hand on a woman who was innocent and blameless?

4. Didn’t you create a ruse in the forest of Dandaka?

“Sita Devi compared you to a dog. That if you were ever in plain sight of her husband, Shri Rama, you would run away instantly. She compared Him to a tiger. That’s a pretty stinging insult, but what can you say in response?

“Didn’t you have to create a ruse to take Sita away? You are so proud of your strength, but you had to use deception in order to take a princess. You couldn’t fight Rama directly because you would have been defeated instantly and soundly.”

5. Don’t you eat people like it’s your job?

“You want others to be impressed by the kingdom of Lanka. It has gold everywhere. The buildings and palaces are beautiful. No one will argue that, but what about the character of the people? They are Rakshasas, which are vile, man-eating ogres. How can you be proud of anything when you are degraded to the point that you will eat human beings? Why would any civilized person want anything to do with you?”

…

On the other side, the acharya is willing to take meaningful and genuine inquiries. There is nothing to hide, and there is an honest explanation for every principle, recommendation, strategy and guidance provided by shastra. Truth does not mind being questioned, and Sita’s husband is Truth personified.

In Closing:

Not like Ravana living a lie,
Where on deception to rely.

Who from others stealing,
And paranoia over future fearing.

Worship Shri Rama ideal,
For higher experience to feel.

Who Absolute Truth and more,
By Sita and Lakshmana adored.

Five Reasons To Feel Morose

“Endeavor executed with intelligence in Krishna consciousness is called utsaha, or enthusiasm. The devotees find the correct means by which everything can be utilized in the service of the Lord (nirbandhah krishna-sambandhe yuktam vairagyam uchyate).” (Shrila Prabhupada, Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 Purport)

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1. The destruction of childhood

“For years we heard about the dangers of isolating. There were many derogatory accusations. The various spiritual societies are raising their children in a cult. The homeschool parents are inflicting child abuse by keeping their children from socializing with others. Unless you followed the ways of everyone else, you were somehow depriving the youngsters of a proper upbringing.

“Just see the situation now! What they are doing to children is the worst thing I have ever seen. The kids are lucky if they are allowed to breathe. They have been forced to stay at home, locked inside, with the only outlet for play and interaction the screen on their tablet, computer or television.

“Such a sad situation. Those years will never return. The trauma will stay with these children for a long time. They were robbed of everything by people I have no hesitancy describing as demons. These are their teachers and caretakers, supposedly. Just imagine how awful the world will be in the future.”

2. The total lack of religious principles

“It is now a crime in many places to congregate together. At a time when we need a connection to God more than ever, the outward expressions of devotion are prohibited. The rulers know better, you see. They are keeping people safe. It is too dangerous to meet with other human beings, since apparently the leaders have just discovered that there are such things as contagious respiratory illnesses, spread by human contact.

“The state replaces the Almighty, and this is the worst kind of god you can imagine. Changing rules, duplicity, secrecy, blatant lying – Lord help any person who has to rely on these authority figures for their wellbeing. I don’t see the situation turning around anytime soon, either.”

3. The passing of loved ones

“One by one they are leaving. It’s gotten to the point that I am afraid of speaking with loved ones and asking how they are doing. I know the answer will not be good. More bad news. Another person departing this world, and way too soon. They leave behind young children. What is the family to do?

“We cannot even meet with them to provide comfort. We cannot discuss our daily affairs precisely because there is nothing going on. Everyone is locked inside, afraid to interact. It has gotten ridiculous. This must be what people felt like enduring the world wars of the previous century.”

4. Falling behind in the race

“It always feels as if other people are doing better. If they are peers in the sense of raising a family, with young children in the home, they seem to be advancing further. That neighbor’s child can talk to adults with full comprehension, relaying past stories and understanding new concepts. My child still speaks like a baby. That neighbor is on their third child, while my wife and I struggle to raise one.

“Another child knows how to use the restroom on their own, while we still have to purchase diapers. The friends have a close-knit community, with a good school nearby. What are we going to do, especially considering the degradation of the local school system highlighted by recent events? I would love for my child to make friends and interact with others, but I will never let them wear a bacteria-collecting cloth on their face for hours a day.”

5. Cheaters rising to the top

“There is the saying that cheaters never win, but I’m not so sure about that. The worst of the worst seem to be leading society right now. The leader of the nation is known for sniffing young children, and their son has done unspeakable things with children in their own family, all captured on digital images and video.

“The worst part is no one seems to care. It is like they are covering up for one another. One deviant after another, in a vast network, lecturing the rest of society on principles of morality. Everything is completely upside down, and you can’t voice your objection without facing severe consequences.”

…

The acharyas of the Vaishnava tradition recommend utsaha in devotional service. This is enthusiasm, and it is one of the glorious decorations on the person who is fully connected with the Almighty, in the link known as yoga.

With so many reasons to feel morose, utsaha appears to be antithetical. How can we be enthusiastic about any endeavor with so much going wrong in the world and our personal sphere? Why be happy in worshiping the Almighty, when the world He created has descended into chaos?

The explanation is that every aspect of life can be utilized for further increasing consciousness of God the person. Every challenge is another opportunity to praise God and be thankful for His blessings. It requires some intelligence to make the connection, to see things in the proper light, but when such vision becomes clear then there is full enthusiasm to the endeavor.

We have the inspiration of past leaders and great personalities, such as Shri Hanuman. Everything was going wrong for Shri Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, and Sugriva, the leader of Vanaras in Kishkindha. Though there was the opportunity to complete the great mission of finding Sita Devi, Hanuman only ran into one obstacle after another.

He remained enthusiastic, though sometimes the lack of success temporarily brought him down. He continued enthusiastically, supported by Rama the entire time. Even after completing the mission and reuniting the Divine couple, Hanuman did not stop in his service. He remains in this world for as long as Rama’s glories continue to be told, and this is one reason to enthusiastically recite the holy names on a daily basis: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

The list of problems long,
With today so much wrong.

That children locked in their home,
Feeling isolated and alone,

To worship together now a crime,
Lectures from villains to find.

But still reason for enthusiasm so,
Since everything as God’s will to go.

Five Areas Where We Take Advantage Of An Ability

“One must dedicate everything in the service of the Lord. If one is a learned scholar, scientist, philosopher, poet, etc., then he should employ his learning to establish the supremacy of the Lord. Try to study the energy of the Lord in every sphere of life. Do not decry Him and try to become like Him or take His position simply by fragmental accumulation of knowledge.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.5.32)

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1. Typing

“What classes are you taking next year? I know that you get a few electives. Oh, you don’t want to continue with typing? I think you should reconsider. I have never seen someone as talented as you, and I have been teaching this class for years.

“I understand that in the advanced course next year you might be the only male student, but don’t worry about that. Focus on your work. The extra time dedicated to the craft will do you wonders in the future. Digital is the future, and the more comfortable you are on the keyboard, in conveying your thoughts, inputting data, modifying existing work and so forth, the better off you will be. You will have a tremendous advantage over your peers.”

