hare krishna

Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada was a pure devotee. There are many in our movement that he created that are not sadly. Do you think he would be pleased? I don't. So if devotees feel that they have to go elsewhere to find their way back to the Supreme Being, then so be it. They are not the ones who should be brought to task over this but those who are bringing shame on our siksa gurus movement.

It is sad, but it is the reality. It is painful, but it is the reality. Hopefully one day things will not be so difficult.

In the mean time I for one will embrace all who read Prabhupada's books and are seeking their way back home, by means of chanting the sublime Holy Names of Sri Krishna, irrespective of which branch of Sri Caitanyas movement they belong to.

I also would not desert you for not feeling the same way as I do.


Srimad Bhagavatam
8.24.53
Matsya, the Lord' s Fish Incarnation
O Supreme Lord, for self-realization I surrender unto You, who are worshiped by the demigods as the supreme controller of
everything. By Your instructions, exposing life's purpose, kindly cut the knot from the core of my heart and let me know the destination of my life.


PURPORT


Sometimes it is argued that people do not know who is a
spiritual master and that finding a spiritual master from whom to get enlightenment in regard to the destination of life is very difficult. To answer all these questions, King Satyavrata shows us the way to accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the real spiritual master. The Supreme Lord has given full directions in Bhagavad-gita about how to deal with everything in this material
world and how to return home, back to Godhead. Therefore, one should not be misled by so-called gurus who are rascals and fools.
Rather, one should directly see the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the guru or instructor. It is difficult, however, to understand
Bhagavad-gita without the help of the guru. Therefore the guru appears in the parampara system. In Bhagavad-gita (4.34) the
Supreme Personality of Godhead recommends:

tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."

Lord Krsna directly instructed Arjuna. Arjuna is therefore tattva-darsi or guru. Arjuna accepted the Supreme
Personality of Godhead (param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam bhavan). Similarly, following in the footsteps of Sri Arjuna, who is a personal devotee of the Lord, one should accept the supremacy of Lord Krsna, as supported by Vyasa, Devala, Asita, Narada and later by the acaryas Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Nimbarka and
Visnusvami and still later by the greatest acarya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Where, then, is the difficulty in finding a guru? If one is sincere he can find the guru and learn everything. One
should take lessons from the guru and find out the goal of life. Maharaja Satyavrata, therefore, shows us the way of the mahajana. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah. One should surrender to the
Supreme Personality of Godhead (dasavatara) and learn from Him about the spiritual world and the goal of life."


I will not be discussing these things anymore as it brings me to much pain.

Your friend always prabhu.

 

Dear Sleeping Jiva,

Please calm down and restrain yourself. Nobody is making any compromise here.
You are seeing snake in the rope. Please cool down. A vegeterian, a devotee, a believer and disciple-follower of Srila Prabhupada should not behave like that.
Even if somebody makes a mistake you should always give him chance and opportunity to rectify himself. That is Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teaching.

You talk about war at all times, you even jeer at another devotee, you say Gandhi and Radhakrishnan killed Krishna..... Who taught all these ? Such words reflect only biased attitude.

You always talk about the Gita and remind us that Krishna advised to shake off all weakness and fight. But you forget that He never wanted a fight. All along it was the Kauravas who wanted to fight and He eventually reluctantly obliged them (As you desire so you get).

Whether it is veg or non-veg food ,offering only makes it a prasad and it gives you the spiritual benefit. Even meat,after offering, becomes a prasad. But because somebody eats meat you simply jeered at him. Proud of being a vegeterian? It all becomes useless if it fails to improve your qualities of mind.

After so much of reading you are afraid that somebody can tarnish Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krishna! What should I say ? Ridiculous is not the word, it is just unfortunate.
Probably many a time you have read the Gita but I shall still request you to read it once again. A devotee does not perish. With Guru and God's grace he eventually comes into the realm of light of knowledge.

You are hurt, I am sorry. Please forgive me.

With love and prayers.........Kumar.

 

and Prabhupada said other things where he spoke highly of his Godbrothers and Godsisters what to speak of the many loving exchanges that have been cited in this thread between them but you seem to remember the parts that seemingly give you license to speak disparingly of and commit offense against Prabhupada's Godbrothers and Godsisters

virodho vakyayor yatra napramayam tad isyate
yathaviruddhata ca syat tatharthah kalpyate tayoh

​

"When two scriptural statements contradict each other, one is not taken as inauthentic. One should give the meaning in such a way that the contradiction is removed." ( Laghu-bhag. 1.212)

​

 

[size=+1]Our Affectionate Guardians[/size]

Chapter Four:

[size=+1]Prabhupada's Instructions[/size]​

​

Shortly before he left us in 1977, Srila Prabhupada advised his disciples to see Srila Sridhara Maharaja if they had questions about philosophical matters. This instruction was accepted by the entire [size=-1]GBC[/size] at that time, and from 1977 to 1981 they did approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja with many important questions.

A substantial portion of the [size=-1]GBC[/size] Guru Position Paper of March 1978, the [size=-1]GBC[/size]'s official statement published after their initial question-and-answer session with Srila Sridhara Maharaja, is taken directly from Srila Sridhara Maharaja's instructions to the [size=-1]GBC[/size], with a few noteworthy additions and subtractions.

That it was actually the instruction of Srila Prabhupada that we should approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja for spiritual instruction is corroborated by taped statements of Jayapataka Maharaja, Satsvarupa Maharaja, Bhakti Caru Swami, Tamala Krsna Maharaja, and many other [size=-1]GBC[/size]s [some of whom later changed their minds regarding the validity of their previous statements], as well as by Tripurari Maharaja who was personally massaging Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet in the midst of several senior devotees when he heard this instruction from Srila Prabhupada. The instruction came in response to a question from Tamala Krsna Maharaja as to whom we could approach for advice after Srila Prabhupada's disappearance. Bhakti Caru Swami related to Srila Sridhara Maharaja on August 19, 1980:

Prabhupada gave us an instruction that if we have any difficulty then we should come to you, but they are deliberately neglecting that instruction of Srila Prabhupada.



