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Prabhupada Famous Quotes

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

For forty years we repeatedly heard the following popular sayings. We were told that Srila Prabhupada personally spoke or wrote these sayings in his books. Being curious we recently searched the BBT Folio complete collection of all of Srila Prabhupada’s actual “AS IT IS” original words and writings.

The truths revealed by our research are most surprising and eye-opening. We herein share these truths with you for your reflection and consideration.

In one handbooks and references publication on the BBT Folio titled “Leadership Excellence Newletters” we found the following title and list:

Srila Prabhupada’s Principles

  1. “Work now samadhi later.”
  2. “Preaching is the essence; books are the basis; utility is the principle; purity is the force.”
  3. “Do the needful.”
  4. “First deserve than desire.”

RESEARCH CONCLUSION

Although very popular in some places, the following sayings were

NEVER EVER SPOKEN OR WRITTEN EVEN ONCE by Srila Prabhupada:

  1. “Work now samadhi later.”

This phrase is found only 20 times in the entire BBT Folio archive collection. And most surprisingly, it is only mentioned by devotees in their personal publications or Vyasa-puja offerings to Srila Prabhupada. Here’s a sample of devotee quotes:

— ”He [Srila Prabhupada] had always urged us on, saying, “work now, samadhi later.”

— “Srila Prabhupada coined the phrase, ‘work now, samadhi later.’”

— “Srila Prabhupada, you always stressed “work now, samadhi later.’”

— “By teaching us ‘work now, samadhi later’ you [Srila Prabhupada].”

— “Srila Prabhupada instructed us, ‘Work now, samadhi later.’”

— “You [Srila Prabhupada] said, ‘Work now, samadhi later.’”

TRUTH NUMBER ONE:

SRILA PRABHUPADA HIMSELF NEVER PERSONALLY WROTE OR SPOKE THIS popular saying, “Work now, samadhi later”, which has so deeply molded the minds, and influenced the entire lives of legions of sincere bhaktas! Indeed, this is most amazing.

  1. “Books are the basis, preaching is the essence, utility is the principle and purity is the force.”

According to the BBT Folio, this popular saying originates with an unnamed person called “Devotee” who said: “Prabhupada, this is a Chinese character scroll. It says, “Books are the basis, preaching is the essence, utility is the principle and purity is the force.” It was translated poorly by myself, and the characters were written by… (BBT Folio 770225ED.MAY)

Although the saying does contain some valuable and relevant truths, the fact is that it was NEVER EVER SPOKEN OR WRITTEN BY SRILA PRABHUPADA. What Srila Prabhupada did write but never spoke on this subject is this:

** “Practically, books are the basis of our Movement.” (Letters 72-01-20 Mandali Bhadra; 76-01-09 Tusta Krishna)

Only the following two of the four popular sayings listed above in the Folio collection were actually used by Srila Prabhupada.

  1. “Do the needful.”

The BBT Folio contains 813 entries of this saying (470: Srila Prabhupada; 343: devotees).

This popular saying which was actually used hundreds of times by Srila Prabhupada is a very clear and practical universal principle followed by most everyone in the world.

  1. “First deserve, then desire.”

For many different purposes, this phrase is being used and has been said thousands of times by various devotees. However, during his entire preaching campaign, Srila Prabhupada spoke it only 8 times! And he used it only in very specific circumstances. It is not meant to be a universal axiom to guide everyone’s spiritual lives.

Conclusion

The conclusion of our BBT Folio Archival collection of all of Srila Prabhupada’s actual words and writings is that Srila Prabhupada NEVER even once spoke or wrote two of the four popular sayings.

Of the balance, Srila Prabhupada hundreds of times used “Do the needful”. As for the saying “First deserve, then desire”, Srila Prabhupada used it a mere 8 times, which clearly indicates that it is not very significant. And nor is it a universal principle to be used in the many ways it is used today.

