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Learning Process of Bhakti through Devotees (video)
“Learning Process of Bhakti through Devotees” Gaura Purnima Series Evening Class by HH Krishnakshetra Swami on 09-03-2020 @ ISKCON Chowpatty.
From Prashant
Transcription :
Transcriber: Sharan Shetty
Edited by: Keshavgopal Das
Question: How are karma and jnana are the cause of material desires?
Answer: The word material can have multiple meanings and at the simplest level, it refers to that which is related with matter. When we want to possess, control and enjoy matter then that desire is called material desire. The path of karma kanda or regulated material enjoyment is based on scriptural guidelines. For example, going to swarga or getting better facilities to enjoy in this world involve fulfilling material desires. When one hears the flowery and beautiful scriptural description of such material enjoyment then it may kindle ones material desires. Some people may want to fulfil their material desires without going through scriptures and instead, by their own independent endeavours (such people comprise the majority today) but in the past ages, people fulfilled their material desires through scriptural guidelines and that was the path of karma kanda which naturally resulted in material desires. Krishna describes about this in the Bhagavad Gita 02.42 – 43
yam imam puṣpitam vacam pravadanty avipascitaḥ
veda-vada-ratah partha nanyad astiti vadinah
kamatmanah svarga-para janma-karma-phala-pradam
kriya-visesa-bahulam bhogaisvarya-gatim prati
Krishna uses the word kamatmanah to figuratively describe that such people are so much filled with material desires that their atma (soul) is made up of kama (material desires). These people follow karma kanda so that they can go to heaven (svarga-para). They are so attracted by the flowery description of the scriptures (puspitam vacam) that they think nothing else is taught in the Vedic scriptures apart from this (nanyad astiti vadinah). Therefore, Krishna says that such people cannot develop the one-pointed intelligence for practicing spiritual life.
The desires for material enjoyment are entangling and from the absolute perspective, any desire to enjoy separate from Krishna can be considered to be sinful because ultimately, we are part and parcels of Krishna and we are meant for his enjoyment. This is not a form of self-deprivation because in giving enjoyment to him, we ourselves get the highest enjoyment that we can ever get in any other way. Thus, it is not self deprivation, it is self-fulfilment. Karma deprives one from this fulfilment because it kindles material desire although those desires are within scriptural guidelines.
The path of jnana is also based on material conception of spiritual reality. It has the idea that since matter has form and matter is limited therefore spirit being unlimited should not have any form and qualities. This is basically a negative material conception projected on spirit. The path of jnana aims at merging into the brahman, that is, the desire to become God. Such a desire is also sinful because instead of serving God, one wants to imitate God and take up his position for oneself. Therefore, the word sinful here does not refer to immoral.
Scriptures use the word sinful in many different ways, sometimes sin may refer to those activities which harm others, those which violate scriptural teachings. This is one definition of sin but from the absolute perspective, anything that keeps us away from Krishna and perpetuates our material existence and which ultimately results in suffering is sinful. In that sense, jnana is also a cause of material desire because there is the desire to become God and to be the controller. That way, since the jnani is not giving up his false ego and is rather pushing it to its summit by trying to become number one, not just in a particular field but in the entire creation, so it is considered sinful.
This desire is based on false ego which is the most subtle element that causes the soul to be covered by illusion and bodily misidentification. Therefore, because the desire to become God is the goal of the path of jnana yoga, it is based on the false ego and hence is considered material which leads to material desires. Further, often those who aspire for impersonal liberation do not attain that liberation and fallback from the spiritual path to grosser material desires because the spiritual reality is not variegated. Since it is not variegated, it does not attract the heart and therefore those with the aspiration of brahman liberation fall back to material existence.
Srila Prabhupada writes in the commentary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto One Chapter One that because the beauty of the Absolute Truth is being obscured by the impersonalists, more and more people are having no spiritual pathway for directing their urge for beauty and so find themselves attracted materially due to the urge for beauty. In this way, impersonalism (the path of jnana) promotes materialism and so is the path of karma. Therefore, karma and jnana are also the cause of material desire.
End of transcription.
The post How are karma and jnana the cause of material desires? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
An award-winning documentary about today's ISKCON and Prabhupada's impact around the world.
A video by VanimediaMayapur.
A video by MANTRA LIVE.
35 ISKCON devotees from 25 European countries gathered for three days to overview the existing and future possibilities to help young devotees to develop their full potential, and opportunities within the existing Erasmus+ framework.