​

In addition, official [size=-1]GBC[/size] recognition of this instruction of Srila Prabhupada was given in the [size=-1]GBC[/size]'s March 1981 publication, "The Descending Process of Selecting a Spiritual Master." Giriraja Maharaja, in a letter of September 16, 1978 addressed to all [size=-1]GBC[/size] members, wrote:

According to Sridhara Swami, who Srila Prabhupada said we should consult about philosophy and practical points, there is relative and absolute considerationand we must give Sridhara Swami the highest regard. At one time, Srila Prabhupada said that apart from himself only Sridhara Swami was qualified to write the Bhagavatam purports. When we approached Srila Prabhupada before his departure about our writing books after his disappearance, Srila Prabhupada replied, "You can write when you are realized, but now none of you are realized."


So both in terms of relative rank and absolute realization, Sridhara Swami is far beyond any of us. Recently, I have heard statements to the effect that we have now surpassed Sridhara Swami and that we are in the position where we can improve upon Sridhara Swami's conception. In this connection, I am simply reminded of the words of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, svami na mane yei jana vesyara bhitare, tare kariye ganana, that we must remain faithful to our Swami [otherwise we will be prostitutes]. (Cc . Antya-lila 7.115)


​

In regard to Srila Sridhara Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada's disciples said:

[Prabhupada said] If there was question we should approach you. (Jayapataka Maharaja, tape, March 1978)


We should go to his godbrother Sridhara Maharaja for guidance. So this talk of October 21, 1980 certainly showed the gbc doing this, and Srila Sridhara Maharaja fulfilling this role, as Prabhupada requested he do for the disciples of Srila Prabhupada. (Satsvarupa Maharaja, tape, December 22, 1980)


​

Srila Prabhupada's leading disciples also greatly appreciated Srila Sridhara Maharaja. A historic series of darsanas during the Gaura Purnima of 1981 were attended every day by many leading iskcon devotees, including Tamala Krsna Maharaja, Ramesvara Maharaja, Kirtanananda Maharaja, Giriraja Swami, Jayadvaita Swami, Bhakti Caru Swami, Atreya Risi Prabhu, and many other [size=-1]GBCs[/size].

Our Guru Maharaja was kind upon us, so you are kind upon us. I find no difference at all in how you are blessing us. When I used to come every year to Mayapur, my whole purpose in coming was fulfilled when I would be in his association. So similarly, now I am feeling that as I have come here, that my purpose is being fulfilled, whenever I am in your association. (Tamala Krsna Maharaja, tape, February 26, 1981)


I take it that Prabhupada is speaking to us through you. (Ramesvara Swami, tape, March 5, 1981)


​

Additionally, other disciples stated:

Sridhara Maharaja's instructions are nondifferent than Prabhupada's. (Autobiography of a Jewish Yogi, Acyutananda dasa)


Prabhupada told me twice, "Everything I know, I learned from Sridhara Maharaja." (Hamsaduta dasa)

Maharaja, time will prove that they [[size=-1]ISKCON[/size] leaders] are wrong, and you are right. (Bhakti Caru Swami, tape, February 1982)


​

Srila Prabhupada himself spoke highly of Srila Sridhara Maharaja:

...who is the most highly competent of all my godbrothers. This is B. R. Sridhara Maharaja, whom I consider to be even my siksa guru . If you are serious about the advancement of your spiritual life, I advise you to go to Sridhara Maharaja and I will feel that you are safe.You can also make arrangements for your other godbrothers to go there in the future. (SP Ltr. Hrsikesa, January 1, 1969)


What Sripada Sridhara Maharaja has directed, I take it on my head.It is appropriate that I should accept his direction. (SP Ltr. Govinda Mj, 12-9-69)

What Govinda Maharaja has said is true. I consider his guru as my siksa guru . (SP, [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] Mayapur Candrodaya Mandira opening ceremony 1974)

Those who are intelligent, they are making something, Sridhara Maharaja and others. (SP Conversation, Allahabad, January 13, 1977) [size=-1][1][/size]

One of my important godbrothers [Sridhara Maharaja] says. He's sincere. He says, "The prediction of Caitanya-caritamrta, prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama So you have done it." (SP LA Morning Walk, December 11, 1973 & SP Ltr. Bon Maharaja, July 7, 1975) [size=-1][2][/size]

Our relationship is very intimate. After the breakdown of the Gaudiya Matha I wanted to organize another organization making Sridhara Maharaja as the head. (SP Conversation, March 17, 1973) [size=-1][3][/size]


​

Over the years, various facts have mysteriously changed, according to the political climate. Statements included in this book are substantiated with hard copy and tape recordings. Understandably, one may change his opinion regarding certain things, but this does not change the essential facts, the actual truth, satyam param dhimahi .

​

 

​

Letter to Rupanuga

Despite Srila Prabhupada's final and conclusive statements regarding Srila Sridhara Maharaja, some take Srila Prabhupada's letter to Rupanuga in 1974 as the conclusive statement about Srila Sridhara Maharaja. An excerpt of the letter follows:

My dear Rupanuga Maharaja,



Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 17, from Washington D.C. and I have very carefully noted the contents.

