KRISHNA BOOK ~ Ch 35 ~ The Gopi's Feelings Of Separation The gopis of Vrndavana were so attached to Krsna that they were not satisfied simply with the rasa dance at night. They wanted to associate with Him and enjoy His company during the daytime also. When Krsna went to the forest with His cowherd boy friends and cows, the gopis did not physically take part, but their hearts went with Him. And because their hearts went, they were able to enjoy His company through strong feelings of separation. To acquire this strong feeling of separation is the teaching of Lord Caitanya and His direct disciplic succession of Gosvamis. When we are not in physical contact with Krsna, we can associate with Him like the gopis, through feelings of separation. Krsna's transcendental form, qualities, pastimes, and entourage are all identical with Him. There are nine different kinds of devotional service. Devotional service to Krsna in feelings of separation elevates the devotee to the highest perfectional level, to the level of the gopis. It is stated in Srinivasacarya's prayer to the six Gosvamis that they left the material opulences of government service and the princely status of life and went to Vrndavana, where they lived just like ordinary mendicants, begging from door to door. But they were so much enriched with the gopis' feelings of separation that they enjoyed transcendental pleasure at every moment. Similarly, when Lord Caitanya was at Jagannatha Puri, He was in the role of Radharani, feeling the separation of Krsna. Those who are in the disciplic succession of the Madhva-Gaudiya-sampradaya should also feel the separation of Krsna, worship His transcendental form and discuss His transcendental teachings, His pastimes, His qualities, His entourage and His associations. The spiritual masters should enrich the devotees to the highest devotional perfection. Feeling constant separation while engaged in the service of the Lord is the perfection of Krsna consciousness. The gopis used to discuss Krsna amongst themselves, and their talks were as follows. "My dear friends," one gopi said, "do you know that when Krsna lies on the ground He rests on His left elbow, and His head rests on His left hand? He moves His attractive eyebrows while playing His flute with His delicate fingers, and the sound He produces creates such a nice atmosphere that the denizens of the heavenly planets, who travel in space with their wives and beloved, stop their airplanes, for they are stunned by the vibration of the flute. The wives of the demigods who are seated in the planes then become very much ashamed of their singing and musical qualifications. Not only that, but they become afflicted with conjugal love, and their hair and tightened dresses immediately loosen."
Another gopi said, "My dear friends, Krsna is so beautiful that the goddess of fortune always remains on His chest, and He is always adorned with a golden necklace. Beautiful Krsna plays His flute in order to enliven the hearts of many devotees. He is the only friend of the suffering living entities. When He plays His flute, all the cows and other animals of Vrndavana, although engaged in eating, simply take a morsel of food in their mouths and stop chewing. Their ears raise up and they become stunned. They do not appear alive but like painted animals. Krsna's flute playing is so attractive that even the animals become enchanted, and what to speak of ourselves." Another gopi said, "My dear friends, not only living animals, but even inanimate objects like the rivers and lakes of Vrndavana also become stunned when Krsna passes with peacock feathers on His head and His body smeared with the minerals of Vrndavana. With leaves and flowers decorating His body, He looks like some hero. When He plays on His flute and calls the cows with Balarama, the river Yamuna stops flowing and waits for the air to carry dust from His lotus feet. The river Yamuna is unfortunate like us; it does not get Krsna's mercy. The river simply remains stunned, stopping its waves just as we also stop crying out of frustration for Krsna." In the absence of Krsna the gopis were constantly shedding tears, but sometimes, when they expected that Krsna was coming, they would stop crying. But when they saw that Krsna was not coming, then again they would become frustrated and begin to cry. Krsna is the original Personality of Godhead, the origin of all Visnu forms, and the cowherd boys are all demigods. Lord Visnu is always worshiped and surrounded by different demigods like Lord Siva, Lord Brahma, Indra, Candra, and others. When Krsna traveled through the Vrndavana forest or walked on the Govardhana Hill, He was accompanied by the cowherd boys. While walking, He played His flute, just to call His cows. Just by His association, the trees, plants and other vegetation in the forest immediately became Krsna conscious. A Krsna conscious person sacrifices everything for Krsna. Although trees and plants are not very advanced in consciousness, by the association of Krsna and His friends they also became Krsna conscious. They then want to deliver everything--whatever they have--their fruits, flowers, and the honey incessantly falling from their branches.
