Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi
Giriraj Swami

Ekadasi is one of the regular celebrations in the Vaishnava calendar. It is observed eleven days after the full moon and eleven days after the new moon of every month. Even in the thirteenth, or leap, month, called adhika-masa, or purusottama-masa, which comes every three years and during which no other festivals are celebrated, Ekadasi is observed. Ekadasi is known as the day of Lord Hari and is said to be the mother of devotion. Keeping the fast on Ekadasi is one of the sixty-four items of devotional service listed in Srila Rupa Gosvami’s Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. In fact, it is one of the first ten.

The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada’s summary study of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, states, “In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one’s faith and love for Govinda, or Krsna. The real reason for observing fasting on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly.”

Later in The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada cites the observance of Ekadasi as a stimulus (uddipana) for ecstatic love: “Some things which give impetus or stimulation to ecstatic love of Krsna are His transcendental qualities, His uncommon activities, His smiling features, His apparel and garlands, His flute, His buffalo horn, His leg bells, His conchshell, His footprints, His places of pastimes (such as Vrndavana), His favorite plant (tulasi), His devotee and the periodical occasions for remembering Him. One such occasion for remembrance is Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.”

The importance of the Ekadasi fast is also seen in the history of King Ambarisa and the sage Durvasa. Maharaja Ambarisa had observed the fast without even drinking water up until the appointed time to break the fast, called the Ekadasi-parana. Durvasa Muni was to have returned before the time of the parana, and because he was playing the part of a brahman and Ambarisa Maharaja the part of a kshatriya, proper etiquette dictated that Durvasa break the fast first. However, because Durvasa did not come in time, Ambarisa was in a dilemma. If he did not break the fast punctually, the whole observance would be spoiled. At the same time, if he did not wait for Durvasa, he would be guilty of an offense, because the etiquette demanded that he wait for the sage to break the fast first. King Ambarisa consulted his advisors, but none could resolve his problem. Finally, the king himself determined the solution: he would take water. Taking water would break the fast and at the same time not break it.

So, Ekadasi is an important observance. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally observed Ekadasi, and He ordered all of His followers to do the same. And of all the Ekadasis, Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi, Bhima Ekadasi, is the most special.

The story behind this special Ekadasi is recounted in the Brahma Vivarta Purana. Five thousand years ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s elder brother Bhima admitted that he had great difficulty fasting. (In those days everyone would fast completely from all food and water.) So the Vedic authority Vyasadeva gave Bhima permission to observe the full fast (nirjala, “without water”) only once a year, in the early summer, and to derive the same benefit as if he had observed all the other twenty-three Ekadasis. Thus, devotees who are unable to properly observe Ekadasi during the year, or who by chance happen to miss an Ekadasi, can get the benefit of fully observing all the Ekadasis if they properly observe the Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. Strictly observed, the fast begins before sunset the evening before Ekadasi and continues until the parana, about the time of sunrise, the morning after Ekadasi. Many devotees try to chant at least sixty-four rounds on Ekadasi, especially the Bhima Ekadasi.

Once, when we were with Srila Prabhupada in Amritsar, Yamuna-devi read to him from the newly published Nectar of Devotion: “One such occasion for remembrance is Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.” Then she asked, “Should we also observe Ekadasi like that?”

“No,” Prabhupada replied. “We have too much service to do for Krishna.”

Still, Srila Prabhupada said, “Ekadasi is most auspicious. And chanting is more effective.” And to a disciple who asked, “Should we chant twenty-five rounds on Ekadasi?” Srila Prabhupada replied, “Why only twenty-five rounds? You should chant as many as possible.”

So, the basic observance of Ekadasi as prescribed by Srila Prabhupada is to refrain from eating grains and beans and to chant as many rounds as possible. Although most devotees in ISKCON do not perform nirjala on every Ekadasi, many do on Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. They also try to chant at least sixty-four rounds. And by the mercy of Ekadasi, they make great spiritual advancement: they are blessed by spiritual strength and realization and thus continue their service to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission with renewed vigor—enthusiasm and inspiration.

Hare Krishna.

