Author Archives: Chaitanya Charan das

When facing serious problems, should we first focus on solving problems and then practice bhakti?
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Answer Podcast

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Transcription :

Transcriber: Bhakta Sharan

Question: When facing serious problems, should we first focus on solving problems and then practice bhakti?

Answer: Each problem is different. To have a heavy workload is one kind of problem and going through a major health crisis is another. Similarly, having a traumatic relationship conflict is a problem of its own kind. Each of these problems pose different obstacles on our bhakti path.

If we have a sore throat or our leg is fractured and the doctor has advised us to not exert pressure, and still we continue to sing loudly in kirtan or climb a mountain to go to a temple, then such action is foolhardy. We might have to stop a particular devotional service until our physical capacity is restored. We have to follow all the prescribed exercises and medications till we are physically fit.

In case of excessive workload where we have to meet deadlines, postponing our devotional engagements for some time is understandable. Simultaneously we need to check whether working more hours really translates in progressing towards meeting our deadline. Sometimes more hours at work does not necessarily mean more productivity at work. Being alert and taking breaks could actually help us to be more productive. What one does in those breaks could vary from person to person.

Doing activities like hearing kirtan, studying philosophy, listening devotional lectures etc. could actually help sharpen our mental faculty and reduce stress which helps in boosting productivity. One should not think that because I am so busy therefore, I cannot do my devotional activities. Rather, one should be open towards the perspective that my devotional activities could in fact help me do my work better.

In a relationship conflict, emotional pain experienced is much more than the physical pain. Amidst such trauma, one can think that after this gets over, I will practice bhakti. It is understandable that in such situation one should stay focused and purposeful without which it will be very difficult to remain in an emotionally well-balanced situation.

Problem solving is not like weight lifting where the more pressure we exert the more weights we can lift. Problem solving is like applying the right kind of voltage for the right device. If a device receives less power than what it needs, then it cannot function properly. However, at the same time if the device gets more power than what it needs, that will also be a problem. Similarly, we need to find out what amount of thinking help us solve the problem and what amount of thinking starts affecting us negatively. Unless we recognize this dynamic difference, we will continue to think about the problem understanding that the more we think about the problem, the more we will be able to deal with it. At one level this may be true because we need to think to solve the problem. However, we need to understand that thinking endlessly about the problem will also not help. Our thoughts need to be sharp and […]

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Should a devotee profession try to become a CEO to demonstrate how devotees can be materially successful too?
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Answer Podcast

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2018%20QA/10-18%20QA/Should%20a%20devotee%20profession%20try%20to%20become%20a%20CEO%20to%20demonstrate%20how%20devotees%20can%20be%20materially%20successful%20too.mp3

Transcription :

Transcriber: Bhakta Sharan

Question: Should a devotee profession try to become a CEO to demonstrate how devotees can be materially successful too?

Answer: All of us have certain capacities of stretching ourselves in carrying out various tasks. If we are in a zone below that capacity, it is called comfort zone (the name maybe comfort zone but staying there for too long makes us uncomfortable). Above the comfort zone is stretch zone and beyond it is the panic zone. Lifting a weight is either within our capacity or way above our capacity. Stretch zone varies from person to person. Ideally, it would be great that devotees have the best profession, or they are the best in their profession. However, we should remember that not every student in the class can be first.

Devotional sincerity is good but in the material world the translation of devotional intention into successful action also requires material competence. Different people will have different competence. For example, there might be a student who comes first in his class and also practices high standards of sadhana in devotional life. Other devotee students would surely want to emulate him. If the students out of peer pressure desire to be first in the class but neglect the fact that they take 14-15 hours to study compared to the topper who takes only 5-6 hours, then this might not be the best way that they can contribute.

We have to find out for ourselves what level of success or what level of progressing towards success is sustainable and holistic for us. Striving to be the best in our field is good but striving to be connected with Krishna and pursuing our profession in the context of our connection with Krishna is even more important.

For someone, the pursuit of becoming the best may take them away from Krishna. For some, the pursuit to be devoted to Krishna may inspire and equip them to become the best and for others, the pursuit of becoming the best and the pursuit to be devoted to Krishna may go parallel. We can understand this with three scenarios as follows:

A. In a class, there might be students who are average or above average and the pursuit to be the topper may take them away from Krishna (I have to study so much, I have no time for bhakti)
B. Some students may have a lot of potential but are unable to cope up due to their own negativity. However, when they feel positive after practising bhakti, it inspires them to become the best.
C. And then, there are toppers who are also devotees and they may continue practising bhakti and remain on top.

All these three possibilities are there, and which possibility applies to us that we have to see.

To conclude, there are central and peripheral activities of devotion. More broadly, there are primary, secondary and tertiary activities of devotion. Primary activities are our direct devotional expressions and responsibilities, secondary activities of devotion could be our family […]

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Stop fighting battles that are already lost and start fighting the battle that is never lost – Vritrasura pastime analysis 3
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[Bhagavatam class at Raleigh, North Carolina, USA]
Podcast
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/desiretree/2018%20classes/10-18%20classes/Stop%20fighting%20battles%20that%20are%20already%20lost%20and%20start%20fighting%20the%20battl…

Can you explain the various stages in chanting – namaprada, namabhasa, shudda-nama?
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Answer Podcast

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2018%20QA/10-18%20QA/Can%20you%20explain%20the%20various%20stages%20in%20chanting%20-%20namaprada%2C%20namabhasa%2C%20shuddha-nama.mp3

Transcription :

Transcriber: Bhakta Sharan

Question: Can you explain the various stages in chanting – namapradha, namabhasa, shuddha-nama?