One fine day the gopikas heard that the great saint Durvasa Rishi was passing through the forest nearby. Wishing to meet the great sage, they asked Krishna to help them cross the Yamuna, as its waters were running high. Krishna smiled and said, `Go to Yamunaji and say, If Krishna is has been a lifelong celibate, then please make way for us.` The Gopikas giggled and blushed, for they were wives of Krishna and knew that he wasnt celibate, how could they go to Yamuna and tell a lie like that!!! But since Sri Krishna told them to, they went. And wonder of wonders, Yamuna parted and allowed them to cross! So they went to Durvasa Rishi, bearing food of all kinds, a feast to delight a king, for Durvasaji was very generous when pleased and very dangerous when even slightly displeased. So they did padapooja and offerd him food. And Durvasaji ate and ate and ate and ate, they wondered, is he a rishi or a bottomless pit!!! And finally when the food wa all over, he sat back, smiled and patted his tummy. Now it was time ot leave for the gopikas. But how could they cross Yamuna!! Last time Sri Krishnas grace was there, but to go back they didnt know what to do. So they asked Durvasa Muni how to cross the Yamuna. Durvasaji stroked his beard and said, `Go to Yamuna and say, if Durvasa Rishi has been observing a lifelong fast then please allow us to pass.` Now this was too much! Yamuna devi may not kthe gopikas and krishna did in their privacy, but sitting on her banks, they had justs een this man eat the meal of an army, yet he tells them to barefacedly lie like this! But the anger of Durvasa Muni was infamous and so they went to Yamuna, shyly, embarassed at what they were about to do, whispered, `If Durvasaji has never eaten a speck of food n his life, allow us to go.` And Yamuna parted!!!! So the gopis returned home baffled. The lesson here is of detachment in action. Both Sri Krishna and Durvasa Rishi show that the jeeva before us is not the doer, that it is only the highest supreme Self that works through all, we are but instruments for its expression. Sri Krishna saranam mama.
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful Krishna Katha - (activities to glorify Sri Krishna and His Transcendent Lila or pastimes)!!! Looking at the figures, 70 people have viewed this thread since I looked last night! If only one or two delve further into Krishna Consciousness, then that is great. And this is an example of how ordinary activities can be directed toward God! So Devotees, please keep this going!! Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!! Hare Krishna!!
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA Saint Francis is called the little poor man of Assisi. He was born in the year 1182 in the town of Assisi in Italy. His father's name was Bernadone. Bernadone was a very wealthy merchant of Assisi. Francis was a very good-looking boy. He was merry and soft-hearted. So he had many friends. All the noble men's sons were his companions. Francis was brought up in luxury and gaiety. He spent a considerable portion of his wealth in extravagant pleasures. He used to drink with the young princes of the land. One day Francis was joking and laughing with his friends. A beggar came along crying for alms. Francis, who was soft-hearted, gave whatever he had in his pocket to the beggar. His companions mocked at him for his charitable act. Dispassion dawned in his heart. The sight of the beggar set him thinking about the poverty and misery of mundane life. He gave much money to the poor. His father thought that Francis was wasting his money and rebuked him. Sometime after this, Francis was laid up in bed for many months on account of some serious disease. He was about to die. But the Lord saved him as he had to carry out a definite mission in his life. The nature of Francis was entirely changed. Francis prayed to the Lord for light and guidance as to his future. He had a vision of Lord Jesus. He made a strong determination to renounce his old way of living to tread a life of purity and to dedicate his life to the service of humanity. As soon as Francis got well, he informed his parents of his determination. They were disappointed. They became angry with Francis. Francis gave up his old ways and habits and set up to serve God. He distributed clothes, goods and money to the poor. His father was very much annoyed towards his son. He said, "Is this the gratitude you show to me ? I laboured hard and amassed wealth. You are lavishly wasting it on these miserable wretches". Francis' friends mocked at him and teased him. His father turned him out of the house. Francis lived like a beggar. His old friends even pelted him with stones and mud. He bore everything with patience. He wore a coarse dress and ate simple food. Francis lived in a cave in the mountains of Assisi and spent his time in prayer and meditation for two years. Some kind people gave him food, but very often he had to starve. Francis called the body 'brother ass'. He kept this brother ass under perfect discipline and control. Sometimes he kept this brother ass without food and water and denied it some special food that it liked very much. Francis was humble. He loved God's creatures. He