We hope these truths will bring you the comfort, confidence and hope that the light of knowledge brings to sincere seekers of “reality distinguished from illusion” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.2). As one poet rightly said, “May the truth set you free!”

Srila Prabhupada said ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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How Krishna Ignites Devotees’ Love?

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

With His beautiful form, fragrance, features, ages, dress, ornaments, hair styles, footmarks, flute and pastimes Sri Krishnachandra ignites, nourishes and excites love in the soft and sweet hearts of His devotees (bhava uddipana:Bhakti-rasamrita sindhu. 2.1.301).

The contents of this post come from Bhakti-rasamrita sindhu (Vibhava: 2.1.301-381, wherein Sri Rupa Gosvami describes the following unique features of Bhagavan Sri Krishna which, although actually part of His svarupa i.e. divine transcendental form, also act independently as stimulants or excitants (uddipanas) to expand the blissful feelings of His loving premi bhaktas.

Reading about these features of Sri Krishna will create attraction in the curious; nourish the surrendered hearts of Krishna’s bhaktas, and cause a cascade of bliss within Krishna’s loving servants.

KRISHNA’S THREE AGES

In his prakata bhauma Vrindavana lila, Bhagavan Sri Krishna displays three ages: kaumara, pauganda, kaishora. From babyhood to a fun-filled five year old Kaumara Makhancora Gopala plays and frolics stealing yogurt and so on with Janani Yashoda and other mothers.

Pauganda Krishna Govinda cavorts with His cows and boyfriends through the meadows of Vraja from ages 5-10.

From 10-15 Krishna Kaishora exhibits His youthful pastimes with the cows, boys and the charming fresh damsels of Vrajabhumi. Upon reaching the age of 15 years, 9 months, 7 ½ days, Sri Krishna stays eternally in this most complete condition of being carefree, beautiful, playful and youthful.

KRISHNA’S KAISHORA AGE: THREE STAGES

Ages 10-12 years

Sri Rupa Gosvami describes Krishna’s beauty during this part His kaishora age. Sri Krishna’s complexion is indescribably radiant; His eye corners turn ruddy; and fine hairs arise on His body. During this time, Govinda wears a Vaijayanti mala, peacock feather, refulgent dress like an actor, and plays sweetly on His flute, vamshi madhurima. At this time, as per local Vrajavasi customs, Govinda sports very sharp fingernails, dancing Cupid eyebrows, and fine designs painted on His glistening white teeth.

When Vrinda-devi sees this dashing boy, she exclaims, “O when the sakhis see Your fresh sweet smile they become stunned and bewildered unable to reveal their budding love. They feel such love pangs that their life airs practically leave their bodies.”

Ages 12-14

Now Krishna exhibits an indescribably sweet form with His beautiful chest rivaling a door of gems; arms challenging the bolts of doors; and thighs conquering the beauty of elephant trunks. Krishna’s restless flirty eyes move craftily like another Cupid, and His radiant lotus face is embellished with attractive lips and smiles. Krishna’s sweet singing enchants all and breaks the vows of chaste women. Krishna’s behavior consists of lots of charming, cunning actions, festive pastimes in Vraja bowers (kunja keli mahotsavah), and initiating His famous His rasa-lila, arambho rasa lila.

AGES 14-16

Entering His nitya-kaishora period, Sri Krishna’s limbs and entire form become extremely beautiful and alluring with three lines manifest in His belly. This last part of Krishna’s youth is called nava-yauvana, which is Krishna’s eternal feature. During the Kurukshetra war, Krishna was about 100 years old but looked like sweet sixteen!

At this time, Sri Krishna’s youth is distinguished by His special bodily characteristics, dress, actions and astonishing beauty. Now a special quality of sweetness appears in Krishna as one experiences great pleasure in the unique beauty and attractiveness manifesting in Krishna during this amazing period. In this last period of youth, Sri Krishna displays various romantic actions including quarreling with a beloved; dispatching love letters; eagerness to meet and enjoy; resolving differences via a go between; and meeting intimately with a gopi.