Extensive Renovations and Expansions Underway at ISKCON New Mayapur
→ ISKCON News

Govinda Das, Construction Manager. ISKCON New Mayapur temple, housed in a 100-year-old castle with an area of approximately 83 hectares, is receiving a much-needed restoration and renovation under the guidance of Temple President Locananda Das and Vice President Gandharvika Rai Devi Dasi. One significant sustainability initiative at ISKCON New Mayapur is the implementation of a […]

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Stonehenge Summer Solstice Rathayatra 2024
→ Dandavats

Parasuram das: Invitation to Stonehenge Rathayatra Thursday 20th June at Midnight…. chanting will continue till 7am Friday morning 21st June where we will have breakfast amongst the pilgrims. The festival is free, they charge about £20 for parking, unless you drive in with the main Hare Krishna Team . Not to be missed, a Life
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Happy Father’s Day
Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada expressed his appreciation for his father in his dedication to his book Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead: “To My Father, Gour Mohan De (1849-1930)—A pure devotee of Krsna, who raised me as a Krsna conscious child from the beginning of my life. In my boyhood ages he instructed me how to play the mrdanga. He gave me Radha-Krsna vigraha to worship, and he gave me Jagannatha ratha to duly observe the festival as my childhood play. He was kind to me, and I imbibed from him the ideas later on solidified by my spiritual master, the eternal father.”

As devotees, we try to encourage and facilitate our children’s Krishna consciousness, as Prabhupada’s father did with him—an effort that is solidified when our children find their eternal spiritual masters.

Later, Srila Prabhupada wrote one of his disciples, “You have accepted me as father, so I have also accepted you as my dear and real son. Relationship of father and son on spiritual platform is real and eternal; on the material platform such relationship is ephemeral and temporary. Although I cannot give you anything as father, still I can pray to Krishna for your more and more advancement in Krishna consciousness. Your sincerity and service mood will always help you in advancing your genuine cause.”

We are indebted to all our fathers, biological and preceptorial. To those still with us, we wish you Happy Father’s Day. To those who have left us, we love you and miss you, and we shall try to act in such a way as will please you—and Krishna, the Supreme Father.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Remembering Sudharma Devi Dasi
→ ISKCON News

From Sudharma Devi Dasi’s godsister Pranada Comtois: “Our dear friend and valiant servant of Srila Prabhupada, Sudharma dasi, has left us just after 11:00 pm EDT on June 14, 2024, in Alachua, FL, from cardiac arrest. Sudharma devi dasi took initiation from Srila Prabhupada in 1976. In her nearly 50 years of devotional life, she […]

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Allah Told Her to Take “The Song of God”
Giriraj Swami

Just outside the city of Kazan in Tatarstan, a Muslim state in the Russian Federation, I was distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books near a market with a friend. We had planned to distribute for about three hours and then leave for lunch, but by the end of the third hour, I still hadn’t distributed a single book, so I started to pray.

Near us a few old ladies were selling knitted items and apples from their gardens. One of them—a small, elderly lady wrapped in a shawl—came over to me and started talking to me in Tatar. I know Tatar, so I answered her and we began to converse, half in Tatar and half in Russian.

She asked if I had a book titled “The Song of God.” Surprised, I answered, “Yes, I have this book, ‘The Song of God.’  ”

“Let me see!” she said. I handed her the Bhagavad-gita and asked how she knew about “The Song of God.”

She replied, “You know, I believe in Allah. All my life, I have prayed to Allah. And a few days ago Allah came to me in a dream. I didn’t see Him, but I saw a strong glow emanating from Him. I immediately realized it was Allah, and He told me, ‘Soon you will see a person handing out books.’ He then described you to me. But He warned me, ‘Do not approach him right away. Wait and make sure it is him. And when you are sure that it is him, as I described, ask him for a book called, “The Song of God.” ’ ”

How amazed I was to hear that! “Yes, dear mother, the name of the book, Bhagavad-gita, means exactly that, ‘The Song of God,’ because God Himself sang it five thousand years ago.”

The lady looked at me with tears in her eyes. “How much does it cost?” Her piety was priceless.

“We don’t sell the books. Just give 200 rubles—or whatever you can.” She looked very poor.

She then took out a small plastic bag, and from that bag another bag. And from that bag a handkerchief, and from the handkerchief another handkerchief, where she kept the money she earned from selling apples every day.