2. Oration

“Do you see how well she speaks? No one can inspire an audience the way that she does. There is no competition; she not only knows public policy inside and out, she could sit and discuss raising children with you for hours. She has six of her own, and she has managed to stay home with them while keeping up with these public engagements.

“She should really run for office. You don’t want a talent like that to go to waste. She is the best spokesperson for our side, for representing the common person. They need help, as the forces of evil are aligned against everything we hold dear, such as family, religion and country.”

3. Excellence in sports

“You should enroll your child in some sort of organized sports. Not right now, but as soon as this madness ends where they are forcefully restricting the breathing of our children, without any scientific basis, in the name of keeping people safe or whatever.

“Seriously, though, children that young don’t typically do so well at kicking a ball or swimming. Yours is a natural, it seems. Encourage them, if they have interest, but don’t be one of those overbearing parents. Kids like these come along once in a generation, and it would be a shame if the rest of the world didn’t get to see that talent in action.”

4. High scores in math

“There are three primary math courses offered in high school where we live. They are in sequential order, with a state exam at the end of each year. Well, one student got a perfect score on all three examinations. Not one mistake; think about that.

“I think they are the next great physicist or doctor. The world could use good people in those fields. It would be a shame if such a person fell into bad sorts, through lethargy, depression, or alcohol addiction. Keep them engaged, challenge them to strive for more, and they will make the most of their God-given abilities.”

5. Endurance in the water

“Seriously, I have never seen someone so comfortable in the water. They can dive ten to twenty feet down, pick up weighted objects, and bring them back to the surface. They are not scared in the slightest. That is remarkable endurance, the likes of which would cause the military to take notice. We need heroic people in those demanding roles, where they can complete secret missions to further the national interest.”

…

This is just a small sampling, as each individual has a unique genius inside of them. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada says, on the foundation of shastra, that such abilities should be used in establishing the supremacy of God, the one Almighty.

The statement is required since there is a strong possibility that the ability gets used in other, unprofitable ways. For instance, if I am a quick learner, sharp in intellect, I might get carried away to the point that I think I am smarter than everyone else, including those who believe in God.

If I have extraordinary strength, I might think that I could be the strongest person in the world, that no one will defeat me in a fair fight. As the universe is vast and complex, I could spend many lifetimes chasing the elusive post of greatest in the world, only to fall flat on my face in failure.

There is no compelling reason to compete with the Almighty, who is known as Krishna since He is all-attractive. He is not in competition with us, and neither does He intend to bring us down to earth, to humble us, if we should have issues with the false ego.

Rather, He knows that He is the topmost person, Purushottama, and so our natural position is to serve Him in love and devotion. Whatever outstanding abilities we receive are gifts from Him, benedictions in fortune. The goddess of fortune, Lakshmi Devi, dedicates her entire life to pleasing her husband, the Supreme Lord as Narayana.

Any fortune descending to us has the identical ideal purpose. Otherwise, the valuable time in the human birth is spoiled, as to what avail is a losing battle waged even with the sincerest effort and most focused intensity? On the other side, even a few seconds spent in glorifying the Lord will do me a world of good: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Woman of oration exceptional,
Focus work and family bidirectional.

Another an expert in typing field,
A maestro with keyboard to wield.

Whatever ability found,
Ideal when used to sound.

Glories of God and to know,
That forever the greatest so.

Five Names Of Krishna You Might Come Across In Bhagavad-gita

“O Janardana, although these men, overtaken by greed, see no fault in killing one's family or quarreling with friends, why should we, with knowledge of the sin, engage in these acts?” (Arjuna, Bhagavad-gita, 1.37-38)

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यद्य् अप्य् एते न पश्यन्ति
लोभोपहत-चेतसः
कुल-क्षय-कृतं दोषं
मित्र-द्रोहे च पातकम्
कथं न ज्ञेयम् अस्माभिः
पापाद् अस्मान् निवर्तितुम्
कुल-क्षय-कृतं दोषं
प्रपश्यद्भिर् जनार्दन

yady apy ete na paśyanti
lobhopahata-cetasaḥ
kula-kṣaya-kṛtaṁ doṣaṁ
mitra-drohe ca pātakam
kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ
pāpād asmān nivartitum
kula-kṣaya-kṛtaṁ doṣaṁ
prapaśyadbhir janārdana

Bhagavad-gita has been passed down through the ages in the disciplic succession, which has its origin in the original person, the first teacher [adi-guru]. The person who explains that supreme science to the devotees is most dear to Krishna. He states so to Arjuna, who is the direct recipient of that sacred wisdom one time on a battlefield, many thousands of years ago.

य इदं परमं गुह्यं
मद्-भक्तेष्व् अभिधास्यति
भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा
माम् एवैष्यत्य् असंशयः

ya idaṁ paramaṁ guhyaṁ
mad-bhakteṣv abhidhāsyati
bhaktiṁ mayi parāṁ kṛtvā
mām evaiṣyaty asaṁśayaḥ

“For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.68)

In one hypothetical case a person may be a supporter of Krishna since birth. Due to inherited traditions within the family there is related imagery sprinkled throughout the house. The young child observes the parents worshiping in a specific place, at designated times throughout the day. For instance, immediately after showering in the morning, the father approaches the altar and lights incense sticks.

The mother may have a more elaborate presentation. She lights the same sticks, but also rings a bell. After waving the incense, she carries the sticks to every room in the house, as if to distribute the Divine mercy evenly.

A person growing up in such a culture may have a strong affinity for the all-attractive one, but not necessarily have heard any of His direct words, which are preserved within sacred texts in the original language of delivery, Sanskrit.

Thus when they are fortunate to hear from Krishna, through such works as Bhagavad-gita, they come across names that they may not have heard before. The different names are like beautiful embellishments to the wonderful portrait of knowledge, devotion and culture passed down through the ages.

1. Bhagavan

Many of the verses in Bhagavad-gita begin with, “shri bhagavan uvacha.” A translation in English would be, “The Supreme Personality of Godhead said.” This use of an honorific is intentional, as it distinguishes Krishna’s status from that of an ordinary friend or cousin. Though He was close to Arjuna in these relationships, sitting down in the chariot to be its guide, the person Krishna speaking to the disciple in that moment was much more.

Bhagavan describes Krishna as the Supreme Lord, but in a way that is understandable, identifiable, and partially quantifiable. You can know that you have found God by seeing that they have six opulences in full: beauty, wealth, strength, fame, wisdom and renunciation. Bhagavan possesses these attributes simultaneously, as well.

2. Govinda

This name references Krishna’s childhood years, spent in the farm communities of Gokula and Vrindavana. The people relied on cow protection for their livelihood. They were not interested in selling cows for slaughter or exploiting that sacred animal for personal gain.

Rather, from basic protection offered by the owners the amazing cow delivers so much. An abundance of milk products to fulfill a variety of needs. Krishna had a childhood duty of tending to the calves, which was a responsibility shared by the other children in the community, as well.

In taking the calves to the pasturing grounds every day, sometimes they would run astray. Not an issue, as Krishna would simply climb to the top of Govardhana Hill and start playing His flute. The sound would capture everyone’s attention, and they would return to the center of their lives, who was Nanda Maharaja’s son.