You are right about Sridhara Maharaja's genuineness. But in my opinion he is the best of the lot. He is my old friend, at least he executes the regulative principles of devotional service. I do not wish to discuss about activities of my godbrothers but it is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied with a place for residence in the name of a temple, they engage disciples to get foodstuff by transcendental devices and eat and sleep. They have no idea or brain how to broadcast the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. My Guru Maharaja used to lament many times for this reason and he thought if one man at least had understood the principle of preaching then his mission would achieve success. In the latter days of my Guru Maharaja, he was very disgusted. Actually, he left this world earlier, otherwise he would have continued to live for more years. Still he requested his disciples to form a strong governing body for preaching the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He never recommended anyone to be acarya of the Gaudiya Matha. But Sridhara Maharaja is responsible for disobeying this order of Guru Maharaja, and he and others who are already dead, unnecessarily thought that there must be one acarya . If Guru Maharaja could have seen someone who was qualified at that time to be acarya he would have mentioned. Because on the night before he passed away he talked of so many things, but never mentioned an acarya . His idea was acarya was not to be nominated amongst the governing body. He said openly you make a [size=-1]GBC[/size] and conduct the mission. So his idea was that a self-effulgent acarya would be automatically selected from amongst the successful members of the [size=-1]GBC[/size]. So Sridhara Maharaja and his two associate gentlemen unauthorizedly selected one acarya and later it proved a failure. The result is now everyone is claiming to be acarya even though they may be kanistha-adhikari with no ability to preach. In some of the camps, the acarya is being changed three times a year. Therefore we may not commit the same mistake in our [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] camp. Actually amongst my godbrothers no one is qualified to become acarya . So it is better not to mix with my godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students and disciples they may sometimes pollute them. This attempt was made previously by them, especially [names three sannyasi godbrothers] but somehow or other I saved the situation. This is going on. We shall be very careful about them and not mix with them. This is my instruction to you all. They cannot help us in our movement, but they are very competent to harm our natural progress. So we must be very careful about them.



​

When there is a conflict between opposing statements, they must be reconciled. Rupa Goswami has written:

virodho vakyayor yatra napramayam tad isyate

yathaviruddhata ca syat tatharthah kalpyate tayoh



​

"When two scriptural statements contradict each other, one is not taken as inauthentic. One should give the meaning in such a way that the contradiction is removed." ( Laghu-bhag. 1.212)





​

The previously mentioned personal instruction of Srila Prabhupada to approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja for philosophy was given three years after the Rupanuga letter was written. This letter of Srila Prabhupada must be harmonized with the other statements by Srila Prabhupada in order to get an accurate picture of Srila Prabhupada's feelings about Srila Sridhara Maharaja. When seen in the light of proper historical perspective, the circumstantial nature of these remarks can be realized because the subsequent friendly and intimate dealings between Srila Prabhupada and Srila Sridhara Maharaja did not change in the slightest even after Srila Prabhupada made such remarks. Further, Srila Prabhupada and Srila Sridhara Maharaja lived together harmonously during the majority of the problems of the Gaudiya Matha mentioned in the Rupanuga letter, [size=-1][4][/size] and subsequent to this Srila Prabhupada requested Srila Sridhara Maharaja to be the president of [size=-1]ISKCON[/size]:

Our relationship is very intimate. After the breakdown of the Gaudiya Matha, I wanted to organize another organization, making Sridhara Maharaja the head. (March 1973) [size=-1][5][/size]





​

Unfortunately, taking the Rupanuga letter out of its true historical context, a handful of leaders have attempted to utilize it in order to discredit the deep and intimate relationship between Srila Sridhara Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada. Some of these leaders are fully aware of this deep relationship. Neither have we seen the letter written to Srila Prabhupada that elicited this response. A careful study of Prabhupada's many letters shows that quite often his letters are direct responses to particular circumstances and may even contradict other instructions in different situations.



According to Srila Sridhara Maharaja, a [size=-1]GBC[/size] was formed by the trustees of the Gaudiya Matha ten days after the disappearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, although it did not remain intact for long. Membership of the [size=-1]GBC[/size] was declined by Srila Sridhara Maharaja. The [size=-1]GBC[/size] elected an acarya and Srila Sridhara Maharaja helped advise the [size=-1]GBC[/size] when requested by them.

 

The War Is Over

In spite of Srila Prabhupada's sometimes strong criticism of his godbrothers, he also wrote positively about them:

Even amongst our godbrothers we have misunderstanding, but none of us is astray from the service of Krsna. My Guru Maharaja ordered us to execute his mission combinedly. Unfortunately, we are now separated. But none of us have stopped preaching Krsna consciousness. Even there was misunderstanding amongst the godbrothers of my Guru Maharaja, none of them deviated from the transcendental loving service of Krsna. (SP Ltr. Brahmananda, November 18, 1967)



The disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami are all godbrothers, and although there are some differences of opinion and we are not acting conjointly, every one of us is spreading this Krsna consciousness movement according to his capacity and producing many disciples to spread it all over the world. ( Bhag. 4.28.31)

So far as your question about controversy amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, that is a fact. But this controversy is not material. Just like in a national program, different political parties are sometimes in conflict and make propaganda against each other, but their central point is always service to the country. Similarly, amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati there may be some controversy, but the central point is how to preach the mission of His Divine Grace. (SP Ltr. Mandali Bhadra, July 28, 1969)



​

The above letter to Brahmananda was written early on, subsequent to which there were many problems with Srila Prabhupada's godbrothers. The above purport, however, was written quite a bit later.



Srila Prabhupada also said, "The war is over now," and he created the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust for developing Gauda-mandala-bhumi and encouraging better relations and cooperation between [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] and Srila Prabhupada's godbrothers. Specifically, Srila Prabhupada instructed that this trust construct a kirtana hall at Srila Sridhara Maharaja's Matha and also one at the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Yoga-pitha. [size=-1][6][/size]

When we examine the activities of these two Vaisnavas, we see the real intentions of these pure devotees of the Lord, fully absorbed in devotional service. One must examine all the facts impartially, not just make a superficial estimation based on one letter and general statements and pass a decree for all time. The mistakes made by the leaders of [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] were much more grave than the alleged mistakes of Srila Sridhara Maharaja [supporting an acarya who later fell down]. Within [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] the many mistakes of the leaders have been whitewashed, whereas Srila Sridhara Maharaja to this day is maligned. In light of an unbiased look at Srila Prabhupada's letters, conversations, and other instructions, it can be concluded that Srila Prabhupada did not discourage his disciples from receiving instruction (siksa) from Srila Sridhara Maharaja; on the contrary, he encouraged it. Similarly, an unbiased look at the siksa of Srila Sridhara Maharaja will show that his advice was perfect. When told of Srila Prabhupada's criticism of himself in the Rupanuga letter, Srila Sridhara Maharaja replied with a chuckle, "Just see the preaching of Swami Maharaja, he has not even spared me, his intimate friend!"