loved birds and beasts. He loved the depressed and the outcastes. He treated the birds, the beasts and all beings as brothers and sisters. Francis went from village to village preaching the love of God. He invited people to join him in his life of service if they were willing. Bernard, a rich man of Assisi, was very much attracted by the saintliness of Francis. He joined Francis. He was the first follower of Francis. He placed all his wealth at the altar of God. Eleven others also joined Francis. They distributed all their wealth to the poor. Francis and his followers went all over Italy preaching, teaching, healing and blessing wherever they went. The gospel of kindness and love of Francis soon spread all over Europe and earned for him the name of St. Francis. People called him the little poor man of Assisi. He lived for ever in the hearts of all men. St. Francis collected many followers and founded the Order of Mendicant Friars or Franciscans. The members of this Order have to take a vow of poverty, chastity, love and obedience. St. Francis gave up his mortal coil in 1228. The followers of St. Francis built a beautiful church round him on the hill of Assisi, the hill he so dearly loved. The influence of St. Francis and the sweet aroma of the life he lived will last for ever. Glory to St. Francis, the little poor man of Assisi, but an illustrious saint ! [size=+1]The Prayer of Saint Francis[/size] "O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light, and Where there is sorrow, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life." "The simple prayer of St. Francis of Assisi provides for us a mold in which to cast our own life's conduct and character. It provides a blueprint upon which to pattern our living in our thoughts, speech and actions within our day to day relationships with our fellow beings and with all life around us. Therefore, the prayer of St. Francis is a precious document for us, an indispensable, invaluable frame of reference by which to judge our own lives, and referring to which we can do the necessary to bring about the needed alterations and modifications for the upliftment and purification of our own daily life." - Sri Swami Chidananda
Thank you for that CheifCowPie...I only knew part of that story. And thank you for sharing one of my favourite hymns...it is one of the most beautiful there is in the Catholic hymnal...sometimes I think that instead of the traditions we should just follow the words of our hymns... Thank you also to Bhaskar. I do very much enjoy Hari Katha and that is a new story for me to share
Oh yes, if He wishes that, we must obey. We are the servants. Nobody and nothing can be higher than Him. Thanks for glorifying Krishna, everybody. I'm glad the thread is still going on, it is only by the grace of Sri Krishna Himself
Has anyone else read Ranchor Pime's version of Ramayana? Prime was an early devotee of Srila Prabhupada who now works independently. His translation of this great classic of India is easy to read and accessible. The work tells the story of Lord Rama, His love for Sita, His war with Ravana, demon king of Sri Lanka who kidnaps Sita, and much more. Highly reccommended!
Ah Jiva! I certainly don't mean he is independent of Krishna! What I mean is he is not associated any longer with ISKCON. I think he is seeking to serve Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krishna in producing this book. Here is an extract from the introduction to the book: "I was first introduced to Lord Rama in my youth by my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, and take it as His Grace that I have now recieved the chance to serve Rama by writing this new version of Ramayana"
but the Truth be told...nobody is doing too much obeying of Krishna in Brindaban...or worshiping...or anybody thinking that He's God...he's just the totally adorable son of Maharaja Nanda that everyone has a completely spontaneous desire to please
Their situation was a result of devotional service from their previous lives. But they do, they obey. Gopis, they obeyed, read the story somebody posted a few days ago. He was playing the role for His devotees. He was pleasing them, cuz their devotion was that big. Yeah, you're right it was spontaneous, becuz Krishna made them like that. But not everyone liked Him, for example Kamsa, he wanted to kill Him (lol). The devotees, they recognized Him, but the demons they thought of Him as an ordinary man. Krsna, Krsna, Krsna -gopis were always thinking of Him. The devotion, worshipping and obeying of Krishna is the best example of derving Krishna in history. They were the best devotees, that's why Krishna rewarded them by His physical presence and taking them as His wives. The same thing with His parents, he was rewarding them. He was driving a chariot for Arjuna, although Arjuna should've been the one who does the driver's work. That's His greatness. I read that in Krishna book, that you can actually control Krishna if you're a big devotee of Him. (Sorry, I don't remeber the exact quote). It's like love, in love there's no higher or lower, it's an exchange. But we must deserve His love. Noone's gonna love you, just becuz you need it, you must do something for it.