Govinda also references how the Supreme Lord gives pleasure to the senses. More than a cheap and temporary sensation provided by intoxicants, connecting with Arjuna’s teacher gives immeasurable pleasure to the senses; enough so that a person never wants to relinquish the connection afterwards.

3. Keshava

This name is due to a brave and heroic act of killing the Keshi demon. During Krishna’s time in Vrindavana, the agitator known as Kamsa, who was the king of Mathura, would regularly send bad characters to get rid of Yashoda’s son. Keshi was one such asura, in the form of a horse, who Krishna easily dispatched.

4. Janardana

This name means that God is the maintainer of the people. Though we appreciate what guardians and protectors do for us, there is someone higher up the chain. Shri Krishna is the seed-giving father, and in this land the material energy is the nurturing mother. Without the father we are nothing, and in Krishna we have the most loving, well-intentioned friend.

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

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

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

5. Hrishikesha

This name describes how Krishna is the owner of all the senses. The senses are the conduit for interaction. On the other side are sense objects. These senses are meant for pleasing the Supreme Lord; there is no other purpose. If we work in such a way that Hrishikesha is pleased, we will be forever benefitted.

In Closing:

Vision of worship receiving,
So in God naturally believing.

Parents incense sticks to wave,
In general pious way to behave.

So as child Bhagavad-gita found,
Many names in it to sound.

To describe Shri Krishna the same,
Who to rescue of Arjuna came.

Five Ridiculous Questions To Pose To A Person of Authority

“We may be very proud of our eyes, but we cannot even see our next-door neighbor. People challenge, ‘Can you show me God?’ But what can they see? What is the value of their eyes? God is not cheap. We cannot see anything, not to speak of God, without sunshine. Without sunlight we are blind. At night, we cannot see anything, and therefore we use electricity because the sun is not present.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Easy Journey To Other Planets, Ch 2)

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1. Can you make me a doctor?

“Oh, you are a doctor? That is pretty cool. A lot of my peers were steered in that direction growing up. I did not follow, likely because I was concerned with the extraordinary effort required in studying. It is a major commitment, and what if I didn’t like the occupation later on? Hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and so many years of your life gone.

“Anyway, can you make me a doctor? You know, just for a day or two. They do that with other jobs, as I’ve seen on television. If you win a contest or something, you get a contract as a recording artist. Perhaps there could be something similar with your profession.

“It doesn’t seem that difficult to me. Just the basics will suffice. You know, tell people to cover their face, obstruct their breathing, due to the new discovery of contagious respiratory illnesses that could kill people even who are asymptomatic. In all seriousness, could I borrow your stethoscope and coat for a day? It would be fun.”

2. Can you make me an airline pilot?

“It was a dream of mine ever since I was little. My parents bought me so many toy airplanes. I would pretend to fly them around the house. I might have even promised to purchase an aircraft when I grew up and take my mom on trips around the world.

“Things didn’t quite work out that way. Would I be able to steer the ship for a few flights? People could refer to me as ‘captain’ and I could make announcements from the cabin. The uniform and hat would look great; we could take some pictures.”

3. Can you make me a champion wrestler?

“I watched all of your matches when I was little. At the time I did not know about the choreography. It’s okay; I don’t resent anyone. I had so much interest that I look back at the period fondly. The performance you guys put on was spectacular.

“Can you make me a wrestler, also? I would love to get in the ring and battle it out with the best of the best. You could help me find a unique finishing move. It would be so much fun. I want to win the championship and hold onto the belt for the longest time, breaking the existing record.”

4. Can you make me a PhD?

“Growing up, my dad had a favorite joke he liked to tell in this regard. He used a word from the Hindi language and mixed it together to describe a PhD as being a fake doctor. It was really funny, and people always laughed when he told it.

“Nevertheless, people do get respect with that title. There are some teachers and heads of academic institutions who insist on being referred to as ‘doctor’. They consider it an insult, otherwise. Can you make me one of those? I really don’t think it is difficult. Celebrities get awarded honorary degrees all the time, so why not just give me a real one?”

5. Can you make me president of the country

“You are the leader of the free world. You actually won your election fair and square. There wasn’t a synchronized halt to the vote-counting in the middle of the night across several key states. There weren’t suitcases of ballots wheeled out when no one was looking. Observers weren’t denied access to the counting through boarded-up windows and locked doors.

“Wouldn’t it be neat if I could sit in your seat for a day? I could deliver an address to a joint session of Congress. I could veto that latest spending bill. I could fly on that amazing airplane. Just for a day or two; I’m sure you could make that happen.”

…

These questions in one sense are an insult, as the people being approached put in significant time and effort to reach their position. They did not become a doctor overnight. If they did, who would trust approaching such a person for medical treatment? The aspiring pilot must log many hours of training in order to be trusted with an aircraft full of passengers.

In the same way, to demand the spiritual master reveal God immediately belittles the entire endeavor associated with spiritual life. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not so cheap a thing that simply by removing a curtain at a carnival show, everyone gets a vision.

As His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explains, we cannot see anything without the sun. Even with artificial lighting during the nighttime, the strength and potency by comparison is laughable. The sun is infinitely more powerful than any light man could produce through electricity and the like.

If we cannot see without the sun, then how can we see God so easily? We obviously require assistance. There must be some training beforehand. There must be some effort, some sacrifice, some dedication, and later some indication that we are worthy of the high achievement.

The guru can certainly help me to see God on my own, but there is a process. I must earn their favor. I must meet the qualifications described in Bhagavad-gita.

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

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

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

Inquire submissively and the spiritual master will provide helpful hints. The speed of the progress depends on my willingness to follow the instruction, to be patient, and to understand who or what I am trying so desperately to see. I might even learn that there are other ways to connect with the Almighty, that sight is not everything: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

Some ridiculous questions to ask,
Like pilot assigning captain’s task.

Or overnight a doctor to be made,
Or respected scholar by institution paid.

Idea that required some training,
Same with vision of God gaining.

Only after spiritual guide pleased by me,
The true realm of Divinity to see.

Five Examples Of Praiseworthy Compassion With Unintended Consequences

“Alas, how strange it is that we are preparing to commit greatly sinful acts, driven by the desire to enjoy royal happiness.” (Arjuna, Bhagavad-gita, 1.44)

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अहो बत महत् पापं
कर्तुं व्यवसिता वयम्
यद् राज्य-सुख-लोभेन
हन्तुं स्व-जनम् उद्यताः

aho bata mahat pāpaṁ
kartuṁ vyavasitā vayam
yad rājya-sukha-lobhena
hantuṁ sva-janam udyatāḥ

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explains that while a certain choice in behavior may align with the desires of the population at large, at the same time it might go against the action preferred by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna.

This is the premise, the backdrop, the beginning, if you will, of the sacred text known as Bhagavad-gita, which is essentially a transcript of an historical incident taking place several thousands of years ago. Two opposing armies situated on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the leading warrior for the Pandava side was unsure with how to proceed.

The dilemma translates well to the modern day, or any time period for that matter. There are many instances of supposedly laudatory behavior, wherein the actor receives almost universal praise for their decision. At the same time, there are underlying consequences, contraindications which may be unseen but are severe in the opposing direction.