She gave me some rubles, probably more than she could afford, took the Bhagavad-gita and with both hands pressed it firmly against her chest, her eyes filled with tears of joy. She gazed skyward and spoke to Allah: “I did exactly what You wanted me to do!” And then, suddenly, she turned and ran away, holding the Bhagavad-gita like the most precious treasure.

Overwhelmed, I wanted to tell my friend what had just happened. I had about fifteen books left as I moved toward him, but the people must have seen my own tears of joy, because they kept asking me, “What kind of books do you have?” They spontaneously took them, and all the books disappeared.

I thank Allah for helping us distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books!

[Editor’s note: Quite a story, but it’s curious that the writer didn’t give his name. The pious old woman reminds me of the Christian seeker in The Way of a Pilgrim, the anonymous 19th-century classic set in Russia and first published in, of all places, Kazan, the city where the distributor met the old woman. How clever and kind the Lord is to reach us in many ways—awake or dreaming—as Christ, Krishna, Allah, and now through the anonymous writer of this sankirtan story. Hare Krishna.]

Radha Madhava and Radha Kunjabihari temples.
→ Ramai Swami

The temples in Bali like Radha Madhava and Radha Kunjabihari were constructed reflecting local Balinese architecture style and beauty. The weather is generally warm so the areas are left open and covered just enough to protect from the hot sun or rain.

In other areas of Indonesia, like Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lombok and Kalimantan, they are made in a similar way, perhaps slightly different according to the area. I regularly travel to as many centers as possible to lead kirtan and give lectures.

Sweden Hosts Youth Leaders from 12 Countries with Focus on Child Protection and Security Education
→ ISKCON News

From June 6-9, 2024, over 20 youth leaders from 12 different countries gathered at the ISKCON Almvik Eco-village in Sweden for a transformative four-day seminar. The event focused on critical topics such as Child and Youth Protection, First Aid, and Security. Participants hailed from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Italy, France, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, […]

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The TOVP Guru Parampara Murti Campaign Launched
- TOVP.org

The TOVP Fundraising Team is pleased to announce the launch of the Guru Parampara Murti Campaign giving the opportunity to sponsor one of 15 acharya murtis to be installed on the TOVP altar in 2026.

These murtis will be carefully crafted in Jaipur out of white marble by the finest murti craftsmen according to very specific guidelines and directions to manifest the unique personalities of each acharya. The murtis include the 6 Goswamis, Narottama Das Thakur, Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur up to Srila Prabhupada.

For more information and to sponsor a murti go to the Guru Parampara Murti Campaign page on the TOVP website.

 


 

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ISKCON Nairobi’s Ratha Yatra Festival Attracted Thousands in Kenya’s Capital
→ ISKCON News

On June 8, 2024, ISKCON Nairobi celebrated its 38th Annual Festival of Chariots, attracting over 2,000 participants from all walks of life. “The four-hour procession passed through the [capital city of Nairobi] with many onlookers joining in the vibrant Kirtan,” said Govinda Prema Dasa, Preaching Coordinator for East Africa. The festival ended with a sumptuous […]

The post ISKCON Nairobi’s Ratha Yatra Festival Attracted Thousands in Kenya’s Capital appeared first on ISKCON News.

Krishna Capital Gate Centre Opens in Hainault, London
→ ISKCON News

“The Krishna Capital Gate Centre was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and joy [on June 9, 2024 in Hainault, London]. This newly established centre marks a significant milestone in the efforts to support humanitarian aid and community service. The event was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Redbridge, Sheila Bain, who was the chief […]

The post Krishna Capital Gate Centre Opens in Hainault, London appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Minnesota Launches Monthly Sankirtan Festival Near Major Tourist Attraction
→ ISKCON News

On Saturday, June 1st, 2024, the vibrant community of ISKCON Minnesota came together to launch their first-ever Monthly Sankirtan Festival at Minnehaha Falls, the largest park in Minneapolis.  “Minnehaha is a Lakota tribe word that means ‘waterfall or jumbling water.'” said Rama Kisora Dasa, a member of the community, “When sitting by the falls, I […]

The post ISKCON Minnesota Launches Monthly Sankirtan Festival Near Major Tourist Attraction appeared first on ISKCON News.

