Removing the Fear of Prabhupada’s Presence

Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Gita 08.12 – In yoga, the technical is a necessary preliminary to the transcendental appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Bhagavatam study 28 – 1.7.1-7 – Vyasa offers bhakti as the remedy for the worlds malady appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Positive Thinking 34 – Let the IDEA lead to ENERGY appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

For children, there seems to be hardly anything more they look forward to than getting to come to school with pajamas for a party. Fun crafts, blissful gift exchange, and wonderful Prasadam were the highlights of the day. A lovely way to celebrate the ending of the first semester.

Most children love animals and enjoy studying about them. The Middle Elementary class has just completed a project on animals’ needs and adaptation, learning about the unique features Krsna has given each species and how they use those for their protection, to assimilate to their environment and for acquiring food. The students crafted beautifully illustrated posters and mini-books and shared their findings with their classmates. What scientists usually explain as “natural evolution” we attribute to Krsna’s deliberate, intelligent and perfect design. It is fascinating to examine this careful arrangement of this material world, which is but a small spark of His splendor.

NBS#28 The Transcendental Nature of Kardama Muni.
In continuation to the topic of Kardama Muni, this issue covers the activities and nature of a pure devotee of the Lord. A fresh translation of a song of Srila Bhaktivinoda thakura is included in this issue. We pray this issue brings some pleasure to the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
NBS # 28 Features:- 1) Kardama Muni Rewards Devahuti’s Service - Sri Maitreya Rishi 2) The Transcendental Nature Of Kardama Muni - His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada 3) Kardama Muni And Pundarika Vidyanidhi - Editorial 4) The Glories Of Pundarika Vidyanidhi - Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura 5) The Pure Devotee - Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/w7UhZ6

https://flic.kr/s/aHskoPDv8V

The post Pictures from UK book distribution appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

By Praghosa Dasa

The grhastha asrama has had an interesting and varied history within our ISKCON movement. In many respects the role of married life in a missionary movement does not exactly fit like a hand in a glove. That said Srila Prabhupada was excited by his renounced grhastas and very proud of them, the initial preaching in London being a prime case in point. He also loved and encouraged his less renounced grhastas but generally suggested a different devotional path for them, particularly if they had children and were desirous of a few extra creature comforts. Often he suggested that they should live outside and support the preaching mission in whatever way they could.

“If you want to marry, you work independently. Maintain yourself. And whatever you can contribute, do that. That is the… Just like Abhirama. He’s very good. And I don’t want to be lost. He constructed that house, I never forbade. And it is in the campus. Let him remain a little separately. It doesn’t matter”
RC July 17th 1977

Whether a fully renounced grhastha or a slightly less renounced one, the vast majority of our grhasthas were brahmacaris and brahmacarinis before marrying. Prior to taking their marriage vows, practically their only focus in life was their service to guru and Krsna.

During Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence he was naturally the main focal point for his disciples both male and female. As we know Srila Prabhupada very much expected his married disciples to remain that – married, indeed he was very upset when he learned of marriages breaking down. While there isn’t one simple explanation for failed marriages in ISKCON, during Srila Prabhupada’s time at least, it was probably more as a result of little or no research into the compatibility of couples before getting married. Or maybe because the couple did not have enough association after their marriage to develop a lasting relationship maybe due to service commitments, thus finding themselves drifting apart. Or maybe it was an immature understanding of both the importance and spiritual nature of the grhastha asrama.

One reason I’m sure we can all agree on is that marriages did not suffer during Srila Prabhupada’s time as a result of him being seen as anything other than the eternal guru and father of his disciples.

There are a few reasons why Srila Prabhupada was never seen as anything other than an eternal guru. The main one being what we might refer to as the ‘Sukadeva syndrome’, that is Srila Prabhupada was transcendental to sex desire and everyone was aware of that.