1. Giving money to the beggar

One person is fully in favor:

“Just see how generous that person is. Whenever they come upon a beggar in public, they are always willing to help. Others pretend not to notice. They ignore the person who is desperately in need. It takes a lot to be willing to part with what you have. A small gesture goes a long way.”

Another person sees the long-term consequences:

“That charity is not beneficial at all. You could have taken the same money and burned it in a fire and produced a more fruitful result. That bum on the street is going to use the money to purchase more alcohol. They will further descend into madness, and the next day their hunger problem will not be solved. Being generous in this case is only encouraging damaging behavior.”

2. Bailing out a failing company

The resolution passes unanimously in the legislature, with political parties coming together:

“We need that company to succeed. They are too big to fail. It is the essence of compassion to try to save those jobs. What is the alternative? Let everyone become unemployed, overnight? This is where irrational adherence to principles and ideology causes so much trouble. Let go of your beliefs for one second, please. Have a heart.”

There are opponents to the legislation, though they are difficult to find:

“Maybe that company was on the verge of bankruptcy for a reason. They have a good or service that people do not want. Perhaps the management is no good; they don’t know how to balance expenses and revenue. By bailing them out, you are not solving the underlying problem. You are punishing those who are successful in business, like the taxpayers and corporations, and rewarding the less capable. Such a formula will not succeed in the long-run; it is a Ponzi scheme.”

3. Passing a new regulation

Along the lines of freebies from the government, people are happy with the new imposition:

“From now on every insurance company has to offer maternity coverage. No more gaps in insurance. This is not something people will have to negotiate anymore. It is the right thing to do. Why did it take so long for Congress to pass this?”

Another side is perplexed:

“What if I don’t want maternity coverage? Why should I have to pay for it? By imposing on the insurance companies to offer this perk, everyone has to pay higher premiums. Biologically, by the laws of nature and science, I can never get pregnant. This would be like forcing all car companies to produce top of the line sports cars, when most people just want a basic vehicle that will get them to where they need to go.”

4. Rushing new medication to market

The long-awaited cure, or so it seems:

“Thank God for this vaccine. We were sheltering in place, otherwise. I realize it might seem extreme to lock myself at home for over a year, but that’s how scary this virus was. Actually, the mortality rate is not that high in comparison to other diseases, but why take the chance? Now we have the vaccine, which was developed in record time. I cannot wait to take it.”

There is also the skeptic:

“What are the long-term side effects? If a new medical treatment has been around for less than a year, how do we know the impact on people after two or three years? How will they respond to other diseases? Will it have an impact on the immune system? Right now the drug companies can be sued for what they bring to market. This is after the rigorous screening process of the government regulators. With these vaccines, however, the drug companies cannot be sued. If something terrible goes wrong, if you have a bad reaction, there is nothing you can do about it. The makers are not held liable.”

5. Declining to fight in a war

This is what Arjuna was contemplating. Giving up the fight. Dropping the weapons. Possibly retreating to the forest. He came up with every excuse he could think of. His favorite one related to a series of reactions instigated by the fight itself.

If the people on the other side would perish in battle, it would damage the associated families. If the families broke apart, so would religious tradition. Without adherence to religion, society eventually turns to the ways of the animal. Arjuna did not want to be party to this mass destruction, as he saw it.

Though he might win universal praise from commentators for following through on this option, it would go against the wishes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Shri Krishna can see every type of consequence to a particular action. He describes how action might actually be inaction, and vice versa, depending on the situation.

कर्मण्य् अकर्म यः पश्येद्
अकर्मणि च कर्म यः
स बुद्धिमान् मनुष्येषु
स युक्तः कृत्स्न-कर्म-कृत्

karmaṇy akarma yaḥ paśyed
akarmaṇi ca karma yaḥ
sa buddhimān manuṣyeṣu
sa yuktaḥ kṛtsna-karma-kṛt

“One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 4.18)

At the end of the day, the opinion of the Almighty matters most. God plus one equals a majority; always has, always will. Arjuna was fortunate to present his case to Krishna directly, and we are able to follow in the line by approaching a genuine spiritual master, who is steadily linked to Krishna through consciousness.

In Closing:

Despite overtly sinning,
Universal praise winning.

Because of compassion shown,
Not a single objector known.

But against Krishna might be,
Who with longest vision to see.

Where every consequence to consider,
His pleasure only to deliver.

Five Benefits From Reading Vedic Literature

“We must always engage our minds in reading these Vedic literatures. Just as materialists engage their minds in reading newspapers, magazines and so many materialistic literatures, we must transfer our reading to these literatures which are given to us by Vyasadeva; in that way it will be possible for us to remember the Supreme Lord at the time of death.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)

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“I understand that the concept of shastra, sacred text, is practically universal to all religions. They rely upon a book or two as their reference guide. It draws the line between good and bad, piety and sin. It is there to settle doubts, to bring clarity to situations where the proper course of action is otherwise unclear.

“I also acknowledge that in the Vedic tradition shastra is not limited to a single work. You could certainly accept Bhagavad-gita and derive a lifetime’s worth of satisfaction, knowledge, enjoyment, comfort, and strength from it, but this is not an exclusive book club or anything similar. Another person might read Shrimad Bhagavatam, Vishnu Purana, Hari-vamsha, or Ramayana and reach a similar level of enlightenment.

“What would your response be to the argument about living in the past? We are here, right now. This is our life. Sure, people before us have passed on. A similar fate awaits us moving forward. No one can stay here forever. Yet to constantly dwell on the past is to live in illusion, it seems. It is thinking that events which occurred thousands of years ago can come to life, that they can become permanent.

“Is there not a danger in spending too much time reading shastra? Is there not a vulnerability to mishandling current events? You see these nerds in school who make up their own reality. They live in these video games or role-playing adventures, completely shut off from society. I don’t think that is healthy.”

1. Avoiding the news

By reading shastra, you are essentially hearing. It is both recorded instruction and storytelling. It is like travelling into the past and sitting down with a famous personality. Their words have been preserved in written form because the sounds are important to hear. The major compilers, like Vyasadeva and Valmiki, took the time to consider who would be worthwhile in association for future generations.

By engaging in such hearing, I am automatically shut off from the noise around me. The news is one of the major culprits in bringing about dissatisfaction, malaise, ill-will, prejudice, consternation, ignorance, and fear. The other side argues that a person should stay up to date with current events, but when someone spends even a weekend away from the television and internet, their outlook on life tends to improve dramatically.

2. Less distracted

As described in shastra itself, the goal of the human birth is to finally achieve liberation, to be at one with the singular source of the spiritual and material energies. The oneness has different levels, such as a total merge and loss of identity or a singularity in terms of the relationship formed.

Devotees like Hanuman and Arjuna choose the latter. Vaishnavas consider this to be the real meaning of liberation, mukti. It is the superior form of escape from the cycle of birth and death. All other kinds of release have some sort of blemish to them, since they don’t align with the true nature of the individual, who is spirit soul.