 

From Jaganathadasa:

"Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada was a pure devotee. There are many in our movement that he created that are not sadly. Do you think he would be pleased? I don't. So if devotees feel that they have to go elsewhere to find their way back to the Supreme Being, then so be it. They are not the ones who should be brought to task over this but those who are bringing shame on our siksa gurus movement.

It is sad, but it is the reality. It is painful, but it is the reality. Hopefully one day things will not be so difficult.

In the mean time I for one will embrace all who read Prabhupada's books and are seeking their way back home, by means of chanting the sublime Holy Names of Sri Krishna, irrespective of which branch of Sri Caitanyas movement they belong to.

I also would not desert you for not feeling the same way as I do.


Srimad Bhagavatam
8.24.53
Matsya, the Lord' s Fish Incarnation
O Supreme Lord, for self-realization I surrender unto You, who are worshiped by the demigods as the supreme controller of
everything. By Your instructions, exposing life's purpose, kindly cut the knot from the core of my heart and let me know the destination of my life.


PURPORT


Sometimes it is argued that people do not know who is a
spiritual master and that finding a spiritual master from whom to get enlightenment in regard to the destination of life is very difficult. To answer all these questions, King Satyavrata shows us the way to accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the real spiritual master. The Supreme Lord has given full directions in Bhagavad-gita about how to deal with everything in this material
world and how to return home, back to Godhead. Therefore, one should not be misled by so-called gurus who are rascals and fools.
Rather, one should directly see the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the guru or instructor. It is difficult, however, to understand
Bhagavad-gita without the help of the guru. Therefore the guru appears in the parampara system. In Bhagavad-gita (4.34) the
Supreme Personality of Godhead recommends:

tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."

Lord Krsna directly instructed Arjuna. Arjuna is therefore tattva-darsi or guru. Arjuna accepted the Supreme
Personality of Godhead (param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam bhavan). Similarly, following in the footsteps of Sri Arjuna, who is a personal devotee of the Lord, one should accept the supremacy of Lord Krsna, as supported by Vyasa, Devala, Asita, Narada and later by the acaryas Ramanujacarya, Madhvacarya, Nimbarka and
Visnusvami and still later by the greatest acarya, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Where, then, is the difficulty in finding a guru? If one is sincere he can find the guru and learn everything. One
should take lessons from the guru and find out the goal of life. Maharaja Satyavrata, therefore, shows us the way of the mahajana. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah. One should surrender to the
Supreme Personality of Godhead (dasavatara) and learn from Him about the spiritual world and the goal of life."


I will not be discussing these things anymore as it brings me to much pain.

Your friend always prabhu."


Dear Jaganathadasa,

Dear brother, please do not leave us. We all need 'shikhsa' and I am sure you are the one who, by mild and gentle reprimanding, can correct our deviation.

Please do not leave us, we need you. Please keep showing us the light of the truth as you always compassionately do.

"Sarva Devamaya Guruh". I am your student and disciple, please do not leave us.

With love and pranam..........Kumar.

 

Dear Kumar prabhu,


You are too kind to me, no I must stay and take such wonderful nectarine association with everyone here. Your gentleness, the wonderful posts of ChiefCowpie, SvgGrdnBeauty's humble inquisitiveness, Rama Nityananda dasa's love of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai (KI JAY!) and Sleeping Jiva's passionate and glorious devotion to Srila Prabhupada (KI JAY!), is the greatest association that any seeker of self-realisation and Krishna Consciousness could immerse themselves in.

tato duhsangam utsrjya
satsu sajjeta buddhiman
santa evasya chindanti
mano-vyasangam uktibhih

"An intelligent person should therefore reject all bad association and instead take up the association of saintly devotees, whose words cut off the excessive attachment of one’s mind."

Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.26.26):​

Haribol!!​

 

"Jaya Govinda! Jaya Gopala!"

Dear Prabhu Jaganathadasa,

Thank you for your so kind post.

I feel gratified and blessed. I feel I am liberated from all the pains and worries.
Let your radiance of compassion and love take all of us beyond all ignorance.

With love and pranam........Kumar.

 

sangat sanjayate kamah ​

​

One's desires and ambitions
develop from the company he keeps.​

​

 

Very truly said prabhu.

With love.......Kumar.

 

gdkumar: no way. Please excuse me, but now I see that you've never read Srila Prabhupada's books. At first, Ghandi killed Krishna, that I didn't say myself, it is a quote from Prabhupada himself. This is not very serious, but when you're saying that even non-veg food can become prasad this is huge misinterpretation and although I'm enjoying everyone's posts, it is very revealing for me to learn that nobody bothered to explain it to you so far. And almost everybody already posted, so they had the opportunity. That is ignorance. Meat-slaughter is a huge crime against Krishna. But well, against all nature. Of course, I can't hate you, or anybody else for this ignorance, I'm very compassionate (and yet I feel ashamed to speak thus about myself) in this matter. It's very easy to become a vegetarian. Meat-eating is not necesssary and you save lot of pain and torture, and in fact you save our nature. If you like this beauty, if you're aware that this is in fact our mother, then you'll be a grateful son.

Please read this verse and also all Bhagavadgita As It Is(please!) at http://www.asitis.com.