“Sukadeva Gosvami was a young boy sixteen years old, and therefore all the parts of his body were developed. He was naked also, and so were the ladies. But because Sukadeva Gosvami was transcendental to sex relations, he appeared very innocent. The ladies, by their special qualifications, could sense this at once, and therefore they were not very concerned about him.”
SB 1.4.5 purport

Hence there was essentially no question of a disciple entertaining the thought of Srila Prabhupada ever being anything other than their transcendental guru life after life. Even if other thoughts entered their minds, the fact of the matter was that Srila Prabhupada was never going to be affected by such thoughts. We only have to read Srila Prabhupada’s conclusions on such a scenario:

“So sex life is not forbidden in this Movement, but hypocrisy is forbidden. If you become hypocrite then there is no way. That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teaching … So our request is, ‘Don’t be hypocrite.’ There are four asramas: brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, sannyasa. Whichever asrama is suitable for you, you accept. But sincere, don’t be hypocrite. If you think that you want sex. Alright. You marry and remain like a gentleman; don’t be hypocrite.”
SPL 23rd May 1976

However since Srila Prabhupada’s physical departure, the dynamics have changed somewhat. Specifically some of those dynamics are that our present gurus are not on the same level of spiritual purity, strength and realization as Srila Prabhupada. This of course is in no way a slight on our gurus and leaders, rather they are to be commended given that they have stepped up to such a monumental challenge of preserving the parampara. Another changed dynamic is the current age difference between our gurus and their disciples which is generally much less than they were between Srila Prabhupada and his disciples.

Hence we are now in new territory. In traditional vedic society this territory didn’t have to be negotiated, as the husband was more or less the only guru of his wife. However Srila Prabhupada adjusted that traditional model, hence we have to work with that adjustment and make it a success. There is no reason why we cannot be successful in this endeavour but we have to be vigilant and conscious of the potential dangers. Given that we have had to deal with a number of problems over the years in this area that certainly helps with being aware of the inherent dangers. So these kinds of problems can only really arise where there is a combination of a lack of vigilance mixed with the attraction that some have, knowingly or unknowingly, to develop a relationship with devotees in positions of authority.

However that is not the main focus of this essay. The main theme I want to raise is that regardless of whether such relationships develop to the point of fall down, on the subtle level, if a married woman is more impressed by and dedicated to, their guru, than their husband, it can have a devastating effect on their marriage. This phenomenon impacts both on current unions, as well as future marriages.

Given the vast majority of devotees get involved with ISKCON prior to being married, they naturally don’t focus on married life initially. Rather as they take seriously to the Krsna conscious process it is not long before they focus their attention on whom they might eventually choose as spiritual master. Once they make that decision the general tendency is for them to manifest ekena manasa, one pointed attention, in regards to serving and pleasing their spiritual master. From many perspectives this is quite natural and indeed it could be argued that it is an essential requirement in one’s spiritual development. However it can lead to being less than conducive for the development of healthy marriages, which is a real problem given that most devotees do eventually get married.

And when they do marry some face an interesting challenge, those who are faced with the ‘no-one can compare to my guru syndrome’. This syndrome inevitably determines that the husband is not as renounced, intelligent, knowledgeable, learned or charismatic as the guru. This significantly disempowers the husband from the get-go and rather than starting married life from the lofty heights of being considered a guru-pati, he finds himself firmly rooted in the role of second class citizen. Hence he is forever playing catch up as far as trying to win the affections and respect of his wife, who long ago committed both of those essential items to her guru. Thus the odds are stacked against the husband winning his battle to catch up, and whether the guru is or isn’t more advanced etc., the husband has the ‘disadvantage’ of living with his wife on a daily basis, whereas the guru only sees her maybe a few times a year, which tends to only add to the mystique.

So, how to inject some realism and thus hopefully rectify this anomaly in our society? In order to affect real change those in positions of authority need to dampen down the excessive expression of apparent devotion that some disciples manifest. They need to be proactive in injecting sobriety, maturity and conservatism into these relationships. In addition proactive preaching vis a vis the importance of the grhasta asrama and how following the dharma of the grhasta asrama is equally glorious vis a vis all the other asramas would be most helpful:

“Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja Prabhupada. He was creating more brahmacaris and sannyasis for preaching work, but I am creating more grhasthas (applause), because in Europe and America the boys and girls intermingle so quickly and intimately that it is very difficult to keep one brahmacari. So there is no need of artificial brahmacaris. It is sanctioned. My Guru Maharaja wanted to establish daiva-varnasrama. So married life is called grhastha-asrama. It is as good as sannyasa-asrama.”
Bg. Lecture 7.3 Bombay 29 March 1971

For us to have a healthy society, a healthy movement and if we are ever to have a fighting chance of establishing varnasrama, it is essential that we have a strong grhastha asrama. We can only begin building a strong grhastha asrama when it is in receipt of the full respect of the other asramas. Srila Prabhupada coined the phrase ‘batchelor daddies’ and he made clear that entering the grhastha asrama was both honourable and the gentlemanly thing to do.

