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Puranic Rules for Prasadam

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

When describing grhastha life, the Vishnu Mahapuranam (3.11.76-98) mentions a few rules about how to properly take food/Krishna prasadam. Most of these verses are also quoted by Sri Sanatana Goswami in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (# 9).

To begin with, Vishnu Purana says, “If one follows these rules, one will attain perpetual good health, strength and intelligence.” (v. 76)

iha carogya vipulam, bala buddhis tatha nrpa

Then Vishnu Mahapurana continues, “When eating one should wear clean cloth; face east or north; be happy, attentive and have a pleasant face. Don’t eat if in a bad mood. Eat fresh, tasty food and nothing stale. Before eating, chant purifying mantras and prayers, mantra bhimantritam (v. 84)

Eating Sequence:

“Start with sweet tasting liquid items,

ashniyat tan mayo bhutva purvam tu madhuram rasam. (v. 87)

Middle of meal eat salty and sour items,

madhye katu tikta adhikams tatah.

End meal/prasadam with bitter and pungent items.

One who starts the meal with fluid items; takes solid foods in the middle and concludes the meal with fluid items—will always be strong and healthy. (v. 88)

“One should eat in silence and only take five handfuls of food to maintain his/her five live airs. (v. 89)

pancha grasam maha maunam
prana adyap yayanam hi tat

“After eating, one should cleanse the mouth and hands, sit down peacefully, meditate upon Radha and Krishna and pray, ‘May this food/prasadam be fully digested and assimilated and thereby give my body strength and satisfaction.’ [ed. to serve Krishna better!] (v. 90-94) After reciting this prayer, one should rub his/her stomach with one’s hand palm.” (98)

ity uccarya sva hastena parimrjya tathodaram

Rubbing the belly after eating is a very ancient practice, common in India. As an alternative to the prayer mentioned above, we suggest the following verse from Sri Bhagavad Gita (15.14):

aham vaish vanaro bhutva
praninam deham ashritah
pran apana sama yuktah
pacham yannam chatur vidham

Bhagavan Sri Krishna said, “O Arjuna, I am the fire of digestion in all living entities, and I mix with the prana and apana life airs to digest the four kinds of foodstuff.”

We have personally seen that after taking Krishna prasadam, many Vrajavasis, Gaudiya Vaisnavas and Brahmins rub their bellies and chant the Gita verse above. Although prescribed for grhastas, these basic rules of eating will benefit anyone who follows them. And for this, we have offered this post.

Sri Jagannatha maha-prasadam ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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SLEEP AT 10 UP AT 4 FOR DEATH NO MORE

Mahanidhi Swami

We present this essay, based on scientific research, to help aspiring devotees recognize THE NEED TO TAKE REST EARLY each night (latest by 10 p.m.), and to rise by 4 a.m. each morning in order to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and attain the perfection of human life.

After conducting hundreds of experiments on sleep and health, the world’s leading scientists have discovered that to keep optimum health, one should sleep early and RISE BEFORE SUNRISE. The best hours of sleep for your body are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The scientists say going to sleep at 11 p.m., 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. is extremely harmful to human health, and is a direct cause of many modern “killer diseases” such as heart disease and cancer.

Nature acts and moves according to precise rhythm cycles influenced by the rotation of the earth, sun and moon. Daily the sun rises and sets, the seasons come and go, the moon waxes and wanes, and the ocean tides rise and fall. The function of sleeping and wakefulness is part of this natural rhythm.

In Nature, one finds that the animals and plants are awake and asleep in tune with these rhythms. Human beings also have natural rhythms. Our human bodies, like Mother Nature, function according to natural cycles, body rhythms commonly called the internal body clock or the biological clock.

Disruptions of the natural functions of our biological clock due to improper habits and incorrect sleeping patterns cause many different diseases. When our bodies are out of balance and not functioning in harmony with Nature, nothing seems to feel right.

This is because hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters that determine our energy levels, vitality, and how we feel, sleep and eat are out of sync. In other words, we are imbalanced and out of tune with our biological clock. We are going against the natural harmony established by Mother Nature and Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Before the introduction of electricity in Indian villages, people would just naturally just go to bed shortly after sunset, as most animals do and which Nature intended for humans as well. The best hours of sleep for your body are the hours of 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. These hours and what your body is naturally programmed to do during these hours are governed by the movements of the sun and the 24-hour natural rhythm cycle of your internal body clock; both of which are beyond your control.

During these times (10 p.m. –6 a.m.), the human body is meant to be at a state of rest, repair, detoxification (elimination of waste products and poisons) and rejuvenation. Due to TV, computer, cell phones and Internet absorption most people nowadays are foolishly going against the natural order and design of our body.

As a result, we will pay the price by getting various diseases and problems. For example, if your body is overtaxed digesting a heavy late meal or you are up late (after 10 p.m.) working, playing, watching TV or computer, your vital body energy is focused there and not available for rest and rejuvenation. Remember: Bad action brings bad reaction!

We are free to stay up late, and we make that choice. And thus we ignore our bodies, which want to rest so they can do the many things needed to keep us healthy. Let your mind rest once and a while, and give your body some time, so it can do what it has to do to reward you with good health.

The saying is “Health is the greatest wealth”. The main internal organs of your body work according to a “Time Schedule”. Knowing how your body works can help you regulate your schedule in order to attain the optimum level of health and well-being.