To make the potential a reality, I should avoid distractions. Maya will have many avenues and tunnels of exploration, for me to curiously wind down this road and that, to the point that I completely forget my original intention. Even a little contemplation on one of the objects of the senses can cause me to veer off in the wrong direction, like a boat carried away by the wind.

इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां
यन् मनो ऽनुविधीयते
तद् अस्य हरति प्रज्ञां
वायुर् नावम् इवाम्भसि

indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ
yan mano ‘nuvidhīyate
tad asya harati prajñāṁ
vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi

“As a boat on the water is swept away by a strong wind, even one of the senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man's intelligence.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.67)

For the period of time spent in reading, at least the mind has reduced vulnerability to maya. This is due to the nature of the subject matter. Maya is that which is not, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is that which is. He is the lone reality in this world of illusion.

3. Hearing sacred sounds

We don’t have a tape-recording available of the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna that constitutes the Bhagavad-gita. There isn’t video footage of Yashoda’s darling child holding up Govardhana Hill and saving the residents of Vraja from the vengeful wrath of Indra, the king of heaven. We don’t have a published vinyl record that plays the sweet sound vibrations emitted by Krishna’s flute.

Yet from reading we get a similar experience. This is because the words, preserved in the original language of Sanskrit, are like a key-pair translation. We see a word and that triggers the mind to create a sound. This sound is identical to the original. Even in the case of a translation, when done by an authorized and empowered representative of Krishna, the potency remains.

4. Following in the ways of the disciple

Though the human mind is capable of amazing things, though it may come upon amazing discoveries and unlock various secrets of nature through observation and experiment, there is no way to get a proper and complete understanding of the Supreme Lord through speculation alone.

भक्त्या त्व् अनन्यया शक्य
अहम् एवं-विधो ऽर्जुन
ज्ञातुं द्रष्टुं च तत्त्वेन
प्रवेष्टुं च परन्तप

bhaktyā tv ananyayā śakya
aham evaṁ-vidho 'rjuna
jñātuṁ draṣṭuṁ ca tattvena
praveṣṭuṁ ca parantapa

“My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 11.54)

The devotional method flows through the spiritual master. The disciple should offer humble service and inquire submissively. To regularly hear from sacred texts, especially those published by the guru himself, is one way to properly engage as a disciple. The satisfaction of the spiritual master is everything; he can rescue me on the strength of his connection alone.

5. Always connected to the Supreme Lord

This is the best reason to make a routine of reading shastra. It is the easiest way to stay connected to Bhagavan, whose words and activities feature prominently in the preserved words. Vedic literature feeds the reading appetite both in the voluminous and omnivorous cases. The person who wants to focus on a single literature and subject matter will have their satisfaction met, as will the person who wants to consume everything that could be possibly known.

In Closing:

Advice of guru to heed,
That regularly shastra to read.

Benefits many abound,
Connecting through sound.

As if Bhagavan by my side,
In the present to reside.

And outside world put at arm’s length,
Without distractions spiritual strength.

Five Activities I Might Consider Pointless

“For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.27)

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जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्
ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च
तस्माद् अपरिहार्ये ऽर्थे
न त्वं शोचितुम् अर्हसि

jātasya hi dhruvo mṛtyur
dhruvaṁ janma mṛtasya ca
tasmād aparihārye ‘rthe
na tvaṁ śocitum arhasi

1. Waking up in the morning

“I want to sleep for at least a week straight. Serious. What is out there for me? Under the covers, with the fan running, I don’t even hear the outside world. Near complete sensory deprivation. I don’t need to eat anything; that only causes more problems.

“If I get up, I know that I will be attacked with one issue after another. I will become so exhausted throughout the day that I will long for the return to where I am currently: the bed. There is no point in waking up; I swear.”

2. Feeding yourself on time

“You receive conflicting advice. One group says to eat on a regular basis, in a timely manner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, at a minimum. Maintain control over portions. Skipping meals is when you start to overcompensate, leading to health issues.

“An emerging group gaining in popularity says the opposite. Fast on an intermittent basis. Consume all of your calories for the day within a specific window of time. A few hours, at most, and the rest of the time give your digestive system a break.

“I can do better than both groups. Just forget eating. Don’t even think about it. If you are super hungry, go grab something, but otherwise don’t pay it any attention. What is the point, anyway?”

3. Getting an education during youth

“For the twelve plus years that I spent in school, there was not a single day that I enjoyed going. I never looked forward to school. This was my sentiment dating back to the pre-school era. I specifically remember negotiating with my mom to allow me to stay home one day. It so happened that someone from the school later knocked on our front door.

“I thought I was in trouble, for sure, but it turns out that there were horses visiting the school that day and they wanted to know if I would like to see them. Meet the horses, climb onto them, dress up, and take pictures. It was a memorable experience, especially since I had intentionally skipped school.

“When we reach adulthood, how much of what we have learned actually applies to daily life? Many people would contend that very little does. Therefore, what is the point of it? Why not learn through example and life struggles, instead?”

4. Taking care of people who need help

“You’re supposed to assist the needy. Lend them a helping hand. Take care of the sick and the downtrodden. Blah, blah, blah. What is any of that really going to do? Why would they want to hang around in this miserable world, anyway? It is not like the healthy are any happier. If you’re healthy, it just means people expect more out of you. They take advantage.”

5. Working for a living

“They tell you to find your passion in life. In school they ask what you want to be when you grow up. What if I don’t want to do anything? I will live off of others. You might consider that shameful, but what does it really matter in the end? We are all going to die. Once that forced exit occurs, everything gets left behind, including your reputation.”

…

While it may seem hopeless, while it may seem like there is no point to living, while it may seem like nothing is worthwhile, while the risks are too strong, with a reward not even close to commensurate, there is a purpose to living. It is indeed a blessing to be in this human form of life.

Shri Krishna confirms in Bhagavad-gita that death is certain for the person who has taken birth. He acknowledges the reality, and nothing can change that law of nature. Yet, instead of using that reality as an excuse to do nothing, the Supreme Personality of Godhead recommends the path of dharma. Use guaranteed death as the impetus to follow righteousness, honor and duty.

This is because there is an achievement to be had, purushartha. The greatest benefit to the living being who is an enjoyer, purusha, while associating with this land of temporary matter, prakriti. Work in such a way that the consciousness will be purified. That is the perfection of human life.

Upon achieving this perfection, the component activities become purified. It is like travelling on a time machine and repairing previous wrongs. All of those days I decided to wake up. All of that time spent in school. The association with the less fortunate. The attention to rules and regulations in eating and sleeping.

Everything culminated in the attachment to the lotus feet of the all-attractive one. This means that everything was worth it. Had I not participated in life, I would not have found the proper destination. For this blessing I am thankful to everyone, including nature itself, for revealing to me the Absolute Truth, the one whose effulgence is bright enough to light up the entire universe for eternity and beyond.

In Closing:

To my lethargy appealing,
Desire to wake up not feeling.

Since destined to end,
Why effort to expend?

But when to dharma steered,
The past mistakes cleared.

Since now to eternity bound,
Shelter of lotus feet found.