“After twenty-five years a brahmacari is trained to refrain from sex life. That is brahmacari. But if he is still not able then he’s allowed to accept grhastha life. Then there’s no cheating, hypocrisy, that I proclaim myself as brahmacari or sannyasi and I secretly do all nonsense. The hypocrisy life will not make one advance in spiritual life. That is the example given by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. … ”

Prabhupada detailed Chota Haridasa’s moment of weakness and described the stern response of Lord Caitanya. “Caitanya Mahaprabhu knows everything. Sometime after, He inquired, ‘What about Chota Haridasa?’ Somebody said, ‘Oh, You rejected him and, out of disappointment, he has committed suicide.’ ‘Oh! That’s nice!’ Just see how strict, ‘That’s nice.’ He never expressed any sympathy, ‘Oh, I rejected this person and he has committed suicide? Oh.’ No. He said, ‘Oh, that’s nice. That’s all right.’ He said that.

“This is one thing. Another thing: Sivananda, one of His very exalted devotees, was taking care of all devotees who had come to be with Caitanya Mahaprabhu during Ratha-yatra. So his wife came and offered Caitanya Mahaprabhu obeisances and He saw that the wife is pregnant. So He immediately asked Sivananda, ‘Your wife is pregnant?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘All right. When you see the birth of this child you keep his name like that.’ Just see. One man, simply he saw with lusty desire to a woman, he was rejected. And one man has his wife pregnant, He adored him, ‘That’s all right.’

“So sex life is not forbidden in this Movement, but hypocrisy is forbidden. If you become hypocrite then there is no way. That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teaching … So our request is, ‘Don’t be hypocrite.’ There are four asramas: brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, sannyasa. Whichever asrama is suitable for you, you accept. But sincere, don’t be hypocrite. If you think that you want sex. All right. You marry and remain like a gentleman; don’t be hypocrite. This is Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He did not like hypocrisy. Nobody likes”
SBL 22nd May 1976

However we will struggle to free our society of hypocrisy if we do not give the proper respect to the grhastha asrama. The first step in respecting the grhastha asrama is to ensure that the married couple have the utmost respect for each other and that their relationship does not have misplaced affection directed toward a third party in the guise of guru seva.

By Madhava Ghosh

1968 September 4 : “It is not very difficult to open a center. You can remain in any apartment as husband and wife, and invite persons there to hear your chanting and topics, that is our center, and let it be gradually improved.”
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

Currently , ISKCON is in a holding pattern in the West, eking out an existence dependent on support from Hindus. There is nothing wrong with that; it is essential and serves a purpose. Still, it is a rear guard action. With scattered exceptions, preaching to Westerners is in decline and in many temples western brahmacaries no longer even exist.

Eastern Europe is often cited as a bright spot. I don’t doubt it is. Still, if they don’t learn from the mistakes made in America, they are simply in the part of the cycle the US was in 20 years ago, and many of the same problems will eventually rear their heads.

India seems to be thriving, and that is fine, but it wasn’t Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s mandate to his disciple to preach in India — it was to preach to Westerners. Much of the success in India is directly attributable to Westerners going back to India and openly embracing spiritual and religious aspects that are also common to Hinduism. What happens when that reverse flow dries up?

I think there is some reason for optimism for the future of ISKCON now, but I think it will not be a opulent Deity worship centric future. I think it will take the form of a Resurgence, going back to basics.

Resurgents will be decentralized, independent, light on assets, based in RVs or rental housing. No heavy overhead or labor demands for opulent Deity worship. They will make pilgrimages to existing temples, and encourage others to do so, but not try to emulate them.

Rent an apartment, get a few cases of books from the BBT, and set up a picture of the Pancatattva and they are operational. A set of kartals or a mrdunga and and it’s off to the park or campus for sankirtan and leaflets inviting interested parties back for an informal evening of chanting and sharing prasadam.

Who will your typical resurgent be? Not whom you might expect. When Srila Prabhupada came there was him, representing the oldest generation, then a huge gap to a bunch of newly minted adults. When he left, there was a vacuum.

Jung once said that some problems are never solved, you simply outgrow them. Instead of two generations of adults, the oldest and the productive stages, raising one generation of kids, ISKCON had only one, focused on production. Now, thirty years later, you are beginning to see the oldest generation, the elders, once again starting to be represented in ISKCON.

The leading edge are in their sixties, but most are in their 50s, still working but starting to get their homes paid off and their kids through college. When they reach retirement age, and start receiving some passive income in the form of Social Security, pensions, or equity conversion, they will start looking around and want something to do.