Answer: There are broadly three ways in which we can understand the various stages in chanting – (i) manifestation (ii) experience and (iii) potency of the holy names.

At one level, Krishna is non-different from his holy names. It is said, namnam akari bahudha nija sarva shaktis (Sri Siksastakam – Verse 2), meaning his potency is fully present in his holy names. At the same time, Krishna is also reciprocal. He is not static or void but is actually a person who reciprocates according to our devotion. Although Krishna is always omnipotent, we need to recognize that whatever is manifested to us is essentially based not just on Krishna’s potency but also on our receptivity. An analog fan may have access to 100 percent power but the speed at which it rotates depends on the positive progression in turning the switch. More the switch is progressively turned in the right direction, more energy from the fan can be experienced. Similarly, those who are atheist or envious towards Krishna, they cannot perceive Him at all. However, for those who are focused on reciprocating with Krishna, His power becomes manifest to them depending on their receptivity. This principle of reciprocity can be applied to analyse the power of the holy names.
It is said, sevonmukhe hi jihvadau svayam eva sphuraty adah (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.234). This means, to the extent we turn towards Krishna with service attitude to that extent we experience his potency.

Shuddha nama is like the tuner of the fan being fully on or a sun which has completely risen. Namabhasa is like a rising sun. The sun although not visible to us, but it is present, and its effect is visible to us because we can see the horizon illuminated through a red glow spreading across the sky.

Namaparadha is like pre-risen sun or the state before the sun has risen.

What does aparadha basically mean? That which takes us away from Radha or the divine energy who is completely devoted to Krishna is called aparadha. To the extent our consciousness is directed elsewhere, to that extent we cannot relish the sweetness of Krishna bhakti. The sun is always effulgent but whether we see it or not depends on time and our location on earth. Similarly, Krishna will manifest to us depending on where the switch of our consciousness is and how receptive we are.

Namapradha stage can be perceived as having a gun with no bullets. Suppose a person is being chased by thugs and eventually they confront him. At this point, if the person points an empty gun at them then just by this act some of the thugs may run away. Pointing an unloaded gun is not completely useless. It does help us scare away the intruders. Namabhasa stage is like a gun with limited number of bullets which needs to be loaded every time before shooting. Shuddha-nama stage is like an automatic […]

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If we learn to depend on mentors, but then they aren’t available when needed, what can we do?
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Answer Podcast
https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2018%20QA/10-18%20QA/If%20we%20learn%20to%20depend%20on%20mentors%2C%20but%20then%20they%20aren%E2%80%99t%20available%20when%20needed%2C%20what%20can%20we%20do.mp3

Transcription :
Tr…

If someone is depressed and suicidal, how can we help them?
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Answer Podcast

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2018%20QA/10-18%20QA/If%20someone%20is%20depressed%20and%20suicidal%2C%20how%20can%20we%20help%20them.mp3

Transcription :

Transcribed by: Raji Nachiappan

Question: If somebody feels depressed or suicidal, how do we help them?

Answer: If people feel that we can non-judgmentally understand them, then people open up. The biggest burden, in actuality, is the burden of a mask. Sometimes, when we have to carry a heavy bag, we may consider it a burden. Yes, it can be. However, when we wear a mask out of fear of judgement by others, we conceal ourselves, our struggles, our problems and fears. Such a mask is a much bigger burden. Of course, to some extent, we all have lower desires and we need to discipline them. This is required in a civilised society. However, if certain issues are troubling us and we have nowhere to share that, then that becomes a burden.

If we can somehow give people the faith that we are not going to judge them, then they can open their heart. Once they open, then we can direct their thoughts in a particular way and offer suggestions. However, what can happen is that people can live in denial. Or sometimes, they specify they are depressed and make a show of their depression. In cases where people make a show of their depression, they are in denial of the possibility that they can come out of it. They have accepted that this is how they are. They think that if they try to change but are unsuccessful, then people may judge and condemn them. As a result, they stop trying itself.

In essence, people need a sense of connection with others. There are some areas in which people feel safe to open up. For example, if we happen to be living alone in a locality with a high crime rate and if someone knocks on the door, we do not immediately open the door. We might have a look through security window, or we might just open the door slightly to have a look. In the same way, people through their words open their hearts a little bit. If at that time, we can act in a non-judgemental and helpful way, then they will open their heart. At that time, especially, if we can connect them with some spiritual wisdom, then even if we are not there, the spiritual wisdom will be there for them.

Therefore, first we try to establish a personal connection with them and then try to give them a spiritual connection. If somebody is very seriously depressed, then it is best to seek help from someone who is trained. If they are ready to take that help, then we can try to be the medium in between. However, we cannot ourselves become too caught in somebody else’s world. When we are trying to help others, we can’t help them unless they want to be helped. The door to personal change can only be opened from inside. Unless there is a spark for change from their side, we will only be beating ourselves. Unfortunately, […]

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Gita 01.17 Don’t let minor grammatical disputes overshadow major narrational and philosophical thrust
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast
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Gita 01.16 Yudhishthira doesn’t come first in the list of warriors but is still their undisputed leader
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/ccd%20classes/Lecture%20series/Gita%20verse-by-verse/Series2/Gita%2001.16%20Yudhishthira%20doesn%27t%20come%20first%20in%20the%20list%20of%20warriors%20but%20is%20still%20t…