Inauguration of Krishna Capital Gate Centre
→ Dandavats

Date: June 9, 2024, Location: Hainault, London By Yogesvara Gopinath das The Krishna Capital Gate Centre was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and joy. This newly established centre marks a significant milestone in the efforts to support humanitarian aid and community service. The event was graced by the presence of the Mayor of Redbridge, Sheila Bain,
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Bali Homas
→ Ramai Swami

Most grhastha devotees in Bali have deities at home and according to their means worship them regularly. They are also very fond of arranging different types of yajnas, from vastu, Nrsimha and other types of ceremonies. I get numerous invitations to attend, lead kirtan and speak at these functions, which I see is a great privilege.

Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies Joins University of Arizona’s Conference on Consciousness
→ ISKCON News

Akhandadhi Das (Martin Fleming) opened the workshop with a summary of Vaishnava Vedanta and Sankhya metaphysics which could address the problematic gaps in current thinking about the interaction of the conscious agent, the mind and the brain. The Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies (BIHS) made a significant achievement by participating in the University of Arizona’s […]

The post Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies Joins University of Arizona’s Conference on Consciousness appeared first on ISKCON News.

Dott. Massimo Introvigne – Video for the 50° Anniversary of ISKCon in Italy
→ Dandavats

(Automatic translation) Good morning to everyone, I am Massimo Introvigne, sociologist, co-founder and director of the Cesnur study center on new religions in Turin and I am here to replace Professor Pierluigi Zoccatelli whose name appeared in the original program of this conference and who unfortunately left us last week in following a sudden cardiac
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Construction Updates on the State-of-the Art Sri Mayapur Community Hospital
→ ISKCON News

Harilila Das (left); the Sri Mayapur Community Hospital under construction. In a recent interview, Harilila Das, head of ISKCON Mayapur’s Health Care Division, shared the latest updates on the Sri Mayapur Community Hospital project. The ground-breaking initiative is spread across an area of approximately five acres and will have a palliative care facility, a birth […]

The post Construction Updates on the State-of-the Art Sri Mayapur Community Hospital appeared first on ISKCON News.

Snana Yatra 2024
→ Hare Krishna Auckland

Snana Yatra 2024

Join us for the auspicious Snana Yatra festival at ISKCON Auckland on Sunday, June 23, 2024, starting from 10:00 AM. This annual festival celebrates the divine appearance day of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama, and Lady Subhadra.

Highlights

  • Abhishek (bathing) ceremony of Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra
  • Kirtan
  • Arati
  • Cultural performances
  • Prasadam
  • Hati-Vesha Darshan

Come and be a part of this sacred festival, where you can witness the grand bathing ceremony of the deities and participate in the joyous celebrations.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Snana Yatra 2024

COMING OF AGE #16 – I, Me, Mine – Field!
→ ISKCON News

There’s one thing about minefields. They are dangerous. The “I, Me, Mine” mentality is arguably more deadly to our spiritual progress, even if compared to the dangers of traversing an explosive minefield during a war. There’s a famous story of Srila Prabhupada on a cold and damp morning walk with his walking cane. There were […]

The post COMING OF AGE #16 – I, Me, Mine – Field! appeared first on ISKCON News.

Krishna Center for Empathic Communication to Host Online Workshop
→ ISKCON News

Bir Krishna Das Goswami; Workshop details. The Krishna Center for Empathic Communication, an online platform under the guidance of Bir Krishna Das Goswami, is hosting an online workshop called “Seeking Harmony Within and Without” from June 16 to August 18, 2024, led by Madhuri Radhika Devi Dasi. The workshop meets weekly for two hours, focusing […]

The post Krishna Center for Empathic Communication to Host Online Workshop appeared first on ISKCON News.

Panihati Cida Dahi Festival
→ Hare Krishna Auckland

Panihati Cida Dahi Festival

Join us for the joyous Panihati Cida Dahi Festival at ISKCON Auckland on Sunday, June 16, 2024, starting from 11:00 AM. This annual festival commemorates the historic meeting between Lord Nityananda and Raghunatha Dasa Goswami at Panihati, West Bengal.