They will be able to afford to take up the preaching lifestyle. Some will become more active in the existing old school temples, but I predict that many of them will use their independence to adopt the tactics of the Resurgency — rent, few cases of books, a picture of Panchatattva and a lot of face to face time.

Some may do it directly, some may subsidize some young devotees and give them logistical support and let them do the hands on.

The Resurgency looms.

According to Srila Prabhupada, one can gauge a person's spiritual status by how they react to finding money on the street: Do they keep it for themselves? Do they leave it lying there? Or do they look for the original owner? What would you do? In Sanskrit, there are three terms that cover the gamut of possible reactions to finding money in the street: bhoga, (enjoyment); tyaga (renunciation); and seva (a service attitude). In Prabhupada's "money analogy," a bhogi is one who finds money in the street and uses it for his own purposes. This is the enjoying spirit to which most people are slaves. Their senses dictate what they do. The world is meant for their pleasure. If they find something that doesn't belong to them, no matter, they will use it as they see fit. Continue reading "What Would You Do?
→ Dandavats"

UK National Sankirtan Celebrations.
Saturday 9th Jan @ Bhaktivedanta Manor
7.00am – Deity Greetings & Extended Guru Puja
7.45am – Class by HH Sivarama Swami
9.00am-2.00pm – Videos, Stories, Scores, Presentations, Gifts and Awards
2.00pm – FEAST!
Please please come along for a wonderful celebration!

The post Kirtana evening talk in Cardiff appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

During the month of Kartik, we’ve had extensive coverage of Kadamba Kanana Swami’s activities in Vrindavan and Mayapur, written by Nandan and Rukmini, for which we received great appreciation. Maharaj stayed on in Mayapur until 17 December and here is a synopsis of what happened in the days after Kartik.

Meetings and more meetings, with respect to the Mayapur Masterplan, remained the dominant aspect of his schedule however, as always, still he made time to associate with those who are eager to hear from him.

On Sunday (29 November), students from the Mayapur Institute of Higher Education together with disciples and well-wishers were accompanied by Maharaj on a parikrama to Godrumadvipa, the island dedicated to kirtan. And in staying true to the principal service of the island, Maharaj led melodious kirtan and spoke the sweet pastimes of Survana Vihara, Hari-Hara Ksetra and Nrsimha Palli. He quoted the writings of Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Sanatana Goswami and Locana Das Thakur at various times in his narrations.

In the week which followed, Maharaj continued teaching “Nectar of Devotion” as part of the Bhakti Sastri course. Then, an initiation ceremony took place on Sunday morning (06 December), where Mathuresh Das from Czech & Indulekha dd from Russia received first initiation, and Harivilasa Das from Cape Town received second. In an inspiring lecture which preceded the taking of vows, Maharaj spoke on the life of Dhruva Maharaj who achieved perfection and went back to Godhead, starting with the Srimad Bhagavatam verse 4.12.17. Maharaj highlighted some of the following points from the verses he read aloud – Dhruva’s mood of humility in his journey, his offering of respect to the great sages who gave him transcendental knowledge, and Dhruva’s gratefulness of the mercy which he received from his mother, Suniti and his spiritual master, Narada Muni.

At 2pm on the same day, Maharaj was the guest-speaker at the Russian Sunday Program which took place in the Community Hall. After a long kirtan session that had the audience swaying and clapping their hands, he spoke on the glories of the Panca Tattva, especially of their merciful nature.

On Ekadasi night (07 December), Maharaj lived up to his reputation with another 2 hour long feet-don’t-touch-the-ground–kirtan. Apart from the beautiful sound of Maharaj’s voice and the accompanying musical instruments, it was a spectacle to see the organized chaos with which devotees danced. The expression of bliss that night will remain etched in our memories for a long time…

Many disciples were present in Mayapur and some were old friends whereas others were new acquaintances. And in order to get to know everyone a little better, two of our seasoned godfamily members who reside in Mayapur, Sacidevi Dasi and Ter Kadamba Das, organized a disciple gathering on Tuesday night. The program began with Ter Kadamba speaking about the need for good relations between disciples and how we should offer support to each other. Thereafter, disciples got to introduce themselves and each one was appreciated by others for their respective services. The meeting ended with a little feast which left us on a sugar high.