THE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK AND YOUR INTERNAL ORGANS

9.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.: At this time, your body eliminates toxic chemicals from the immune system (lymph nodes). It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p.m. or 10 for your body to properly execute this important function.

11.00 p.m. – 1.00 a.m.: This is the time your liver eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. for your body to properly execute this important function.

12.00 midnight to 4.00 a.m.: This is the time your bone marrow produces blood.

1.00 a.m. – 3.00 a.m.: This is the time your gall bladder eliminates toxins and rejuvenates itself.

3.00 a.m. – 5.00 a.m.: This is the time your lungs eliminate toxins and rejuvenate themselves.

5.00 a.m. – 7.00 a.m.: This is the time your colon eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. This is the proper time to empty your bowel.

7.00 a.m. – 9.00 a.m.: This is the time that vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients are absorbed in your small intestines. You should definitely eat breakfast at this time.

Scientists have concluded that everyone should go to bed early (falling asleep by 10 p.m.) to obtain quality sleep, which will ensure proper physical regeneration. When you cooperate with your internal biological clock and allow Nature to take her course, you will feel refreshed, joyful and energized when you wake up (by 4 a.m., of course!). Going to bed before 10 p.m. is essential to keep the human body in tune with Nature and to remain healthy, happy and holy.

Material scientists have concluded that the average human being needs 8 hours of sleep per day, which is best obtained by sleeping between 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. However, if you follow a spiritual path by eating sattvic vegetarian food [especially Krishna prasadam], your body becomes healthy, light and sanctified. And by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and engaging in Krishna’s devotion, your mind becomes purified, pacified and relaxed.

Although, most people require 8 hours daily sleep, Krishna devotees usually only need 6 hours or less to maintain ideal health because their spiritual practices produce tremendous physical energy, mental peace, purity and internal harmony. Wanting all his followers to rise at 4 a.m., Srila Prabhupada said, “We request everyone to rise early in the morning by 4 a.m.” (Nectar Of Instructions pg. 34)

If possible (if there’s a will, there’s a way), everyone should follow the golden rule to rise at 4 a.m. in order to be healthy, mentally happy and progress nicely in spiritual life. There is a saying, and it’s true: “Early to bed—early to rise—makes one healthy, wealthy and wise”, provided of course that you chant Krishna’s Holy Names and serve Sri Krishna, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas.

Obviously to rise by 4 a.m, you must sleep early. Practice makes perfect. You have to try sincerely to change your schedule and work towards this goal of taking rest at 10 p.m. and rising at 4 a.m.

16 SCIENTIFIC TIPS FOR GOOD REST

  1. CAVELIKE DARKNESS: The bedroom should be pitch-black, so you can’t even see your hand in front of your face, which means no bright lights, clock lights, night lights or any light coming in from the windows. Why? When we sleep in total darkness, the human brain produces a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is an important antioxidant which protects our DNA structure and prevents cancer. Tests prove that even a small amount of light hitting the skin almost immediately shuts off the production of melatonin.
  2. DAILY GO OUTSIDE AND GET NATURAL SUNLIGHT: This helps regulate your biological clock and increases the production of melatonin, which promotes well-balanced sleeping patterns.
  3. DAILY EXERCISE: At least thirty minutes a day will help improve the quality of your sleep.
  4. AVOID BRIGHT LIGHTS: One should avoid keeping bright lights on inside the house before going to bed. At this time, bright light hitting the eye disrupts the bio-rhythm of the pineal gland and shuts off your melatonin production
  5. HOT SHOWER BEFORE BED: This relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep quickly.
  6. SLEEP AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE: You should be in bed and FAST ASLEEP by 10 p.m.
  7. WEAR SOCKS TO BED: THIS APPLIES TO COLD CLIMATES ONLY.
  8. THE BEDROOM SHOULD BE FREE FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD: Do not keep a TV, computer or any other electronic item in your bedroom because they create strong electromagnetic field which disrupts the quality of your sleep.
  9. FRESH AIR: Open the window at least a crack to get fresh air to circulate while sleeping.
  10. AVOID FLUIDS: Do not drink any fluids two hours before sleep.
  11. SLEEP REGULATION: Get up and go to sleep at the same time everyday. If you are up late one night, still rise at your usual time and nap later in the day.
  12. DAYTIME NAP: If one needs to take a nap in the day, it should not be longer than one hour for optimal rejuvenation, rest and repair. If you nap longer, it will disrupt the night-time sleep quality.
  13. AVOID NOISE: Because it disrupts sleep.
  14. HOT WATER BOTTLE: To relieve tension and anxiety, place a hot water bottle between the navel and the bottom of your ribcage.
  15. HEAD MASSAGE: To relax before sleeping.
  16. FOOT RUB: Rub ghee or sesame oil on the bottom of your feet to promote restful sleep.

We hope this essay will help everyone understand the extreme importance of sleeping at the proper time, and rising early in order to realize the full potential of this rare and valuable form of human life.

Our heartfelt desire is that each and every one will live a long healthy life full of Krishna bhakti, spiritual happiness, and attain the ultimate perfection of RadhaGovinda’s eternal loving service in the groves of Vrindavana.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Giridhari Shyama ki jai! Sridhama Vrindavana ki jai!

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Simple Vaishakha Vrata 2018 April

Mahanidhi Swami

Many Puranas and Hari Bhakti Vilasa by Sri Sanatana Goswami describe the fantastic benefits and blessings accrued by observing the Vaishakha Month Vrata (April 1-30, 2018).