Five Images From Vedic Culture That Might Be A Tough Sell

“Vasudeva saw that wonderful child born as a baby with four hands, holding conchshell, club, disc, and lotus flower, decorated with the mark of Shrivatsa, wearing the jeweled necklace of kaustubha stone, dressed in yellow silk, appearing dazzling like a bright blackish cloud, wearing a helmet bedecked with the vaidurya stone, valuable bracelets, earrings and similar other ornaments all over His body and an abundance of hair on His head.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vol 1, Ch 3)

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“I am sure you have heard this explanation before. It seems rational enough, at least to me. You have these people who study different cultures. They create a sort of comparison sheet. They check to see what is the same between the various groups. What is different? They might notice similarities in, say, worship of the sun. One group refers to the sun by a certain name, another group with their own name, but the level of reverence is practically identical.

“The explanation I’m alluding to is that a lot of the mythology, for lack of a better word, is based on a primitive understanding. Without the tools of modern science at their disposal, people came up with stories to explain the various phenomena of nature.

“For instance, they didn’t understand the concept of a planet, so they made up a deity who took the form of a planet. They didn’t understand how eclipses work, so they passed on a story about one planet eating another.

“While we generally don’t criticize people of the past for thinking this way, we acknowledge that today we have better explanations. Nothing about an origin, mind you, but at least there is a scientific explanation for things like earthquakes, cloud formation, eclipses, and so forth.

“I think what is unique about Vedic culture is that the majority of the people within it still hold on to the old explanations. I know there is a substantive reason for this, that there is so much other accompanying information that is relevant today more than ever, but doesn’t that present a predicament? Aren’t some of the images a tough sell to the sophisticated person educated in modern times?”

1. A talking monkey who can leap over oceans and carry a mountain in his hands

His name is Hanuman. He is likely the most popular deity within Vedic culture, as there are different branches and offshoots depending on region and inherited traditions within the family. Shri Hanuman is like a great unifier; universal respect, adoration and affection for him.

He is in the peculiar physical body of a monkey. The Sanskrit word is Vanara, which refers to a forest dweller, but other Sanskrit words are also used to describe the form. Hari and kapi can refer to monkeys, and so it is not in dispute the type of form Hanuman carries in the manifest world.

The Vanaras of the period of time described in the Ramayana show hints of civilized life. Hanuman, for instance, can speak Sanskrit and engage in diplomacy for the benefit of Sugriva, the king of Vanaras in Kishkindha.

Hanuman’s defining characteristic is his pure devotion for the Supreme Lord. Hanuman worships Rama, who is an avatara of the singular Almighty, the one God worshiped by the entire universe since time immemorial.

Because of his pure devotion, Hanuman has exceptional abilities. He can leap over oceans, for instance. He can change his size at will, becoming small in an instant and also larger than a tree, if needed. In one famous image, he is carrying a mountain in one hand. This is to rush to the scene of a rescue, with no time to lose in search of a specific herb within that giant mass of land.

2. Someone with poison stuck in their throat

This image is of Lord Shiva. In many sections of Vedic literature he is referred to as the Supreme Lord Himself. He is sort of identical to the person worshiped by Hanuman, but manifesting differently within this world. He accepts the specific duty of destroying the entire creation at the appropriate time.

Lord Shiva is also known as Mahadeva, or the great god. He has peculiar features and characteristics. He is known to stay around crematoriums. Ghosts and spirits work under his direction, and he smears ashes on his body.

Mahadeva is the most renounced, and so he has no issue taking on difficult tasks in the service of others. He maintains poison within his throat, as a means of helping the gods in their battles with the demons, the asura class.

3. An elephant god

Ganesha is another popular deity within the Vedic tradition. His image and likeness are fixtures in business establishments and also homes. He is known to remove obstacles from the path of the people who worship him.

Ganesha is the devoted son of Mahadeva and Parvati Devi. There is a unique story to him receiving an elephant head, but that did not change his disposition or his great qualities. Ganesha has the notable distinction of being worshiped first in every important Vedic ritual.

4. A crow teaching an eagle about topics life and death

Passed forward through the wonderful poem of Goswami Tulsidas known as Ramacharitamanasa, we have the conversation between the crow named Kaka and the eagle named Garuda. Both are devoted to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and they are happy to be seated in the position of meditation.

Kaka is the teacher. He tells the tale of Rama’s appearance and lila in this world. Garuda listens attentively. This real-life exchange also symbolizes the importance of the guru-disciple relationship and the ideal behavior of each participant.

5. A blue-complexioned figure who has four hands and is wonderfully adorned

This is the vision of Narayana, who is also known as Vishnu. This is one image for the Almighty. Contrary to what speculation might conclude, God is neither old nor tired. He is so beautiful that a person is mesmerized at the sight.

The vision of Narayana confirms Divinity, as Vasudeva saw this image of the Supreme Lord in his newborn child named Krishna. Vasudeva and his wife, Devaki, were devoted to Narayana for several lifetimes, and the fruit of that dedicated worship was receiving God Himself as their beloved son.

…

These images might be a tough sell to the uninitiated, but as we can see the explanations are deep and expansive. There is much more to these personalities than a single picture can show. The glories of Narayana’s devotees are too great to be spoken or written down in a single millennium, so we can only imagine how wonderful God Himself is, along with His teachings preserved to the modern day.

In Closing:

Perhaps a tough sell,
But images much to tell.

Like Hanuman’s amazing strength,
Ganesha’s glories of immeasurable length.

Mahadeva in service ready,
Even holding poison steady.

That limitless qualities of Divine showing,
With time the greatness only growing.

Five Ways To Help People

“For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 18.68)

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य इदं परमं गुह्यं
मद्-भक्तेष्व् अभिधास्यति
भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा
माम् एवैष्यत्य् असंशयः

ya idaṁ paramaṁ guhyaṁ
mad-bhakteṣv abhidhāsyati
bhaktiṁ mayi parāṁ kṛtvā
mām evaiṣyaty asaṁśayaḥ

Like sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office, everyone hopes to eventually pass through the doors and meet with someone else. Though in the office setting the wait time might reach a maximum of a few hours, with the entirety of life the stay within the present body lasts one hundred years, if you are lucky.

Even still, that body is always changing. From boyhood to youth to old age - constant change. Snapshot images capture the physical appearance of the body at a moment in time, but know that it is always changing. This is why people require haircuts on a frequent basis. More infrequent are changes to lifestyle due to certain milestones in age being reached.

In supposing that we were to last one hundred years in the great waiting room, there has to be a way to pass the time. Someone who acknowledges impending and inevitable death instead of ignoring it might decide to help others. They take it as their mission to make a positive difference, so that they can look back on the life concluded and not have regrets.

1. Educate them

“I would not be where I am today without someone teaching me. I have heard the stories of people in small towns attending a single school their entire lives. There was one teacher who instructed all of the students, regardless of age.

“Some people learn at home. The mother or father instructs them. Perhaps the older siblings get called to duty. Regardless of who it is or how many there are, the instructors are amazing. To me, they are doing God’s work. They assume a role of authority in order to help others. Teaching is the noblest profession out there.”