Ok that's cool. I thought he started manufacturing his own interpretations. I read a lot about ISCKON and how it has changed since Prabhupada's disappearance and I must say, my opinion is that it is no longer a perfect organization.
Happy you are seeing the light Sleeping Jiva, with regard to ISKCON that is! As I may have said in a previous post, back in the 80's I met one of the rascal 'gurus' Bhagavan Gurudeva, and I was very unimpressed. This put me off ISKCON, as I couldn't reconcile what I'd seen at this mans so called 'darshan' with anything I'd read in Srila Prabhupada's books. I also worked with a bass player, whom will remain nameless here, who had been closely associated with Jayatirtha, another of the 'eleven' who fell down. I heard much to convince me that ISKCON has very serious problems. I think the IRM people www.iskconirm.com/ have a good thing going. I have had some minor association only with ISKCON devotees in recent years. I have been at several festivals where thay've had kirtan, and I always join in this! But I really wish they would reform - I recall meeting devotees back in the late 70's when Srila Prabhupada was still around in the materiel body (he's still present spiritually for the sincere soul) and the energy and the whole vibration were truly magical! Still have in my possesion books given free to me by my dear devotee freinds in those days. I wish there were a local freindly temple - but unfortunately, no such exists. I can choose between ISKCON or Gaudiya Math, both situated quite close, but I don't feel too comfortable with either. However, I intend one day to visit Srimad Narayan Maharaji's Devotees - at least for a chance of some Krishna Katha and Kirtan - but mainly the kirtan!!! And I have been invited, so it would be impolite not to go. Ranchor Prime doesn't really comment too much on the Ramayana - he tells the story simply, giving only some basic background info which is fully in accord with the teaching of Srila Prabhupada. Those who are more familiar with the teachings would probably get more out of the book. And to know the tale of Sri Rama, Lakshman, and Hanumanji is essential reading indeed!ISKCON offer a different version, as well as this one in their UK catalogue. Hare Krishna! Shanti!
Still Chief, the Devotees in bhraj do get some pretty significant 'reminders'that He is God, as for example when Yashodamayi looks into Krishna's mouth to see if the naughty boy has been eating clay.............. "When the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna was so ordered by His mother, He immediately opened His mouth just like an ordinary boy. Then mother Yasoda saw within that mouth the complete opulence of creation. She saw the entire outer space in all directions, mountains, islands, oceans, seas, planets, air, fire, moon and stars. Along with the moon and the stars she also saw the entire elements, water, sky, the extensive ethereal existence along with the total ego and the products of the senses and the controller of the senses, all the demigods, the objects of the senses like sound, smell, etc., and the three qualities of material nature. She also could perceive that within His mouth were all living entities, eternal time, material nature, spiritual nature, activity, consciousness and different forms of the whole creation. Yasoda could find within the mouth of her child everything necessary for cosmic manifestation. She also saw, within His mouth, herself taking Krsna on her lap and having Him sucking her breast. Upon seeing all this, she became struck with awe and began to wonder whether she were dreaming or actually seeing something extraordinary. She concluded that she was either dreaming or seeing the play of the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. She thought that she had become mad, mentally deranged, to see all those wonderful things. Then she thought, "It may be cosmic mystic power attained by my child, and therefore I am perplexed by such visions within His mouth. Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead under whose energy bodily self and bodily possessions are conceived." She then said, "Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Him, under whose illusory energy I am thinking that Nanda Maharaja is my husband and Krsna is my son, that all the properties of Nanda Maharaja belong to me and that all the cowherd men and women are my subjects. All this misconception is due to the illusory energy of the Supreme Lord. So let me pray to Him that He may protect me always." While mother Yasoda was thinking in this high philosophical way, Lord Krsna again expanded His internal energy just to bewilder her with maternal affection. Immediately mother Yasoda forgot all philosophical speculation and accepted Krsna as her own child. She took Him on her lap and became overwhelmed with maternal affection. She thus began to think, "Krsna is not understandable to the masses through the gross process of knowledge, but He can be received through the Upanisads and the Vedanta or mystic Yoga system and Sankhya philosophy." Then she began to think of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as her own begotten child. Eighth Chapter of Krsna, "Vision of the Universal Form."