KRISHNA’S THREE SETS OF CLOTHES

Sri Krishna has three styles of outfits which include two, four or multi piece dresses worn according to the occasion.

Two-piece: Here Mukunda wears a golden yellow dhoti because it’s Radha’s complexion, and a brilliant red chaddar, representing His passionate attraction for His beloved Priyaji Radha.

Four-piece: Here Sri Krishna sports a turban, shirt, dhoti and sash. “Smiling blissfully, Krishna wore an orange turban, gold vest, pink dhoti and a multi-color sash.” (351)

Multi-piece: This consists of pieces of cloth of many colors, cut and uncut, suitable for performing artists. “One gopi said, “O sakhi! I feel blissful seeing Madhava so radiantly attractive with His fancy red, white, blue and gold cut and uncut cloth.” (353)

KRISHNA’S DECORATIONS & ACCESSORIES

Hair styles: Sri Hari shows four hair styles: a pony tail tied behind the neck; a tightly tied braid hanging far down His beautiful back; a topknot tied atop His head; and floral decorations bound in His hair.

Flower Garlands: Shyama adorns Himself with five types of malas: vaijayanti of five colored flowers hanging to knees; forest mala of leaves and wild flowers extending to the lotus feet; a mala draped on the chest; a chaplet of flowers around the topknot; and a small mala hanging straight down from the throat.

KRISHNA’S TILAKA AND DESIGNS

Sri Krishna’s tilaka and body designs in curly patterns and so are made with red, white and yellow substances. Sri Rupa says wise decorators can make additional colors including black as in musk tilaka.

KRISHNA’S JEWELRY

Shyama’s jewelry includes a colorful belt, an incomparable diadem, enchanting diamond earrings, a necklace of spotless pearls, golden bracelets, a pearl-studded broach, delightful rings, armbands and anklets filled with sweetness.

KRISHNA’S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Flute: “O killer of Kamsa, all glories to your unpredictable flute song which defeats the sweetest nectar, shatters sages’ meditations, and continually surpasses the burden of Cupid.” (364) Krishna expertly plays three types of flutes made from gold, jewels and bamboo: Venu: 9 inches long; Vamshi: 12 inches in four types called akarshini, anandini, mahananda, sammohini. Murali: 18 inches.

Horns: Hari’s horns, made from antelope or wild buffalo horns, are bound with gold at both ends and inlaid in the middle. Mandraghosha (rumbling thunder) is the name of Krishna’s buffalo horn. These items along with Sri Krishna’s lovely divine footprints, lila sthalis and Tulasi-devi are all sources of stimulating and exciting a devotees’ loving sentiments for Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna uddipanas ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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Light on Guru & Diksha

Mahanidhi Swami

Looking for Guru? Anyone, anywhere, at any time and every time can and should chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

If you sincerely chant these Divine Names, Krishna Nama Prabhu will be pleased. Nama will purify and qualify you, and then directly reveal your eternal Guru, guide and affectionate serving friend.

What is diksha?
Sri Jiva Goswamipada says, “Diksha means receiving transcendental mantras and knowledge from the qualified teacher or Guru. The word diksha comes from “da”, meaning give divine knowledge, and “kshi” meaning destroy sin. So diksha is the process of receiving divine knowledge from the enlightened master which then destroys the disciples’ sins. To receive diksha, one must surrender at the feet of Sri Guru (means physically submitting oneself before Guru) and offer one’s complete self (mana, tana, dana or mind, life and wealth/talents) to Sri Guru. Then one receives Vaisnava diksha mantras along with the proper procedures.

“Divine knowledge (divya jnana) also includes receiving clear understanding of Bhagavan Sri Krishna who is indicated in the diksha mantras, and one’s specific individual relationship with Sri Krishna, divyam jnanam srimati mantra bhagavat svarupa jnanam, tena bhagavat sambandha vishesha jnanam.” (bhakti sand. 283)

In other words, at the time of initiation, Sri Guru gives mantras to the disciple which eventually reveal the form, qualities and Vraja madhurya lilas of the disciple’s cherished ista-devata i.e. Radha-Govinda Yugala. In addition, the benevolent Guru teaches the disciple the ways of worship to unfold his/her eternal spiritual identity, seva, and sweet personal loving relationship with Radha and Krishna.