On Mrach 12th, 2020, the Executive Committee of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission has issued a statement about the suggested protocol for temples and individuals to follow during the corona virus pandemic.
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-varnam tvisaKrishnam
sangopangastra-parsadam
yajnaih sankirtana-prayair
yajanti hi sumedhasah
“In this Age of Kali, people endowed with sufficient intelligence will worship the Lord, who is accompanied by His associates, by performing sankirtana-yajna “.(11.5.32) SB
Oxford Street is probably the most important street in the world.
1 pm is the busiest time of the day in regards to predestinarians shopping for bargains.
Lord Caitanya’s appearance day is definitely the most important day of the year.
And without doubt the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra is the number one mantra to chant in these days of Kali Yuga.
Srila Prabhupada is the most merciful Spiritual Master , and the most direct way to get Krishna’s mercy is to please him.
Tribhuvanath Prabhu used to tell us that Srila Prabhupada said:
“ it is so simple that you will miss it “
The Lord is more pleased when He sees that His servants are properly respected because such servants risk everything for the service of the Lord and so are very dear to the Lord. The Lord declares in the Bhagavad-g?t?(BG 18.69) that no one is dearer to Him than one who risks everything to preach His glory. By serving the servants of the Lord, one gradually gets the quality of such servants, and thus one becomes qualified to hear the glories of God. The eagerness to hear about God is the first qualification of a devotee eligible for entering the kingdom of God.
Following the examples of the previous ?c?ryas, all the members of the K???a consciousness movement should try to benefit the conditioned souls by inducing them to become K???a conscious and giving them all facilities to do so. Such activities constitute real welfare work. By such activities, a preacher or anyone who endeavors to spread K???a consciousness is recognized by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As the Lord Himself confirms in Bhagavad-g?t? (BG 18.68-69):
ya ida? parama? guhya?mad-bhakte?v abhidh?syatibhakti? mayi par?? k?tv?m?m evai?yaty asa??aya?na ca tasm?n manu?ye?uka?cin me priya-k?ttama?bhavit? na ca me tasm?danya? priyataro bhuvi
“For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.”
Video by Narada prabhu
By the GBC In light of the seriousness of the situation, we request all of our ISKCON communities, temples, and centers to adhere to the following recommendations: Temple events will continue as scheduled. However, we request that you do not visit the temple if: . You have any symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus -- fever, cough, or shortness of breath. . You have been around anyone else with the above symptoms. Continue reading "GBC statement about Coronavirus
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Answer Podcast
Download by “right-click and save content”
Transcription :
Transcriber: Sharan Shetty
Edited by: Keshavgopal Das
Question: Can buddhi-yoga refer to all three yogas – karma, jnana and bhakti?
Answer: The word buddhi yoga does not refer to any specific process. There is no particular system of sadhana called as buddhi yoga. It is a compound word used by Lord Krishna in the Gita. Technically speaking, the two words that form the compound word buddhi yoga mean intelligence used for the purpose of yoga or yoga performed with intelligence with the purpose of pursuing higher spiritual connection. Hence, this can be done in all the three processes – karma, jnana and bhakti.
In karma yoga, if one meditates that he is not the body and therefore should not be attached to the fruits of work and bodily gratification and then performs action, then one is using his intelligence to connect with the Supreme Truth. Such use of intelligence can also be called as buddhi yoga.
In jnana yoga, when one uses one’s intelligence to connect with the ultimate spiritual reality without necessarily knowing what that spiritual reality is (either personal or impersonal) or ones connection with the spiritual reality is more intellectualised than personalised (i.e. more abstract in terms of attraction to the greatness of the Absolute Truth rather than the personality or sweetness of the Absolute Truth) then such use of intelligence can also be called as buddhi yoga.
In bhakti yoga, buddhi yoga will be intelligence used to serve Krishna in a way that is most pleasing to him.
Thus, the word buddhi yoga can mean all the three things.
In the Gita, jnana yoga is not discussed much because the Gita was spoken on a battlefield. The context involves that Arjuna needs to perform his duty of fighting. Therefore, jnana yoga, which centres on renunciation of the world, is not compatible with the context of the Gita. That is why, the Gita does not talk about jnana yoga much. Therefore, wherever the word buddhi yoga is used in the Gita, it is either meant for karma yoga or bhakti yoga.
In BG 02.39, Krishna uses the word buddhi yoga to explain that now I have spoken to you the difference between body and soul so that when you act in such knowledge you can free yourself from the bondage of work. This is buddhi yoga referring to karma yoga.