Highlights

  • Kirtan
  • Parikrama
  • Offering of Cida Dahi
  • Arati
  • Drama
  • Discourse
  • Prasadam

Come and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere, filled with devotion, music, and delicious vegetarian cuisine. Entry is free and open to all.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Panihati Cida Dahi Festival

Astronaut Carried Bhagavad Gita on Historic Starliner Flight to the International Space Station
→ ISKCON News

Photo credit: Joel Kowsky. On Thursday, the new Boeing Starliner made history by successfully docking with the International Space Station.  One of the two astronauts aboard, Sunita Williams, brought some “essentials” along on the mission, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and homemade samosas.   Navy Officer Williams was first selected for NASA’s astronaut program […]

The post Astronaut Carried Bhagavad Gita on Historic Starliner Flight to the International Space Station appeared first on ISKCON News.

Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat Returns to Texas with Record-Breaking Attendance
→ ISKCON News

Over Memorial Day weekend 2024, more than 3,100 devotees gathered in Frisco, Texas, for the 11th annual US-based Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat, organized by Indradyumna Swami. The sold-out event was held at the Frisco Convention Center near Dallas, Texas and welcomed devotees from 46 states and 14 countries. Attendees enjoyed 24 hours of joyful kirtans […]

The post Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat Returns to Texas with Record-Breaking Attendance appeared first on ISKCON News.

Greek-Catholic Seminarians Visit ISKCON’s New Navadvipa Mandir in Kyiv, Ukraine
→ ISKCON News

On June 5th, 2024, a group of Greek-Catholic seminarians visited the ISKCON Kyiv temple with their professor as part of their religious studies curriculum, which includes learning about other spiritual traditions.   Under the guidance of Acyuta Priya Das and Bhakti Caru Das, the group of seminarians experienced a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the […]

The post Greek-Catholic Seminarians Visit ISKCON’s New Navadvipa Mandir in Kyiv, Ukraine appeared first on ISKCON News.

Canadian Devotees Open Unique Cultural Centre in Northern Ontario
→ ISKCON News

Sri Sri Radha Muskoka Isvara with 175 preparations in the new Muskoka Krishna Cultural Centre. The Muskoka Cultural Centre in Huntsville, Ontario celebrated its Grand Opening during the 3rd week of May 2024, with the aim of spreading Krishna Consciousness, prasadam, and kirtan in a welcoming environment to the local and larger community. By Srila […]

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Radha Gopinatha Temple Bali
→ Ramai Swami

Bali has six main Iskcon temples and of course a few smaller centres. It’s always a privilege visiting for darshan, kirtan, lectures and associating with devotees.

Last week 63 Malaysian youth devotees stayed at our Radha Gopinatha temple in the Baha area and very much enjoyed their visit.

I was able to lead kirtan and speak recently at the temple, along with Kavicandra Maharaja. We also went for some home programs and yajnas. As usual, it was blissful and prasadam was fantastic.

ISKCON South Africa and Food for Life Rushes Aid to Tornado Victims
→ ISKCON News

Gomatila Dasa and his Food for Life team distributing prasada in affected area. A tornado has caused significant damage in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, resulting in the loss of eleven lives and injuries to more than 50 people. The town of Tongaat was one of the most affected areas, with numerous homes […]

The post ISKCON South Africa and Food for Life Rushes Aid to Tornado Victims appeared first on ISKCON News.

Kirtan-lila Rome 2024
→ Dandavats

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ISKCON’s 30th Communications Conference Held at Radhadesh
→ ISKCON News

The four-day ISKCON Communications conference held at Radhadesh on May 25–28 was the thirtieth conference organized by ISKCON Communications Europe (ICE). The first day was dedicated to this anniversary.  Mahaprabhu Dasa, ICE’s current director, invited Mukunda Goswami, the original director of ISKCON Communications worldwide, to open the conference by video.  Mukunda Goswami spoke from Australia, […]

The post ISKCON’s 30th Communications Conference Held at Radhadesh appeared first on ISKCON News.