After Maharaj completed teaching the “Nectar of Devotion” course, he began a seminar series on the Siksastakam (11-15 December) as part of the Kirtan Academy, as he did the year before. However, a different audience this time asked new questions which brought out other angles of explanations to the verses.

Then, another wonderful excursion happened on 14 December. At 10am that day, devotees gathered outside the Gada Park from where they departed for a visit to Yoga Pitha, Srivas Angan and the house of Murari Gupta. Maharaj walked at the front end of the group and led kirtan for most of the way. A walk through the countryside was a pleasant sight especially for those of us who reside in cities. At Srivas Angan and at the house of Murari Gupta, the group stopped and Maharaj shared the significance of these places of pilgrimage.

Interspersed in all of this, Maharaj gave a couple morning classes to English and Russian audiences, based on Srimad Bhagavatam, canto 6, chapters 17 and 18. This section covered interesting topics like the natures of men & women, and their expectations within relationships – entertaining to listen to but also thoughtful. Recordings to follow soon!

On 17 December, Maharaj left Mayapur and travelled to South Africa where he is currently. He made a three day trip to freezing Germany last week and is back this week, having a “Sravanam-Kirtanam” Retreat (04-08 January) with about 100 devotees, in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Visit flickr to see all the photos.

Iskcon London Harinama (short videos)
Srila Prabhupada: I can see you, you can see me, similarly, you can go directly, see God and live with Him, dance with Him, play with Him, eat with Him. That is the perfection of life. Paris, June 13, 1974.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/NVx76k

Answer Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”

The post When the Lord’s pastimes are transcendental, should they be analyzed? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Positive Thinking 34 – No time? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The kidnapping of Rukmini - theatrical play (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: For a devotee, liberation is no problem at all. The impersonalists undergo severe penances and austerities to attain mukti, but the bhakta, simply by engaging himself in the bhakti process, especially in chanting Hare Krishna, immediately develops control over the tongue by engaging it in chanting, and accepting the remnants of foodstuff offered to the Personality of Godhead. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 3.25.33 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Hl93lD

A prophecy being realized! (4 min video)
It has been predicted that the Holy Name of Sri Krishna will be spread all around the world. This prediction really is coming to life.
So is also described in this beautiful song and video, made by devotees from different areas of Russia, dedicated to Maha Harinam for their Lord’s pleasure.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/lhD8o2

KIRTAN 50 - ISKCON Dallas (Album with photos)
In celebration of the auspicious new year which will mark the 50th anniversary year of the incorporation of ISKCON, the Hare Krishna movement, devotees in Dallas organized an ecstatic 4-day festival of Kirtan (group chanting), Lectures, and first-class Prasadam (offered foodstuffs).
So much nectar.. Hare Krishna.
All glories to the assembled devotees.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The post Daily Darshan : January 5th, 2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Life And Teachings of Tukaram maharaj -Shubh Vilas Prabhu 2016 01 03 Sunday Feast ISKCON Chowpatty

January 5. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Just as we maintain our aging bodies by exercise and rest, so the memories have to be exercised. One has to be humble and accept even little memories as worthwhile. We should seek any occasion to talk about Prabhupada in a natural way. We must also be humble to recognize that other devotees are repositories of Prabhupada-katha, and hear from them without envy. Approaching memories of Srila Prabhupada requires humility. There is also an art to it. We should remember in an honest way. For example, when a remembrance first returns to us, it may be disappointing. This is due to our lack of devotion, or our poor memories.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

Using Prabhupada Memories 

Giriraj Swami and Guru Prasada Swami share more realizations of their lives in Krishna consciousness over the last decades.

“If we cry for Krishna, then we feel the effect of the holy name. Then the bond becomes so strong that when we are not chanting or not connected to Krishna for a moment it is like an infinity. Then we come to the final stage when we are really connected to Krishna and the holy name. Then it doesn’t matter what is happening in our life — whether I’m happy, whether things go right or wrong. Whatever happens, Krishna is my unconditional Lord. My purpose in life is to serve Him, please Him, and do His will.”

— Guru Prasada Swami

Experiences and Realizations, Part 2: 50 Years of ISKCON, Dallas

My dad recently gave me a whole bunch of my old diaries. One of them is from the first Shelter tour, with Quicksand and Inside Out in the Summer of 1990. As I read it, it becomes clear that I never “surrendered” to ISKCON, at least not in a spiritual sense. It was very clear to me from the start that ISKCON was a mess. But I found one person in ISKCON who stood out from the turbulence like a port in the storm, and I surrendered to him, in the spiritual sense, becoming his student and taking him as my teacher, my guru.