It’s said among sadhus: “In material life more is less; in spiritual life more is more!” In other words, more material enjoyment means less spiritual progress. And more spiritual acts means more peace, more happiness and perfection promotion to Radha-Krishna’s nitya-seva in Sri Vraja Dhama.

For the benefit of all, we are presenting a simplified vrata based on 140 verses of Hari Bhakti Vilasa (14). By observing it, one can pleasingly serve Madhusudana Sri Krishna, and thereby gain good fortune, divine power, and lots of spiritual benefits.

  1. Donate: Dana—sesame (til) seeds, water, ghee, umbrellas.
  2. Sacred Baths: Tirtha Snana—Radha-kunda, Yamunaji, Gangaji, Samudra, etc. “Vaishakha tirtha snana yields 100,000 benefit of Magha Mas snana i.e. Kumbha Mela.” (Padma Purana/Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14.14.367-8)
  3. Bathing Prayers: Wash feet, meditate on Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and recite before morning (pratah-kala: 5-7 a.m.) snana:
  4. By the mercy of Sri Madhusudana and the blessings of the Brahmins, may my daily tirtha snana free me from all obstacles.
  5. O Murari! O Madhusudana! Please fulfill my spiritual desires as the fruit of my daily Vaishakha snana.
  6. O my beloved Sri Madhusudana! Vaishakha is Your favorite month. So please give me the fruit of destroying all my sins. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14. 400-403)
  7. SPECIAL DAYS TO OBSERVE:

** Akshaya Tritiya: (18 April)—This day is dear to Harivallabha Sri Krishna. Any acts of japa, dana, shraddha, snana, archana or tarpana bring one inexhaustible results. (409)

** Ganga Saptami, shukla: (22 April)—Ganga puja, snana, & tarpan to pitrs (ancestors) destroys their sins causing their bondage. (Padma P/hbv 413)

** Mohini Ekadasi: (26 April)—“Attain liberation by observing jagarana (stay awake all night). Skanda P.

** Nrsimha Chaturdasi: (28/29 April)—“Bhagavan Nrsimha said, “One will please Me by observing this topmost vow (uttama vrata) and attain happiness, sense pleasure and liberation. One Nrsimha vrata gives the benefit of 1,000 Dvadasi vratas!” (Padma P/hbv 14.414-5, 441, 446, 451)

** Vaishakha Purnima: (30 April)—Do dana, snana, tarpana, plus donate water which will give one a divine form. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 495)

*** CONCESSION SUPER VOW: If can’t observe all the other vows for one month, then just offer your best on the last three days: Trayodasi, Nrsimha Caturdasi and Vaishakha Purnima, 27-30 April 2018, and you will attain Vaikuntha! (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 501)

**** LAST STRAW VOW: If can’t observe anything, then at least “do one good deed”. Feed 10 brahmins on one day during Vaishakha month. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 502)

Vaishakha Vrata ki jai! Radha-kunda snana ki jai! Vaishakha Purnima ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Sadhakas Must Study Sandarbhas

Mahanidhi Swami

By quoting mostly Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Jiva Goswamipada wrote six essential books known as the Sandarbhas, which everyone must study and know to attain success in bhakti sadhana.

As philosophical treatises, the Sandarbhas prove the unique position of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and the eternal basis of Krishna consciousness; the eternal relationship between Bhagavan and the jivatma; exact details on how to practice bhakti bhajana to attain bhava; a complete explanation of Krishna prema; how to attain it; and the experience of the premi bhakta at the final sadhaka stage of spiritual perfection—priti.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada is blessed with incredible intelligence and the association of the wisest preceptors of Vaisnava siddhanta. By humbly serving Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis, Sri Jiva realized the essence of Radha-Krishna’s Vraja madhurya-rasa.

Summary of the Sandarbhas

  1. Tattva Sandarbha

Describes ways to attain knowledge i.e. direct perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana). But of all forms of gaining knowledge, the best way is to aurally receive transcendental sound manifesting from a divine liberated source (shabdha brahman). This knowledge is supreme, infallible and universally applicable at all times. Such wisdom includes the Vedas, Upanisads, Itihasa and the Puranas—crystalized in the topmost, sweet perfection as the Bhagavat Purana or Srimad Bhagavatam.

  1. Bhagavata Sandarbha

This book describes the Bhagavat or Para-brahma, His three main saktis—antaranga (includes samvit, sandhini and hladini saktis); bahiranga “material energy”; and the jiva or tatastha sakti. The essence of hladini is the divinely sweet form of Srimati Radharani, the eternal, counter whole, and divine consort of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Bhagavan has innumerable forms and manifests in infinite ways to His devotees according to their bhajana perfection. But for yogis and jnanis, Bhagavan simply manifests as either Brahman or Paramatma.

  1. Paramatma-Sandarbha

This book deals with the concept of Paramatma, the three forms of Sri Vishnu, the jivas, living entities, and   manifestation of the material world “creation”.

  1. Sri Krishna Sandarbha

This book proves that Krishna is Bhagavan Himself and not an incarnation of Bhagavan who are but His partial manifestations. The details of the transcendental holy dhama, eternal associates and divine lilas are all described.

  1. Bhakti-Sandarbha

This book describes different kinds and levels of bhakti and how to perform proper, pure and offense less bhakti bhajana to attain Krishna prema.

  1. Priti-Sandarbha

This book establishes that love divine, priti or Krishna prema-bhakti is the highest goal of self-realization and not moksha which most believe.