In BG 10.10, Krishna uses the word buddhi yoga to refer to the intelligence by which one will come to him. This is buddhi yoga referring to bhakti yoga.
In BG 18.57, Krishna uses the word buddhi yoga in reference to take shelter of devotional activities (buddhi-yogam upasritya) and renouncing all work to him, making him the goal, always being conscious of him. Here as well, buddhi yoga refers to bhakti yoga.
In the Gita, Lord Krishna uses the word buddhi yoga to refer to karma yoga in BG 2.39 and then bhakti yoga in BG 10.10 and BG 18.57. But in terms of the words that form the word buddhi yoga, any yoga which involves using the intelligence for the pursuit of transcendence can be called as buddhi yoga.
Basically, we can consider the word – buddhi yoga, as an extendable term whose scope of meaning can expand from karma yoga till bhakti yoga . Therefore, in the yoga ladder, the word buddhi yoga can refer to karma yoga and bhakti yoga and anything in between if it involves the use of intelligence for the pursuit of transcendence.
End of transcription.
The post Can buddhi-yoga refer to all three yogas – karma, jnana and bhakti? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
On The Bank Of Ganges (11 min. video)
Indradyumna Swami: Our Rishikesh Kirtan Fest is coming to a close in 6 days. We had hoped to stay a little longer but constraints caused by the Coronavirus pandemic have forced us to change plans. We have had an amazing time sharing Krsna Consciousness through chanting, dancing and feasting with the thousands of westerners who come here in search of spiritual life. We only pray that we can return again one day with this panacea for the struggles of material existence!
Considering their feedback and the policies of the CPO, we came to the consensus that pursuing the matter is not appropriate.
Please find below photos from Gaura Purnima 2020 at the ISKCON-London Radha Krishna Temple.
A Lifetime of Selfless Service (7 min. video)
A short video highlighting the contributi...
It is with great sadness that we announce the departure of His Grace Srutidharma Das. He passed away on Tuesday 10th of March at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the temple where he dedicated his life in devotional service. Having been diagnosed with cancer in early 2018, Srutidharma Prabhu’s condition meant he had to withdraw from active service.
By Praghosa Das For me you exemplify the perfect gentleman, the perfect vaisnava gentleman. In your company I never felt any anxiety only love, kindness and support, you really were a living example of a true ever well-wisher. I do not think I was unique, or that you necessarily gave me any special attention or mercy, so I am sure whoever reads this will be able to relate to the words I'm writing. That said I always felt your sweetness and attentiveness to this fallen soul was exclusive to me, a testament to another one of your many wonderful personal qualities. Continue reading "Dear Sruti Prabhu…
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Hare Krsna
It is with great sadness that we heard that HG Srutidharma Das has returned home back to Sri Krishna yesterday evening. As many of you know he was the paid for temple president and inspirational devotee at Bhaktivadanta Manor.
I had the privilege of working alongside side HG Srutidharma Prabhu in the pujari department, I am reminded of one morning whilst sitting in the temple room he came running out “were are Krishna’s sweets?” came the call. We rushed into the deity kitchen and quickly got the offering ready, under his guidance everything dispite this ran quietly and efficiently.
All glories to his service.
One Story Four Truths (video)
Using the ancient wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam to meet the challenges of life.
Former-president of Bhaktivedanta Manor passes away due to cancer.
His Grace Srutidharma Prabhu passed away this evening. Devotees had gathered for kirtan, the temple deities Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Ram Sila, and Giri Govardhan had come to pay him a blessed visit. He received a beautiful garland brought by the head pujari and shortly thereafter he breathed his last. All glories to Srutidharma Prabhu. He spent his life selflessly serving at the holy dhama of Bhaktivedanta Manor, from which he has now departed.
“In the company of My devotees I shall appear on earth and perform various colourful pastimes.”
Thinking thus, the Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna Himself, descended at Nadia early in the Age of Kali.
Thus the lionlike Lord Caitanya has appeared in Navadvipa. He has the shoulders of a lion, the powers of a lion, and the loud voice of a lion.
May that lion be seated in the core of the heart of every living being. Thus with His resounding roar may He drive away one’s elephantine vices.
In His early pastimes He is known as Visvambhara because He floods the world with the nectar of devotion and thus saves the living beings.
In His later pastimes He is known as Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya. He blesses the whole world by teaching about the name and fame of Lord Sri Krsna.
The religious practice for the Age of Kali is to broadcast the glories of the holy name. Only for this purpose has the Lord, in a yellow colour, descended as Lord Caitanya.