Ironically, I met him while on stage with Zack de la Rocha screaming “No Spiritual Surrender.”

Career Surrender

OK, I guess I did surrender to ISKCON too, but it wasn’t spiritual surrender, it was career surrender. I surrendered my career options in normal world in hopes of making a career for myself in ISKCON’s world. I did this while knowing fairly well how unstable and strange ISKCON was, so I definitely  admit that I am the main person to blame for what I now rank this as one of my life’s top 10 bad decisions.

It took about 6 to 10 years for me to fully give up on my ISKCON-carrer-surrender idea. There were two major experiences that made this happen.

The first was when I developed the opinion in 1993 that a significant majority of people in charge of ISKCON were downright phobic of real Krishna consciousness, unless it was forced into the most starched, pressed, shaved, and bleached/dyed robes; Xeroxed and stamped bona-fide by GBC resolution. I realized they would never really embrace and support a personality like mine, which expresses itself without conformity to uniforms and bureaus. They would always keep me in the curtained corners of the rooms reserved for  “dissidents,” “sahajīya” and “gopī-bhāva club members.”

The second experience that destroyed my resolve to build a career in ISKCON was when I saw, up close and first-hand, how eagerly and how thoroughly they wanted to scapegoat and sacrifice my guru’s career (he was the Headmaster of ISKCON’s boarding school in Vṛndāvana), at the exact moment that large sums of ISKCON money were placed at risk as a result lawsuits from the abused alumni of all ISKCON’s boarding schools. Hmmm, a “moral” issue indeed. The complexities of his case are significant and are not the topic of this article. The way this experience damaged my carrer-surrender is the topic. I thought, “He’s willing to die for ISKCON, and they still want to kill him? Forget about it, it’ll never be safe for me here. If I make a mistake, or am even in charge of other people who make mistakes – they will roast me to protect themselves.”

Anyway, the ultimate point here is that I’m not shy of surrender as a result of being burned by surrendering to ISKCON. (A) I’m not shy of surrender, I’m shy of the word. More on that in a moment. (B) I never surrendered to ISKCON, anyway. (C) I was never burned by the person I did surrender to, my guru. (D) ISKCON did “burn” me in some significant ways, but I feel that’s my own stupidity, or was just simply unavoidable in the quest for the rare thing that I wanted and still want to somehow achieve.

Spiritual Surrender

The ramifications of making a drastically bad career decision at the age of 20 certainly still affect my life and some of my feelings about ISKCON, but have nothing much to do with my relationship to guru or Krishna, or with my concept of “spiritual surrender.”

My issues with spiritual surrender are their own. They lie in the semantics of the connotations. For example, ISKCON linguistics tends to say something like this, “The disciple surrenders fully and officially to the guru at dīkṣā.” Because of connotations, I’m not comfortable with this choice of words. I would express the same point using these words, “Dīkṣā occurs when a student fully accepts a teacher, and the teacher fully accepts a student.”

First of all I get rid of the word “official.” Who needs that? I have to file papers with some “office” even to get self-realization!? A great sādhu once told my guru, “In spiritual life, nothing is a formality.”

Second, I get rid of the word “surrender.” Why? Because I already say that I, “fully accept you as my teacher. ” If I accept you as my teacher, the connotation is that you have knowledge and experience that I do not and you are capable of transmitting that knowledge and experience to me. Thus the connotation is full of humility and surrender. What is the need for explicitly using the word “surrender” – which brings in new connotations, strange connotations, as if there was a war going on between us which I now give up on, or that I am going to give you something without getting anything in return?

The English word “surrender” is mostly a word with negative connotations. Why should we try to use it in a positive way, against the way our subconscious naturally hears it? Simply because our previous gurus chose this word? Are we eternally preschool neophytes beholden to our previous gurus’ choice of English words, when English was not their native language? Are all of us forever unfit to serve their mission by translating their message into terminology that better communicates to native and modern minds?

“Surrender” gives the wrong impressions, because it has confusing and inappropriate connotations.

“Surrender to guru” for example, is a very confusing phrase.

First of all, it implies passivity. When we surrender we are done. But nowhere does śāstra describe the disciple’s role as passive! On the contrary, the disciple is enjoined to be inquisitive (jijñāsu, ŚB 11.3.21) and question from every angle (paripraṣna, BG 4.34)! Certainly, the disciple feels grateful to and humble in comparison to the teacher (sevā and praṇipāta for example, from BG 4.34), but is never passive as the word surrender implies.