Annapurna Dasi’s “Illuminations from the Ramayana” Exhibit Debuts at MOSA
→ ISKCON News

On May 25, 2024, a new exhibition featuring the paintings of Annapurna Dasi (Anna Johansson) opened at the Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA) in Radhadesh, Belgium. Titled “Illuminations from the Ramayana,” it will be on display for one year and showcase more than 350 of her pencil-and-ink and water-color paintings.  Originally from Sweden, Annapurna Dasi […]

The post Annapurna Dasi’s “Illuminations from the Ramayana” Exhibit Debuts at MOSA appeared first on ISKCON News.

Achievements and activities of ISKCON Russian speaking Yatra for the month of May
→ Dandavats

I am excited to share with you the wonderful achievements and activities of ISKCON Russian speaking Yatra for the month of May. Maha Harinam with Indradyumna Maharaja: We started the month with a vibrant Maha Harinam featuring Indradyumna Maharaja. Our matajis dressed in colorful sarees, adding to the festive atmosphere and spreading joy through their
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When Krishna always uses his free will properly, why don’t we too when we are his parts?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Transcription

Question: When Krishna always uses His free will properly, why don’t we too when we are His parts?

If Krishna is All-Good and He uses free will to do all good, how can we do bad with our free will?

Answer: Independence without intelligence leads to decadence. Krishna is not only fully independent, he is also fully intelligent. We have independence, but because we are tiny parts, our independence is tiny and our intelligence is also tiny.

As long as we act only based on our tiny intelligence, we cannot always use our independence properly. Because of improper use of intelligence, we go into decadence. We make wrong choices and we become degraded. We hurt ourselves, we hurt others also. But as parts, we have fractional independence, and independence brings responsibility. We use the independence properly. Because Krishna has infinite intelligence, so Krishna always uses His intelligence for benevolence. Benevolence means to do good for oneself and others. So, when we connect with Krishna, when we turn towards Krishna, when we take intelligence from Him, then our independence also will lead to benevolence. But as long as we rely on our own fractional intelligence, then there is always the possibility that our intelligence can mislead us.

So, it’s not just a matter of we “being” parts of Krishna, but we also “staying” as parts of Krishna by using our intelligence properly. Otherwise, we will not be able to use our independence properly, and that’s how we’ll end up in decadence, doing wrong things.

End of transcription.

How to reconcile Krishna’s omniscience with our having free will?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast:

Transcription
Question: How to reconcile Krishna’s omniscience with our having free will?

If Krishna knows past, present and future, how do we reconcile that with the fact that we have free will? Or if we have free will, how do we reconcile that with Krishna’s knowing past present and future?

Answer: Firstly, Jiva Goswami explains in the Sandarbhas that when we approach Krishna, there is the concept of Achintya tattva, inconceivability that needs to be understood. What does inconceivability mean? He says that sometimes scripture talks about two attributes of God or two spiritual principles. Now, they seem contradictory to us, but they are not necessarily contradictory. Why? Because God can have powers that we don’t have. He says if scripture is saying two statements, say for example, scripture says that the Absolute Truth is personal and scripture also talks that the Absolute Truth is impersonal. How that is so? That we don’t know, but we accept both as true.

Similarly, scripture is quite clear that we have free will. The end of the Bhagavad Gita is what? Krishna is asking Arjuna, yathecchasi tathā kuru (18.63). Scripture is also clear that vedāhaṁ samatītāni vartamānāni cārjuna bhaviṣyāṇi ca bhūtāni. In 18.63, Krishna is emphasizing our free will. In 7.25-26, he says that Him no one knows, but He knows everything. How is this to be reconciled? I will talk about three main points in this.

First is that God’s knowledge of the future is like our knowledge of the past. What does that mean? (Laughter). Our knowledge of the past is knowledge without control. I did something in the past, I know it, but I can’t correct it right now. God’s knowledge of the future is also knowledge without intervention. It is not that Krishna cannot intervene, but He chooses not to intervene because He respects our free will. So, it is not necessary that knowledge has to mean that our freedom is taken away. This is a philosophical analysis. From a little more practical point of view, what it means is that if there are three roads on our path, there is a road over here, this road goes to a rocky area, this road is a smooth road, and this road goes into a dead end. Now, if someone takes a particular road, we know eventually what is going to happen. Choices are connected with consequences. So, which choice will lead to which consequence is known to a person who knows the whole area/terrain. But that does not still mean that that person forces the person to make a particular choice.