The Independent Power of Diksha Mantras
In Brihad Bhagavatamrita, Sri Sanatana Goswami clearly establishes the phenomenal power of the diksha mantras received from Sri Guru. He narrates how a Vrajavasi cowherd named Gopa-kumara received diksha into the gopal mantra during a brief meeting with a wandering mendicant.

The Guru then immediately disappeared, leaving behind only one instruction: “Chant your diksha mantra constantly!” Just by the power of that diksha mantra Gopa-kumara traveled all over the universe, met many shiksha gurus and eventually attained spiritual perfection in Krishna prema and the spiritual world, Goloka

The Vamana Kalpa shastra says, “The diksha is non different from the Guru and the Guru is again non different from Bhagavan Sri Krishna, mantra sa guruh sakshat, you guruh sa harih svayam.” Therefore those who wish to worship Sri Krishna should receive mantra diksha from a qualified guru.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “The body of a Vaisnava is never material for it consists of pure transcendental bliss. At the time of diksha, one surrenders to Sri Guru, and Krishna then makes the devotee equal to himself by transforming the devotee’s body into one of spiritual bliss. In this spiritualized body the devotee serves Sri Krishna’s lotus feet. (Cc. 3.4.191-193)

Diksha kale bhakta kare, atma samarpana
Sei kale Krishna tare, kare atma sama
Sei deha kare tara, cid ananda maya
Aprakrta dehe tanra, carana bhajaya

Thus the inconceivable power of diksha mantras, and the absolute necessity of receiving proper diksha is proven to be essential for attaining spiritual perfection in Krishna prema.

Importance of Both Proper Diksha and Shiksha
Some say diksha is not important. And all you need to attain spiritual perfection is shiksha or spiritual instructions, transcendental books, teachings and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. But actually one needs both proper diksha and proper shastric-based shiksha.

Perfection is impossible without the proper guru diksha parampara connection, correct shastric shiksha and the pure chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.
If you accept shiksha and the traditional shastras as your guides, then you must also accept what the shastras and purvacharyas teach about the absolute necessity for receiving proper diksha.

Citing Vishnu Dharma, Sri Jiva Goswamipada further emphasizes the need for diksha in Hari Bhakti Vilasa (298): “Bhagavan Sri Krishna is pleased with one who performs these eight types of bhakti to Sri Krishna, his/her diksha mantra, and the guru who gives the mantra. These eight types of bhakti or devotional expressions are:
1) Showing affection toward devotees;
2) Feeling positive about Krishna worship;
3) Worshiping Krishna daily with a favorable mind;
4) Giving up false pretense to please Sri Krishna;
5) Being attracted to hari-katha;
6) Serving Krishna with body and mind;
7) Always remembering Sri Krishna;
8) Chanting Krishna nama with full dedication.
Anyone, even a degraded meat eater, will become a glorious and truthful sage by observing these eight forms of devotion.”

In his Srimad Bhagavatam (6.2.9-10) tika, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti explains the necessity of taking mantra diksha from a Vaisnava Guru: “Without a Guru, one cannot attain Bhagavan very easily. Therefore it should be explained that there is no other way of attaining Sri Krishna than by becoming a devotee who has surrendered to the feet of a guru.
[to one who just chants Hare Krishna without guru Visvanatha Cakravarti says] Due to the power of their worship, such a diksha less person will attain a Guru in the next birth.

“What about the example of Ajamila who just chanted Hare Krishna without diksha? So then why take the trouble of accepting a Guru? In response, I (Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti) say that such a person will NOT ATTAIN Krishna because he/she is committing the third nama aparadha of ignoring and disregarding Guru and the Guru principle. However, perhaps later in this life or in a future life when this offense has been destroyed and one surrenders to Sri Guru, then one will attain Bhagavan Sri Krishna.”