Better to say, “Humbly knowing the guru to have knowledge and wisdom you do not, inquire carefully from all angles, and tend to whatever needs the guru may have.” That would, in my opinion, very accurately reflect Krishna’s advice in Gītā 4.34.

Wikipedia suggests the following definition of “surrender” in a religious sense: “To surrender in spirituality and religion means that a believer completely gives up his own will and subjects his thoughts, ideas, and deeds to the will and teachings of a higher power.”

What the hell is that?

Whatever it is, it is not ŚB 11.3.21 or BG 4.34! It is not gauḍīya-vaiṣṇavism, which never gives up individuality and individual will, but applies individuality and freewill to the service of the Supreme Individual.

Clearly, then, “Surrender to guru” is a slogan that creates a mood of passivity, which generates mindlessness, which degenerates gauḍīya-vaiṣṇavism into a cult. The proof is in the pudding! Many, many members of ISKCON descended into a significantly mindless and culty society, especially when this “surrender to guru” talk was at its max-perihilion during the late ’70s and ’80s, though many ISKCON members may not be fully aware of this history because disclosure of it is very thoroughly avoided in ISKCON.

Where in śāstra is the Sanskrit word that is the basis for what we describe as “surrender”?

Is it शरणागति (śaraṇāgati)? How could “surrender” be the best translation of this term when शरण (śaraṇa) means “help, protection, refuge.” A clearer translation of this term would certainly be “Seeking Refuge.”

Maṁ ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (BG 18.66) “Surrender unto me alone” doesn’t imply that we should fight with everyone else, and fight against everything else, except Krishna – with him we should be passive puppets. No! It means, “I am the only one you need seek for refuge and protection!”

Then, is समर्पण (samarpaṇa) the Sanskrit word for “surrender”? No, not when arpaṇa means “giving.” A clearer translation is certainly something like “giving everything.”

Is it निवेदण (nivedana)? I’m sorry, that’s not it either. Almost everyone knows that वेद (veda) means “knowledge.” Ni-veda means “disclosing knowledge,” as in communicating, confiding, or revealing oneself.

All of the above certainly have some connotations in common with some of the connotations of “surrender” – which surely explains why several important 19th and 20th century figures trying to export knowledge of bhakti-yoga from Sanskrit and Bengali into English and other languages may have chosen to use the word. But “surrender” has so many connotations that are not in congruence with the primary meanings of words like śaraṇāgati, samarpaṇa, and nivedana. For example, it has military connotation and fails to communicate the warmth and emotional intimacy in these Sanskrit words.

If “Surrender to Guru” is confusing, what then is the proper attitude towards guru and Krishna? 

It is “surrender.” That’s not “wrong,” it’s just not the best word. A better description of the correct attitude towards guru and Krishna is one where we feel the powerful need for their help and protection and guidance, so we give all our efforts towards availing ourselves of what they give by trying our best to comprehend and put their guidance into practice.

This is why, in all my recent writing about guru-tattva I haven’t used the word “surrender” much, if at all.

Vraja Kishor das
www.vrajakishor.com

Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Gita 08.11 – Liberation in yoga requires renunciation appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Bhagavatam study 27 – 1.6.32-38 – Krishnas glories fulfill our search for pleasure appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Sydney Opera House Harinam (Album with photos)
Caitanya Mahaprabhu has recommended that everyone chant the Hare Krishna mantra just to cleanse the dust from the heart. If the dust of the heart is cleansed away then one can actually understand the importance of the holy name.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/slTTbH

By Baladev das

2015 Prabhupad Book distribution marathon at ISKCON chowpatty began with  H.H.Radhanath swami giving an inaugural talk on Sunday Nov 22nd. In his class, Radhanath swami spoke on how books are heritage of our entire Gaudiya sampradaya and Srila Prabhupad understanding the heart of his spiritual master brought out a revolution through his book distribution program. Maharaj also told that this was 500th year of Lord Chaitanya visiting Vrindavan and 50th year of Srila Prabhupad leaving Vrindavan. Prabhupad left Vrindavan to give Vrindavan to all of us. Finally Maharaj requested all to come together n cooperatively make this book distribution effort a big success. H.H. Radhanath swami’s talk on inaugurating book marathon is available below.