​

Chapter 9. The Most Confidential Knowledge
​

TEXT 26
​

patram puspam phalam toyam
yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahrtam
asnami prayatatmanah
​

SYNONYMS
​

patram--a leaf; puspam--a flower; phalam--a fruit; toyam--water; yah--whoever; me--unto Me; bhaktya--with devotion; prayacchati--offers; tat--that; aham--I; bhakti-upahrtam--offered in devotion; asnami--accept; prayata-atmanah--of one in pure consciousness.

TRANSLATION
​

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.

PURPORT
​

Here Lord Krsna, having established that He is the only enjoyer, the primeval Lord, and the real object of all sacrificial offerings, reveals what types of sacrifices He desires to be offered. If one wishes to engage in devotional service to the Supreme in order to be purified and reach the goal of life--the transcendental loving service of God--then he should find out what the Lord desires of him. One who loves Krsna will give Him whatever He wants, and he avoids offering anything which is undesirable or unasked for. Thus, meat, fish and eggs should not be offered to Krsna. If He desired such things as offerings, He would have said so. Instead He clearly requests that a leaf, fruit, flowers and water be given to Him, and He says of this offering, "I will accept it." Therefore, we should understand that He will not accept meat, fish and eggs. Vegetables, grains, fruits, milk and water are the proper foods for human beings and are prescribed by Lord Krsna Himself. Whatever else we eat cannot be offered to Him, since He will not accept it. Thus we cannot be acting on the level of loving devotion if we offer such foods.
In the Third Chapter, verse thirteen, Sri Krsna explains that only the remains of sacrifice are purified and fit for consumption by those who are seeking advancement in life and release from the clutches of the material entanglement. Those who do not make an offering of their food, He says in the same verse, are said to be eating only sin. In other words, their every mouthful is simply deepening their involvement in the complexities of material nature. But preparing nice, simple vegetable dishes, offering them before the picture or Deity of Lord Krsna and bowing down and praying for Him to accept such a humble offering, enable one to advance steadily in life, to purify the body, and to create fine brain tissues which will lead to clear thinking. Above all, the offering should be made with an attitude of love. Krsna has no need of food, since He already possesses everything that be, yet He will accept the offering of one who desires to please Him in that way. The important element, in preparation, in serving and in offering, is to act with love for Krsna.
The impersonalist philosophers, who wish to maintain that the Absolute Truth is without senses, cannot comprehend this verse of Bhagavad-gita. To them, it is either a metaphor or proof of the mundane character of Krsna, the speaker of the Gita. But, in actuality, Krsna, the Supreme Godhead, has senses, and it is stated that His senses are interchangeable; in other words, one sense can perform the function of any other. This is what it means to say that Krsna is absolute. Lacking senses, He could hardly be considered full in all opulences. In the Seventh Chapter, Krsna has explained that He impregnates the living entities into material nature. This is done by His looking upon material nature. And so in this instance, Krsna's hearing the devotee's words of love in offering foodstuffs is wholly identical with His eating and actually tasting. This point should be emphasized: because of His absolute position, His hearing is wholly identical with His eating and tasting. Only the devotee, who accepts Krsna as He describes Himself, without interpretation, can understand that the Supreme Absolute Truth can eat food and enjoy it.

 

Chief Cow Pie: This stuff around Prabhupada's Godbrothers is clear and your propaganda is cheap showing your desperation when you need to post an article, which has been already defeated by Prabhupada's own quotes. If you need more, just tell me I got plenty of arguments how to prove it, but don't ask me the same questions just for the sake of your propaganda. I can understand that there are many branches of Vaishnavism, but as soon as someone makes very serioius offences against Srila Prabhupada I have no mercy. This is clear for inteigent man, what's going on. The lazy, envious gurus want to attract Prabhupada's disciples. Prabhupada said to send them his apology, when he was dying but it was only in terms of politeness. Why are you exploiting this great mercy of Srila Prabhupada? You don't know anything about him, about his teachings, you prove that every your post. You don't read his books and you say: "Hey, check this out -this is what Prabhupada said!!". For when man distorts truth, I shall continue in war. The goodness attained by this false peace is nothing but pure evil, which will unfold soon.

 

Jaganathadasa: I see that you are a sincere soul. You're saying you're friend even though you seem offended. That is very nice. Well, sure I admire everyone, who chants the Holy Names. I think it is ok. I just wanted to protect Prabhupada's message. I'm not saying that I'm the only one in truth, no. I'm trying to quote Prabhupada as much as it is possible in order to cease being so egotistic. If you feel offended by Prabhupada, well, you should read his books(even several times), then you'll understand. I'm not from Isckon, I don't care for organization's names as soon as they follow Krishna's instruction(and Prabhupada's), we know that in Isckon the fallen gurus turned it into completely different organization than it was during Prabhupada, but there's no reason to forget everything what Prabhupada said.

 

evam prasanna-manaso
bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah
bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam
mukta-sangasya jayate


So the Absolute Truth is scientific knowledge. It is not sentiment--"I accept somebody as God by votes." That is not bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. One must know what is the definition of God. It is not that somebody comes forward with a long beard and says, "I am God," and we rascals accept him as God. No, not like that. It is vijnanam. Vijnana means science. Without scientific knowledge, one cannot understand what is God. Bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. And who can understand this vijnana, this scientific knowledge? Mukta-sangasya. One who is liberated from the contamination of the three modes of material nature, he can understand.

Those who are contaminated with tamo-guna, rajo-guna, they can create their own God. There are different types of "God" also. In one sense everyone is God. God means the controller. So everyone is to some extent a controller. But as I have explained several times, real controller means who is not controlled by others. That is God. If I am controlled by the material nature, daivi hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya... Birth, death, old age and disease, if I am controlled by these conditions of nature, then how I can become God? God is never controlled. Therefore one who can understand God must be free from the contamination of this material nature. Mukta-sangasya.