Diksha: Living Guru or Audio Recording?
Some argue that since mantras are transcendental vibrations, they exist beyond the limitations of time and space. Thus anyone anywhere at any time can receive diksha mantras just by hearing an audio track or a mobile phone transmission. However, the sastras, purvacharyas and tradition all say that diksha means PHYSICALLY HEARING the diksha mantras in one’s ear directly from the lotus mouth of the living Sri Guru. This is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

In Hari Bhakti Vilasa part two, Sri Sanatana Goswami states that receiving the diksha mantra directly into one’s ear from the mouth of the guru is essential for Vaisnava diksha.

Srimad Bhagavatam (11.21.15) says, “A diksha mantra is purified when chanted with proper knowledge, mantrasya ca pari jnanam.” Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti tika: “The diksha mantra is pure when it emanates from the mouth of the sad guru, sad guru mukhat yatha vat pari jnanam mantra shuddhih.”

Thus taking a mantra from a book, mobile or audio track is not according to the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, shastra or Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition.

Is Following Guru Enough?
Sometimes devotees argue that, “My Guru’s word is final and I just follow whatever he says, BAS!” That’s good in principle as long as the Guru is transparent and clearly presenting the correct Gaudiya Vaisnava tattva siddhanta.

You must remember that your Guru also has a Guru who has a Guru and so on all the way up to the samasti guru, jagat-guru Bhagavan Sri Krishna or His Kali-yuga expansions, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda Prabhu Sri Advaita Prabhu, etc.

And Sri Krishna Himself and all His expansions always speak and follow the shastra. Thus shastra, and not the shiksha of one’s immediate diksha guru, is the ultimate spiritual authority, proof and power to base one’s spiritual life upon.

FYI: Acharyas & Their Real Diksha Gurus
Although the following Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas are sometimes listed as disciplic members of various modern paramparas, their actual diksha gurus and lineages are all different. The following accurate list is based on the authentic shastric references listed in brackets.
1. Sri Sanatana Goswami’s diksha guru is Vidyavacaspati (bhakti ratnakara 1.598-602)
2. Sri Rupa Gosvami’s diksha guru is Sri Sanatana Goswami (Laghu Bh. 1.5)
3. Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s diksha guru is Sri Rupa Gosvami (ref. bhakti ratnakara).
4. Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami diksha guru is was Yadunandana Goswami (disciple of Sri Advaita Prabhu) (vilapa kusu. 3; advaita prakash)
5. Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura’s diksha guru is Sri Lokanatha Goswami (not Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja) (prarthana 17,19; prema bhakti candrika 6)
6. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti’s diksha guru is Radha Ramana Cakravarti, not Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura, who lived a 100 years before. (sankalpa kalpa druma)
7. Baladeva Vidyabhusana’s diksha guru is Radha Damodara Gosvami not Visvanatha Cakravarti. (vedanta syamantaka, epilogue)
8. Jagannatha das Babaji’s diksha guru is Jagadananda Gosvami of Sringaravat, Vrindavana, and he lived 150 years after Baladeva Vidyabhusana. (gaudiya vaisnava abhidana). He received babaji cloth from either Manasi Ganga Siddha Krishna Das or Madhusudana Das.
9. Sri Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s diksha guru is Vipina Bihari Goswami, not Jagannatha Das babaji. Gitamala (1893); Amrita Pravaha Bhasya (1895); Svalikhita Jivani (1896); Bhagavat Arka Marici Mala (1901).
10. Gaurakisora Das Babaji’s diksha guru is Nandakisora Gosvami of Shantipura (Advaita parivar), and his babaji guru is Bhagavata Das Baba. (gaudiya vaisnava abhidana).

Sri Guru Tattva ki jai! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

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Teachings of Lord Rama

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The pastimes and teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramachandra are described in two chapters of the Srimad Bhagavatam (IX.10-11). Now let us reflect upon these eternally relevant teachings that are both amazing and inspirational to hear.