Protection (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: One of the beautiful features of India is that there are ancient temples of the Lord everywhere throughout the country. Nearby where we are staying in the south is an old temple where Lord Nrsimhadeva is worshipped. The other day we visited the temple to have the Lord’s darshan and pray to Him. One time Srila Prabhupada said that he introduced the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva in ISKCON specifically for the protection of the movement and the spiritual master.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/y8HeEb

The post On chanting 1, at kirtana night at Inis Rath appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Gluttony or Gluttony without bhakti, over the past few week’s I have been pondering this.

December is meant to be the time of year of peace and goodwill to all mankind as those from the Christian faith remember the appearance day of Jesus Christ, although the date is highly questionable if you take into account the story of Jesus birth.

However I sat on a number of occasions in the supermarket watching the many steeped shopping trolleys, given the shop was only closed for one day I wondered if their was an apocalyptic catastrophe. Most of those I know no longer believe in Jesus his birth but still describe themselves as Christian.

Sat there I was reminded that one of the seven deadly sins described in the bible is gluttony, but when celebrating the appearance of Jesus Christ that’s what happens an over indulgence of wine, food and expensive gifts.

Their was also for me an irony in it all, say people were celebrating my birthday, special meal was put on and gifts given out but I wasn’t invited how would I personally feel?

Angry? Upset? Confused?

And get the crowds of people were doing that, gearing up to celebrate an amazing appearance of Jesus who directed the masses to practice Christian Bhakti to become God Conscious, Krishna Conscious; it reminded me of stories of bygone Christmas Celebrations, a day spent in fellowship with other believers, hearing stories of Jesus Christ’s pastimes and a humble meal as a community.

Boxing day was an interesting observation, it was then small gifts were given, these were practical gifts one of my favourite stories was of a young girl who recalled her gift was a pane of glass for the window; maybe not the most dazzling of presents but she said how much she loved the gift as the draft was less.

Then it reminded me of the iconic last supper, and how this was directed by Jesus Christ himself and was a very humble affair, no great opulence; and get again the whole motion of simplicity and association is missed.

Our gluttony should be that of wanting to stuff ourselves of the pastimes of a great saintly person as he talked about his farther and how to return back to his fathers heavenly abode. But looking beep at the TV schedule their was very little their that indicated this amazing event just a gluttony of soap’s, films and entertainment shows.

Further saddened was that speaking to some primary school parents the traditional nativity play has given way to some strange theatrical performance with no mention of Jesus so as not to offend, a celebration were the person whom it appertains to is neglected; but you would still describe oneself as Christian.

Commercialization.

The whole festival has become a gluttony of commercialism, profits before celebrating Jesus Christ as Acharia of the Christian faith.
What did I personally take from pondering and watching this sad dumbing down of Jesus Christ appearance day; that it is important that I remember with due diligence and with respect both the appearance day of the founder Acharia of ISKCON Srila Prabhupada.

But also that we don’t allow or encourage the commercialization of Diwali and other sacred celebrations, that we remain true to spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of Krishna Consciousness that the temple and association of devotees.

This was we or should I say me personally don’t become sidetracked by material pleasures and sparkling nonsense gifts that keep me away from the path of self realization

HARE KRISHNA

Cape Town - December 2015 (Album with photos)
Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra, Beach Harinama, Initiation Ceremony
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna mantra is specifically mentioned in many Upanisads, such as the Kali-santarana Upanishad, where it is said: “After searching through al the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 3.40 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ydZESE

Answer Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”

The post Why do jnanis need many lives to become jnanavan? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”

The post Why are the eka-bhakti jnanis of Gita 7.17 considered jnana-mishra? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

“The Eye to See the I” free on kindle for five days!
The Eye to See the I features 121 reflections on the Bhagavad-gita that make its insights appreciable in brief, relishable nuggets of wisdom. The book published in hard copy on Janmashtami last year is already nearing the end of its first print run and will go for the second print soon. Recently released on kindle, it is now available free for five days from 6th Jan to 10th Jan.
Some of the reflections in the book are:
Money talks – and walks away as it is talking
We can’t replace the mind, but we can re-place it
The soul seems far out because it is far in
Free love is a self-contradiction
The heart of knowledge is the knowledge of the heart
Let repetition be a re-petition
The past won’t last if to Krishna we hold fast
With punchy titles that distill each article’s central message, the Eye to See the I addresses a wide variety of issues, all meant to help us realize and relish the innermost core of our being.
The hard copy of the book can be ordered from voicebooks@voicepune.com, and the details to download the kindle version are found here: http://goo.gl/RtTuEO