In summary, the Veda says, yasmin vijnate sarvam evam vijnatam bhavati, “If one knows the Absolute Truth, then one knows everything!” (Mundaka Up. 1.3) Thus by studying the Sandarbhas, one will clearly and convincingly understand the basis, principles, practice and goal of Krishna consciousness and bhakti bhajana. These most uplifting and inspirational teachings are the direct mercy of Mahaprabhu, the Six Goswamis, and especially Sri Jiva Goswamipada.

So don’t miss this ocean of mercy! Dive in and dive deeply to become drenched in bliss and radiant with wisdom. Attentively study, then hear audio or live classes by enlightened ones. And if possible, the absolute best way to learn transcendence is to hear directly from a Guru in whom your heart and mind are faithfully sheltered.

Sat Sandarbhas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Kama Gayatri: Meaning & Method

Mahanidhi Swami

Cupid, the material Kamadeva, is the god of love, desire and attraction who turns the minds and churns the hearts of all men and women with lust and attachment. Besides Cupid, there is the original God of pure unadulterated love, Sri Krishna, who seekers of love divine worship by chanting the ancient Vedic mantra called the Kama Gayatri.

The kama gayatri mantra is described in the Srsti-khanda of Padma Purna, the Gaudiya Vaisnava smrti, Hari-bhakti vilasa (3.321-2), citing Sanat kumāra Kalpa, and the Chaitanya-caritamrta by Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja.

Shastras state that within Vedic mantras one will discover the form, qualities and pastimes (rupa, guna, lila) of the devata described within the syllables and meter of the mantra. For example, within the kama gayatri one will first discover the form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. After some time, the sadhaka will see the transcendental Kamadeva in his heart, and feel sweet sentiments for Kamadeva Sri Krishna in his mind while chanting the mantra.

And then if Krishna’s mercy manifests, the sadhaka will see Srimati Radharani along with Her eternal darling and beloved consort Shyamasundara. Eventually the mantra chanting will bring the qualities and pastimes of Radha Govinda Yugala into one’s heart too!

To properly chant the kama gayatri one should visualize the transcendental form of Sri Krishna, and contemplate the meaning of the kama gayatri as revealed by your diksha guru or adi guru Bhagavan Sri Krishna within the recesses of your purified heart.

In the following entry, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu defines the kama gayatri and gives a perfect Krishna meditation for sadhakas to use while chanting the mantra.

Once to Srila Sanatana Goswamipada, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “Kama gayatri mantra is the personal divine form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, kama gayatri mantra rupa, haya krishnera svarupa.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.21.125)

In other words, the mantra and rupa are one. There is no difference between the words of Kama gayatri and the form of Sri Krishna. When you chant Kama gayatri, you should see the form of Krishna while meditating on the meaning of the mantra.

Once while He was absorbed in Radharani’s mahabhava and tasting the joy of conjugal love (sukhe madhurya asvadana), Gauranga Mahaprabhu described how to meditate on Krishna’s form (rupa dhyana) while chanting the kama gayatri mantra.

Sri Chaitanyadeva continued saying, “O Sanatana! Kamadeva Sri Krishna’s lovely sweet face; His elongated reddish lotus eyes; His beautiful curly locks of hair; the candana bindu tilaka on His forehead; the makara kundala earrings on His shining cheeks, and His playful seductive smiles fragrant as honey all combine to create a constant festival for the eyes. The transcendental body of Krishna is sweeter than an ocean of sweetness, krishna anga madhurya sindhu su madhura. Krishna’s divine form is an ocean of the sweetest nectar, Krishna madhurya amitera sindhu.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.121-149)

My personal experience is that the sincere regular chanting of the kama gayatri mantra turns the mind toward Krishna. It fills the heart with sweet attraction to Krishna and desires to serve and love Krishna eternally in the land of blissful enchantment, Sridhama Vrindavana. The more one chants the kama gayatri mantra, the more he becomes attached to Sri Krishna. Many sadhakas daily chant several rounds (108 beads) of the mantra.

There is no limit. Since it is a very powerful, wish-fulfilling Vedic mantra, one should take advantage and daily chant many rounds to fulfill your cherished desires to find bliss, peace and love in Sri Krishna’s eternal service. The proof of the mantra’s power is your personal experience!

Kama Gayatri ki jai! Krishna Prema ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Is Our Bhakti Pure?

Mahanidhi Swami

In Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu (1.1.11), Sri Rupa Goswamipada gives the clearest, most perfect definition of suddha-bhakti or pure devotional, loving expression toward Bhagavan Sri Krishna. This verse is so crucial and important for all devotees to know, feel, realize, live and express that Srila Prabhupada quoted and explained it over 400 times!

Although we don’t know who wrote it, we offer our utmost respect and gratitude to the author of the following article which accurately describes pure bhakti; which we have modified for your pleasure. We humbly beg all devotees to deeply read, study and try your best to embody and practice these essential teachings. If you do then very soon your bhakti will become pure, and Sri Krishna will run toward you to fill your immaculate heart with His love and bliss eternal.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada’s definition of pure bhakti (uttama bhakti):

anya bhilashita shunyam, jnana karmad yanavrtam
anukul yena krishanu, shilanam bhakti uttama

Trans: Uttama-bhakti, or real, true and topmost loving service (bhakti) is devotion favorably offered to Krishna that is free from any type of selfish, personal motives or desires and devoid of jnana (brahma-jnana) and karma (desiring personal benefits and promotions). In other words, with all the actions of one’s body, mind and speech the pure devotee will try to please and satisfy Sri Krishna.