2. Feed them

“We have so much food in this part of the world that people casually toss aside the excess. The regular garbage collection in the neighborhood features enough food to feed entire populations in different parts of the world.

“Those people are not so lucky. Perhaps they have a tyrannical government, whose first priority was to eliminate the wealthy from society. Now there is no incentive to produce, thereby leading to scarcity in goods and services. The leaders have plenty for themselves, but the common man is begging and starving.

“In this way, to feed those who are in need is noble. I do not think anyone would object to this kind of behavior. Though we are all destined to die, there is no harm in keeping others alive, in maintaining their good health. Let them live a full and happy life, albeit a temporary one, just as it is for the rest of us.”

3. Heal them

“I have earned so much money as a doctor. I came to this country specifically to practice this profession. In this part of the world doctors get paid very well. They are respected in society. Maybe that is changing with the times, as today the medical community is driven more by politics than proper treatment and honest dealings with patients.

“I remember where I came from. It was a humble beginning. The people do not have much, but they are good. They are religious in nature and they are not duplicitous. They perhaps lack the resources to pay for top of the line medical treatment, so I will do my best. I plan on setting up a free clinic in my hometown. I will not charge anyone. I will do my best to heal the sick, to uplift the community that means so much to me.”

4. Entertain them

“These people are in a war zone. They face imminent death on a daily basis. They are neither elderly nor infirmed. They are quite young, and many have families back home. They have decided to make the ultimate sacrifice in defending the country from foreign attack.

“The least I can do for them is entertain. Everyone needs that in life. You can’t be working from morning until night. You need a way to relax, and I am glad there are people willing to fulfill that role. I will always be mindful of the diversity of the audience, how not everyone is of the same political persuasion or income level. I am here to entertain specifically, not to talk down to the audience or accuse them of horrible behavior without knowing any of them individually.”

5. Enlighten them

The number will eventually get called for every person in the waiting room, but what happens on the other side? Who exactly is the meeting with? To where does a person go after death? Why did they take birth in the first place? Who controls the entire system? Is there anyone in charge, at the helm observing and overseeing?

Bhagavad-gita gives a brief explanation, but one that is complete at the same time. This information is intended for every person who takes birth. Not until there is the second birth with the association of the spiritual master does the official knowledge transfer take place, but everyone who is born has the right to access such information.

Those who pass it on are very dear to the origin of the knowledge. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the best well-wishing friend of every living entity. In terms of merciful affection, He does not distinguish between high or low, man or woman, or even human and non-human.

भोक्तारं यज्ञ-तपसां
सर्व-लोक-महेश्वरम्
सुहृदं सर्व-भूतानां
ज्ञात्वा मां शान्तिम् ऋच्छति

bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati

“The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 5.29)

A valuable way I can spend my time in this birth is to hear the teachings and assimilate the culture whereby I can always remain connected to Krishna in consciousness. If I pass on the wisdom to others, to those who are willing to hear, then I have helped another life. That can create a chain effect, whereby countless souls are liberated from the cycle of birth and death through the association of the one whose names are many and full of potency: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In Closing:

In large waiting room sitting,
Forced eventually quitting.

This life to which grew fond,
So how best to dwell upon?

Perhaps a helping hand giving,
Treatment to turn ill into living.

But to pass on Gita wisdom the best,
One shining moon to brighten the rest.

Five Regrettable Periods From My Past That I Now Celebrate

“The many past births you spoiled can be rectified right now, today, if you start chanting Shri Rama’s holy name and renounce bad association, says Tulsi.” (Dohavali, 22)

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बिगरी जनम अनेक की सुधरै अबहीं आजु |
होहि राम को नाम जपु तुलसी तजि कुसमाजु ||

bigarī janama aneka kī sudharai abahīṃ āju |
hohi rāma ko nāma japu tulasī taji kusamāju ||

Hearing the promise from Goswami Tulsidas, it almost seems too good to be true. I just have to do two things and not only will I be happy right now, but so many past lives get purified? That does not make a lot of sense, although I am intrigued.

People always tell me that you cannot return to the past. What is gone is gone. No turning back. At the recent death of a family member, we started looking through old photo albums. I found many pictures of my childhood, to which I look back fondly. It was a simpler time, and everyone was happy in the home that we lived.

Yet the person who just departed was a primary component of that life. This means that we physically can never return to that situation; a member is missing. They will never be here again. They have moved on to the spiritual world. They have left the body behind. Therefore, this idea of correcting past lives is a little difficult to accept.

When we have such doubts, we can review a few regrettable time periods from our own life. These are mini-births, in a sense. We were of the same identity, but in a different kind of body. We know for a fact that the experiences took place, because we remember them. Due to the advice of Tulsidas, we now have a favorable opinion of those experiences, but for an entirely different reason than one might suspect.

1. Those nights of drinking

“We had nothing better to do. Seriously, we were bored. It was a kind of staging period. Nearing the end of our college years, coasting through the end of the final semester, we were simply waiting to graduate. We knew that we would each go our separate ways, likely to never have the same closeness again.

“We decided to pass the time by drinking. Night after night. I am not sure if we were alcoholics, but we consumed way more than we should have. It was an obvious manifestation of depression. There were temporary thrills followed by deep regret in the morning. Our health was deteriorating, as well

“I now look back to that time fondly. It is because I know that was not a sustainable way of life. It takes many people an entire lifetime to realize the same, but I learned much more quickly. That period of time was vital to my subsequent enlightenment, though I am obviously still learning.”

2. Those years of playing sports

“This occurred in adult life, after establishing a career. There comes a time when you seek more. Going to work and coming home gets boring after you do it for many years in a row. Especially if you are at the same job, you start to go crazy.

“I could not decide what ‘more’ I needed, so I tried different things. For a while, I played in various recreational sports leagues. These were on the weeknights, with other adults. I must say, it was a terrible experience. For starters, I did not care much for the competitive aspect. It was more fun playing the same games in a leisurely environment with my friends.

“As soon as I gave up on these leagues, I was much happier. You could say I wasted my time in those years, but I look back on them fondly, now. I learned exactly what I did not want. Knowledge is power.”

3. Those endless hours of television viewing

“It is the most reliable friend, if you think about it. If your buddy just got married and no longer has time for you, no problem. If it is snowing outside and you can’t go anywhere, at least you have a fallback. Feeling bored on a Friday night and want to relax for the weekend? Make it a goal to finish an entire season of a television show.

“I did this a lot during my youth, and I must say that it never brought me any sort of meaningful happiness. It was just a way to pass the time. I found that I was much more depressed, after the fact. This was important to go through, as I later learned the power of hearing and connecting to others through books. I found the right kind of books, too, and I have never looked back.”

4. Those road-trips to nowhere

“At least it was something to look forward to. Plan a trip for the weekend. Mark out a block of time months in advance in order to get a change of scenery. I travelled so much that I accumulated loyalty reward points with the airlines. I was getting free flights, left and right.

“Those trips are much more infrequent nowadays. Not that changing scenery is not good for you, but I am more satisfied in the self. I found something that feels like an adventure every day. Something new and exciting, though connected to a single person.”