The lustre of His expansive body resembles molten gold. The deep sound of His voice conquers the thundering of newly assembled clouds.
He is peaceful, self-controlled and fully devoted to the transcendental service of Lord Sri Krsna. He is affectionate toward His devotees, He is gentle, and He is equally disposed toward all living beings.
Recording all these qualities of Lord Caitanya, the sage Vaisampayana included His name in the Visnu-sahasra-nama” – C.C. Adi Chapter 3
By the mercy of the Lord and His devotees, I was able to attend Gaura Purnima at our Canberra temple.
Today HG Manohar Krishna prabhu left his body due to coronavirus.
HG Manohar Krishna prabhu, a disciple of HH Bhakti Charu Swami, was blessed to receive the mercy of Sri Guru & Sri Gauranga by passing away on the evening of Gaur Purnima.
He was a wonderful devotee and friend and would always welcome and spend time talking to the many visitors who came to Bhaktivedanta Manor, would take a personal interest in those he met.
Inauguration of Iskcon Phuket Big Temple on 09 March 2020 (5 min. video)
Devotees at Iskcon center in Phuket Thailand inaugurated the new premises on Gaur Purnima day, March 9th. There was a full-day program with lectures and kirtan throughout the day and a feast served after moonrise. The co GBC for Thailand His Holiness Kavichandra Swami was present for the auspicious occasion.
Hare Krsna
HG Manohar Krishna prabhu, disciple of HH Bhakticaru Swami, was blessed to receive the mercy of Sri Guru & Sri Gauranga by passing away on the evening of Gaur Purnima.
He was a wonderful devotee and friend and would always welcome and spend time talking to the many visitors who came to Bhaktivadanta Manor, would take a personal interest in those he met. Indeed his welcome everytime I met HG Manohar Krishna Das was always inspiring and he would always check how my journey from Wales had gone and wishing me a safe journey home.
He was a larger than life character and I am sure his Guru Maharaja was impressed by his disciple who would inspire you to keep on coming and develop your own love of Krishna.
I am sure Sri Krishna would be welcoming this sincere dear devotee back home as he always welcomed everyone to the temple.
Hare Krishna
The incredible adventure to bring 6 Mercedes-Benz vans from Germany to India for Srila Prabhupada (33 min. video)
Gargamuni Das: Most dangerous and most blissful adventure of my entire life—how did I drive six brand new Mercedes-Benz vans from Germany to India [12 thousand km] for the 1975 Gaura-Purnima festival in Mayapur??– hold on to your seat while you hear this incredible adventure of my life.
Flood Of Mercy in Rishikesh (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Along with the flow of the Ganges here in Rishikesh, the holy names of Sri Krsna are inundating this sacred place with our Kirtan Fest. Every day we do harinam through the streets and give out invitations to our programs. Hundreds of spiritual seekers from the west attend both our morning and evening sessions. We couldn’t be more enlivened!
Find them here: http://bit.ly/38H46V4
My Lord, the moving entities who have heard You loud sankirtana have already been delivered from bondage to the material world, and after the nonmoving living entities like trees hear it, there is echo. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.70)
Devotional service is to give all that we have; that is ecstasy.
Nityananda Trayodashi class, 7th feb 2020, New York
Watch the whole class on youtube or follow this link to watch it if you dont see the video below.
The article " Devotional service is… " was published on KKSBlog.
ISKCON, Sri Dham Mayapur - As It Is (6 min. video)
A glimpse inside some of the many activities carried out within ISKCON Mayapur.
This footage by Yadubara captures a historical period in Lord Chaitanya's Kirtan Movement in America. Many thanks to the hard working souls who served Srila Prabhupada and made this event happen. The music for this video is a song I wrote in the winter of 1971, Columbus Ohio.
The Vedas have profoundly rich poetry that suggests cows and hymns are all tied with rituals, most centrally to yajna, which is crudely translated as sacrifice. It really has to do with the idea that human beings are in particular function of maintenance of the cosmic order, and cows are essential to humans performing that function.
In this article we discuss a very brief and simplified history of Quantum Mechanics and will quote what the founding fathers of this branch of science had to say about Vedic influence on the development of their theories.
Sacinandana Swami: It is my great pleasure to share the audio recordings of the meditations and exercises from The Living Name with you. The recordings are designed to inspire your personal japa and kirtan practice, and to enable you to achieve full absorption. Sincerely wishing you all the best,