This is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita:



brahma-bhutah prasannatma
na socati na kanksati
samah sarvesu bhutesu
mad-bhaktim labhate param


When one has realized Brahman, prasannatma, prasannatma, brahma-bhutah prasannatma... Here also it is said, evam prasanna-manasah. The same thing you will find everywhere. There cannot be any contradiction. Prasanna-manasa and prasannatma, the same thing. So how one can become prasannatma or prasanna-manasa? That is described here. Bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. Evam prasanna-manaso bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. If you accept bhagavad-bhakti-yoga, devotional service to the Lord, you shall be prasanna-manasa. You shall be always feeling jolly. If I am not jolly, if I am not prasanna-manasa, that means maya has attacked me. A bhagavad-bhakta shall never be aprasanna, not joyful. Always joyful. If he is actually in contact with Krishna, how he can become morose? No. If he is morose, if he is unhappy, that means maya has attacked him. This is the test.

Therefore Rupa Gosvami says, utsaha. We shall be always enthusiastic. But we cannot become enthusiastic artificially. There must be bhagavad-bhakti-yoga. Just like these visitors in the temple, see how much enthusiastic they are. They are rising early in the morning, going to take bath in the Yamuna, and they are visiting so many temples, especially this Damodara temple, because it is Damodara month. And from five o'clock or before that, three o'clock, they are enthusiastic. They are not sleeping very nicely. That means lack of bhagavad-bhakti-yoga. It is maya. So you must be very careful. Test. If we cannot rise early in the morning, that means we are under the clutches of maya. This is the test.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore says,



jiv jago jiv jago gauracanda bole
kota nidra jao maya-pisacira kole


Sleeping is very dangerous. It is to be understood that I am under the clutches of maya, the more we sleep, because the symptom of tamo-guna is laziness and sleep. This is the symptom of tamo-guna, laziness and sleeping. And symptoms of rajo-guna--very active, but just like monkey. Monkeys are very active, but all injurious. Wherever they will sit, they "Gata-gata-gat-gat-gat." Not a single moment they are inactive, but all foolishness. That is passion. And goodness means knowledge. So in the previous verse it is described how to come to the platform of goodness. When one comes to the platform of goodness, then he becomes prasanna-manasa, because he is not attacked by the modes of ignorance and passion, means laziness, sleep and foolishly active. Foolishly active is more dangerous than less active. Because if one is dangerous, it is better not to become very much active, because... Just like this monkey. You will find always very active, but nobody likes them. As soon as a monkey comes, everyone drives them away: "Get out! Get out! Get out!"

Therefore we should not be lazy and sleepy, at the same time not foolishly active. We must come to the real standard of life, goodness. Then we can begin our devotional service. That is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita:



brahma-bhutah prasannatma
na socati na kanksati
samah sarvesu bhutesu
mad-bhaktim labhate param


After being brahma-bhuta, after understanding clearly aham brahmasmi, one can take to transcendental loving service of the Lord, not before. Before, if we take bhakti-yoga... Of course, we shall become gradually brahma-bhuta also... Bhakti-yoga is so nice that it does not depend on any condition. Ahaituky apratihata. Apratihata means not under any condition. You can begin, in whichever position you are, you can begin immediately. You can begin hearing about Krsna from any point. Sravanam kirtanam. It doesn't matter. And if you follow strictly the bhagavad-bhakti-yoga process, then automatically you are situated above goodness. Sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate.

Anyone who has taken seriously devotional service... Vasudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogah prayojitah, janayaty asu vairagyam. Liberation means knowledge and detachment. Knowledge, full knowledge means that "I am not this body, I am spirit soul, and my bodily activities are not congenial for my ultimate goal of life. I must engage myself in spiritual activity." This is called jnana and vairagya. When one knows that he is not body, then why should he work hard day and night for maintaining this body? That is knowledge. And karmis, they are trying to maintain this body. Sometimes karmis also take to bhakti-yoga. Not bhakti-yoga, so-called bhakti. But their aim is how to maintain this body nicely. That is also accepted. Akamah sarva-kamo va moksa-kama udara-dhih. Because if you take to bhakti-yoga even for maintaining this body nicely, that is also very nice, because gradually, due to the influence of bhakti-yoga, you will come to the platform of mukta, mukta-sanga. Bhakti-yoga is so strong.

Therefore sastra recommends that either you are karmi, either you are jnani, either you are yogi, you take to devotional service. Your all desires will be fulfilled. That is the injunction.



akamah sarva-kamo va
moksa-kama udara-dhih
tivrena bhakti-yogena
yajeta purusam param


This is the recommendation. It is all-inclusive. If you have got desire like the karmis or the jnanis or the yogis, you take to bhakti-yoga. Bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. You will become prasanna-manasa. You will be engladdened. You will come to the platform of joyfulness. Anandamayo 'bhyasat. Spiritual life means anandamaya. There is no displeasure. Always ananda. That is spiritual life. Spiritual life means ananda, and material life means anxiety. You can distinguish. If you are always put into anxiety, that is material life. And if you are always jolly, that is spiritual life. Anandamayo 'bhyasat.

So here it is, the same thing. Because one has taken to bhakti-yoga, he must be prasanna manasa, very joyful. If you are full of anxiety, how you can understand the science of God? That is not possible. So evam prasanna manaso bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. By execution of bhakti-yoga you come to the platform of transcendental bliss, prasanna-manasa. Transcendental, spiritual life means eternal, blissful life of knowledge. That is spiritual platform. And material life means temporary life of miserable condition. Temporary life of miserable condition. That is material life. And spiritual life means eternal, blissful life of knowledge. This life is temporary, but when we are transferred to our spiritual life that is eternal. Sac-cid-ananda-vigraha.