I.Characteristics of the Ideal King

“Lord Ramachandra was a saintly king of pure character, raja rishi charitah shucih. He took a vow of accepting only one wife. And by His personal example, Sri Rama taught householders how to properly execute their duties.”

II. Characteristics of the Ideal Queen

Shukadeva Goswami describes the sterling qualities of the Queen, Sri Sitadevi: “Sri Sitadevi fully understood the feelings of Her beloved master, bhava jna bhartuh. She was submissive, chaste and shy. By her sweet love, good character and service, Sitadevi fully enchanted the mind of Her Lord.”

III. People Under an Ideal King

The popular term “Rama Rajya” refers to the reality of an ideal kingdom ruled by an ideal king providing peace, happiness and fulfillment to every living entity under his dominion. The phrase appears in the Srimad Bhagavatam (9.10.51), rame rajani.

What were the characteristics of that wonderful world ruled by the King of Kings, Sri Ramachandra?

“Sri Rama protected the citizens exactly like a father. And because the citizens accepted Lord Rama as their father, they performed their social and religious duties very nicely. Although it was Treta, because Lord Rama was a completely religious King, everyone felt they were living in the age of peace and truth, Satya-yuga.”

“No one experienced any type of bodily or mental suffering. Nor did anyone undergo any debility, lamentation, distress, fear or fatigue. And most amazingly, there was no disease, old age or untimely death!”

IV. Nature Under an Ideal King

“The forests, rivers, hills and mountains, the states, and all lands and seas fully supplied for everyone’s needs.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.50-55)

To conclude his description of rama-rajya, Shukadeva Goswami offers a blessing, phala shruti: “Anyone who hears about the glories of Lord Ramachandra will be freed from envy and be liberated from the bondage of fruitive activities, karma bandha vimuchyate.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.11.23)

Raghupati Raghava Raja Rama, Patita Pavana Sita Rama ki jai!

Sri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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The Wonder of Two Syllables: RA DHA

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

The two wonderful syllables RA DHA immediately attract Gokulapati (Krishna, the Lord of Gokula).

If one develops love for chanting RA DHA then all the goals of human life seem insignificant.

The syllables RA DHA are marked within the mantra that is lovingly chanted by Lord Madhava Himself.

May this pair of amazing syllables RA DHA become manifest to me forever.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 95)

A Verse Meditation:

Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;

Read the verse above with full concentration;

Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;

Close your eyes;

Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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A Vrajavasi meets Rama

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

While travelling from Vaikuntha to Ayodhya, Gopa kumara chanted, “O Sitapate! O Sri Raghunatha! O Laksmana Jyestha! O Prabhu! O Hanumat Priyesvara!” Upon entering Ayodhya dhama, Gopa kumara met some monkeys jumping here and there shouting, “Rama! Rama!” and tried to snatch his flute.

Then Hanuman took Gopa kumara to meet Rama who was happily sitting on a royal throne. Sita- devi stood beside Rama happily offering Him betel nut. Gopa kumara bowed down before Lord Rama and repeatedly said, “Jai! Jai!” With gentle speech full of nectar, Lord Rama said, “O my dear son of a Vrajavasi cowherd, very good. Now just relax, for you are my very dear friend.” Gopa kumara stayed for a while in Ayodhya dhama observing Sri Rama, the Lion King of the Raghus, perform His royal dharmic lila. However despite experiencing the bliss of serving Rama in Ayodhya, Gopa kumara’s heart again hankered for the sweet life of Vrajabhumi, wherein he would embrace his friend and Lord, Madana Gopala. The all-compassionate Lord Rama understood Gopa kumara’s mood, so He sent him forward in his spiritual sojourn to Sri Dhama Vrndavana.

(excerpt from Brhad Bhagavatamrita)

Jai Sita Rama!
Jai Radhe Syama!
Jai Vraja Dhama!