ANUKULYENA KRISHNA ANUSHILANAM

Anukulya means feelingly acting (with devotion) with a clear, selfless favorable mind only to make Krishna happy. Pleasing Shyama automatically pleases ourselves. Do it and taste the blissful difference between selfless and selfish actions.

Krishnanushilanam means continuous activity; bhakti is a lifestyle not just two hours of “chanting my rounds”. Krishnanushilanam means 24/7 pure bhakti flow, mood, feelings and movements all directed toward Sri Krishna.

However, uttama bhakti is not only restricted to the usual limbs of bhakti like hearing, chanting, remembering etc. The great devotional sage Srila Rupa Gosvami’s definition of uttama-bhakti includes everything connected with Krishna through the thread of surrender, devotion and favorability. Bhakti is a complete lifestyle; not something you do for part of the day and then forget about it. It’s not a job—Bhakti is our life, our heart and our entire existence.

The word anushilanam refers to all the activities one can perform either while awake, asleep or in deep sleep. At every moment a devotee should perform only Krishnanushilanam, activities to bring a smile on Shyama’s lotus face. For example, eating Krishna prasada, sleeping, dressing and exercising to maintain our bodies, which are on loan from Krishna for His seva, are all part of uttama-bhakti.

In Krishnanushilanam there are two modes of action: accepting or rejecting something (sankalpa/vikalpa). If you accept something, it must be anukula or favorable and pleasing to Krishna (and maybe not to you) and His devotees. Rejection of something is also based on the principle of being favorable to Sri Krishna. Krishnanushilanam includes Krishna, His associates and objects belonging to Krishna. Your actions should really satisfy the heart of Krishna; not that you force Krishna to say, “Thank you.”ANYA BHILASHITA SHUNYAM

Anyabhilashita-shunyam means acting for Krishna’s happiness without any ulterior motive, free from calculation and personal ambition. Generally a person desires some fruits from his endeavors. And if one does not desire something then at least one thinks ‘let this work be finished and I will feel happy.’

Such thinking is contaminated with the desire (abhilasha) for freedom, peace, mukti or jnana-avrtam, “Soon the job will be done and I will be free.” This means that one is not really interested in the seva, but in finishing it. Of course, the seva must be finished but not for our interest but for His—Sri Krishna. Desiring to finish quickly and be free means one will act passionately without feeling. This is not uttama bhakti.

In uttama-bhakti, one must perform actions favorably for Krishna’s pleasure whether it takes little time, a lot or a lifetime. The backing motive is the key factor. A real pure devotee thinks, acts and feels, “My beloved Sri Krishna, Radharani and all Their wonderful devotees should be happy and pleased with me and that’s all! You first, you second, everything for you—that’s my life, my purpose and my joy. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

ANYA ABHILASHITA means to have no other desire but ONE: the desire to serve and please Priyatama Sri Krishna. When one desires to serve Sri Krishna, then there is no question of “let me finish this seva quickly so I will be free.” Uttama-bhakti means absorption in service, moment to moment favorable activities for the happiness of Sri Krishna and His devotees.

Let’s all examine our hearts and motives. Now once and for all time let’s throw away and kick out all our selfishness, holding back, profit calculating, and benefit trading feelings and mentalities. A life of pure love awaits the pure hearted, and this is what Radha and Krishna want. They want selfless, dedicated loving devotees who just want to be with, serve and please Radha-Govinda Yugala forever in Vraja Dhama.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Suddha bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe!

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Queen Rukmini Teaches How to be Determined

Mahanidhi Swami

Before marrying Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the exceptionally elegant and stunningly beautiful Princess Sri Rukminiji sent a love letter to Sri Krishna expressing her desire for His hand in marriage.

Sri Rukmini beseeched, “O Krishnaji! You are certainly most difficult to attain! And I know that You cannot be gotten simply by the good acts of one birth. But if for many prior lives I have done any good deeds, with or without a desire to attain You, then please give me the results now so that I may attain You. I want nothing but this. This is my only prayer.

“O my dearest Ambujaksa Sri Krishna! If I don’t get Your mercy, then I’ll immediately die. Possibly then after hundreds of lifetimes of doing Krishna bhakti bhajana, I may obtain Your mercy.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.52.43)

Comments:

Sri Jiva Goswamipada: The Sanskrit verse phrase, sata janmabhih, “hundreds of lifetimes” actually means an indefinite number of lifetimes. In other words, Rukmini-devi is ready to continue performing Krishna bhakti bhajana for an unlimited number of births until she attains Bhagavan Sri Krishna!

Visvanatha Cakravartipada: Here Sri Rukmini-devi is saying, “O Sri Krishna! In this life I will practice celibacy and austerities to attain You in a future life. And if I don’t attain You then, I will keep doing penances for ten million more lifetimes. But I will never give up my desire to attain You.

“And if You say that I am too fallen and contaminated to achieve You, then let the dust particles of Your lotus feet purify and qualify me. If even then I don’t get Your mercy, then I will fast to death! I am ready to give up my life for hundreds of births until I attain Your mercy.” Srimati Rukminiji ki jai!

This is the ultimate in determination!