 

We are also part and parcel of sac-cid-ananda-vigraha. Vigraha means form. Sac-cid-ananda does not mean impersonal. That is foolishness, another foolishness. Ananda cannot be impersonal. You can make experiment. Suppose if you are put into a big room without any man coming there, so you cannot feel very comfortable for long time. You will feel lonely. You shall try to come out. Just like we have got experience. Everyone has got experience, when we rise very high in the sky, but we cannot remain in that condition more than, utmost, eight to ten hours. Then we become very restless. Although it is very high in the sky, but we cannot remain in that way. Therefore sastra says,



...aruhya krcchrena param padam tatah
patanty adho 'nadrta-yusmad-anghrayah


One who does not take shelter of the lotus feet of Krsna, he may rise up very high by austerity and penance, but he cannot remain in that position. He may give up artificially this material world, jagan mithya, but he has to come down again to this mithya jagat and open schools and hospitals, because he cannot remain in that impersonal way. That is the experience. All so-called brahmavadi, they say that "We have become liberated" but not liberated. That is simply concoction, vimukta-maninah. They think like that. Actually they are not liberated. Avisuddha-buddhayah. Without being liberated, when one speaks that "I have become liberated," that means avisuddha-buddhayah: the intelligence is not clear. He does not know what is liberation. Liberation means prasanna-manasa, full of joyfulness, that is liberation. Evam prasanna-manasah, bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. Tattva means truth. You have to understand Bhagavan in truth.

So that, to understand in truth, that is a science. That is not sentiment. Vijnana. In another place Krsna says, to advise Brahma, catuh-sloki-bhagavata, jnanam... In the Bhagavad-gita also. Jnanam sa-vijnanam. Jnanam me parama-guhyam yad vijnana-samanvitam. The jnanam me parama-guhyam, the knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very, very confidential. Jnanam me parama-guhyam yad vijnana-samanvitam. It is not sentiment. It is full of scientific knowledge. So when we understand the truth, the Absolute Truth, scientifically, that is called bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. That bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam is understandable by a person who is liberated. One who is very busy, anxious with politics, sociology, humanitarianism, one who is very busy always in politics, how he can become interested or how he can understand bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam? That is not possible.

Therefore these are the tests to understand. A politician may pose himself that he is very advanced in spiritual life, but when we see that he is more interested in politics than in Krsna, then we can understand what is his position. These are the tests. Or politics or sociology or anything, a pure devotee is always interested how Krsna would be satisfied. Just like Arjuna. Of course, when one is interested in that way, all other things, subordinate things, they come within. Just like Arjuna was a great devotee of Krsna, but at the same time he was a politician also. So, but the first interest is to become Krsnized, how to satisfy Krsna, not that "For political purpose I love Krsna." No. You love Krsna, and your all problems, political, social and other things, will be solved. This is Krsna consciousness. You don't require to attempt for political reason and make Krsna consciousness secondary. Therefore we say that if people, not all, if some percentage of the whole population of the world become Krsna conscious, then all the problems of the world will be solved. We don't expect that cent percent people will be Krsna conscious, but simply a few percent, say five per cent. If the people of the whole population, they become Krsna conscious, then the face of the world will change--isavasyam idam sarvam--because if the leaders, they understand Krsna consciousness and act accordingly, the others will follow. Yad yad acarati sresthas tat tad evetaro janah. Itarah janah, common men, follows the leaders.

So evam prasanna-manasah. How to become happy mood of life, that is described here. Bhagavat-bhakti-yogatah. One has to take to Krsna consciousness. And mukta-sangasya, bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam mukta-sangasya jayate. Nobody can understand Krsna unless he is liberated from the influence of the modes of material nature. You can read the purport.

Pradyumna: "In the Bhagavad-gita (7.3) it is said that out of many thousands of ordinary men, one fortunate man endeavors for perfection in life. Mostly they are conducted by the modes of passion and ignorance, and thus they are engaged always in lust, desire, hankerings, ignorance and sleep. Out of many such manlike animals, there is actually a man who knows the responsibility of human life and thus tries to make life..."

Prabhupada: So human being in the modes of ignorance and passion, they are animals. They are not considered as human being. They are animals. Rajas-tamo-bhavah, kama-lobhadayas ca ye. So actually a person is considered to be human being when he comes to the platform of goodness or he acquires the quality of a bona fide brahmana. Then he is considered as human being. Go on.

Pradyumna: "...and thus tries to make life perfect by following the prescribe duties. And out of such many thousands of persons who have thus attained success in human life, one may know scientifically about the Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna."

Prabhupada: Yes. That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita. Manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. Because we are coming from animal by the evolutionary process... According to sastra, it is said that... The Darwin's theory says from monkey. That is also fact, that after monkey the living entity comes to the human form. Somebody says after lion. Somebody says after cow. So from the animals, we, the human form is developed. So unless that human body also reformed, so he remains animal. That reformation required, samskara, reformation, enlightenment, cultural life. That cultural life culminates when one actually becomes a brahmana, Vaisnava. That is real cultural life. Not by birth but by cultivation of knowledge, education, advancement, spiritual knowledge, one comes to the platform of brahmana.

So manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. This is the platform of siddhi. But nobody is interested to become a brahmana, qualified. Everyone wants to become a sudra. Kalau sudrah sambhavah. Especially in this age nobody is interested. Just like we are asking people to take to Krsna consciousness and give up the habit of illicit sex life and intoxication and gambling and meat-eating, and people laugh, that "What is this? This is the life. If we give up these things..." Especially in the Western countries, they think it is denying the primary necessities of life. They say. Some of my students, they left our association because they could not follow these principles. They are complaining that "Prabhupada is denying the primary necessities of life." Therefore it is said, manusyanam sahasresu. It is very difficult to give up these four bad habits. Manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. But this is the path of perfection. But they are not interested in perfection. They want to rot as hogs and dogs in this world. That is their purpose. And therefore Krsna says, manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. Nobody is interested to become brahmana. They are interested to become dogs and hogs. That is their interest.