thanks for the quote and your story about your own life experiences, I truly admire you for sharing it. For me, to listen Prabhupada's instruction is very important, becuz thus you can see who's a cheater and who's not. Devotion, love, faith is essential, but the knowledge is a must too. He said several times, that if you understand the essence through his books, you don't need more. And furthermore, if you spread this message in unchanged form you're a guru. chant and be happy! p.s I know the Iskcon revival movement , the link appeared here on the forum several times.
Thanks Jiva, I am happy to share my experiences, but I'm not really seeking admiration, or to put myself forward. I know you started this post to promote Krishna Consciousness and I'm happy to contribute what I can. Krishna'a Body is said to be eternal knowledge, bliss and conscoiusness. If you study, chant Hare Krishna, and develop love and devotion then knowledge comes in due course. And there is no end to this knowledge, because God is infinite, and no end to realization, because His Nature is eternal, blissful existence. And it is our true nature, Svarupa, also, because we are qualitatively one with the Lord. That is what we really are, spiritual beings on a journey back to the Supreme. A jouney where we can be more blissful, more filled with knowledge at every step....with Krishna's Grace....all is possible!
cool! definitely. I've noticed you've been posting a lot of images lately. Thanks, great work, keep them coming, I'm sure everybody enjoys them as much as I do.
TERRORISTS Yogesvara: One problem that seems to be occurring more and more frequently is the appearance of terrorists, that is to say, men who are motivated for some political reasons. Prabhupada: Yes, I have already explained the whole basic principle. Because they are animals, so sometimes ferocious animal. That’s all. There are different types of animals- tigers and lions. So if some animal comes as very ferocious, that is not very astonishing. After all, you are living in an animal society. The only solution is that you become an ideal human being. Either a tiger comes or elephant comes, but you don’t become an animal. Counteract. That is required. A human being is called a rational animal. You come to rationality, that is required. If you remain also another type of animal, that will not help you. You have to become actually human being. These people do not know what the aim of human life is. So their animal propensities are being adjusted this way, that way, this way, that way. Just like they go to see naked dance. The animal propensity—he is seeing his wife daily naked, and still he is going to see naked dance, and paying some fees. Because they have no engagement except this animalism. Is it not? A dog is simply chewing one bone, this way, that way, this way, that way. Because he is an animal he has no other engagement. So this whole society is like an animal. Especially the westerners have developed a civilization based on animal propensities: “I am this body, and the best use of my life is to gratify my senses.” This is animal. You have to introduce a real human civilization. You should not be surprised if animals in different shapes and different capacities come out. As the dog is thinking, “I am dog, very stout and strong dog,” so a man is thinking, “I am big nation.” But what is the basic principle? A dog is thinking on the basis of his body, and this big nation is also thinking on the basis of body. So there is no difference between this dog and this big nation. The only difference is that a human being, by nature’s gift, has got better senses. There is no education to utilize the better senses to advance spiritually and get out of this material world. He is simply using that better intelligence for animalism. Now we have to counteract this for the benefit of the human civilization. (Letter Jan.1 1974, Morning walk May 28, 1974 Rome) O dear Lord Krsna, O eternal Deity of transcendental bliss and knowledge, You are imperishable, and we offer our respectful obeisances unto Your lotus feet. It is by Your causeless mercy that we have been released from the imprisonment of Jarasanda, but now we pray that You release us from imprisonment within material existence, Your illusory energy. We now have sufficient experience of the miserable material life in which we are fully absorbed, and having tasted its bitterness, we have come to take shelter under Your lotus feet. (The imprisoned kings-Krsna Book) Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
oh, thanks, Rama Nityananda! long time no see It's so true. Prabhupada also explains nationalism, or family attachement as the "extended egotism". I find it so true.