5. That sole focus on earning money

“I must say, that got boring really fast. It was almost like a game. Pick up a side job. Look for a way to earn passive income. Change jobs every three years. Move from company to company. Climb the ladder of success.

“One day I realized that even if I had all the money in the world, I had nothing to do with it. I could not eat it for satisfaction. I could not even tell my friends, as they would surely become envious. What good was it doing me? I understand that we need money to live, but it should never become the sole focus.”

…

The past births I spoiled become glorious when they lead me to the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The same applies for the different time periods I regret within this lifetime. If I am fortunate to find the holy name of Rama and today renounce bad association, then everything has ended well.

I am no longer stuck in the past. I have a vibrant, exciting, and bright future to look forward to. I can always be by the side of the one who is worshiped by Hanuman, who is served in devotion by Sita Devi, who is protected by Lakshmana, and who is glorified by Valmiki and Tulsidas.

In Closing:

Focused on money to earn,
Or on which road to turn.

Maybe in sport playing,
Or what television displaying.

Time in various ways spent,
The past quickly it went.

But all for good since today I’ve found,
To Sita-Rama eternally bound.

Five Things A Person Might Have Grown Up Without

“Besides this inferior nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is a superior energy of Mine, which are all living entities who are struggling with material nature and are sustaining the universe.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 7.5)

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अपरेयम् इतस् त्व् अन्यां
प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम्
जीव-भूतां महा-बाहो
ययेदं धार्यते जगत्

apareyam itas tv anyāṁ
prakṛtiṁ viddhi me parām
jīva-bhūtāṁ mahā-bāho
yayedaṁ dhāryate jagat

Through the ages the nature of living changes, as particularly evidenced by the last one hundred years or so. While there is rapid advancement in areas affecting daily life, one thing certainly does not change. Each generation has their lamentation and concern regarding the future. They were accustomed to growing up a certain way and they see that the next generation has it a lot easier.

1. Television

“In my day, we didn’t have television. I am serious. There was not this large appliance in the house that everyone sat around throughout the day. We had the radio. We would receive vital information that way. Newspapers and published works. We considered books to be a luxury. The library was the favorite place for people seeking knowledge.

“The arrival of a new book brought tremendous excitement. Especially if the subject matter was foreign to us, it was like opening up a whole new world. We could immediately travel to a different place, see how other people lived, and possibly learn a thing or two from them.

“Most importantly, we never felt deprived. We were not bored during the daytime. Children played outside after school. We were active. There wasn’t a public campaign against childhood obesity. We had so much fun throughout the year. In the winter it was throwing snowballs and shoveling the driveways of the neighbors. In the summer it was pretending to be baseball players we heard about on the radio or saw live at the stadium.”

2. Cable television

“When I was growing up we didn’t have cable television. It was just beginning to gain in popularity. I remember an extended family member had it hooked up in their home. They lived far away from the city, so they had no other option. The free channels could not be picked up by an antenna.

“As children, we were certainly excited whenever we visited this family member. It was great to watch baseball games, wrestling and cartoons on these extra channels, but in general everything was fine at home. We were plenty entertained with the over-the-air stations.

“In fact, this large congregation of viewers forced the networks to provide better content. Everything was family-friendly. They were catering to the needs of the customer. They were not pointing the finger at society, in general, lecturing them about their supposed flaws without ever having met them.”

3. Internet

“It is strange to think about today, but we grew up without internet. If you had a favorite recording artist, you could not just type their name into a search engine and see what they looked like. You had to purchase their music from a physical store and then see the artwork inside of the cassette or CD package. You had to find their interviews in magazines and newspapers.

“More often than not, you just waited for their music to appear on television. We had a video cassette recorder, so we tried to preserve content that way. Nevertheless, the consumption of information was vastly different than it is today.

“To be honest, there were no issues. We did not feel as if we were missing anything. As far as I could tell, people were not clamoring for something better. I noticed that they tended to retain information better. Think about it: we had to. For instance, I knew the fifty states in America and each capital. I could not quickly look it up on the internet. My ability to spell was also better than it is now.”

4. Smartphones

“This is probably one of those inventions that a lot of people wish could be undone. Eliminate it altogether. Return to a time when there was more direct social interaction. People sitting down to a meal and actually looking at one another. A safer time on the roads, with drivers less distracted.

“We did not grow up with smartphones. We had the larger cell phones, and some of them were with a fold-out keyboard. We could send text messages, which was a valuable feature. Nevertheless, these devices were strictly for communication. We were not keeping them close by throughout the day. We were not slowly going blind by looking at them from morning until night.”

5. Social media

“When I was growing up, people consumed content without commentary. If someone published an article on a particular political topic, you could read the entire thing without interference. You would then contemplate. If you had a rebuttal, you would write an official reply to the publisher. Maybe you would try to publish your own views on the subject matter.

“There was no time wasted on petty feuds. There were these forums and message boards, but I quickly realized those were not places for me. It was an insult contest. Find some nameless, faceless user and try your best to make them cry.

“We lacked social media, and I think people were a lot happier. Today, it seems like we can’t live without this method of communication, but let me assure you that we managed just fine without it. People found a way to congregate, to join forces for a common interest, and to share precious moments with friends and family.”

…

Choose any arbitrary point in the vast timeline of existence and you can find a person with a similar story. A common term used to describe them is, “old fuddy duddy.” They are old-fashioned or considered a traditionalist.

While it may be amusing to listen to the complaints of such a person, they all essentially have the same message:

“We lived in the past without a lot of what is available today. Not only did we survive, but we were happier than you people are today.”

This highlights an important truth put forward by the acharyas of the Vedic tradition. They define real progress as the advancement of the consciousness. The human birth is itself a milestone. Appearing from the womb of the mother is an achievement to be celebrated, as then begins the opportunity for inquiring into Brahman.

That inquiry hopefully leads to the second birth, the one given by the combination of spiritual master and Vedic literature; guru and shastra. The human being has the unique opportunity for this second birth, and there is no hindrance based on the circumstances of the time.

That is to say we can achieve perfection in life regardless of the timeline of progress for technology. Whether there is a smartphone around or only printed books at the local library, the goal remains the same. The philosophy is, “simple living and high thinking.”

As Krishna confirms in Bhagavad-gita, the living entities are actually part of the superior energy. They fall prey to the transformations within the inferior energy, struggling with what they think they can’t live without. In truth, it is the living entities who dominate.

Vairagya tied to the pursuit of excellence in spiritual living brings real and lasting happiness. Otherwise, every new so-called advancement is another source of bondage, a way to tie me to the cycle of birth and death. In the next life I will have to start over, hoping to get the chance at understanding transcendence.

I may have grown up without an amenity vital to the modern world, but if I have the shelter of the guru and Bhagavan, I am the most fortunate person in this world. My life is meant for service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the original author of everything great in this world. If I stay close to Him in a lifetime engagement of devotional service, I will always feel as if no one is luckier than me.

In Closing:

Since Divine shelter to see,
No one luckier than me.

The guru my prospects to save,
Timeless Vedic wisdom gave.

So that in any situation can thrive,
Even in destitution to feel alive.

Proper association through sound,
Now to eternal life bound.