 

Manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye. And yatatam api siddhanam. It is not that coming to the platform of a qualified brahmana, one can understand Krsna. That is also not. Still, you have to go farther. Brahma-bhuta. Brahma janati iti brahmanah. Brahmana can understand Brahman. He can understand that he is also part and parcel of Brahman. But that understanding is not sufficient. He has to go further, to become a Vaisnava, to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth, as person. Vaisnava means to understand the Absolute Truth as person, not imperson. In the brahmana state, even they understand Brahman, that is impersonal view. But one has to go far above. Brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti sabdyate. One has to make progress from the Brahman platform to Paramatma platform, then to the Personality of Godhead understanding. Therefore Krsna says, yatatam api siddhanam. Somebody is trying to come to the platform of brahma-bhuta stage. That is called siddha state. But yatatam api siddhanam kascid vetti mam tattvatah. So they also cannot understand Krsna. Krsna can be understood only by this process, bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah.



evam prasanna-manaso
bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah
bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam
mukta-sangasya jayate


One has to become liberated from the brahminical stage also. Then he can understand Krsna.

So Krsna understanding is not so easy. It is very difficult. Krsna says. But by the grace of Krsna, because He wanted to distribute Himself, Caitanya Mahaprabhu is giving us Krsna freely... Krsna-prema-pradaya te. Rupa Gosvami says that namo maha-vadanyaya. Krsna was also not so liberal. He simply asked us, "Surrender," but He did not distribute Himself. But in the form of Caitanya Mahaprabhu He distributed Himself: "Take Me, take Me, take Me. Without any price, take Me." This is Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is Krsna, and He has come in the form of Caitanya, Krsna Caitanya, to distribute Himself. Therefore He is recognized, namo maha-vadanyaya, "the most munificent." No other incarnation, even Ramacandra or Bhagavan Krsna, they were not so liberal. But Caitanya Mahaprabhu is so liberal. Papi tapi jata chilo hari-name uddharilo. They distributed Himself through the chanting of Hare Krsna mantra.

So these Krsna consciousness movement, the Westerners, they are understanding Krsna. It is very, very difficult subject matter. But because we are trying to understand Krsna through Caitanya Mahaprabhu, therefore it has become easy. Otherwise it is very difficult subject. Otherwise Krsna Himself said, manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati sidd... It will take... But as we are fallen, Krsna is also as much liberal also, this age. So if we still, you do not take advantage, then how much unfortunate we are, we can consider.

Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. (end) [Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.20 Vrndavana, October 31, 1972]

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

 

you can listen to the previous lecture here: you need Real Player though:

http://www.krishna.org/RealAudio/2000/07/72_034_A.ram

 

Wow...couldn't work my computer yesterday night (I was at the beach during the day...) and all this! I seriously have no clue what's going on...but I must say it gives off rather bad vibes to me...I have no clue what to comment either except that the times when we are positive, get along, talking about the maha mantra, and surrendering to Krishna's lotus feet are much more enjoyable than controversy and quipping back at forth at eachother over minor details. Don't flame me please...I know I'm new to this thing and I'm learning and you all are much further along on this thing than I am...I know that I do not full understand all of the book that I just finished nor will I any time soon...but I do know that blissfully praising Krishna's name always puts a smile on my face whether it is I, gdkumar, Sleeping Jiva, Jaganathadasa, CheifCowPie, or any one else around her...or it is from the source of Gurus, like Srilla Prabhupada and others who we admire....that is what is great about this thread...

That's really all I've got to say...oh and also thank you Jaganathadasa for that picture of baby Krishna...everytime I see them I just want to take Him home with me or give Him a hug...he's soo cute!

 

Dear Sleeping Jiva,

You again missed out the idea of so many earlier posts. Whatever you believe is alright but do not be disrespectful to others. Other than the HK movement there are so many other means and ways of reaching Him. Because you believe in HK please do not say all others and other practices are wrong.


Every group has its own rules and its Guru's guidance. Whatever Guru thinks best for His children He says that. But He never says disrespect the others. It is better that with our little learning we do not try to judge and understand Guru's deeds. For His children, which are all seedlings, He makes so many fences of dos and donts, just to protect them. Please do not go by that and do not think the other Gurus and groups are all wrong.


I did not ask you to eat meat and humiliate you and all others who are vegetarians. Only point was to say that for heaven's sake please do not look down upon and loathe meat-eaters. No body knows for keeping this life with bare minimum food what He has in store for us. During testing times one does not get any food to eat, under extreme hunger he goes for making bread with grass-paste. And when destiny goes for tougher tests, cats come and pick them up. He does not get to eat even grass-bread.After this what happens, there are incredible true stories.


Thanks for bringing Chapter 9, sloka -26. But how did you forget to mention sloka-27,28 and 29 ? Anyway, you do not need to mention them here but please read and try to understand. And there is hope for you and all of us. Please also read slokas 30 and 31.

May I again request you to read the Gita again to remove all your doubts. May I suggest that before reading you be the Arjun facing this Sansar Struggle and think that Krishna is directly advising you.

And yes, I have not read Prabhupada. I have not been to any Krishna temple(Except for one time), I have not been to any Church. However, I would only request you that do justice to all your reading on Srila Prabhupad and try to achieve the qualities that He would expect from you.

I have not read Srila Prabhupad but you failed to see that He is already deep inside me in my heart. Because, even without reading Him I could unconditionally love Him because the only thing I knew about Him was He loved Krishna and Krishna alone.

I am terribly upset because of you. Why is this darkness? Why can not you be little more tolerant? Devotee of Krishna, if you love Him why do you give Him this pain?

I give up dear brother. I do not leave you, I give up these arguements. It appears that after understanding everything you do not want to understand.

With love and prayers...........Kumar.