And that’s what it takes to attain Radha-Krishna prema and success in Krishna bhakti bhajana. Are you ready? Try to be like Princess Rukmini. Just think, “No matter what, come life or death, I will never quit and never stop trying to serve Radha and Krishna. “Maybe this life, the next, or in a thousand future lives I will be successful. Somehow, somewhere I WILL ATTAIN BY BELOVED Sri Krishna and His divine, beautiful sweetheart Srimati Radharani! I must!”

This is determined thinking, pukka sankalpa, do or die truth eternal.

Be it, think it, live it!

DETERMINATION IN BHAKTI!!!

How to get determination?

You can acquire firm determination in Krishna bhakti bhajana and deepen it by the following items.

  1. Be HONESTLY Dedicated to Sri Guru
  2. Genuinely WANT TO Serve and PLEASE Radha and Krishna
  3. Study Sastra to Strengthen Intellect: Patanjali Yoga Sutras (3.47) says determination is a feature of buddhi, intelligence. Thus you can increase your determination by DAILY studying Sri Gita, Bhagavata, and our Gaudiya Vaisnava sastras. This most important bhakti bhajana abhyasa [daily practice] will definitely sharpen and empower your buddhi, intellect, which then can handle and easily control your cancala mana, restless mind, and impetuous, overheated senses.
  4. Meet, Serve, Hear from Real Devotee Sadhus

Everywhere sastra say, satam prasangat mama virya samvidah (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.25), “By associating with genuine bhaktas [as described above] who speak Krishna katha (samvida), one will get power and determination.” (Bhagavan Sri Kapila)

  1. Do Austerities, Vratas, Vows and Penances like Ekadasi, Janmastami Jagarana, Siva Caturdasi, Karttika Vrata, etc.
  2. Follow FOUR VOWS [four dharmic principles of human life].

Srila Prabhupada said, “Determination comes by tapasya (penance, austerities). You will be determined if you follow the four rules of religious life [i.e. 1- no eating meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, etc. ; 2- no drinking coffee, tea, or taking intoxicants; 3- no man/woman intimacies beyond marriage; 4- no lotteries, card betting, gambling, etc.]

“But if you don’t follow them, then you will be a victim of Maya. The four rules and regulations are there to keep you fixed up in your determination. But if you don’t follow [the 4 rules], then you’ll fall down in MAYA!” (BBT Folio: 740110MW.LA)

One big cause of weak determination is excessive indulgence in sense gratification i.e. overeating or sleeping, too much lady/gent intimacies, and gramya katha i.e. prajalpa, useless talk and gossip. Regarding this Srila Prabhupada once said, “Loss of determination is due to excessive amorous enjoyment.” (Path of Perfection chp. 5)

Some encouraging words: “The practice of bhakti-yoga in Krishna consciousness may appear to be a very difficult job. But you follow the four religious principles with great determination, then Bhagavan Sri Krishna will surely help you, for Sri Krishna definitely helps those who help themselves.” (Srila Prabhupada, BBT Folio 760623GC.NV)

  1. Maintain Patience: Keep Cool and Push On

“Determination is a bodily affair. Determination means keep practicing Krishna consciousness with patience and perseverance. If you don’t immediately get results, don’t think, ‘Oh, what is this Krishna consciousness? I give it up.’ No, we must have determination and faith in Krishna words.” (Srila Prabhupada, Path of Perfection chp. 5)

Sri Rupa Goswamipada gives wonderful reassurance to one and all: “Determination combined with patience will definitely give you exceptional siddhi, or perfection in bhakti bhajana, niçcayät dhairyät, bhaktiù prasidhyati.” (Upadesamrta 3)

Srila Prabhupada said, “Determination means to continue performing bhakti bhajana with patience and perseverance. Don’t think, ‘I am not getting the desired result. So what is this Krishna consciousness, I give up!’ No don’t think like that. Don’t be impatient.” (Path of Perfection 5)

“Determination, means don’t be agitated or frustrated in some attempt. There may be failure in some attempt, but you should not be sorry for that; just move on with patience and determination.” (Bhagavat Gita. 6.1-3 pur.)

Concluding Sweet Note:

Srimati Radharani’s Perfect Determination

Expressing Her intense determination and loving attachment to Her dearly beloved Sri Krishna…“Srimati Radharani once said: ‘O Prananatha Sri Krishna! What more can I say? In life or death, birth after birth, You alone are the Master of My life! My body, My home, My wealth. All is Yours forever!’

“O Syama! My life airs are tied to Your lotus feet with the rope of My love. I have offered My mind to You alone, and am determined to be Your maidservant.”

‘O My Bandhu! From my childhood, You alone have been the only friend of my life airs, parana bandhuya tumi.’” (Vilapa Kusumanjali 75 tika, Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja)

So all my friends of kind loving hearts! Please, no matter what comes your way. Just push on through, with even more determination to love, to serve, to see and forever be with Radha-Govinda Yugala—sweetly serving Them in the pleasure groves of Vrndavana!

Krishna determination ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Krishna Bhakti Includes Eating, Sleeping, Working & More – October 6, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

In Sri Gita, Sri Krishna describes devotees who are not yet niskincana pure devotees fully engaged in hearing and chanting about Sri Krishna. They are one class of bhaktas who can also please Sri Krishna by practicing bhakti in another form by offering to Sri Krishna WHATEVER they do, eat etc.