Similarly, Krishna knows the future in the sense that He knows there are certain choices that will lead to certain consequences, but still He gives us free will by which we can choose.

Secondly, and more importantly, in the spiritual realm, more important than knowledge is love. That means if you see when Krishna performs Krishna leela, He knows what is going to happen. It is He who is performing the pastime, it is He who knows, “Oh, when I’m going to steal butter, Yashoda Ma is going to come from here and then she’s going to catch me, then I’m going to run here, then this is going to happen, this is going to happen.” Now, Krishna knows everything. Sometimes when there is some suspense novel, then somebody says, this is a very good mystery novel, this is a good suspense novel, “don’t tell the story to me, don’t tell the end, otherwise you’ll spoil all the fun.” (Laughter).

In that sort of mystery novel, the fun is in knowing. Whereas, when there is love between two people, the joy is in the doing. It’s not so much in the knowing. Knowing is there, but the joy is in the doing. Krishna loves Yashoda Ma, Yashoda Ma loves Krishna, and in just their reciprocation there is joy. So it is not necessary that the event happening in a particular way and this happening or that happening, that’s what brings joy. It’s just their reciprocation that brings joy. In the spiritual realm, more important than knowledge is the expression of affection. For us as sadhakas, irrespective of whether Krishna knows or not our future, what is more important is that we have the opportunity to express our affection to Krishna and by expressing our affection to him, we can experience higher spiritual happiness. Ultimately, what applies to the spiritual realm? Now it is not only Krishna who knows what pastimes He is going to do. Krishna has certain assistants, associates, who participate in the pastimes and some associates who set the scene for the pastimes. Like we have Paurnamasi or we have Yogamaya especially. She’s setting the scenes for the pastimes. When she does that, the whole purpose is that she knows what is going to happen and still she relishes it.

In the spiritual world, knowing is not as important as doing and loving through that. The same applies to the sadhakas. We don’t have to bother whether, you know, if Krishna knows the future, then does Krishna know when I’m going to go to Him, when I’m going to attain Him and then if I’m going to go to Him after 10 lifetimes, maybe I can practice bhakti after 10 lifetimes only. (Laughter) Why practice now? No, the point is, even if we are going to go to Krishna after 10 lifetimes, if you are practicing bhakti, those 10 lifetimes will be much richer. We will be much better in our existence here, much better in our contributions, whatever we can do for others. The point is, even if it is after 10 lifetimes we will go to Krishna, still those 10 lifetimes also we can be experiencing Krishna prem, even if it is not a very advanced level, but still we can experience love for Krishna and experience the higher life devoted to Him in this world.

If we shift that focus, as devotees, we’re not really concerned so much about the future. Yes, we want to attain Krishna, but our focus is on loving Krishna. I came from India to America. Suppose I had come here to meet someone and the person who I had come to meet, I had not met that person before. I come to America and I find the address, I knock on that door, the person opens the door. Then I say, “Oh, this person was sitting right next to me in my flight, throughout my flight, but because I did not know this person, so I did not know this was the person I was going to meet.” Like that, Krishna is not just someone whom we will attain when we attain Krishnaloka. Krishna is right next to us in our own hearts: sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo, He is right now in our hearts. It is not that the opportunity to connect with Krishna depends on our attaining Him in some distant future. That opportunity is there right now. Even though we may not realize and relish it as much as we will when we become purified, but still that opportunity is there right now.

The whole essence of bhakti is what we can do to connect with Krishna, how we can love and serve Krishna right now. Whether it is Krishna’s omniscience or it is Krishna’s omnipotence, Krishna knows past, present and future, that is His omniscience. Omnipotence is whether He can do anything and everything. All these attributes are subordinated for the purpose of love. See, Krishna is omnipotent, so how can Mother Yashoda tie Him? But still, for the sake of reciprocating love, He lets Himself get tied. Just as Krishna and Krishna’s love focuses not on His Godhood, but on the reciprocation of love, similarly, when we are practicing bhakti, we don’t focus too much on His Godhood, in the sense that certainly we focus on His Godhood so that we subordinate ourselves to Him, but when it comes to practicing bhakti, we focus not on His Godhood, but on the principle of offering our love.

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