Sri Krishna says, “Just offer to Me WHATEVER you do, eat, sacrifice, give away, or WHATEVER penance you perform.”

yat –karoṣi- yad- aśnāsi- yaj -juhoṣi –dadāsi, yat
yat-tapasyasi -kaunteya -tat -kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
(Bhagavad Gita 9.27)

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana comments: “In essence Sri Krishna is saying: ‘WHATEVER material activities you do to live and support your family; WHATEVER food you eat to live; WHATEVER money, food or other items you give to qualified persons, and WHATEVER Vedic sacrifices and vratas you perform to counteract sins; do them all as an offering to please Me and to instruct others and I will bless you fully!’

“The actions of this devotee class [the parinisthita bhakta] are offered to Sri Krishna without any personal motivation then to please Sri Krishna. Mind you however, that this type of action is not considered uttama bhakti, the topmost, transcendental form of pure bhakti.”

Sridhara Swami comments: “Ananya bhakti means that one’s actions are first offered to Bhagavan rather than acting first and offering afterwards. Thus, the verse above (Bhagavad Gita 9.27) is not included in kevala bhakti, since the acts are first performed and then offered.

While immersed in bhakti samadhi, Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti experienced the following sweet dialogue between Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita verse 9.27:

Arjuna says, “O Prabhu! Among the four types of bhakti You have previously described beginning with the devotion of the miserable, the wealth seeker, the curious and the wise one (Bhagavad Gita 7.16)—which bhakti should I perform?”

Sri Krishna replies (Bhagavad Gita 9.27):

“O Arjuna, because in your present state you cannot reject karma, jnana and other processes; and you are not qualified for kevala bhakti, the supreme bhakti; and nor should you descend to the inferior type of sakama-bhakti (selfish motivated devotion), you should perform bhakti combined with action and knowledge, (karma-jnana-misra- pradhānī- bhūtā -bhakti) which still qualifies as niṣkāma, non-selfish devotion but it does not culminate in kevala bhakti.

“Whatever you do be it following Vedic rules or performing worldly action; whatever you eat or drink in ordinary life; and whatever austerities you perform, do it as an offering to Me. My pure devotees however offer Me all the actions of their mind, pranas and senses.”

Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti comments:

The Srimad Bhagavatam says, “The method of bhakti is in accordance with one’s individual svabhava (particular nature acquired in conditioned life). Whatever one does with his/her words, mind, senses, intelligence or purified consciousness should be offered to the Me while thinking, ‘This is for the pleasure of Bhagavan Sri Narayana.’” (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.36)

kāyena- vācā -manasendriyair -vā,// buddh-yātmanā- vānusṛta-svabhāvāt
karoti- yad -yat –sakalaṁ- parasmai, // nārāyaṇ-āyeti- sam-arpayet -tam

“This verse means that just as a materialist wakes up and performs actions such as urinating, evacuating, washing mouth, brushing teeth, bathing, seeing, hearing and speaking for material happiness and performs rituals for worship of devatas and ancestors, a Krishna bhakta also does all these activities as seva to Sri Krishna. Thus these acts are also limbs of bhakti.”

Now back to the Gita dialogue:

Arjuna: “O Krishnaji! When You say I should offer as sacrifice, that sacrifice is related to arcana which is a limb of bhakti aiming at Vishnu’s pleasure. And when You prescribe austerities, it means vows like fasting on Ekādaśī. These are all ananya bhakti. So how can You say that it is not?”

Sri Krishna: “True, but ananya bhakti does not mean that you first perform an action and then offer it to Bhagavan. Rather in ananya bhakti first you offer the action to Bhagavan and then you perform it as described by Prahlada in Srimad Bhagavatam (7.5.24).”

Thus ends the dialogue and comments on Bhagavad Gita. (9.27)

In Sandarbhas, Sri Jiva Goswamipada describes four types of bhakti: transcendental, sāttvika, rājasik and tāmasik wherein the same activities are performed. For example, all four devotees do puja but one does it for Krishna’s pleasure (transcendental devotee), one for purification (sattvika devotee), one for fame, followers and money (rajasik devotee), and one does bhakti just to destroy somebody (tamasik devotee). It is the intention, purpose and attitude that counts and determines the type of bhakti.

For further elaboration on bhakti in different the modes of nature, please read Kapila Muni Siksa in Srimad Bhagavatam (3.29.7-12) and Bhagavad Gita (9.22)

Thus we can see that eating, sleeping, working, sacrifice and vratas are all limbs of bhakti. And most amazingly, the all-inclusive mercy of Krishna bhakti also includes basic bodily functions.

The ancient sastra Vishnu Rahasya says, “The mind is kept in a healthy state by the proper excretion of urine and stool. Thus the anus and urinary organ, which are karma-indriya, working senses, are also engaged in Krishna’s seva.”

utsargān mala-mūtrādeś,// citta-svāsthyaṁ yato bhavet
ataḥ pāyur upasthaś ca,// tad-ārādhana-sādhanam

Dr. Satyanarayan Dasa Ji Maharaja comments, “If I don’t pass stool I will suffer and that will hamper my devotional service. The genitals can be used to make Vaiṣṇava children. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita (7.11), ‘I am desire in those who do not contradict virtue, dharm āviruddha bhūteṣu kāmo smi.’”

Indeed, everyone can now appreciate how liberal, kind and merciful Krishna bhakti is in that it includes practically everything a devotee does consciously and unconsciously throughout the day and night.

Thus single, married, fully or semi-engaged bhaktas can all be inspired and encouraged that they are progressing steadily and positively toward the sweet lotus feet of Radha-Govinda Yugala and Their blissful, eternal service in madhurya Goloka Vrndavana.

(Sastra courtesy Madan Gopal Blog of Sri Advaita dasji)

Sri Krishna bhakti bhajana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Bhakti Perfection: You Must Do Four October 18, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava sastras conclude that if you want to relish the unlimited waves of bliss derived from humbly serving Sri Krishna’s intimate amorous pastimes with the gopis of Vrajabhumi, then you must:

1) Humbly, attentively, and lovingly serve the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani—the ultimate abodes of everything sweet, wonderful and auspicious.

2) Submissively with the greatest respect for all beings, take shelter of Sridhama Vrndavana, which is forever blessed, glorified and adorned with the most colorful, fragrant and beautiful lotus flower named Radhika.

3) Associate with the rasika Vaisnavas, who are sold out to Sri Radha, relishing the intimacies of their sambandha with Sriji, and overflowing with Kishori’s compassion to satisfy the hearts of the sincere.

4) Regularly hear, discuss, reflect upon, and hanker to attain the completely pure and immaculate divine love that Radha-Madhava forever relish in Their intertwined hearts full of mutual dedication.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Radha-Govinda Yugala’s nitya-seva ki jai!

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Doing Sadhana: Me or Krishna?

Mahanidhi Swami

Who is performing our daily sadhana of chanting Hare Krishna japa, dhyana, Thakuraji puja, and other sevas? Is it me, or is Krishna Himself actually doing everything?

It’s Krishna Himself who is permitting and empowering us to do all the sevas we perform for His pleasure. The great cirana jiva Maharishi Sri Markendeya confirms this fact in the Srimad Bhagavatam (12.8.40):

“O Almighty Bhagavan Sri Vishnu! How can I possibly describe You? For it is You alone who move the prana or vital air within all living entities beginning with Sivaji and Brahmaji , which in turn impels the mind, senses and power of speech within everyone to act. But for those who worship You, You become their intimate loving friend.”

Tika Sri Jiva Goswamipada:

“The Brhad-aranyaka Upanisad (4.4.18) says, “Sri Vishnu is the life of the prana (vital air), the power of eyesight, the power of hearing, and He is the power of mental discrimination.” (Bk. San.144)

Tika Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti:

“Sri Vishnu, it is You who moves the life air, mind, senses and voice within all living entities. The Sruti says, ‘Bhagavan Sri Vishnu is the ear of one’s ear.’

“Kena Upanisad (1.2) says, ‘O Sri Vishnu! It is You alone who enable Your devotees to worship You by enlivening their minds and senses. And then like a friend You become controlled by the love of Your devotees. And most astonishingly, You feel indebted to Your loving servitors, and that You can never repay them for their worship. Thus You become controlled by their love. Just see the greatness of Your mercy!’”

To further prove that Krishna and not us is doing our daily sadhana, Sri Rupa Goswamipada says, “Krishna and His transcendental names cannot be grasped, experienced or perceived by the material senses (atah sri krishna namadi, na bhaved grahyam indriyaih) However, when a devotee develops a service attitude (sevon mukhe hi jihvadau), or the tendency to accept Sri Krishna’s nama and rupa, then Sri Krishna spontaneously manifests (svayam eva sphuraty adah) on the tongue and in the other senses of the devotee.” (Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu 1.2.234; Padma Purana)

Tika Sri Jiva Goswamipada:

“By the mercy of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, not only humans can chant His transcendental divine names, but Sri Krishna even empowers and enables animals to chant Vishnu nama. ‘When Bharata Maharaja gave up his body of the deer, he smiled broadly saying, “All respects to Sri Narayana Hari.’” (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.14.45)

‘Thereafter, the elephant king Gajendra fixed his mind in his heart with perfect intelligence and did japa of a mantra memorized from his prior human birth as Raja Indradyumna. By the grace of Sri Krishna, he remembered this mantra.’” (Srimad Bhagavatam 8.3.1)

Summary: The above shastras prove that we are not chanting Hare Krishna japa. It is being done by Krishna who is empowering us to chant by appearing on our tongue. By His sweet will Krishna appears, stays for some time, and may also leave us whenever He chooses. Every step in bhakti and every devotional expression is Krishna’s mercy alone. We are not and never will be—THE DOER!

However, the good news is that Sri Krishna agrees to become a “bhava bandhu”, a loving friend, to anyone who serves Him. Krishna is our dearest friend (bandhu) because Krishna gives us bhakti, devotion to Him, and gives us the desire, power and ability to serve and love Him.

It is Sri Krishna alone who is giving us ideas to serve Him; moving our senses for His pleasure and making us speak His charming sweet glories. Devotees are happy puppets dancing on the strings of a sweet puppeteer named Shyama.

The conclusion is that independence is an illusion. Sri Krishna is doing everything, beginning with creating our initial attraction and interest in bhakti. Sri Krishna is maintaining our devotional practices as well. And it is Sri Krishna who is causing us to become weak, strong, stay or go away.

Our spiritual advancement, success and perfection in Krishna consciousness is completely in Krishna’s hands. We can’t plan or force bhakti or prema to appear within us. The fruit ripens in its own time. We have surrendered our lives to a benevolent, carefree, independent eternal master, Bhagavan Sri Krishna. And He can do whatever He deems best. Just remember: “All is His will, and His will ever be!”

(concept: madangopal blogspot)

Zero independence ki jai! Sri Krishna samarpanam ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!